Region Archives: Canada West

On the evening of Wednesday, April 3, about 20 Kaslo residents gathered for an open house on the Kaslo FireSmart Program and the Kaslo & Area D Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. Presenters included Jessie Lay, Kaslo’s FireSmart coordinator, John Cathro and Mark Elder, professional foresters, and Jeff Reyden, co-manager of the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society. …Jessie Lay opened the evening. She talked about the purpose of FireSmart and what the program offers. As coordinator, Lay administers home assessments. She visits homeowners and discusses what can be done to make the property more resilient to wildfires. …John Cathro and Mark Elder presented on the Kaslo & Area D Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. …Cathro, in partnership with B.A. Blackwell & Associates, was contracted by the RDCK to create the CWRP. …Jeff Reyden offered a short presentation on what the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society has been up to.

VICTORIA, BC — In the morning commute, you couldn’t miss them. Two protesters went to great heights on Thursday to protect tall trees, but it was the lengths to which first responders had to go that had View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst fuming. “This is what we would call an epic waste of our time,” he said. …Westshore RCMP responded first, followed by View Royal Fire. “I’ve got a ladder truck here that’s supposed to be protecting people from fire, but we’re cutting protesters down from a tree in a CRD park,” said the fire chief. …Deploying the View Royal ladder truck meant blocking off two of the northbound lanes on the Trans-Canada Highway, which slowed traffic nearly to the McKenzie interchange. …For Hurst, it’s not just a matter of resources, but consideration. …The protesters left the area on foot, but not before a lengthy discussion with Hurst.

Additional coverage in  CTV News, by Brendan Strain: Old-growth forest activists suspend 18-metre banner near Highway 1

Victoria Times Colonist, by Jeff Ball: Police end tree-sit protest near Trans-Canada Highway; banner removed

An environmental group is appealing the government’s decision to allow the aerial spraying of a bacterial pesticide in West Kelowna. …the local group, the Kelowna Citizens Safety Association, wants the spraying halted until “a comprehensive risk assessment can be conducted for the citizens and passersby”, per a press release issued Thursday. The group’s leader, Lloyd Manchester, says a formal appeal against the spraying has been filed with the B.C. Environmental Appeal Board. Current plans are for the spray to be spread over the area from airplanes flying approximately 100 feet above the ground, Manchester says. He says other treatment methods against the spongy moths should be pursued. 

VANCOUVER, BC — Contrary to claims by many climate activists and politicians, extreme weather events—including forest fires, droughts, floods and hurricanes—are not increasing in frequency or intensity, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute, an independent think-tank. “Earth Day has become a time when extraordinary claims are made about extreme weather events, but before policymakers act on those extreme claims—often with harmful regulations—it’s important to study the actual evidence,” said Kenneth Green, author of Extreme Weather and Climate Change. The study finds that global temperatures have increased moderately since 1950 but there is no evidence that extreme weather events are on the rise. …“The evidence is clear—many of the claims that extreme weather events are increasing are simply not empirically true,” Green said.

PRINCE GEORGE, BC — The Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit (WRTS) is an important five-day event that will attract more than 650 members of the B.C. FireSmart community, including First Nation members, local governments, the Province of B.C., fire departments, local FireSmart representatives, wildfire mitigation specialists, firefighters, researchers, emergency managers, wildfire scientists, and industry partners. The summit will kick off with two days of training for B.C. firefighting professionals, followed by a three-day in-person conference at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. The conference offers a range of informative workshops and expert panels led by captivating wildfire resiliency leaders that will help professionals prepare for the upcoming wildfire season. The theme for this year’s event is “recover, rebuild, prepare,” which recognizes the importance of resilience after experiencing unprecedented wildfires, rebuilding communities with FireSmart principles in mind, and preparing for future wildfire activity.

Alberta is bracing for another challenging fire season and with fire officials urging communities to prepare for conditions to grow more volatile as a summer drought settles in. With many communities across the province already parched because of a lack of winter snow cover, officials Thursday urged Albertans to be vigilant in the weeks ahead. Christie Tucker, an Alberta Wildfire information unit manager, said crews are preparing for a long and difficult season. “While there is a temporary dip in temperatures this week, it doesn’t mean that wildfire danger is over,” Tucker said during a news conference. “The drought conditions we’ve experienced in Alberta mean that it is still possible for trees and grasses to burn, particularly in the high winds that we have been seeing.” As of Thursday, 50 wildfires are burning across the province. Of those, four are classified as being held and 46 are now classified as under control. 

North Cowichan and the Quw’utsun Nation announced that they will be partnering to co-manage the Municipal Forest Reserve. Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels says that they are looking forward to taking up “stewardship responsibilities within their ancestral territory.”  The collaboration will see the creation of a co-management framework, future trail development and the protection of culturally sensitive areas.  Mayor Rob Douglas says these first steps are a pivotal moment “in our shared journey towards environmental stewardship and reconciliation.”  North Cowichan has paused all new decisions related to the MFR while the framework is established. 

Aerial spray treatments will be done in the Lower Mainland and three locations in the southern Interior in spring 2024 to eradicate spongy moths and minimize the risk they pose to forests, farms, orchards and trees. Under the direction of the B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Council’s Spongy Moth Technical Advisory Committee, the ministry plans to treat the following areas in the Interior and coastal region: Cranbrook: 299 hectares (ha), Kamloops: 80 ha, West Kelowna: 52 ha, Langley: 30 ha, and Tsawwassen: 203 ha. Invasive spongy moths, also known as Lymantria moths, pose a risk to B.C.’s ecosystems and economy. Spongy moth caterpillars feed on tree leaves and have defoliated sections of forests and residential areas in Ontario and the eastern United States in recent years. Untreated spongy moths risk spreading to other areas of B.C. and are a threat to urban forests and farms.

A second press release identifies spray locations on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island

Members of several First Nations in the Prince Albert area are claiming a small victory. That’s because the provincial government has for now halted plans to clear cut a section of forest in the Holbein and Crutwell areas. Dave Rondeau has been advocating for the affected communities and relayed his cautious excitement about the one year moratorium. “It is a win for us absolutely because they’ve halted and they’re having a look at the opinions of the people on the importance of that area,” he said. Fearing the province’s forest management plan would have a big impact on their ability to hunt and gather medicines, over a dozen people showed up unannounced last January at the forestry centre in Prince Albert and held a protest. Concerns were also raised with respect to disturbing potential burial sites.

Recently, Percy Guichon, executive director of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. and Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation, presented to third-year UBC forestry students, providing perspectives on forestry and reconciliation from a First Nation’s viewpoint. Almost 90 students, alongside Professor Gary Bull, learned about the success story of the Tŝideldel First Nation and its impact on land management, community development, and partnerships across British Columbia. Bull emphasized the significance of such opportunities, saying, “It made an impact to have Percy in the classroom, it was the best lecture of the year in my class. It is essential that university students are exposed to the lives, challenges, and opportunities of the First Nations in BC. So often students are only exposed to an urban viewpoint and not the views of those who live on and steward the land.”

Terrace, BC — The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable forest management practices through its funding for wildfire risk reduction and fibre utilization projects across the province of British Columbia. Funding has been instrumental most recently in supporting three critical projects undertaken by NorthPac Forestry Group Ltd. (NorthPac). These projects have significantly enhanced forest operations while contributing to British Columbia’s carbon reduction goals. While the three projects are similar in nature, each has its own unique aspects. For instance, a portion of the fibre removed by NorthPac and Coast Tsimshian Resources LP includes small-diameter tops and limbs, which were historically left in the forest. 

Mission Municipal Forest reached a major milestone on April 7 at the city’s annual “Cutblock Party”. The forest’s 5 millionth seedling was one of the 140 trees planted at the event. The forestry department plants 80,000 seedlings each year to regenerate harvested areas. Forestry director Chris Gruenwald says there was a focus on planting in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s because so much of the area was heavily logged not replanted. Since 1958, Mission has managed Tree Farm Licence 26, which spans 26,900 acres. …The event also featured axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, and guided walks. Attendees also had an opportunity to learn about the forestry department. “We had a lot of young people interested in the Municipal Forest – we had a great discussion with them. We talked about some issues and they were asking some very good questions,” Gruenwald said.

B.C. is celebrating the 10-billionth tree planted since reforestation programs began in 1930, with two billion of those trees planted in the past seven years. …Last year, 305 million seedlings were planted in B.C. forests. One of these seedlings was the 10-billionth planted since work began almost a century ago. In honour of this milestone, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests planted a ceremonial tree in Surrey’s Green Timbers Urban Forest Park. The park, dubbed the “birthplace of reforestation,” is home to the Province’s first reforestation efforts in 1930. …“The planting of 10 billion trees in our province is one of B.C.’s most important mega projects,” said John Betts, executive director, Western Forestry Contractors’ Association. “Besides the hard work involved, it’s an act of optimism where the full benefits won’t be realized until well into the future. It’s a fine legacy for all the thousands of nursery workers, planters and foresters involved over the years.”

Ellen Whitman

Edmonton forest research scientist Ellen Whitman is among nine individuals being awarded the Trebek Initiative 2024 research award to develop her project on post-fire regeneration in relation to post-fire climate. …In her proposal, Whitman said generally with climate change and warming temperatures, they would expect trees to have more space available to move up in elevation or beyond the tree line. In the southern margin of the forest, where it’s very warm and dry, they’re starting to see that trees are no longer occupying those spaces. …Whitman said… in theory they may be able to expand to new habitats that are high elevation and latitude. …She said a variety of factors can play into this including snow pack, light availability or types of soils. 

In related news: The Trebek Initiative accounts nine recipients of grants to fund research and storytelling projects that help preserve the natural and cultural wonders of Canada.

The B.C. government says 10 billion trees have been planted in the province since reforestation programs began way back in 1930, in Surrey. …In honour of the milestone, forest minister Bruce Ralston planted a ceremonial tree at Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, considered the “birthplace of reforestation” in the province. …In Surrey’s Green Timbers area, B.C.’s reforestation efforts began 94 years ago in Surrey with the “inaugural plantation” there. Back in 1928, local residents protested the proposed logging of the area, but concerns were ignored and the entire 2,000-acre forest was chopped down. Chastised, the provincial government of the time looked to make amends by setting aside 640 acres along the highway (now Fraser Highway) to be replanted as B.C.’s first reforestation project. And so, in 1930, the death of the last old-growth trees in the area led to an awakening of sorts, with a new forest given life in the heart of the municipality.

Tzeporah Berman

A Mir Lecture Series event on May 1 will feature renowned environmental activist Tzeporah Berman who will reflect on 30 years of advocacy for old-growth forests and climate justice—and the surprising lessons she has learned about finding common ground with logging executives and with the oil industry. From behind the bullhorn at one of Canada’s largest acts of civil disobedience to working diligently behind the scenes with the leaders of the nation’s fossil fuel industry, environmental activist Tzeporah Berman has spent three decades as a crusader for urgent change. In 1993, Berman was one of the main voices of what became known as British Columbia’s “War in the Woods.” A protest to stop clearcut logging in ancient Vancouver Island temperate rainforests, the Clayoquot Sound camp that Berman helped establish saw more than 10,000 people show up during a tumultuous summer that ultimately helped change how government directs the forest industry.

Simon Yu

A common enhancement of BC’s battered forestry sector is needed according to Prince George Mayor Simon Yu. Yu took part in the Council of Forest Industries Conference in Vancouver – as part of a panel that included District of Vanderhoof Councillor Brian Frenkel. He added various curtailments and shutdowns including Canfor shutting down its pulp line at the PG Pulp and Paper Mill was a massive blow. “Prince George is very much the centre of the forestry industry around northern BC. The shutdown of the pulp mill is very devastating to our local tax base – it represents over one percent of our tax base.” Yu says in order for the industry to survive, more young people need to be brought on.

Following a delegation to Revelstoke Council on March 12, Wildsight Revelstoke’s concerns were returned to council at the April 9 meeting. Chief among the concerns presented were that the forest industry is changing rapidly and dramatically as are societal expectations, resulting in the need to adapt to a new future. “The old paradigm of logging superseding other values is no longer acceptable and there are economic alternatives to protect these forests,” noted the report. “We are asking Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation that no cutting permit or road permit moves forward on Goldstream CP 310 Block L before a field trip happens in the spring or summer.” Wildsight also asked council to explore alternative economic models and ways to manage the Tree Farm Licence for the long-term benefit of the ecosystem and the community. …Mayor Gary Sulz noted that deriving carbon credits from the community forest will not be possible until the province changes current legislation…

A petition calling for more consultation on the relocation of the North Initial Attack Crew has been started in Chetwynd. Earlier this month, in a letter addressed to Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille and city council, Bruce Ralston confirmed the closure of the facility and its staff lodging on December 15th, 2023. Ralston citied the absence of a full-time staff and aging infrastructure resulted in the closure, with crews being relocated to the Dawson Creek Fire Centre. “We didn’t have proper consultation at all,” said Rebecca Hallaert, a small business owner who has the petition posted in her store Inner Sage Therapies. … According to the Forest Minister, the intention of the province is to replace the current Chetwynd facility with a forward attack facility. “When crews are not located at the Chetwynd forward attack base, travel by helicopter would be 20-30 minutes from the crew’s assembly point in the Dawson Creek Fire Zone,” said Ralston.

Younes Alila

Devastating floods have become an increasingly common part of life in British Columbia. In the late 1990s, BC’s Cariboo region experienced numerous floods and landslides. The ‘flood of the century’ happened in fall 2003 when hundreds of Squamish and Paradise Valley residents were forced to evacuate their homes. Later, a 2018 flood event in Grand Forks caused extensive damage, impacting more than 400 homes, farms and businesses. In 2021, successive atmospheric rivers in BC’s Pacific north-west caused billions of dollars in damage from catastrophic flooding and triggered landslides that killed five people. Urban encroachment on floodplains and climate change are partly to blame. However, they cannot fully account for a trend that has many researchers, including UBC Forestry Prof. Younes Alila, ringing alarm bells. Through scientific inquiry and the application of a framework known as attribution science , Younes’s investigations have revealed important data on the root causes of more frequent and severe flooding in the province. [See page 29 in the Read More link]

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC — A Williams Lake screening of the film Silvicola attracted more than 130 people Wednesday, April 3. Directed by Jean-Phillippe Marquis, the film takes viewers to B.C. forests through the eyes of tree planters, loggers, sapling nursery workers, foresters and wood manufacturers. After seeing the film, there are several images lingering in my mind. …One is watching a tree planter as she maneuvers through a heli-logged site near Port Alberni where she can count on one hand how many times her feet touch the ground in a day. …Another scene is watching ants move along an “ant road” in a thriving lush forest. …I also enjoyed being immersed in a large old growth forest as a Haida man explains how his people harvest bark from trees for various medicinal and cultural purposes. Fourth would be watching a crew make cedar shakes from scraps salvaged from larger logging operations.