More than $2.3 million in funding is coming to Vancouver Island to help First Nations and forestry businesses. Federal natural resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson announced the funding this week, saying it shows a commitment to defending and strengthening BC’s forestry sector. In total the federal government is funding 67 projects with $20 million across BC.

• Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw Strategic Forestry Development Project – Port Hardy: $100,000
• Nuchatlaht Hahouthle Forestry Plan – Zeballos, BC: $50,000
• Large Cultural Cedar Xwax’wana (Canoe) Carving and Forest Stewardship Revitalization project – Campbell River: $300,000
• Homalco Jeh Jeh Tenures Management Leadership and Development Project – Campbell River: $382,100
• The Use of Drones in Forestry – Port Alberni, BC: $413,960
• Toquaht Forest Products Eco-Industrial Park – Phase I: Facilities Update and Integration – Ucluelet: $410,000
• Cowichan Tribes Waste Fibre Recovery Business Planning – Duncan: $25,000
• Freegro Tree Shelters – KDC – Dunan: $250,000
• KFT Expansion and Launch of New Drought Mitigation Product Line – Duncan: $347,570