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 Welcome to the December edition of my e-Newsletter.
Over the past year B.C.'s forest industry has faced some very challenging times, possibly the most challenging in its history.
Yet, what I find most striking is the incredible resilience of our forest sector and its workers. With new multi-million dollar facilities opening, increasing exports to Asia, and new innovations, the industry's dedication and drive continue to shine even through these difficult times.
Following numerous meetings with industry leaders, local government officials and First Nations around the province, the Working Roundtable on Forestry is expected to begin reporting out early in the new year. I look forward to receiving the roundtable's ideas and recommendations to ensure future generations continue to benefit from a strong and sustainable forest industry.
I would like to wish you and your family a safe and wonderful Christmas, and all the best in the year ahead.
Until next month,
Minister Pat Bell
Ministry of Forests and Range
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BUILDING WITH WOOD
Given its strength, versatility, and climate-
friendly attributes, British Columbia
is promoting greater use of wood in
commercial and institutional construction.
RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL NOW OPEN – The $178-million facility has expanded boundaries of wood construction by showcasing a 100m by 200m roof, the largest surface ever covered by pine beetle wood.
TRU’s LIBRARY TO SHOWCASE BEETLE WOOD Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops has officially begun construction on their new $32-million library, an architectural statement fusing glass and blue stained mountain pine beetle wood in its design.
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OTHER MINISTRY NEWS
MCBRIDE RECEIVES $113,520 TO IMPROVE RECREATION - The funding will employ 14 forest workers to improve hiking and snowmobiling trails at numerous locations around McBride, including Bell Mountain and Camp Creek.
DOG CREEK RECEIVES $120,500 TO RESTORE GRASSLANDS – The Canoe Creek Band has received funding to provide employment for 15 forest workers in the 100 Mile House area.
LIKELY RECEIVES $151,500 FROM COMMUNITY TRUST - The funding will employ 5 forest workers and allow Likely to improve trail access and new recreation facilities on Yanks Peak, Browntop Mountain and other local areas.
COMMUNITY TRUST IMPROVING RECREATION IN GRAND FORKS - Funding of $330,000 will employ 23 forest workers, improve trails, and contribute to the management of beetle-affected stands in the area.
$98,000 REJUVENATES PARK IN POWELL RIVER Four forest workers will be employed to improve facilities, trails and wheelchair accessibility at Inland Lake Park.
$127,000 FROM COMMUNITY TRUST TO ASSIST KIMBERLEY - The funding will improve recreation and outdoor tourism attractions while employing up to nine forest workers.
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WEB RESOURCES
The ministry's website provides a wide range
of services and a wealth of information regarding B.C.'s forest sector.
The Gypsy Moth Information email service contains updates on plans, schedules and other information concerning the Gypsy Moth Eradication Program in B.C.
The Forest and Range Evaluation Program (FREP) is a multi-agency program to evaluate whether practices under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) are meeting current objectives. For more information on monitoring, protocols, and project management, visit FREP's website.
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For information on ministry announcements and events, visit the Ministry of Forests and Range Media Room.
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GROWING TREES
By becoming a world leader
in growing trees, British
Columbia aims to maximize
the growth potential of its
forest resource.
PROVINCE HONOURS B.C.'S OLDEST LIVING FORESTER Former Chief Forester Lorne Swanell, at 100 years old, was honoured with the creation of a $1,500 bursary in his name to the University of Northern British Columbia’s Ecological Science and Management program. Photos
MINISTER APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO FOREST PRACTICES BOARD – Minister Pat Bell announced the appointments of Andrea Lyall of Squamish, Michael Nash of Prince George and David Patterson of North Vancouver, each for a term of two years.
NEW WOODLOT LICENCE AVAILABLE NEAR ZEBALLOS The new woodlot will include 754 hectares of Crown land on Union Island, near Chamiss Bay, with a proposed allowable annual cut of 2,690 cubic metres.
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INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
British Columbia is working
to expand its overseas
exports, particularly into
the rapidly growing
China market.
WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE - Wood framing is underway and wall panels have been pre-framed for erection at the Xiang'E School Reconstruction Site in Dujiangyan, China. Photos
$11.5 MILLION TO EXPAND MARKETS FOR B.C. WOOD PRODUCTS – Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. has released its annual call for proposals to boost demand for B.C. wood products in Asia-Pacific and other key markets.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
FIRST NATIONS' JOINT VENTURE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NAMED - The Province recognized Nicola Pacific Forest Products, a 15-year partnership between the Upper Nicola Band and Ardew Wood Products, with one of eight BC Aboriginal Business Awards.
DOMTAR WINS AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY - Domtar's Kamloops pulp mill was named at the 2008 B.C. Export Awards as one of the province's top 10 exporters in recognition of their integration of sustainability measures with their internal management practices.
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FORESTRY FACTS
- B.C. is world-renowned for its sustainable forest management practices.
- B.C. has 40 different species of native trees.
- In B.C. there are approx. 150 Forestry Agreements with First Nations.
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