British Columbia may be known for clearcuts when it comes to harvesting operations, but Integrated Operations Group (IOG) is now proving that commercial thinning is do-able—and can be financially feasible with careful planning and selecting the right stand—in BC. And the commercial thinning is delivering benefits, such as reduced wildfire risk and improved forest health, yield and wildlife habitat. IOG, based in Campbell River, has operations both on the Coast and Interior of BC, and was initially formed to fill a need for specialized full-phase heli-logging services in the forest industry. Since then, it has utilized the company’s combined production forestry skillsets to expand into a variety of services and sectors. …Quentin Stefani, a Managing Partner at IOG, recently hosted Forestnet Magazine at a commercial thinning operation in BC’s Southern Interior, near Summerland, for Gorman Bros, based in Kelowna.