Region Archives: Canada West

Vancouver, BC – BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) President and CEO Linda Coady released the following statement in response to new measures announced today by the BC Government on old growth:  “Today’s announcement includes positive steps towards putting the necessary investments, frameworks and relationships in place to advance how old growth forests are conserved and managed in the province.”  “In addition to important capacity funding for Indigenous Nations and the First Nations Forestry Council, actions being taken to accelerate the old growth review process will also support land use planning at the local level. Strengthened Indigenous and local engagement on land use planning at the regional level will help ensure goals for forest health and biodiversity are met while also creating more predictability for workers, communities and forest-related businesses across BC.”  

A “war in the woods” has simmered for decades in B.C., sometimes erupting into high-profile protests and arrests. …This week, the provincial government unveiled a suite of new measures that aim to accelerate old-growth protection and broker a truce. …Conservation groups and the First Nations Forestry Council were quick to praise the new measures, although some groups are calling for faster action to safeguard what little is left of B.C.’s old-growth forests. …Ken Wu, of the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance… applauded the government’s decision to remove a clause in forest regulations that allowed timber supply to trump all other values. …First Nations Forestry Council CEO Leonard Joe said First Nations have been asking to have a seat at the table for years. “I for one am glad to see this day, to witness the province recognize the vital role of First Nations, the role that we play in managing sustainable forests.”

The BC Government has recently announced a significant amount of funding to enable FESBC and our partners to use as much incidental forest fibre (that is uneconomic to use and which would usually otherwise be burned in slash piles). Doing so will create a number of benefits, including stabilization of forest-dependent communities, dramatic reduction of GHG emissions from pile burning, maintenance and creation of family-supporting jobs, and improvement of air quality by reducing wood smoke.In this newsletter:

• Learn how a B.C. Community Co-operative has taken on wildfire prevention and climate change. 
• Get an in-depth look into the holistic approach taken by the City of Quesnel, to reduce wildfire risk.
• Find out how a community forest is implementing an ambitious climate action plan that uses forest thinning to reduce wildfire risks and carbon emissions, with support from FESBC.
• Meet our Faces of Forestry featured person, Kim Haworth.

B.C. announced this week that it would scrap an infamous clause embedded in B.C.’s forest rules often recognized as a barrier to protecting forests and their biodiversity. The clause, written into B.C.’s Forest Range and Practices Act, says that ecological values like wildlife protection can only be included in forest planning if they don’t “unduly reduce the supply of timber from British Columbia’s forests.” For the most part, that means they can’t impede logging. The announcement comes as part of the province’s stated intentions to transition B.C.’s forestry sector away from the industry-led model to one that better prioritizes First Nations, ecosystems and communities. …Next weekend, the United For Old Growth rally at the B.C. legislature in Victoria will call on the province to implement the recommendations from the Old Growth Strategic Review. Almost three years after the review was released, these recommendations remain incomplete.

The B.C. government is launching new measures to protect more old growth by fast-tracking innovation and co-developing new local plans with First Nations to better care for B.C.’s forests. …At the centre of the eight-point plan is $25 million for new Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) tables that will drive improved old-growth management while incorporating local knowledge and community priorities. …In response to requests from First Nations for more in-depth discussions about old growth, this funding will support eight new regional FLP tables with the participation of approximately 50 First Nations. These tables will prevent harvesting in old-growth forests important for ecosystem health, biodiversity, clean water, carbon storage and Indigenous values. They will also provide greater certainty about the areas where sustainable harvesting can occur. …The announcement also includes… doubling the new BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to $180 million and expanding eligibility provincewide. …Previously, the fund was restricted to projects outside of the Metro Vancouver and the Capital regional districts. 

Additional government coverage from Sonia Furstenau, BC Green Caucus: Forestry announcement long overdue but a welcome relief

Endangered Ecosystems Alliance: The BC Government Starts Laying The Path For Expanded Forest Conservation

Video coverage from Global News:

David Eby

The B.C. government is seeking to harness the financial clout of non-profit conservation groups to protect endangered ecosystems. Premier David Eby announced his plans to fast-track his government’s progress on protecting old growth, including $25-million to help First Nations participate… and $90-million added to the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund. …The new money pales in comparison with the potential for philanthropic conservation. Even without the province as a partner, non-profits have slipped past the province’s slow decision-making process. …Earlier this year, however, the province announced a major new conservation area secured through financing by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Incomappleux Valley. …Inspired by that model which secured Indigenous consent and financing from corporate, private and federal government sources, the province is now promising to establish a conservation financing mechanism within six months that it expects will tap into “hundreds of millions of dollars of philanthropic donations to fund conservation measures.” …“This is significant – Eby is paving the path for a major transformation in conservation,” said Ken Wu of the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance. [to access the full story, a Globe and Mail subscription may be required]

Premier David Eby said the government is accelerating the protection of B.C.’s oldest and rarest forests. Funding is being allocated to develop several new regional tables where forest landscape planning will be discussed with more First Nations input. Four of those are underway. …Among the new measures was a cabinet order that downgrades the importance of recognizing timber supply as a factor in forest planning. …Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said it was outdated wording. Removing it lets decision makers consider other objectives such as water quality and wildlife. There is also $10 million… to develop alternatives to clear-cutting. Another $2.4 million is being provided to the First Nations Forestry Council to increase Indigenous participation in the B.C.-wide “co-development” of new forest policy. A new conservation financing mechanism is promised within six months. …Eby and Ralston said communities and First Nations will be able to finance old-growth protection by selling verified carbon offsets that represent emission reductions, once a renewed version of that program is finalized this year. …Indigenous forester Gary Merkel… said it is about much more than stands of trees.

Additional coverage in:

• CBC News: BC expands old-growth logging deferral to 2.1 million hectares
• BC Local News: BC to kickstart and ease old-growth harvesting deferral process

TimberWest Forest Corp. hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans. Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, TimberWest Forest Corp. has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Common Project Search Registry and under registry number 6711, or, under the NPP File Number 1989-502244. a description of the following work, its site and plans: Log dumping area in, on, over, under, through or across Cordero Channel at Brooks Bay in front of lot number 1714.

VANCOUVER, BC — Unifor welcomes the B.C. government’s new plans to double the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund and to support job growth across the province. “Today, the BC NDP demonstrated a serious commitment to building a bright future for forestry workers in the province, which also serves as a positive example for the forestry sector across the country,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “That funding for job growth is coupled with a firm commitment to protecting old-growth forests and a full partnership with First Nations demonstrates they’ve been listening to us.” …Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s Western Regional Director… “We are hopeful the doubling of the Manufacturing Jobs Fund and improving fibre access will help restart mills, bring back some of the 45,000 or more jobs lost in the sector, and help our rural communities thrive again.”

PRINCE GEORGE – As forestry continues to waver in Northern BC, there are many companies feeling the residual effects in addition to the workers impacted. One of the main industries impacted is trucking, where a slowdown in forestry comes in addition to challenges companies have faced for years around finding drivers to meet increased demand for services.  All major players in the region including Excel Transportation, Lomak Bulk Carriers, and others have felt the effects of a driver shortage, which may soften the blow of less material to haul for now.  “We’ve heard for years there was going to be one pulp mill going down, so that makes sense. Another pulp mill going down would be devastating to our whole community, not just our trucking industry,” said Annie Horning, CEO of Excel Transportation. 

Garnet Mierau and Dan Macmaster

Dan Macmaster of Grand Forks has been named the 2022 forester of the year by his professional association. The award, presented by the Association of BC Forest Professionals, recognizes a registered professional forester for outstanding recent service to the profession of forestry and contributions to the betterment of forestry. Macmaster was presented with the award at the 75th annual forestry conference. “Dan’s dedication to innovative and sustainable forest practices as well as his commitment to working with and consulting with community groups serve as an inspiration,” said Jamie Jeffreys, the association’s incoming president. …Macmaster is Vaagen Fibre Canada’s fibre manager, as well as forest manager for the West Boundary Community Forest and manager of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s forestry licences. He is active on numerous boards, including the BC First Nations Forestry Council, BC Community Forest Association, Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association, and the Okanagan Nation Alliance’s forestry working group.

Garnet Mierau & Michael Jull

Michael Jull, MSc, RPF, of Prince George, was one of two forest professionals presented with the 2022 Distinguished Forest Professional award by the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) during a ceremony held as part of the organization’s 75th annual forestry conference on February 10.  The Distinguished Forest Professional award   recognizes a registrant for outstanding contributions to the forestry profession over the course of their career.  “Michael’s career serves as an example of how integrity, commitment, and a wiliness to share his expertise are key attributes necessary to achieving real and meaningful success in forestry and ensuring we are sustainably caring for BC’s forests for future generations,” said Jamie Jeffreys, RPF, ABCFP in-coming president.  Jull has close to 40 years of experience working as a forest professional in BC.

The management of harvest residues has long been a challenge for British Columbian operators who are tasked with balancing wildfire fuel loading, planting space, and financial, operational, and regulatory constraints. Now, society’s concerns about carbon emissions have been added to that list and practices will have to change. Common practice in the industry today includes either leaving residues piled in the cutting area to decompose or open-burning residues with the practice of slash-pile burning (SPB). While these low-cost treatments may meet the minimum management requirements, more needs to be done to improve their use and management moving forward. SPB is a considerable emissions source, producing an array of harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate matter, and accelerating the release of carbon to the atmosphere. These factors enhance climate change and have negative human health impacts. In some areas, open burning of residues can also have negative impacts on ecological functions…

Justine Karst

The idea that forest trees can “talk” to each other, share resources with their seedlings—and even protect them—through a connective underground web of delicate fungal filaments is so intriguing, it’s taken root in popular media… but the science behind those ideas is unproven, cautions University of Alberta expert Justine Karst. In Nature Ecology & Evolution, Karst and two colleagues contest three claims about the capabilities of underground fungi known as CMNs. …While CMNs have been proven to exist, there is no strong evidence that they offer benefits to trees and their seedlings. …Karst and co-authors found that claims that CMNs are widespread in forests, isn’t supported by enough scientific evidence. …The claim that resources such as nutrients are transferred by adult trees to seedlings through CMNs and that they boost survival and growth, was found to be questionable. …The claim that adult trees preferentially send resources or “warning signals” of insect damage to young trees is not backed up by a single peer-reviewed, field study.

Additional coverage in Ole Miss – University of Mississippi News: Can Trees Communicate Underground? Maybe Not. UM biology professor debunks popular theory about soil fungal networks

Scientific American by Stephanie Pappas: Do Trees Really Support Each Other through a Network of Fungi? Not everyone is convinced.

t̓išosəm, qathet Regional District – Tla’amin Timber Products in its capacity as general partner of Thichum Forest Products, has reached an asset purchase agreement with GDF Ventures Ltd to acquire woodlot license 1671 (WL-1671). WL-1671 is an area based provincial Crown forestry tenure located in the ɬaʔamɩn Nation territory. The woodlot supports an annual harvest cut of 4,715 cubic meters per year. “Doug Fuller, the previous holder of the license, demonstrated a high level of pride and ownership in this woodlot”, said Adam Culos, General Manager of Thichum Forest Products. “This tenure acquisition and management opportunity within our territory strongly supports our strategic direction. Our vision is to develop an interpretive forest on this site which we can pass down knowledge and best practices throughout generations as we look to improve on current management practices in the BC forestry sector”. The term on the new licence begins immediately.

MERRITT, BC — Recent economic challenges throughout B.C.’s forestry have been felt in the Nicola Valley lately, with Aspen Planers closing their mill for more than five weeks, only reopening last week for a limited run. While the length of the re-opening is up in the air due to what Aspen Planers has said is stalled ‘reconciliation negotiations’ on cutting permits with local First Nations, the mill’s 150 employees are back on the job for now. …MLA Jackie Tegart, who represents the Nicola Valley said “There’s a great deal of concern about forestry, and about the lack of support for resource industries as a whole by the government”. …“Forestry has been cyclical for many, many years, but what I’m hearing from people is that they get a sense that their government doesn’t see a future in the industry.

Richmond, B.C. – Paper Excellence Canada announced a $100,000 gift to the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to boost efforts to conserve and restore Pacific salmon populations across B.C. The gift will be distributed through grants in communities where Paper Excellence operates to help advance community-driven stewardship initiatives at a local level. Approximately half of Pacific salmon populations are in some state of decline. Salmon encounter various challenges during their complex life cycle, including the effects of climate change, habitat loss, development, and more. Paper Excellence’s donation will support PSF’s Community Salmon Program, which awards hundreds of grants to grassroots salmon conservation projects across B.C. and the Yukon each year.

Dana Collins

Dana Collins had been involved in the Canadian forestry sector for 15 years — and had been the first woman and youngest person to lead a top-level industry group — when she noticed an opening at Mosaic Forest Management Corp. in Nanaimo. “I had a strong interest in increasing the representation of women and Indigenous cultures in the forestry sector,” she says. “I was often the only woman at the table, so I recognized the challenges facing minorities.” With this focus, Collins was a natural fit for her role at Mosaic. As manager of partnerships, she’s deeply involved in the organization’s culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). On behalf of the company, she actively seeks out Indigenous partners to collaborate with the company in managing sustainable timberlands. …“I knew that Mosaic was progressive,” says Collins, “but I was surprised when I joined to see just how deep its commitment is to DEI.”

Regarding the story, Forest practices pulp fiction for protestors. As much as my concern goes out to those protestors in Prince George, it’s bad to lose your job! But if they are blaming any of this on David Eby they are howling at the wrong moon. …various NDP governments have tried to save pulp mills, go back to Ocean Falls. But when the Socreds were re-elected they shut it down. …The Harcourt government supported the Skeena/Watson Island pulp mill until Gordon Campbell hoodwinked the people of B.C. into giving him a virtual dictatorship for the first four years anyway. The first to go was Port Edward pulp mill. …The list of shut down mills has snowballed in recent times, Port Alice, being dismantled at this present time, Powell River one the largest mill in B.C. now shut down forever, Port Mellon the list goes on. …Pulp Fiction anyone?

Pat Toone & Tom Daniels

SUNDRE, Alberta – Serving on a forest advisory committee over the past several decades … has been an eye-opening experience that for a former Sundre mayor alleviated concerns about industry practices like clear cutting. “Some people figure it’s terrible to cut down a tree,” Pat Toone, a former councillor and mayor, said. “And I probably was about like that when I first got on the committee,” Toone said, referring to the Sundre Forest Products Public Involvement Round Table (SPIRT) group that started in 1992 to provide the company with advice on forest management. But the years proved to be not just a chance to serve the community by representing its interests, but also offered eye-opening insight into the forestry industry’s sustainability practices. …She spoke with the Albertan alongside Tom Daniels, a woodlands manager who for many years has been with Sundre Forest Products – West Fraser and has been involved with SPIRT since 1997.

To the members of Save Our Forests: I and other workers logged these same areas many years ago and now they are backlogging the same areas again. To me, that is being sustainable. These same lands that now belong to Mosiac belonged to Crown Zellerback, later to be TimberWest – they have vast holdings in this area and are able to grow more cubic meters of wood per year than what they log. To me, that is being sustainable.  I know they do not employ the same amount of people as they did in the past, but most of the reductions are to do with technology and the ability to log more with fewer people. These companies have been able to employ a lot of people from the Comox Valley and Campbell River throughout the last 100 years or so.

Environmentalists are praising the creation of a new conservancy area near Revelstoke, but the provincial government needs to create 168 like it to meet its own protection goals of 30 per cent of its land base by 2030. The new Incomappleux Conservancy… can still be used for traditional Indigenous practices and some low-impact economic activities, but logging, mining and hydroelectric power generation are prohibited. …Charlotte Dawe, campaigner with the Wilderness Committee said the province is likely to meet its goals, if the government defers more logging, freezes mining and drilling permits in sensitive areas and places immediate moratoriums on activities in Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. “One issue I foresee … is that government will only be interested in protecting areas where logging company buyout is possible,” said Dawe. “This could limit conservation opportunities and increase the cost.” Such a buyout happened when Interfor received an undisclosed sum for releasing 75,000 hectares from its forest tenure, Dawe said.

MERRITT, B.C. — Standing outside the Ministry of Forest building in Merritt, employees at Aspen Planers, logging truck drivers and others impacted by recent shutdowns are trying to get the province’s attention as the company waits for the B.C. government to sign off on cutting permits. …While the mill is currently operating, it’s been a difficult couple months for many of the protesters, who have come off a long period of not working. …“The only mill in town now and we still cannot get the permits approved,” he said. “We have 300,000 of cubic metres in permits waiting to be approved. …They have waited for six months to a year to approve those things.” …The mayor of Merritt Mike Goetz has heard no response from the province after several calls to the Forest Minister Bruce Ralston have gone unanswered.

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Anti-Glyphosate Stop the Spray folks gathered outside the Conference where the BC Professional Foresters conference was wrapping up. “So we’re here trying to meet up with the Forests Minister for a discussion about the stocking standards and growing more diverse forests in our in our region,” explains James Steidle. “Because if you drive out of town in any direction, you’ll probably be stuck in the middle of a pine plantation. And it wasn’t all pine trees before. A lot of this wildlife need deciduous species.” Glyphosate is a chemical forest companies tend to spray on the coniferous plantations as a way of killing deciduous trees. …Unfortunately, the Minister offered up a video presentation instead.

Preparing communities for potential wildfire is what the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) does, and the City of Quesnel is one of their leading partners. The work to mitigate the potential of fires in the forest interfacing with urban areas inevitably and necessarily means strategic harvesting in the bush around any municipality, which means careful and meaningful thought put to the uses of that wood and the ways it can be logged, maximizing value and safety. The current challenge slowing the process is a lack of people to do the next wave of protective forestry work. But if there’s a municipality that has shown an ability to address the wildfire interface concern, with boots on the ground following an intelligent plan, it is Quesnel, said FESBC. …Training is the foundation of it all, said Quesnel’s former mayor Bob Simpson, a member of the Forestry Worker Supports and Community Resilience Council. 

PRINCE GEORGE, BC — A local environmentalist is hoping to discuss the falling diversity of trees with Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston and chief forester Shane Berg while they are in Prince George. James Steidle, founder of Stop the Spray B.C., is sounding the alarm about anti-deciduous forestry policies that have led to a rise in monocultures. Steidle says the last time the government tried to assess the diversity of replanted forests was in 2008, when it found a nine per cent rise in monocultures since 1987, according to a Forest and Range Enhancement Project Report. But that data hasn’t been updated and concerns in the community about biodiversity are rising. …Ralston will be addressing the Association of B.C. Forestry Professionals at on Friday.