The next Kaslo and District Community Forest Society meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb.20. Society chair Chris Webster said the society has been refocusing on fire mitigation efforts, community protection and the significant costs associated with fighting fires. Webster also touched on the broader implications of climate change and the need for pragmatic measures to protect tree health. “Cedar has been a big part of our forest, and we’ve got a ton of hemlock, and nobody wants hemlock,” said Webster, adding that other species have been affected and deemed undesirable in part due to diseases. “(Hemlock is) having a real hard time, especially with the heat and the drought.” Webster also reflected on the changes to community engagement and the financial facets that have impacted the society’s operations.