|
|
|
Welcome to the October edition of my e-Newsletter.
Since my last update, I have continued to meet with ministry staff, industry and stakeholders to discuss four key priorities that I have set for the ministry.
The first priority is to become a world leader in growing trees. The second is to increase the utilization of fibre once considered waste or debris. The third is to promote the use of wood in commercial and institutional construction and the fourth priority is to expand our exports to China.
My recent travels have added Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Prince George, Kamloops, Vanderhoof, Quesnel, Clearwater, Vernon and Richmond to the list of communities I have visited (some for the second time) since becoming the Minister of Forests and Range.
While it is a rigorous schedule, I am enjoying every minute of it. I plan to continue my travels around the province in the coming months, meeting with those involved in the forest industry and learning their thoughts on how we can work together to strengthen the sector.
Until next month,
Minister Pat Bell
Ministry of Forests and Range
|
| |
|
|
|
|
FOREST SAFETY
The ministry is committed to maintaining
high safety standards to protect both forest
workers and the public.
$120,000 INVESTED TO IMPROVE ROAD NEAR MACKENZIE - This project forms a vital link in the Interior since the road has one of the highest levels of usage in the province during normal forestry operations.
PROVINCE INVESTS $150,000 TO IMPROVE HILLCREST ROAD – The 5.5-kilometre gravel road provides access to the Chemainus River Park, a popular recreational destination for tourists and those living in the Duncan area.
PROVINCE INVESTS $390,000 TO IMPROVE HARRISON EAST ROAD - This project includes two bridges, sight-line improvements and standardized information signs, all of which will increase the safety of recreational and industrial users in the Harrison Hot Springs area.
$5-MILLION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO OVERPASS COMPLETED - The Bobtail Forest Service Road project, designed to improve traffic safety and support economic diversification near Bednesti Lake, was completed ahead of time and on budget.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
BUILDING WITH WOOD
Given its strength, versatility, and climate-
friendly attributes, British Columbia
is promoting greater use of wood in
commercial and institutional construction.
STRUCTURLAM'S SOUTH PLANT GRAND OPENING - Structurlam’s new state-of-the-art value-added ‘South Plant’ is the largest laminating facility in Canada, with a production capability of over 60,000 board feet per day. Photos
WOOD USE PROMOTED TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE - The new booklet, Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood, will inform global markets and consumers about B.C. forests and how they produce renewable, climate-friendly products that sequester carbon.
PROVINCE TO RAISE ROOF ON WOOD-FRAME CONSTRUCTION - The Province will increase the limit on wood-frame construction in the BC Building Code from four to six storeys in January 2009, which will open new opportunities for the use of wood in mid-rise, medium-density housing.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER MINISTRY NEWS
LOCAL BUSINESS, COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM TFL DECISION – Ensuring payments to local suppliers and contractors affected by Pope & Talbot’s bankruptcy, along with other community benefits, were key factors in a decision to approve the removal of private land from Tree Farm Licence 23.
PORT ALBERNI RECEIVES $520,000 FROM COMMUNITY TRUST – Community projects include stream improvements, fuel management work, and construction of a major new connector trail to enhance recreational and tourism opportunities in the Alberni Valley.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
WEB RESOURCES
The ministry's website provides a wide range of services and a wealth of information regarding B.C.'s forest sector.
For example, the Daily Official Notices e-mail service contains a summary of all types of notices that started during that week, that were posted by any office. Note: there are also Weekly and Monthly Official Notices e-mails as well.
The Forests for Tomorrow program focuses on improving future timber supply and addressing risks to other forest values through the re-establishment of young forests on land that would otherwise remain under-productive. For information on program management and recent projects, visit the program's website.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
GROWING TREES
By becoming a world leader
in growing trees, British
Columbia aims to maximize
the growth potential of its
forest resource.
PROVINCE INVESTS $12.5 MILLION IN FOREST RESEARCH - The Forest Investment Account Forest Science Program is funding 216 new and ongoing projects to improve timber growth practices, respond to the impacts of climate change, and maximize the benefits of B.C.’s forest resources.
PROVINCE CREATES MORE WOODLOT OPPORTUNITIES - Individuals, small business, and First Nations will be offered 60 to 75 new woodlots over the next three years, resulting in a total of about 900 woodlots operating in B.C. by 2011.
PROVINCE LAUNCHES TREES FOR TOMORROW – Community organizations, First Nations and local governments are invited to apply to the $13 million cost-sharing Trees for Tomorrow program which plans to plant 4 million trees over the next five years in public areas of cities, towns, villages and regional districts.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
IMPROVING UTILIZATION
British Columbia is working
to maximize the economic
opportunities from wood
fibre previously considered
waste or debris.
BC TIMBER SALES TESTS NEW LICENCE - BCTS is testing ways to improve utilization and minimize waste of timber through a new innovative timber sale licence. Bidders will offer lump sums for the licence areas, rather than bids based on per cubic metre.
|
| |
|
|
|
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
British Columbia is working
to expand its overseas
exports, particularly into
the rapidly growing
China market.
NEW EDUCATION KIT HIGHLIGHTS FORESTRY’S IMPORTANCE – Designed to help educate secondary school students about the economic importance and international reach of B.C.’s forest sector, the kits will be distributed to 400 schools across the province. For more information on forestry education click here.
MONGOLIA OPENS DOOR TO B.C. WOOD AND HOUSING DESIGN - B.C. wood products and building expertise are helping Mongolia alleviate an urban housing crisis. Two B.C.-designed demonstration homes officially opened in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, demonstrating how Canadian building standards can be applied to local needs. Photos
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
INDUSTRY NEWS
TOLKO CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING - Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell congratulates Tolko Industries Ltd. on the grand opening of their new downtown Vernon office. Over the last 36 months Tolko has invested over $67 million in its Okanagan operations. For more information on Tolko visit their website.
FAIRFAX BETS ON FORESTRY - Toronto investment management firm Fairfax Financial Holdings moved into the B.C. forest sector in a big way, more than doubling its stake in Vancouver lumber company Interfor from 9.5 per cent to 19.7 per cent. For more on this story see the Vancouver Sun's article, or view Fairfax's news release.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
FORESTRY FACTS
- By law, licensees are
required to reforest the
areas they harvest.
- B.C. planted its sixth
billionth tree in 2008.
- People cause half of all
forest fires, while
lightning starts the other
half.
|
| |
|