Category Archives: Special Feature

The Canadian Wood Council initiative to grow the market for wood hosted its 15th annual wood gala awards at the Vancouver Convention Centre Monday evening. The event, organized and hosted by Wood WORKS! BC, was a sold-out affair with 460 attendees. Co-hosts Greg Sinclair (Wood WORKS! chair) and Lynn Embury-Williams (Executive Director) spoke of the “exciting times in BC” given the 2009 building code change that allowed mid-rise wood structures and the new changes that will soon allow timber buildings up to 12 storeys. To date, more that 400 mid-rise buildings and multi-building complexes have been constructed or are in the process of being designed and built. 

With more than 103 nominations for 14 award categories, the Oscars-like event was a showcase of innovation, efficiency, beauty and environmentally sustainable design. Top award winners included Shelley Craig of Urban Arts Architecture who snagged to coveted Wood Champion Award for her work in support of the 2009 mid-rise code changes and the championing and adoption of its application and use since. 

The Tree Frog News team attended the 71st AGM & Conference of the Association of BC Forest Professionals last week in Kamloops. You’ve seen some of our updates and images. Today we release our full photo gallery. Warning – it’s a big one! Many of the attendees have emailed us asking for images, you can now download what you need from the gallery in the link. Next week we’ll have our final panel and speaker reports, so stay tuned.

Early drafts of the recently assented Professional Governance Act—established by the BC government to “ensure the public interest and the environment are pro­tected”—threatened to upset many of the pillars of professional regulators, according to the CEOs of the Association of BC Forest Professionals (Christine Gelowitz, RPF), Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (Ann English, P.Eng) and the College of Applied Biology (Christine Houghton). Speaking at the BC foresters AGM last week, the three CEOs spoke of the government’s rushed legislation, its lack of policy clarity, the cost implications, and future uncertainty given the broad discretion and far-reaching powers of the soon-to-be-established Office of the Superintendent. Also affected by the Act are the BC Institute of Agrologists and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC. …Notwithstanding the concerns, all three association CEOs spoke of the potential benefits, the importance of continual improvement, and the opportunity to raise awareness of how professionals protect the public’s interest.

The competitiveness of the BC forest industry, and market and fibre challenges facing the sector over the next few years, were front and centre in two of the ABCFP’s breakout sessions at their annual meeting in Kamloops last week. The first panel, “Healthy Forests Need a Competitive Forest Sector” was moderated by Interfor’s Brad Bennett. …John Allan, BC’s Deputy Minister of Forests, spoke of the government’s top priorities; the economy and reconciliation with First Nations. This includes actions leading to more meaningful participation by First Nations in the forest economy, and coastal and interior revitalization efforts.

The second panel, moderated by Forsite’s Cam Brown, focused on one of the most important decision processes for industry and government—the Timber Supply Review (TSR) and the setting of the annual allowable cut. …On the separation of the establishment of an AAC from strategic forest management decisions, Diane Nicholls (BC’s Chief Forester) spoke of the importance of ensuring the AAC assumptions match forest practices on the ground; and where they diverge significantly, government’s ability to shorten the time frame between AAC reviews.

A blue ribbon panel review of B.C.’s forest inventory program has made recommendations to improve the program. These recommendations come in the wake of the pine beetle epidemic and other pest infestations, as well as the effects of two intense wildfire seasons. …With its large and diverse forested areas, much of them remote, British Columbia faces one of the most daunting forest inventory challenges anywhere. “Our forests are one of our most precious resources,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Now more than ever, we need to make the right decisions in all areas of forest management to ensure our forest industry is truly sustainable and our forests are managed for multiple values. This report on the forest inventory program will help us do that.” …In its report, the panel made 16 recommendations to strengthen and enhance the forest inventory program, including sustainable funding, better data collection, increased program linkages and improved communication. 

Doug Donaldson and Steve Kozuki

Funding of $10 million from the Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia will mean more wood waste will be redirected to mills instead of being burned on the ground, creating more jobs for British Columbians and reducing carbon emissions. “This is good for local jobs and for the health of the forests, and it is a positive step toward increased safety for forest-dependent communities,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Companies and workers will be able to make better use of residual timber and, in addition to creating employment and reducing waste, this approach will also help to reduce fuel on the landscape to mitigate wildfire risk.” …The ministry’s Forest Carbon Initiative, along with partners such as the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, focuses on how to make better use of wood fibre and reduce emissions from the burning of wood waste.

Doug Donaldson

Opening day two of the annual meeting of BC’s Forest Professionals, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, provided an update on his government’s most recent forest policy initiatives. Prior to Mr. Donaldson taking the podium, Chief Dr. Ronald Ignace of the Skeetchestn Indian Band welcomed the delegates to his traditional territory, ardently challenging the attending foresters to combine western and traditional forest management knowledge for the betterment of the forest. Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian’s welcome included commentary on the importance of professional leadership in bringing science to the forefront when addressing the issue of import to his and other forest-based communities.

The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) kicked off their annual conference yesterday with in-depth discussions on climate change and species at risk, prior to a plenary on the challenges and importance of planning for healthy and resilient forests. The three-day conference promises to be an outstanding event given the attendance of more than 550 delegates and high profile speakers such as Minister Doug Donaldson and Deputy Minister John Allan from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development still to come.

Moderator Archie MacDonald (COFI) introduced the first discussion on BC’s efforts to develop a Species at Risk Act. First up, Dr. Tara Martin (University of BC) spoke of BC’s significant challenge, with 214 at risk species, and the failure of the current “single species” approach, where decades of study and planning take place prior to action on a single species of import—often too little, too late.

In 2017 and 2018, 2.5 million hectares of BC’s landscape burned due to wildfires, while several beetle infestations soared to new heights. What will the summer of 2019 bring and how do we adapt our forest practices to ensure forest resilience? Cue Michael Bragg (ABCFP Host Committee Chair) to kick off the first plenary session, introducing Paul Rasmussen (FLNRORD) the panel moderator. Dr. Paul Hessburg (University of Washington) spoke first of his work on how historical forest and fire management on Inland Pacific landscapes has transformed the area’s successional and disturbance dynamics over time (e.g., species, density life form patterns, etc.) and how those forests should best be evolved going forward.

Hej Kelly, Heidi and Sandy, In my Danish World, there are actually only 3 days to Dec. 24th.  I do not mind also celebrating the Canadian one, on December 25th. In my tradition, it has to be a Noble Fir, and we walked ours home today. Shall do a bit of trimming today, and most likely complete decorating at some point. I brought a lot of decorations with me from Denmark; some would be from the late 1800s/ early 1900s. Have added since. Why must it be a Noble Fir?  Because the branches are sturdy with good spacing.  This is a requirement, as we put around 30 live candles on it:  50% red + 50% white = Canadian and Danish colours.

Santa Dumont

During my 40-year forestry career, I have been asked to play Santa Claus many times in a few former coastal logging camps like Jeune Landing and Sewell Inlet.  I have even dressed up my old dog Cruiser with real deer horns and a nice lipstick covered red nose to accompany Santa to represent Rudolph much to the delight of hundreds of kids in these isolated villages. In those days it was the tradition that Santa consumed a generous amount of rye and coke to overcome his stage fright and fears of a screaming kid on his knee. Mostly that worked as Santa does not recall all the happenings during those shouts of glee and “Santa, Santa”  from wide-eyed young kids as Santa handed out hundreds of presents and took pictures with the logger’s families. Since I made my final move to the Cowichan Valley 15 years ago I have volunteered at the BC Forest Discovery Centre as their main Santa for Christmas season.

Every December, retirees of the BC Forest Service in and around Victoria gather to renew acquaintances,  reminisce of forests past, and share some Xmas cheer. This TREEdition was started in 1982 by Gordie Ackerman and Curt Clarke, an infamous office prankster, to celebrate Pete Robinson’s retirement. It was held at the Army and Navy on Wharf St. Events are now held at the Royal Cdn. Legion on Gorge Rd. and commence at 1 pm so attendees can return home before dark.  Robin Brown, former Manager, Silviculture Branch, is the current custodian of this TREEdition.  Robin’s Xmas gathering announcement is welcomed news amongst his unfortunate, but appreciated, conveyances of colleagues’ departures.

Brian Barber

My wife and I started a new holiday tradition last year. On the first weekend in December, we drive up Island (from Victoria) to get a couple of Nordmann fir Xmas trees from Don Pigott, Hon. Member (ABCFP), Yellow Point Propagation, or his neighbour, Yellow Point Cranberries.  We take in a hike and visit with colleagues on the way up, and enjoy Ladysmith’s Xmas lights on the way back. Recommend going on a Saturday when Ladysmith’s Old Town Bakery, famous for its cinnamon buns, is open and finishing the day with a  Christmas Express train ride at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan.

1.1 million Canadians served in the Second World War. Today there are less than 41,000 remaining, and that number is shrinking every day.  Soon there will be no WWII veterans left. Will we remember what these men and women sacrificed for the Canada we live in today? My name is Eric Brunt and I’m a 25 year old documentary filmmaker. My grandfather Clifford Brunt was in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. When he passed away at the age of 95, I realized I had no record of his war time experiences. This made me wonder – what other veterans’ stories were out there, never recorded and on the verge of being lost. In May 2018, I left Victoria, BC, in a small van, with the goal of traveling across Canada to interview and film as many surviving WWII veterans as possible. As of November 2018, 200 veterans have shared their experiences on camera for me. These interviews will be used in my documentary titled “Last Ones Standing.”

The Canadian Women in Timber are planning a celebration—one that pays homage to BC’s forest sector – Forest Awareness Day. For almost 30 years we’ve put the first Wednesday of October aside to look to our forests, and recognize them for the bounty they provide for us. Our grassroots organization is closely connected to the natural resource sector, and as such, we know how important forests are to every British Columbian. Our directors and members are volunteers who work at the community level to bring Forest Awareness Through Education to people who may not be as familiar with our forests. This year we are asking you to join us!

Kadenwood Estates, Whistler

US Army Corps, Seattle

WoodTALKS—BC Wood’s wood design and construction education event held in conjunction with the GBM in Whistler—wrapped up on the weekend with a tour of Kadenwood Estates, a private enclave of mountain home sites in Whistler, BC. The day prior, the audience was treated with a presentation by architect Allyn Stellmacher on the modernization of US Federal Center South Building in Seattle, headquarters of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Stellmacher explained how they recovered and used reclaimed timber from an adjacent warehouse to create one of the most energy efficient office buildings in the United States. Other presenters included Bo Helliwell of Blue Sky Architecture, renowned for his distinctive West Coast timber architecture. …Peter Moonen of Wood WORKS! BC’s on wood construction and durability. …architect Oliver Lang’s provided a look into the future as it relates to society’s housing challenge. …Shelley Craig of Urban Arts Architecture spoke of her firm’s 100 Mile Building journey in the Radium Hot Springs. …And architect John Hemsworth and engineer Robert Malczyk told a toughing story about Rebuilding the Heart of a Small Community, one hockey arena at a time. 

Brian Hawrysh

BC Wood CEO Brian Hawrysh kicked off the 15th annual Global Buyers Mission by welcoming 400 buyer and specifier delegates… while Chairman Greg Stewart thanked outgoing Chair Rob Mitchell for his leadership over the past two years. …The first guest speaker was the BC Minister of State for Trade, the Honourable George Chow. …A Chinese-born Canadian, Chow talked first-hand about the challenges and successes of opening up Asian markets to BC producers, referencing his recent Asian trade mission there with Premier Horgan. …The second guest speaker was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Pamela Goldsmith-Jones. Ms. Goldsmith-Jones spoke passionately about the importance of the forest and wood product industries to the identity and economic prosperity of Canada. …Finally, Goldsmith-Jones spoke of Canada’s cadre of in-market commissioners whose job it is to assist export trade; and then she officially declared the trade show floor open for business.

This week, 800 buyers, sellers and specifiers of value-added wood products have gathered in Whistler for the Global Buyers Mission (GBM), Canada’s largest show of its kind. And on day one, WoodTALKS—a wood design and construction education event held in conjunction with the GBM—was front and centre. First to the podium was architect Bo Helliwell of Blue Sky Architecture, renowned for his distinctive and stunning West Coast timber architecture. …Peter Moonen of Wood WORKS! BC’s fame, presented next on wood construction and durability and “what you think or may not know to make wood last”. …Architect Oliver Lang’s information-rich presentation was a look into the future as it relates to society’s housing challenge of ensuring livability, sustainability and affordability. …Shelley Craig of Urban Arts Architecture spoke of her firm’s 100 Mile Building journey with the Radium Hot Springs Community Hall and Library. …The day’s final presentation by architect John Hemsworth and engineer Robert Malczyk was a touching story about Rebuilding the Heart of a Small Community, one hockey arena at a time. 

Kelly McCloskey

Value-added wood product companies interested in growing their sales are heading to Whistler this week to attend Canada’s premier marketing event—the Global Buyers Mission. This distinction is per the GBM’s 2017 Net Promoter Score, (a customer loyalty tool used by more than two thirds of Fortune 1000 companies), and four wood product companies who shared their specific GBM experiences. The latter includes two first time Ontario participants producing live edge hardwood slabs and plank accent walls, as well as two seasoned GBM participants; a large producer of cedar products and a small producer of textured millwork. The Net Promoters Score (NPS) metric is based on the question: on a scale of 0 to 10, would you recommend this event to a friend or colleague? …the participating GBM buyers and sellers scored the event at +55, more than double the industry average for manufacturing trade shows. …Not attending the 2018 GBM? The Tree Frog News will provide daily updates starting Thursday.

The birth of six Vancouver Island marmots to one mother is highlighting the 20-year quest to save one of the rarest mammals in the world. A marmot named Molly gave birth to the six pups and it bodes well for a population where the marmots typically welcome three to four pups in a litter every other year. …She is officially known as Marmota vancouverensis, recognized as endangered under the federal Species At Risk Act and a Priority 1 species under the B.C. Conservation Framework. A survey in 2003 found fewer than 30 wild marmots living in a handful of colonies. …Recovery efforts over the years have been led by a partnership that includes the Marmot Recovery Foundation, British Columbia government, Calgary and Toronto zoos, plus landowners TimberWest, Island Timberlands and Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Because of their efforts, the population stands at between 150 and 200 today. …TimberWest and Islands Timberlands, which own private forests lands west of Nanaimo, have taken key positions to support conservation, with significant annual financial contributions for research and management as well as postponed logging in identified marmot habitats.

Vancouver’s 93.7 JRFM is giving away a truck to a non profit! With 50 nominations, Evans Lake Forestry Camp made it to the top three. Now you get to pick the winner. Voting closes June 24.  You’ll need to take a moment to create a JRFM account, but it’s worth it – please take the time to sign in and cast your vote for Evans Lake. On behalf of the Evans Lake Forest Education Society – thank you for taking a few minutes from your day to help out!

http://www.jrfm.com/contest/32655/vote/

The Canadian Bioeconomy Conference and Exhibition—formerly the International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition—is only six weeks away. Held every two years in Prince George, BC, the conference is the largest and longest running event of its kind in Canada. …The bioenergy industry in Canada has grown and matured since the conference was founded in 2004. The conference’s board of directors felt it was important that the event reflect the diversification in the use of woody biomass across the full value chain of bioproducts. Program highlights include: a community energy workshop, wood products safety summit, industry-leading speakers program and an inside look at Canada’s larges pellet operations. Here are just a few of the organizations already confirmed to attend.

The Natural Resources Canada, Pacific Forestry Centre (PFC), Analytical Chemistry Lab is performing DNA microsatellite marker analysis of select foliage and seed to assess self-pollination rates in Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and external pollen contamination rates in Coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) in southern Vancouver Island seed orchards.  Approximately 5,000 individual tests of Western redcedar and Douglas-fir are being conducted at the PFC lab to help orchardists ensure sufficient seed of high genetic value is produced through tree breeding, seed-orchard production, and related activities to meet reforestation objectives and enhance timber supply and quality. 

John Stulen

The latest forest mapping and harvest planning technologies were the topic of the day at ForestTECHX in Vancouver Wednesday. The sold out event was packed full of information on the pace of change and how satellite, LiDAR and photogrammetric imagery is changing how we measure and manage our forests. As well as how automated measuring and monitoring systems in harvesters have been proven to lift log grades and outturn. The conference was sponsored by long-time tech transfer specialist John Stulen of Innovatek, New Zealand in partnership with Rob Stanhope’s Logging & Sawmilling Journal. [Check out our photo gallery]

VANCOUVER, BC – ForestTECHX kicked off its forest management technology conference last evening with a sold out trade show. The two-day conference—which brings the latest inventory and harvest planning technologies from around the world to Vancouver—promises to be an outstanding event. “The world’s leading technology experts in forestry metrics are here” says conference organizer Anthony Robinson, of Logging & Sawmilling Journal. LSJ is working in partnership with long-time tech transfer specialists John Stulen (Innovatek) from New Zealand.

Joining the panel of international speakers are leading specialists in forestry geometrics from across Canada, including keynote Dr. Nicholas Coop, UBC Faculty of Forestry and Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing. The Frogs are attending, so stay turned for updates. And click Read More for a few images from last night’s kick-off.