“With higher energy prices, there is an opportunity to make better use of this fibre by converting it to bio energy and other products,” said Bell. “By better utilizing the resource, we can promote economic diversification, ensure healthy forests, and improve air quality – it’s a real win-win for rural communities and the environment.”

Burning very fine woody debris like twigs and stems does not generate as much particulates and it can help keep forests healthy. Burning the larger pieces leads to poor air quality.

“The B.C. forest sector is actively taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint,” said Ian de la Roche, FPInnovations President and CEO. “This program is a great opportunity for researchers to work with forest operations managers to create and showcase science-based innovations that will reduce wildland fire risk while protecting B.C.'s air quality.”

Submissions for funding under the grant will be open to researchers with relevant experience in alternatives to burning, burning techniques or smoke management. The program will be administered in three phases, with phase one covering funding for field trials and demonstration projects in collaboration with B.C. forest companies.

Organizations interested in demonstrating concepts or tools that can be applied to this program are invited to submit a letter of intent outlining proposed projects to FPInnovations by Aug. 29, 2008. For more information, log on to www.feric.ca/en

For details on the provincial government’s initiatives to improve and protect air quality, please visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/pac/airquality.htm and the BC Air Action Plan website, www.bcairsmart.ca.