The US Forest Service announced 14 new projects in support of wildfire mitigation and forest resilience. In Company news: BC unions seek court order related to cyberattack on Paper Excellence’s payroll system; PRT acquires Alberta’s Woodmere Nursery; Sappi’s Somerset, Maine investments sustain operations; Boise Cascade reports positive Q4; and Adams Lumber pleads guilty to tax fraud in Virginia.
In Forestry/Climate news: Canada mum on rejoining environmental timber trade regulation group; BC cities seek to divert building demotion waste; and the EU Emissions Plan is causing carbon prices to surge.
Finally, SFI community grants and BC First Nations Forestry Council scholarships are open for applications, and MNP supports Alberta’s Business of Distinction Awards.
Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor
At MNP, we understand the essential role businesses play in driving the future of the communities we call home. That’s why we’re excited to support the 2023 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction and proud to sponsor three award categories. MNP is sponsoring three awards and we’re looking for your help to find a winner.
LYNCHBURG, Virginia – A Brookneal, Virginia lumber mill owner who failed to pay employee taxes to the Internal Revenue Service pleaded guilty last week to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over taxes. James Edward Adams, took over the day-to-day operation of his family’s lumber mill, Adams Lumber Company, in 2011. …Even though Adams withheld employment and trust fund taxes from his employees, he failed to pay over the vast majority of these monies to the IRS for tax years 2014 through 2021, resulting in an outstanding balance of $598,800. At sentencing, Adams faces up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
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The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), together with the Office of the Chief Forester, the BC Ministry of Forests, and many project partners across the province of British Columbia, has released an accomplishments update highlighting the innovative nature-based forestry solutions taking real action on climate change. …The accomplishments update titled “Rising to the Climate Change Challenge,” shares details about the collaboration of provincial, national, and international partners to harness the power of forestry as a part of the global solution. …Since inception, FESBC has approved $261 million in funding for 305 projects through all eight regions of the province. …Throughout the province, 4.8 million cubic metres of wood has been put to efficient use in secondary forest products facilities instead of burning that wood in a cutblock. 
In this issue of the Woodlot Communicator: Welcome Gord Chipman – New FBCWA General Manager Woodlotters and the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations are pleased to welcome Gord Chipman as their new General Manager. He takes over the reins from Brian McNaughton, who has tirelessly served for 22 years, ensuring the woodlot program was in good hands. Brian will still be sharing his knowledge through his company, Lone Tree Consulting, and will also be enjoying more time with his grandchildren! …The Association of BC Forest Professionals honours Al Waters – Retired RPF and Woodlotter Since 1970. Al has made a significant impact on the woodlot program, first as a Senior Woodlot Licence Forester in the Tenures Branch (1997-2003), and later as a manager of two woodlot licences near Quesnel.
Snuneymuxw Territory (Nanaimo, B.C.) – The Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program (IFSP) is an existing program that the Forestry Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests has developed. The program is designed to grow and connect Indigenous talent to BC Forest Sector Workforce opportunities. It is a work and study mentorship program that provides the opportunity for Indigenous students to access funding and enter into forestry-related training or educational programs plus a mentored summer work experience in their field. The program provides Indigenous students with: Tuition and living expenses scholarship; Paid summer work-term experience and one-on-one mentorship with a program partner; and Support from your local Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISETP) centre. Our work includes helping Indigenous students find appropriate pathways to work placements they are interested in, and providing continuous support to keep them on track towards their professional development and success.
