Category Archives: Forestry

Along the BC Hydro property, just along the Puntledge River and below Comox Lake lies an area of Puntledge Forest that does not have protection to its timber rights. …Only 100 years ago, the forested area was all industrial, serving the coal mines of the area. …Comox Valley Land Trust is looking to save this area by fundraising $500,000 from public donations, which are now matched and tripled by generous donors… The CVLT is in the final stages of raising that money to buy the remaining 37 hectares of forest.  This area of the forest is owned separately through a Timber Reservation that is registered to the land title. The 37 hectares of land is owned by Manulife Investment Management and the hope is to raise most of the needed $1.9 million price tag through government grants and charitable foundations. Only the outstanding $500,000 is needed through public donors in the local community.

The beaver is a well-known symbol associated with Canada. But in Alberta, beavers are not always looked upon favourably. Historically, tensions between beavers, farmers and ranchers have been high, as beavers can fell many trees and their dam-building can cause fields to flood, damaging crops and grazing areas… The researchers are exploring the impacts of beavers and their structures on hydrology and ecosystem health within the Sibbald Valley in Kananaskis Country… The researcher is also interested in how clear-cut logging on the slopes above the pond complex might alter the volume and speed of water entering the ponds. This work includes monitoring soil moisture levels on nearby slopes that remain treed and those that have been clear-cut.

The Terrace Community Forest is a private company owned by the City of Terrace and managed by an appointed board. The City isn’t involved in the day to day of the company, and the company generates its own cashflow through its resources. The Community Forest’s land base covers three areas, with portions in the Kitimat Valley, Amesbury/Shames, and Deep Creek/Spring Creek. Revenue is generated from their commercial thinning and retention harvesting program, and revenue stays within the community. This year’s annual contribution by the Community Forest to the City of Terrace is $200,000… To date, the Terrace Community Forest has allocated $5 million dollars to community projects.  They also aim to create local employment opportunities, and have created direct local employment valued at an estimated $30 million dollars.

The Miles Family

From Ginty’s Pond in Cawston to Vernon’s Okanagan Landing Elementary, the Okanagan Simlkameen Stewardship Society is celebrating this year’s efforts to replant native species across the region. More than 3,800 native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers were used to restore natural habitats across the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. “While the Okanagan’s mountain forests are abundant, our valley bottoms — where wildlife like American Badgers, Tiger Salamanders, and Burrowing Owls thrive—are under pressure from human activity,” said Lia McKinnon, OSS stewardship biologist. “We’re focusing on grasslands, wetlands, and riparian habitats because they provide essential resources, without them, wildlife cannot survive, no matter how much forest remains.”

TEDxVictoria returned to the region in May 2024, and saw several experts speak about issues facing not only BC, but the international community. One speaker was TJ Watt, an environmental advocate, Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) photographer, self-proclaimed big-tree hunter and National Geographic explorer. His TEDx Talk was titled ‘One Last Shot to Protect Old-Growth Forests in British Columbia.’ In his time on stage, Watt issued an urgent and passionate call for the permanent protection of these old-growth ecosystems. “I’m honoured to have been a TEDxVictoria speaker and to have the opportunity to share my life’s mission to protect endangered old-growth forests in BC with the world,” said Watt. …Watt was born and raised in Metchosin and his photography work, as well as his environmental advocacy, have established him as a leading voice in the movement to protect old-growth forests in BC.

A unique phenomenon has appeared in Jasper National Park after the 2024 wildfire. The locals call them “cheetah” or “leopard” trees after their spotted black and yellow appearance, and they’re the result of an explosive release of heat and pressure courtesy of the moisture that hides behind the thin outer bark of lodgepole pine trees. “The first time I saw them I thought maybe it was a woodpecker flaking the bark off burned trees, but that’s not actually what’s happening,” says Jasper National Park Resource Conservation Manager David Argument. “In an intense fire situation, the moisture in the sapwood beneath the bark, which can have quite high moisture content, is heated to steam so quickly that it turns into steam explosively and flakes off those patches of bark.” 

The Philippine Mars has flown for the first time in 17 years. “Today’s flight was short and so sweet,” pilot Pete Killin posted on social media following the flight on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. The Philippine Mars has not been flown since 2007 when the Coulson Group purchased the last two Martin Mars waterbombers from TimberWest (now operating as Mosaic Forest Management). Killin flew the Hawaii Mars on its final flight to Patricia Bay outside of Victoria in August, and will fly the Philippine Mars to its final destination outside of Tucson, Arizona. …Once the test flights are done the company can apply for a ferry permit to transport the plane down the west coast and then inland to Arizona, where it will end up in the Pima Air and Space Museum.

The 2025 Trek BC Gravel Series on Vancouver Island will feature four races in 2025. “For 2025, we are taking things to a new level with the continuation of our great partnership with Trek Bicycles and Mosaic Forest Management,” said race director, Jon Watkin. “With the expansion of the series to four epic events, we want to highlight the Island as the best gravel cycling destination in the world and give a ride experience that will create lasting fond memories.” …The event is sponsored by Trek Bicycles, and Mosaic Forest Management. Mosaic has partnered with key municipal partners such as the City of Campbell River, Cowichan Valley Regional District, Nanaimo Hospitality Association, and the Village of Cumberland. …Participants will be encouraged to take the time to visit the local host cities and take advantage of promotions from select hospitality partners and restaurants.

Tom Whitfield

Qualicum Beach council recently honoured its community volunteers, including two very special acknowledgements. …The 2024 Above & Beyond Award was presented to volunteer Tom Whitfield… Whitfield is a longtime resident and retired forester who exemplifies going ‘above and beyond’ for the community. Described as the “heart and soul of the Heritage Forest,” Whitfield can be found on any given day walking the forest, cheerfully watching over its grounds, observing its wildlife, or enthusiastically educating visitors. He has served as president of the Brown Property Preservation Society since 2009, and a member of the Heritage Forest Commission since 2006, playing a vital role in protecting and maintaining the Heritage Forest.