The sustainability of Alberta’s forest industries will be strengthened through a new $4.125-million research chair being established at the University of Alberta. The Endowed Chair in Forest Growth & Yield, being established in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES), will focus on research that improves understanding of the growth of Alberta’s forests. …The endowment supporting the chair is funded by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta and Alberta Pacific Forest Industries, Canadian Forest Products Ltd., Mercer International Ltd., Millar Western Forest Products, Norbord Inc., Northlands Forest Products, Vanderwell Contractors Ltd., West Fraser Mills Ltd. and Weyerhaeuser Company. …the chair—expected to be named in the spring of 2021—will develop research programs to improve growth and yield of Alberta’s forests …[and will also] play a critical role in educating the next generation of forestry professionals. The chair will also play a critical role in educating the next generation of forestry professionals.

The provincial government is seeking public comment as it prepares to set the annual allowable cut in the Okanagan Timber Supply area. The AAC is set once at least every ten years, with the current figure — 3.1 million cubic metres per year — put in place in February 2012. It dictates how much logging can occur in a given region annually. Forests in the Okanagan have seen significant change over the past decade, the largest being the end of salvage logging of mountain-pine-beetle-killed trees. The “base case” for the new annual allowable cut would see 2.65 million cubic metres per year, which reflects average levels prior to the outbreak of the mountain pine beetle. B.C.’s chief forester could, however, adjust the cut above or below that in either direction.

North Okanagan residents are calling for the protection of the Mount Rose Swanson area from logging that’s scheduled to take place before the end of 2021. …Armstrong’s Mount Rose Swanson is earmarked for a total of 28.3 hectares of logging next winter season, according to the Ministry of Forests. “Rose Swanson has not contributed to the annual allowable cut in many years. Timber harvesting must be spread out between all operating areas in the Okanagan TSA to ensure that all areas of designated public land contribute to the AAC,” said Tyler Hooper, Ministry of Forests spokesperson. The Rose Swanson area was designated as a sensitive area by the Vernon Forest District in 1997.. The objectives … included maintaining and enhancing the trail network for recreational use and protecting the visual quality of the area. …A Facebook page and dedicated website have also been created as part of the community-driven push to protect the forest.

Western Forest Products has enlightened qathet Regional District (qRD) and City of Powell River about old forests in the region. Representatives from the company spoke as delegations to both local governments at their respective committee of the whole meetings in January. At the January 14 qRD committee of the whole meeting, Western Forest Products (WFP) director of forest inventory and stewardship Stuart Glen told the committee that anytime there is discussion about forestry, it’s always good to understand the broader context. In his presentation, he said he was providing ministry of forests data representing the total BC coastal area. He said the timber harvesting land base is 25 per cent of the forest. The protected and non-harvestable portion is 75 per cent, according to Glen. He said the forest industry is supported by the 25 per cent. Glen said on the BC coast there is 4.6 million hectares of old growth, classified as greater than 250 years.

The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) purchased 11.1 hectares of Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem in the Millstream Creek Watershed in the Highlands. The TLC raised more than $600,000 to acquire the land through donations, including an anonymous donor who contributed more than $380,000. Other funding was provided by the Government of Canada through its Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and a $68,000 endowment fund with the Victoria Foundation for ongoing stewardship at the site. One of the smallest and most at-risk zones in B.C., the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone is home to species at risk, including the Northern red-legged frog. According to a TLC media release, the Millstream Creek watershed provides connectivity for wildlife and the local watershed.

See original Land Conservancy press release here. 

Nathan Fillion

A non-profit organization is offering Albertans and others across the world who are pining for adventure a chance to get lost in the province’s forests while in the comfort of their own homes. The Alberta Forest Products Association launched a virtual 360-degree tour where audiences can experience the lifecycle of a forest. The videos are narrated by Edmonton-born actor Nathan Fillion, a . Viewers are able to look around while Fillion provides interesting information about the plants and wildlife in the area. AFPA spokesman Jason Krips said the organization, which represents companies from the forestry sector, wanted to utilize more online tools to promote the province’s forests following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. …Those wishing to take the virtual tour can do so by visiting vr.loveabforests.com.