A group of forest-based organizations have come together to advocate for the future of forestry in the province. ForestryWorksforBC is a new, grassroots initiative, representing more than 1,000 businesses across BC’s forestry sector. The campaign is rallying to raise awareness about forestry’s critical role in the well-being of rural and urban communities. “We in the industry have done a very poor job in telling our story – all the positive things that we do, all the contributions that the industry makes,” said Ken Kalesnikoff, who appeared before the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s board of directors during its regular meeting on August 15. Kalesnikoff is President and CEO of Kalesnikoff Lumber near Castlegar. He petitioned directors to raise their voices for the future of forestry by sending a letter to the Minister of Forests, and requesting a meeting at the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) annual convention next month.