The BC Forest Discovery Centre is reopening to the public beginning Friday. The 100-acre site located just outside of Duncan has set out a plan and a schedule for a phased reopening, with the first phase to start Friday, June 12 and run until Monday, June 15. Like many other businesses and attractions, the FDC was closed in March due to COVID-19. …While all amenities will be available for visitors by the end of June, special summer events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. “The safety of our staff, volunteers and guests is of paramount importance to us, and we will be implementing safety protocols to help keep everyone healthy,” a press release from the FDC said. “We suggest you visit our website before planning your trip to the Centre for a full explanation of our safety plans.

The devastating effects of B.C. wildfires have shaken the rural communities over the past few years. Cheslatta Carrier Nation, which is located on the southside of Burns Lake, brainstormed over ideas to combat these wildfires and come up with an initial emergency response — the result of which is eight wildfire equipment trailers and one industrial trailer. “In case there is an accidental spark, or a power line falls, and a fire starts, or even during the wildfire season, then we want the community to have some initial response available with them, before the fire services or forest service arrive on the scene,” said Mike Robertson, Senior Policy Advisor for Cheslatta Carrier Nation. …The trailers were made possible by a donation from Rio Tinto, who operate the Nechako Reservoir, in a Cheslatta territory.

The Dungate Community Forest is taking its plan to enlarge its annual allowable cut to Houston and area residents in hopes of gathering support as it continues to press the provincial government for approval. With the District of Houston as the majority owner of the community forest, its expansion plan fits with the District’s long-standing vision to secure a wood supply stabilizing employment and providing revenues for community projects. That vision was accelerated in 2014 when the West Fraser-owned Houston Forest Products sawmill closed, resulting in both job loss and property tax loss to the District. That closure was part of a business deal with Canfor which saw it close a mill in Quesnel with Canfor then acquiring West Fraser’s timber rights in the Houston area and West Fraser acquiring Canfor’s timber rights in the Quesnel area.

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — Students interested in working in the woods can get their start this fall through two new programs at North Island College (NIC). The Coastal Forest Worker certificate and the Coastal Forest Technology diploma will launch at NIC’s Campbell River campus in October. The new four-month Coastal Forest Worker certificate provides entry-level training and job-ready skills for those interested in getting into the industry. Developed in collaboration with the BC Forest Safety Council, NIC’s certificate includes the BCFSC entry-level skill program competencies and adds basic forest engineering, timber cruising and technology skills. The two-year Coastal Forest Technology diploma allows students to expand their knowledge, skills and training to keep pace with the latest practices and technologies in the BC Forest Sector and prepares students for professional accreditation as a Registered Forest Technician.