Mission Municipal Forest reached a major milestone on April 7 at the city’s annual “Cutblock Party”. The forest’s 5 millionth seedling was one of the 140 trees planted at the event. The forestry department plants 80,000 seedlings each year to regenerate harvested areas. Forestry director Chris Gruenwald says there was a focus on planting in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s because so much of the area was heavily logged not replanted. Since 1958, Mission has managed Tree Farm Licence 26, which spans 26,900 acres. …The event also featured axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, and guided walks. Attendees also had an opportunity to learn about the forestry department. “We had a lot of young people interested in the Municipal Forest – we had a great discussion with them. We talked about some issues and they were asking some very good questions,” Gruenwald said.