Kamloops, B.C.: The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is proud to announce over $8.5 million in funding for 178 fish and wildlife conservation and conservation stewardship projects across B.C. this year, with more than $1.5M allocated to projects in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Among this year’s projects in the Thompson Okanagan region is a two-year study of how wildfires of different ages affect the distribution of owls in the Okanagan Valley. “Owls help regulate prey populations and are culturally significant to local Indigenous communities. They are threatened by wildfire, which removes forest features needed for breeding and hunting,” says project leader Karen Hodges of the University of British Columbia Okanagan. MSc student Steffani Singh is surveying which owl species are present in post-fire forests and determining where owl nests are and what the owls are eating in these burned landscapes. The project will thus inform the management about what features of burned forests are essential for owls, leading to better habitat conservation. The project is being supported by the HCTF and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), with $66,401 in funding this year.
Steve Kozuki, executive director of FESBC said, “HCTF has some of the best expertise in wildlife biology and habitat management. That’s why FESBC is so pleased to collaborate with HCTF. Together we have improved wildlife habitat on numerous successful projects all around British Columbia. And we will continue to endeavour to assist wildlife to thrive and flourish for generations to come.”
For over 40 years, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) has provided funding for conservation projects throughout B.C. Projects are led by a range of partners including community groups and rod and gun clubs, environmental non-government organizations, First Nations and Indigenous-led organizations, and the British Columbia government. Since 1981, the HCTF has funded over 3,800 projects representing an investment of over $232 million for conservation in the province.
Dan Buffett, CEO of HCTF, said, “Over the last seven years, FESBC contributed over $4.5M to HCTF to fund wildlife projects in our forests. Our partnership enables project leaders such as UBC to assess the impact of wildfires on wildlife and develop guidance on how to better manage forests for wildlife. Projects such as Dr. Hodge’s work on owls, along with many other wildlife projects, will continue to fill our knowledge gaps to improve habitat for wildlife.”
Other HCTF-funded projects taking place in Thompson Okanagan include:
$22,730 to measure how changes in Douglas-fir forests affect mule deer habitat and how to better support the mule deer population in the Bald Mountain range west of Summerland (co-funded by FESBC).
$295,500 to rebuild the Mission Creek Spawning Channel intake, ensuring spawning migration access and higher survival rates for juvenile kokanee.
$62,750 to restore habitat on approximately 23 km of roads within the Caribou North and Groundhog caribou herds’ range.
$93,615 to install a resistivity counter in the Upper Shuswap River to monitor Bull trout migration and provide spawning and movement patterns.
$24,906 to build capacity for and understanding of environmental and wildlife initiatives in the Nlaka’pamux Homeland.
Each project funded by HCTF undergoes a multi-level, objective, and technical review process prior to the final Board review and decision. HCTF’s Board of Directors ensures that species important to B.C. anglers and hunters are supported but also places great importance on conserving whole ecosystems, species-at-risk, and investing in environmental education across the province.
The FESBC-HCTF partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to significant environmental and community benefits. As the two organizations look toward the future, the lessons learned from this partnership will continue to guide efforts in forest and wildlife habitat management.
To read more about these projects, visit www.hctf.ca.
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
How Prescribed Fire is Helping Enhance Stone’s Sheep Habitat in Northeastern B.C.
Project jointly supported by Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Forest Enhancement Society of BC
British Columbia – In the remote, rugged, Northeastern terrain of B.C., nearly half of the world’s Stone’s sheep habitat can be found. These sheep and the ecosystem surrounding them have been supported through careful forest management practices since the 1970s. One such practice, jointly funded in recent years by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), is prescribed burning.
Row 1 (l-r): Stone sheep returning to a site post-burn; View of the area during a burn and the view of the area six weeks after the burning seeing the return of the forage; Row 2 (l-r): Implementation of prescribed burn for Stone’s sheep habitat and a group of Stone’s sheep observed during an Annual Recruitment Survey. Photo credit: Ridgeline Wildlife Enhancement/A.Woods
In May 2022, approximately 160 hectares of Stone’s sheep winter habitat were treated with prescribed burning. This initiative targeted four specific slopes (hillsides), utilizing aerial ignition techniques (dropping fire from helicopters) to reduce woody vegetation, enhance forage quality, and improve predator detection capabilities for the sheep. This treatment was part of a broader objective to restore and maintain habitat not only for Stone’s sheep but, in future project years, also for bighorn sheep, which inhabit the southernmost extent of the region.
“Prescribed fire is a long-standing management practice to restore important foraging habitats for wild sheep and many other species such as moose, elk and mule deer. HCTF is proud to co-fund this work with FESBC so that our project leader can complete this critical work to benefit Stone’s sheep in the Peace Region,” remarks Dan Buffett, CEO of HCTF. “It’s a great project involving a wide variety of partners generating benefits well beyond wildlife to improve the broader forest ecosystem and create a better patchwork of grasslands and different aged forest stands over the landscape.” Viewed from above, the patches appear to be irregular in size, shape, and distribution. This is what natural landscapes often look like when fire is allowed.
In May 2024, before the summer season of wildfires experienced throughout the province, Ridgeline Wildlife Enhancement Inc., on behalf of the Wild Sheep Society of BC, worked on the project to undertake two prescribed burns. They successfully enhanced over 600 hectares or 1,400 acres of Stone’s sheep habitat using prescribed burning treatments. The resulting post-burn habitat will improve forage (food for sheep) quality and reduce dense shrub cover (so the sheep can see predators from a distance).
“The funds provided by HCTF and FESBC result in a direct, on-the-ground, immediate benefit to Stone’s sheep and their habitat,” explained Alicia Woods, a wildlife biologist with Ridgeline Wildlife Enhancement. “Within 10 days post-burn, new vegetation was visible on-site, and by eight weeks post-burn, the site was beginning to revegetate with new forage. We often see sheep move into a burned area within a few weeks to graze on the new growth. Funding for prescribed burning projects also contributes to landscape-level ecosystem restoration, reducing fuel loads, and includes benefits to other species that rely on sub-alpine grasslands.”
While the primary objective focused on strategically removing of brush and old vegetation to promote the growth of new, nutrient-rich vegetation, Woods emphasized the prescribed burns’ dual benefits, both for habitat management and as a proactive measure against uncontrolled wildfires. “By reducing the fuel load through controlled burns, we not only helped improve habitat quality but also helped mitigate the risk of severe wildfires,” she said.
An interesting objective of this project is that Woods’ team also focuses on studying and researching the impact of prescribed burns on sheep health and their habitat.
“In addition to the on-the-ground habitat benefits, funding contributed by HCTF and FESBC support a research component of the project that includes an assessment of wildlife and vegetation response to prescribed burns. In partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, PhD students will further investigate how the habitat treated with fire may affect Stone’s sheep health. In a region that supports 50 per cent of the global population of Stone’s sheep, the enhancement of sheep habitat through this prescribed burn program has substantial benefits to this iconic species,” said Woods.
A novel aspect of the project focuses on the indirect assessment of sheep health by analyzing pellet samples for stress hormones and nutritional status indicators. This method offers a non-invasive way to gauge the potential health benefits of the burns to the sheep.
“As professional foresters making forest management decisions, we are often asked to manage multiple resources and values. The partnership between HCTF and FESBC provides funds to help research, investigate and find solutions in an ever-changing forest landscape on forest stewardship, specifically focused on wildlife and associated ecosystems and habitats,” said Tyler Field, Registered Forest Professional, operations manager with FESBC. “This year, for example, we are jointly funding several long-term projects that look at the effects of wildfire on certain wildlife species, which could help forest professionals make decisions in the future on using fire as a forest management tool in cultural and prescribed burns.”
While in the past couple of years, the project leaders have seen success, they have faced several challenges to get to this point:
The logistics of such an extensive project, especially for reaching remote areas, are extremely difficult. For example, one helicopter trip to the more remote study areas costs roughly $6,000, and the project team needs to visit the sites for monitoring at least four times a year. That is why, apart from the HCTF and FESBC support, the project has additional support from the Wild Sheep Society of BC, Wild Sheep Foundation, North Peace Rod & Gun Club, and the University of Northern BC.
Obtaining necessary government permits is a lengthy and complex process Woods shared, often taking years to navigate through bureaucratic layers. The project has submitted 25 burn permit applications and notably secured 14 burn permits, of which they have already treated six areas.
Even after burn permits are secured, it isn’t as straightforward as implementing the burns. “Spring prescribed burns occur in a narrow window that happens sometime between when the slopes become snow-free and before the site greens up. Sometimes, this window can be as narrow as one week,” explained Woods. The narrow window for suitable burning conditions requires precise timing and flexibility, and the unpredictable weather patterns of recent years and increasing dry periods due to climate change have complicated scheduling and increased the risk of unintended fire escapes from the target burn area.
For Woods, it is important for the public to be aware of the differences between wildfires and prescribed burns and learn why these burns are essential for maintaining ecological balance. “Prescribed burns are done in a very controlled fashion. There are very specific targets with very specific objectives. How we do it, and the conditions we do it under, are also carefully chosen,” said Woods. “The devastation of wildfires we see on the news is not how a prescribed burn site looks; after a prescribed burn the site flourishes with new vegetation.”
Woods also wants people to understand that controlled burns have always been an integral part of Indigenous practices and culture.
“The support and involvement of local First Nations, such as Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, and communities in the Kaska and Kwadacha traditional areas is not just beneficial but essential. They bring a perspective that enriches our understanding and approach,” said Woods, adding, “What they tell us about burning is also what we see, which is exciting because it confirms what I see on the ground. We conduct the burns similarly to how the First Nations used to do it – during the spring when the frost is still in the ground, so the burn doesn’t harm the soils – as a tool of controlled burning for the benefit of enhancing wildlife habitat and improving the ecological balance in the area.”
The project has become a leading example of how integrating Indigenous ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific practices can lead to more effective and sustainable forest management. Next, the project plans to expand the treated areas, aiming to cover between 500 to 1,000 hectares annually across multiple study areas.
“Our goal is to establish a cycle of burns that continuously rejuvenates the habitat,” she explained. “Ideally, we’re looking to manage these lands in a way that maintains ecosystem diversity across the landscape, which will, in turn, support the wildlife the northeast is renowned for.”
Through the dedicated efforts of Woods and her team, the prescribed burning projects in Northeastern B.C. demonstrate that thoughtful, well-managed fire regimes can profoundly benefit wildlife and ecosystems.
To read more about these projects, visit www.hctf.ca.
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. This month, we feature Jennifer Erlendson, Operations Superintendent at Interfor.
Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, majoring in Natural Resources Management from the University of British Columbia in 2000 and has been a Registered Professional Forester with the Forest Professionals of BC since 2002.
“When I was graduating from high school, I wanted to find a program that was science-based and allowed me to figure out potential employment opportunities after completing four years of university. I also enjoy being outdoors, so a career in forestry seemed like a good fit,” she recalled. “I could also work towards and earn a professional designation.”
For the last seven and a half years, she has been working at Interfor, starting at Adams Lake as a Harvesting Supervisor and then moving over to the Kootenay Woodlands to work in Nakusp as an Operations Superintendent. Currently, she is based out of the Grand Forks site with a new role as of last summer, working with the BC Interior woodlands team and focusing on environmental practices, certification standards, timber pricing and tenure requirements.
“I have a diverse array of topics that may fall on my desk on any given day, so I enjoy that about my job—it can range from forecasting stumpage rates (a fee that the company pays to the government for harvesting timber from Crown land) to reviewing company performance on annual allowable cut control levels to lobbying government on a proposed wildlife habitat area,” she explained.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has valued the positive teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving in forest management in order to find workable solutions that meet multiple objectives and interests on the land base.
While working for a major licensee, Jennifer has had opportunities to collaborate with FESBC and various organizations for better fibre utilization (maximizing the use of the full tree and reducing wood waste in the forest) and wildfire risk reduction. For example, she was involved with FESBC’s project to transport low-quality logs and residual fibre from the north end of Adams Lake all the way to the Domtar facility in Kamloops.
Jennifer has also seen the project completed around the community of Nakusp to reduce wildfire risk through fuel reduction treatments and thinning stands. She started volunteering with the Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR) Board of Directors in early 2023 and appreciates the opportunity to see forest management from a community governance perspective.
For Jennifer, forests are valuable in many diverse forms, ranging from parks to explore to timber for building homes and furniture. Managing forests sustainably is critical, so future generations can also enjoy these benefits. She expressed the importance of understanding the temporal aspect, as stands are dynamic and progress through stages over time, which include natural disturbances such as wildfires.
In addition, Jennifer is a Search and Rescue volunteer, where she is able to combine her interest in the outdoors, and the value of helping ensure everybody returns home safe.
Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication to community safety and passion for managing British Columbia’s forests for generations to come.
Kamloops, B.C. – On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) organized a tour of their funded forest enhancement projects in the Thompson Nicola region. The event, which offered a glimpse into the impactful work being done to improve forest health and resilience, was attended by FESBC’s Board of Directors, members from the forestry industry, project proponents, and local community leaders.
Highlights from the Tour
The tour provided a full-circle experience, showcasing the journey from wildfire devastation to forest recovery and utilization of “waste” wood or residual fibre:
Wildfire Risk Reduction in Merritt Participants visited a completed wildfire risk reduction treatment and learned about the ongoing efforts from Don Gossoo, RFT, General Manager of the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation.
Logan Lake Wildfire Treatment The group examined a site where work was underway to reduce wildfire threats, implemented by the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Development Corporation, and discussed its effectiveness with Adam Sullivan, RPF, Planning Forester and Fuel Management Specialist, Forsite and Ernie McIvor, Crew Boss, LNIB.
The group then visited an area in the Logan Lake Community Forest that had been heavily affected by the 2021 Tremont Creek Wildfire. This area used to be a dry fir forest that had experienced 200 years without any fires due to fire suppression efforts. Lindsay Hill, a Wildfire Management Specialist from Forsite, talked about the efforts to salvage and recover the area after the wildfire.
Wood Waste Utilization Attendees next learned about the processes and challenges involved in transporting and processing wood fibre waste, as well as various uses of wood waste, including biomass generation, creation of cardboard boxes, paper products, etc., from experts Greg Kilba of Arrow Transportation and Kevin Gayfer of River City Fibre/Arrow Transportation.
Watch the Video of the FESBC Forestry Tour
The tour highlighted the collaborative efforts between FESBC and its many local project partners, emphasizing the significant progress and positive outcomes achieved through these initiatives. It helped illustrate the journey from the aftermath of wildfires to the proactive steps taken on the ground and, finally, to the innovative use of forest by-products.
We invite you to explore the photos and videos from the tour, highlighting some ‘before’ and ‘after’ scenes of work done and the people working hard on these forest enhancement projects in the Thompson Nicola region.
Victoria, B.C. – The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. (FESBC) are celebrating a remarkable partnership that has helped enhance wildlife habitat throughout British Columbia. Since 2017, the collaborative partnership has supported 117 wildlife habitat enhancement projects, and as the partnership enters its final years of co-funding projects, the impact of the combined efforts will continue to resonate for years to come.
“British Columbia is the most biodiverse province in Canada. Healthy ecosystems and biodiversity are not only essential for our health, but also protect the environment, support our economy, and create strong communities,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Thanks to the excellent work done by the Forest Enhancement Society and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation enhancement and restoration of our valuable provincial habitats is a promise we can deliver to our children and future generations.”
In 2016, FESBC was established with one of its key purposes to help improve wildlife habitat within B.C.’s forests. Recognizing the nearly four decades of expertise and proven track record of HCTF in terrestrial ecosystem and biology management, it became clear that a collaborative partnership was the way to help achieve this purpose. HCTF has exceptional expertise and funding administration capabilities, plus established systems for project solicitation, evaluation, and adjudication.
Photos L to R: Moose cow and calf during calf-at-heel surveys; Photo credit: M.Anderson; Releasing a Vancouver Island marmot, Photo credit: Marmot Recovery Foundation; Group-tree selection of Douglas-fir forest, Photo credit: Applied Mammal Research.
FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki said “HCTF has done an outstanding job of connecting with local habitat experts around the province to do the work that needs to be done in order to provide the biggest benefits for wildlife. As pressures on wildlife continue to increase, this work is more important than ever.”
Projects funded through this partnership have not only focused on forest health and evaluating the habitat and wildlife response to fire but also on creating better conditions for wildlife. For example, a multi-year prescribed burn program to restore and enhance Stone’s Sheep habitat by increasing the quantity and quality of forage and reducing the tree density of the forest to allow easier traverse between forage areas. These improvements have also led to increased forest recreation opportunities for people and healthier, more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand diseases, insects, and climate change.
“For over seven years, the HCTF and FESBC partnership has funded forestry-focused conservation work in B.C. and is a testament to the power of collaboration with our grant recipients who lead a diversity of projects supporting multiple values,” said Dan Buffett, CEO of HCTF. “The projects funded through this initiative over the last several years have yielded incredible outcomes, not only for forest ecosystems but a wide range of wildlife and many B.C. communities.”
This year nine projects are receiving funds through the FESBC and HCTF partnership, including:
$71,036 for the protection of bat colonies in the Lower Mainland from white-nose syndrome.
$48,795 for protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat on Salt Spring Island.
$66,401 to evaluate how wildfires affect owls in the Thompson-Okanagan region.
$149,775 to enhance and restore wild sheep habitat in the Peace region through prescribed fire.
$81,170 to identify the effects of landscape change on moose health and forestry management in central B.C. through field surveys and lab analysis.
$30,480 for stewardship and restoration work of riparian black cottonwood forests of the Kettle River Watershed in the Boundary region, a rare ecosystem with several species at risk.
The FESBC-HCTF partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to significant environmental and community benefits. As the two organizations look toward the future, the lessons learned from this partnership will continue to guide efforts in forest and wildlife habitat management.
To read more about these projects, visit www.hctf.ca.
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
Kamloops, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jason Fisher will be the incoming FESBC executive director to replace Steve Kozuki, the current executive director who is retiring.
“We are so thankful to have had such remarkable candidates apply for this important leadership role,” shared Dave Peterson, board chair of FESBC. “After a comprehensive search, we are delighted to share that Jason Fisher has been selected as the successful candidate. I am thrilled that Jason will be joining our FESBC team; he will be taking on the role officially as of September 4, 2024.”
Photo: Jason Fisher
Fisher is no stranger to forestry or FESBC. Seven years ago, he worked within the Ministry of Forests and was a part of the team that helped develop FESBC’s structure.
“This opportunity is like a homecoming for me,” remarked Fisher, a Registered Professional Forester who was born, raised, and still resides in Prince George. “To be involved with FESBC at the beginning, to watch it create a foundation of respect, funding essential forest enhancement projects throughout the province, to now having the good fortune of being the incoming executive director, it is an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to starting this September.”
“FESBC has done great work and is a highly effective organization that is building momentum. One just needs to look at the number of projects the organization has funded and the outcomes of those projects to reduce open burning and utilize wood fibre, to help make communities safer from wildfire, and to protect our precious natural resources to see the value of FESBC. As a forester and a British Columbian, I am both thrilled and humbled to take on this role, which allows the provincial government, the FESBC team and, most importantly, program recipients, to invest in more resilient forests and a more beneficial and equitable vision of forest management, now and for generations to come,” Fisher said.
Kozuki is also delighted to have someone of Fisher’s calibre take on the role.
“I am so pleased to have Jason lead FESBC into the future,” noted Kozuki. “His deep experience within the forest industry, Indigenous business development, and senior public sector government roles will serve FESBC and the people of British Columbia very well going forward.”
The Board and staff at FESBC recognize the impact this wildfire season has already had on individuals and communities. Our thoughts are with those impacted, and we remain committed to funding projects that are working to reduce wildfire risk in B.C.
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. In this month’s Faces of Forestry, we are featuring a Face of FESBC to highlight one of the exceptional individuals on our Board of Directors who helps guide our organization toward impactful change.
This month, we feature Ken Day, FESBC’s Board Secretary and a Registered Professional Forester with 44 years of experience.
Throughout his career, Ken has made significant contributions to the forestry sector, spending most of his professional life working for the University of British Columbia as the Manager of the Alex Fraser Research Forest near Williams Lake.
Following his retirement in 2018, he transitioned into forestry consulting, where he continues to make a positive impact on forest management practices, mainly focused on the intersection of fire and silviculture in dry Douglas-fir forests.
Before coming onto the Board of Directors, Ken was involved in proposing and executing projects for clients with FESBC’s support.
“I think the work we are funding around fuel reduction and silviculture is critical to protecting communities and making our forests more resilient. I also really appreciate the role FESBC is playing by funding projects that are important to First Nations,” he shared.
With his extensive forestry background, Ken is pleased to be part of FESBC’s Board of Directors and work with the other members to set the organization’s strategic direction.
“As Board Secretary, I have some additional duties around governance and recruitment, but our excellent staff keep that workload very light,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ken is optimistic about the impact of new projects, particularly those focused on biomass utilization and community wildfire protection programs.
“I am also glad to see more thinning projects turning on as a result of our support to get fibre moving to consumers,” he added.
Ken stressed the significance of these initiatives in promoting sustainable forestry practices and acknowledged that forestry is much more than logging and sawmills.
“Forestry is foremost a science and a craft of growing trees and forests for all the ecological, cultural, and economic values they provide,” he said. “We are on the cusp of change right now, as First Nations bring their cultural and ecological knowledge to bear on the way we manage forests in British Columbia. FESBC is helping to speed up the process by supporting projects that are meaningful to First Nations.”
Beyond his work with FESBC, Ken is deeply involved in his community. He is passionate about mentoring young professionals and serves on the boards of the Williams Lake Community Forest and Scout Island Nature Centre. Additionally, he has been a dedicated member of the Canadian Ski Patrol for 23 years and a grandfather for 10 years.
Thank you, Ken, for your passion, expertise, and dedication to fuel reduction, fibre recovery and preserving habitat values. Your contributions to FESBC and local communities are deeply valuable and inspiring.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) recently added a new Operations Manager to its team. Meet Tyler Field, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with 25 years of experience in the forest sector.
Growing up in Vancouver, Tyler always enjoyed escaping from the ‘big city’ to immerse himself in the outdoors, often going camping and skiing.
“When I was applying for post-secondary education, I saw the forestry program offered at the University of British Columbia and thought that would be a good way to find a career working outside,” said Tyler. “I had no idea what forestry was about, as there was no connection in my family to the industry.”
After his first year of university, Tyler got a job in Gold River on Vancouver Island working with Pacific Forest Products and never looked back.
“I loved my first-year work experience. The opportunity to find meaningful work and live in small communities was a perfect fit for me as it enabled me to do all the things I loved to do,” he explained.
Since starting with Western Forest Products on Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii, Tyler has worked in several different roles, including Contract Manager, Quality Control Manager (for logs), Resident/Operations Forester (overseeing industrial forestry operations), Timber Cruiser (counting and measuring trees), and Layout Engineer (designing forest road systems and timber harvesting plans). Most recently, he was the Operations Manager at the Nootka Forest Operation in Gold River.
These different roles throughout his career have given Tyler the skills and expertise needed to move into the operations manager role with FESBC, with confidence.
As one of FESBC’s operations manager, some of Tyler’s responsibilities include working with proponents to ensure projects become successful, and networking with potential proponents, government ministries, First Nations, and industry leaders to promote FESBC.
Over the years, he has found the most rewarding part of his career to be the opportunity to work in a variety of forest landscapes across the province and do meaningful work that helps create jobs and utilize a renewable resource.
Tyler is excited to work alongside a highly motivated and efficient team, as well as be able to work with local people throughout British Columbia.
“I am looking forward to working on projects that will help enhance the forests, the environment, communities, and lives of all people in British Columbia” he added. “Working in the industry my whole career to date, shifting to a role where I am able to give back to projects that have profound social purposes, that will enhance forests, provide jobs where they are needed, and utilize wood fibre that would normally be left in the bush, is all truly exciting to me.”
Beyond his professional life, Tyler enjoys outdoor adventures with his family and friends. In the winter, he enjoys skiing at Mount Cain, and during the summer, he spends weekends sailing. He also enjoys playing tennis, golf, and squash, and loves fishing and hunting whenever the opportunities arise. He considers himself to be a long-time Canucks and Blue Jays fan.
FESBC’s Executive Director Steve Kozuki said, “Tyler brings strong knowledge, skills and abilities to the FESBC team, particularly with respect to his systematic approach to forest worker safety and his incredibly deep experience in overseeing large scale private sector industrial forestry operations. With his vast expertise, dedication to the betterment of our forests and communities, and undeniable passion, Tyler is set to make a positive impact on FESBC. Welcome to FESBC, Tyler!”
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) welcomes a new Operations Manager to its team. Meet Travis Emsland, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with over 20 years of work experience in the forestry sector.
Initially drawn to forestry because of the opportunities it presented to work outdoors and the variety of avenues to pursue within the sector, Travis began his career as a tree planter in northern Manitoba.
He attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, graduating in 2001 and obtained his RPF (Registered Professional Forester) status in Alberta two years later. From there on, Travis worked as a partner in a consulting firm in Slave Lake, Alberta where he specialized as a Silviculture Forester.
In June 2019, he was offered a position in British Columbia as a Stewardship Forester with the Ministry of Forests’ Rocky Mountain Resource District, which led him to relocate with his family to Cranbrook and obtain his British Columbia RPF designation a few months later. Travis worked exclusively from that point forward in the Wildfire Risk Reduction program until April of this year when he joined FESBC.
Travis will primarily provide strategic oversight for FESBC’s programs related to wildfire risk reduction.
“This role will include working with our project proponents and our colleagues at PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure that FESBC projects maximize the achievement of multiple benefits. Projects can be designed to not only reduce wildfire risk to communities, but at the same time also improve wildlife habitat, create recreational opportunities, reduce greenhouse gasses, manage for healthier resilient forests, and generate economic benefits for local people” he shared.
As he begins his journey with FESBC, Travis has found a deep sense of appreciation for the team’s support, as well as the diversity of backgrounds and experiences everyone brings to the table.
“My colleagues here at FESBC are wonderful people to work with. My favourite aspect of my job is the conversations I have with people who are looking to do unique things that will benefit all British Columbians. The field tours throughout the province to see FESBC funded projects are fantastic as well.”
He is looking forward to travelling throughout British Columbia and seeing first-hand how local people are making a difference, especially with respect to increasing fibre utilization with their projects and reducing wildfire risk to communities, taking action on climate change, and so much more, plus being involved with the FireSmart BC Committee.
During his free time, Travis enjoys staying active and hanging out with his partner, Lenore and their daughters Kennedy and Nicole. In the winter, he plays hockey, curls, and swims, and during the summer, he spends most of his time paddle-boarding, biking, or golfing. He really enjoys tackling woodworking projects in his backyard and would like to get into fly-fishing in the near future.
FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki said “With his extensive expertise around wildfire risk reduction and passion for forestry in general, Travis is set to make a positive impact on FESBC and contribute to the continued well-being of British Columbia’s forests and people. Welcome to FESBC, Travis!”
Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. This month, we feature Ben Klassen, Chief Operating Officer of the Klassen Business Group.
Founded in 1963 by Ben’s grandfather, the Klassen Business Group has evolved from its humble beginnings in sawdust hauling to offering a wide variety of products and services with applications in the agricultural, landscaping, and industrial sectors.
“It was only natural for me to pursue a career in the family business. Over time, I’ve developed a keen interest in forestry residuals and the responsible stewardship of our resources,” said Ben. “I’m always excited to find the optimal value and applications for our residual products, especially given the dwindling fibre resources.”
Over the years, Ben has worked in various roles within the business, gathering invaluable experience and in-depth understanding of the company’s operations and the industries they serve. This practical experience has shaped his hands-on leadership style and provided him with the expertise needed to effectively strategize and tackle challenges head on.
In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Ben leads the teams and companies through their daily operations, managing business development and maintaining strong relationships with customers and timber harvesting companies.
“I really enjoy serving our customers and taking on complex challenges. With the ongoing pressures of diminishing forest fibre supply and escalating demand, there’s no shortage of complexities to navigate. But with each challenge comes an opportunity for innovation and growth, and that’s what keeps pushing me forward,” he expressed.
For the past 6 years, the Klassen Business Group has been FESBC’s recipient for multiple proposals, enabling them to acquire more fibre to bring to the market that would previously been left in the forest as waste.
“FESBC’s ongoing support has also been integral to the growth and sustainability of our operations in Merritt, B.C., where the market has been hit hard by timber supply reductions, magnifying the importance of managing forestry waste wood in the forest and turning it into biomass to make green energy and sustainable forest products,” he added.
As Ben expressed, the level of collaboration within the forestry industry is deeply inspiring, as he has witnessed first-hand how multiple groups have come together to design creative projects that solve problems and accomplish a common goal.
“The collaboration between our division of Valley Carriers, along with Stuwix Resource Joint Venture, the Innovation, Bioeconomy and Indigenous Opportunities branch, FESBC and BC Jobs Manufacturing, allowed us to launch the BioHub project in Merritt over the last year. This coordinated effort enabled us to utilize 35% more wood than would be traditionally harvested and projects like these are significant strides in sustainable forestry practices and responsible use of resources.”
Throughout his career, Ben has found a genuine sense of satisfaction in developing innovative solutions that meet their customers’ needs and exceeds their expectations. However, what truly fulfills him is the impact their work has on the lives and livelihoods of so many people across the province.
“Employing 200 individuals and supporting numerous careers and families is incredibly gratifying. It’s a privilege to contribute to something that not only drives economic growth but also nurtures and sustains communities and the people within them,” he expressed.
For Ben, forestry holds immense potential for the future as a multifaceted driver of employment and economic growth, reaching far beyond the confines of traditional activities.
“Beyond harvest and initial processing, there lies a wealth of untapped opportunities, particularly in forestry waste utilization. By fully optimizing and utilizing the resources, we can elevate sustainability, stimulate economic growth, and unlock the full potential of our forests.”
As the availability of timber supply dwindles, the Klassen Business Group’s role becomes increasingly crucial to effectively use more of the wood we do have and meet the growing need for wood fibre, especially in sectors like agriculture and energy.
“While there may be a traditional perception gap regarding these resources, by adopting a more open-minded approach, we can reimagine the potential of these resources and leverage them to address pressing market demands,” he remarked.
Thank you, Ben, for your leadership and dedication to responsible forestry stewardship and innovative resource utilization.
Kimberley, B.C. – The City of Kimberley, with funding support from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), is making significant strides in wildfire risk reduction through a targeted project in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) southwest of the community. This initiative, important to help better protect the community, the wildlife habitats and community infrastructure, including City and public assets such as power and water infrastructure, municipal buildings, schools, etc., began in the summer of 2023, and the City’s efforts on the project are ongoing.
“Protecting, people, communities and forests from the threat of worsening wildfires caused by climate change is something our government takes seriously,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “In partnership with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), we are funding wildfire risk reduction projects that reduce fuels in forests near communities. These projects not only help slow or stop the spread of fires, but greatly increase the success of fire suppression efforts by BC Wildfire Service crews on the ground.”
Given the difficult terrain, the treatments are being carried out manually (by people instead of machines), focused on thinning the forest to create gaps between the trees, cutting low-hanging branches, and reducing the amount of woody fuel through pile burning during appropriate burning conditions; Photos credit: Brian Watson/FESBC.
In the summer of 2023, the City began work on its wildfire risk reduction project on 102 hectares of land in the WUI—the area where houses and other buildings are close to, or mixed with, natural areas like forests or grasslands—southwest of Kimberley. This area, identified over 15 years ago as needing treatment, was deprioritized until it was established as Williamson’s sapsucker habitat. The forest area provides essential living conditions for the Williamson’s sapsucker, a species of woodpeckers important for biodiversity and forest ecosystem health. With FESBC’s support, the City could address this high-risk area, a known corridor for the flow of fire, and work toward effectively reducing the potential for more severe wildfires.
Bob Gray, an AFE-Certified Wildland Fire Ecologist and Fire Scientist with the City said, “The support of FESBC is significant in helping the City meet its wildfire risk reduction and maintenance objectives. Specifically, the FESBC funds, due to the scale of funding, have been instrumental in tackling an area of extreme hazard in what has been historically known as a dominant fire flow corridor. Without FESBC funding, the City would not be able to treat at the scale necessary to make a difference to fire size and severity.”
Given the difficult terrain, the treatments are being carried out manually (by people instead of machines), focused on thinning the forest to create gaps between the trees, cutting low-hanging branches, and reducing the amount of woody fuel through pile burning during appropriate burning conditions. The project is expected to be completed by the winter of 2024. This methodical approach will restore natural ecological health while effectively managing wildfire risks. Indeed, the two objectives go hand-in-hand with numerous other benefits.
Brian Watson, operations manager with FESBC said, “FESBC acknowledges the City of Kimberley as a leader in interface management. Funding this project aligns well with our purposes; by thinning the forests, we are creating a more fire-resilient stand while at the same time restoring favourable conditions for the Williamson’s sapsucker. FESBC’s investment will tie into the greater strategic WRR plan for the city and of the Rocky Mountain Resource District which is active, through their WRR program, in areas adjacent to the Municipal lands.”
Clearly, the City’s strategic and proactive approach also involves major ecological considerations for the wildfire risk reduction work as well as considering wildlife habitat. The City has already developed a guidebook through funding from the Columbia Basin Trust on how to balance wildfire risk reduction with wildlife habitat management. This guide was a joint effort between fire ecologists and wildlife biologists and this FESBC-funded project is one of the case studies referenced in the guidebook.
“The team of biologists we work with collaborates closely with fire management experts and foresters to carefully plan our actions. We begin by setting clear goals based on what we know about fire behaviour and its effects on the environment. Then, we repeatedly test and adjust our strategies to find the best solutions that not only reduce the risk of wildfires but also protect wildlife habitat. Throughout this project, we’ve successfully found ways to meet both fire safety and environmental conservation goals without compromising one for the other,” said Gray.
In Kimberley’s wildfire risk reduction efforts, the choice between chipping and mastication – the process of mechanically grinding or shredding vegetation to reduce fuel loads and manage forest undergrowth – or burning is influenced by several factors, and while the City has employed both methods in the past, this particular project is heavily favouring planned and prescribed burns over chipping. The significant biomass in the project, exceeding 80 metric tonnes per hectare, is challenging to manage through chipping and mastication alone due to the slow decomposition rates of the woody fibre left after the work and the predicted magnitude of the fuel that would be spread on the forest floor post-treatment. The buildup can become a fire hazard itself. Historically, local ecosystems have adapted to fire as the primary method of wood decomposition, making burning a natural fit. Burning mimics these natural processes, effectively reducing fuel loads and preventing the high-intensity fires that can result from chipped material smouldering during wildfires. This method, according to Gray, is not only supported by the scientific community but is also considered a success for the City in better protecting the community by reducing its future wildfire risk.
Don McCormick, Mayor of the City of Kimberley, explained how long the City has been involved in the wildfire risk reduction work and the importance of FESBC funding. “Kimberley has made wildfire mitigation a priority since 2006, maximizing grants to get as much work done as possible. Efforts intensified in 2018 after the community was on evacuation alert for three weeks. As wildfire risk has increased, getting enough money to make a difference has been more difficult. The funding from FESBC allowed us to get more done with economies of scale [more efficiently], employ more people longer, and build capacity for future efforts. We could not have done any of this without FESBC’s funding support. It has made our community a safer place.”
The City of Kimberley continues to build upon its wildfire risk reduction work and drafted a five-year landscape fire risk and impact reduction plan to identify logical treatment areas and required budgets to do the work. The plan will be forwarded to BC Wildfire Service shortly. The City will further benefit from a large-scale fire risk and impacts assessment being conducted by the First Nations Emergency Services Society of BC (an arm of the BC First Nations Forestry Council) and the local Ktunaxa Nation.
“Wildfire risk reduction is critical if we are going to have any hope of reducing the area burned and the negative consequences of fire,” noted Gray. “The best form of wildfire mitigation is taking steps to reduce wildfire risk. It works, but it has to be scaled up.”
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
Kamloops, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) continues to accept applications to fund forest enhancement projects, year-round. In the Provincial Government’s Budget 2024, FESBC was entrusted with $60 million in funding; $20 million to be allocated each year over the next three years. Projects to receive funding are those whose primary goal is wildfire risk reduction, enhanced wood fibre utilization, or both, while also achieving additional benefits such as wildlife habitat enhancement, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from utilizing wood fibre, improving recreational opportunities, and rehabilitating forests.
“Forests are at the heart of our identity in B.C., and we are all responsible for ensuring their future,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests. “The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has played a pivotal role in our work to support a strong and sustainable forest sector. FESBC is supporting projects that focus on better fibre utilization and wildfire risk reduction, helping to slow or stop the spread of wildfires by removing fuel from forests and also getting more fibre into the hands of the forestry sector. This provides jobs, keeps businesses running, and builds thriving families and communities across B.C.”
Landscape-level fuel break on Harrop Ridge, Photo credit: Harrop-Procter Community Co-operative
Atli Chip Plant, Photo credit: Atli Resources LLP
Fuel Break on a Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. project. Photo credit: CCR
SIFCo type 1 treatment – Wildland Urban Interface hand treatment crew for wildfire risk reduction. Photo credits: Rachel Bone;
The funding will help local people who are interested in doing thoughtful forest enhancement work in their local communities. These initiatives have been crucial and have led to significant economic, environmental, and social benefits in communities through the 300+ projects FESBC has funded since its inception in 2016.
“This new funding will allow us to support more forest enhancement projects in the coming years, reinforcing the critical importance of proactive efforts to mitigate wildfire risk and to enhance the utilization of waste wood fibre, which British Columbians are asking for,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director of FESBC. “We are delighted to support First Nations, communities, workers, wildlife and the environment throughout British Columbia”.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, allowing FESBC to respond swiftly to emerging needs and opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to visit the FESBC website at www.fesbc.ca/applying-for-funding/ to view eligibility criteria and access application guides, the application portal, and register for an online information session hosted at 9am June 25, 2024. A recording of the session will be made available.
“We invite all eligible organizations to take advantage of this funding,” said Kozuki. “By investing today, we are giving the hard-working women and men in the forestry sector the opportunity to do good work in their communities for the benefit of us all. We especially want to encourage innovators, new businesses, and First Nations who want to do great forestry projects to apply.”
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.