Cam Brown

Imagine a forest industry championed by its government and people – a source of great pride, deeply valued and ingrained in the culture and character of the country. Guided by a clearly stated and regularly updated vision that embraces a changing world and new information. An industry integrated with the systems and infrastructure of public services, and at the forefront of technology and innovation. An industry sustainably managing forests while reducing the risk of wildfire and pest outbreaks. An industry functioning as a part of a holistic and sustainable bioeconomy. A group of BC Foresters recently travelled to Finland on a study tour led by UBC Forestry to better understand the history, practices, motivations and objectives which have led to Finland’s world-class forest sector, supporting a proud and vibrant society. [Although] many aspects of Finland’s forest sector are different (extensive private land ownership, greater resolution of indigenous ownership, more homogenous ecosystems, gentle topography, extensive road and bioenergy infrastructure, etc.), there are still many ideas that are relevant in the BC context.

…Short-term wins can be achieved in BC simply by increasing thinning across a range of forests to enhance multiple values. This includes partial harvesting focused on fire risk reduction, improved Dry-belt Fir management, and accessing fibre in visually constrained landscapes. Implementing partial harvest strategies can help solve many of the key friction points in BC forestry right now – community safety/wildfire risk, fibre supply for mills, ecosystem health and biodiversity, and a focus on stand value over volume. We need policy solutions to encourage this type of investment. Indigenous reconciliation and climate change adaptation (i.e., fuel reduction) are primary forces driving the need for fundamental changes. We must create a more economically robust, socially acceptable and vibrant forest sector built on a solid foundation of healthy and resilient forest landscapes. Embracing some of the wisdom behind Finnish forestry is part of the solution.