Following a delegation to Revelstoke Council on March 12, Wildsight Revelstoke’s concerns were returned to council at the April 9 meeting. Chief among the concerns presented were that the forest industry is changing rapidly and dramatically as are societal expectations, resulting in the need to adapt to a new future. “The old paradigm of logging superseding other values is no longer acceptable and there are economic alternatives to protect these forests,” noted the report. “We are asking Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation that no cutting permit or road permit moves forward on Goldstream CP 310 Block L before a field trip happens in the spring or summer.” Wildsight also asked council to explore alternative economic models and ways to manage the Tree Farm Licence for the long-term benefit of the ecosystem and the community. …Mayor Gary Sulz noted that deriving carbon credits from the community forest will not be possible until the province changes current legislation…

Simon Yu

A common enhancement of BC’s battered forestry sector is needed according to Prince George Mayor Simon Yu. Yu took part in the Council of Forest Industries Conference in Vancouver – as part of a panel that included District of Vanderhoof Councillor Brian Frenkel. He added various curtailments and shutdowns including Canfor shutting down its pulp line at the PG Pulp and Paper Mill was a massive blow. “Prince George is very much the centre of the forestry industry around northern BC. The shutdown of the pulp mill is very devastating to our local tax base – it represents over one percent of our tax base.” Yu says in order for the industry to survive, more young people need to be brought on.

Tzeporah Berman

A Mir Lecture Series event on May 1 will feature renowned environmental activist Tzeporah Berman who will reflect on 30 years of advocacy for old-growth forests and climate justice—and the surprising lessons she has learned about finding common ground with logging executives and with the oil industry. From behind the bullhorn at one of Canada’s largest acts of civil disobedience to working diligently behind the scenes with the leaders of the nation’s fossil fuel industry, environmental activist Tzeporah Berman has spent three decades as a crusader for urgent change. In 1993, Berman was one of the main voices of what became known as British Columbia’s “War in the Woods.” A protest to stop clearcut logging in ancient Vancouver Island temperate rainforests, the Clayoquot Sound camp that Berman helped establish saw more than 10,000 people show up during a tumultuous summer that ultimately helped change how government directs the forest industry.

The B.C. government says 10 billion trees have been planted in the province since reforestation programs began way back in 1930, in Surrey. …In honour of the milestone, forest minister Bruce Ralston planted a ceremonial tree at Green Timbers Urban Forest Park, considered the “birthplace of reforestation” in the province. …In Surrey’s Green Timbers area, B.C.’s reforestation efforts began 94 years ago in Surrey with the “inaugural plantation” there. Back in 1928, local residents protested the proposed logging of the area, but concerns were ignored and the entire 2,000-acre forest was chopped down. Chastised, the provincial government of the time looked to make amends by setting aside 640 acres along the highway (now Fraser Highway) to be replanted as B.C.’s first reforestation project. And so, in 1930, the death of the last old-growth trees in the area led to an awakening of sorts, with a new forest given life in the heart of the municipality.

B.C. is celebrating the 10-billionth tree planted since reforestation programs began in 1930, with two billion of those trees planted in the past seven years. …Last year, 305 million seedlings were planted in B.C. forests. One of these seedlings was the 10-billionth planted since work began almost a century ago. In honour of this milestone, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests planted a ceremonial tree in Surrey’s Green Timbers Urban Forest Park. The park, dubbed the “birthplace of reforestation,” is home to the Province’s first reforestation efforts in 1930. …“The planting of 10 billion trees in our province is one of B.C.’s most important mega projects,” said John Betts, executive director, Western Forestry Contractors’ Association. “Besides the hard work involved, it’s an act of optimism where the full benefits won’t be realized until well into the future. It’s a fine legacy for all the thousands of nursery workers, planters and foresters involved over the years.”

Ellen Whitman

Edmonton forest research scientist Ellen Whitman is among nine individuals being awarded the Trebek Initiative 2024 research award to develop her project on post-fire regeneration in relation to post-fire climate. …In her proposal, Whitman said generally with climate change and warming temperatures, they would expect trees to have more space available to move up in elevation or beyond the tree line. In the southern margin of the forest, where it’s very warm and dry, they’re starting to see that trees are no longer occupying those spaces. …Whitman said… in theory they may be able to expand to new habitats that are high elevation and latitude. …She said a variety of factors can play into this including snow pack, light availability or types of soils. 

In related news: The Trebek Initiative accounts nine recipients of grants to fund research and storytelling projects that help preserve the natural and cultural wonders of Canada.