We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
KAMLOOPS, B.C.: The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), a leader in supporting Indigenous groups, local communities, contractors and companies to implement innovative forestry projects with immense and lasting social, economic and environmental benefits, is pleased to announce the new Board Chair and appointment of five new Directors.
Current FESBC Directors Sarah Fraser, Brian Banfill (Treasurer) and Dave Peterson will continue to serve British Columbians on the FESBC Board. Five new Directors have been appointed to the Board: Trish Dohan (Secretary), Ian Meier, John Massier, Ken Day, and Michael Kelly. Each board member brings a unique perspective, extensive expertise, and a commitment to drive forestry solutions that will benefit British Columbians. Information on each of the Board members can be found on FESBC’s website.
Steve Kozuki, FESBC’s Executive Director said, “We worked with others to recruit the new FESBC Directors, including the Union of BC Municipalities and the BC First Nations Forestry Council. The result is increased diversity and stronger voices for communities and Indigenous perspectives, while retaining our connections to government and industry.”
Dave Peterson, soon to be retired as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Community Disaster Recovery, Lytton in the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for FESBC.
“When I was a young forester, Dave was a prominent senior leader in the forest industry. I was in awe of his strong presence and strategic orientation. I then watched Dave make a big impact when he joined the BC Public Service. Dave has really inspired me over the years. I am so delighted to now work directly with Dave in his role as the Chair of the FESBC Board of Directors,” said Kozuki.
Among other things, Dave was the President of the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers Association and held senior positions in the forest industry. Before moving to Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Peterson was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Lands and Innovation within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and he was also temporarily appointed as the Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in 2013. He has served on the FESBC Board of Directors since its inception.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of FESBC,” said Peterson. “I am honoured to carry on the excellent legacy of the previous Chairs, Wayne Clogg and Jim Snetsinger, and to build off the strong foundation they have created.”
Jim Snetsinger, who served as the previous Board Chair, will be stepping down. Wayne Clogg, who was the Board Chair before Snetsinger, will also be stepping off the board.
“We are grateful to Jim and Wayne for serving on the FESBC Board for the maximum term of six years. They are well-known and respected in the B.C. forest sector, and we thank them for helping make FESBC successful by providing their knowledge, experience and wise leadership,” noted Kozuki.
The new board successfully transitioned into their roles on December 1, 2022.
About FESBC: the purposes of FESBC are to advance environmental and resource stewardship of B.C.’s forests by: preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires; improving damaged or low-value forests; improving habitat for wildlife; supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. As of March 2022, FESBC has supported 263 projects valued at $238 million, in partnership with the governments of B.C. and Canada.
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the
Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
British Columbia – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has launched its 2022 Accomplishments Report to highlight the outstanding work being done throughout the province to improve the health of the forests, while at the same time, benefitting communities.
Enhancing forest resilience to wildfire and climate change is crucial – that’s why the Province is proud to partner with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC to ensure communities can undertake this vital work,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests. “FESBC projects reduce the risk of wildfire while creating jobs and enhancing wildlife habitats and recreation trails. They provide First Nations valuable opportunities to enhance forest health in their territories and support our CleanBC goals by reducing slash pile burning and using wood waste to make green energy. Communities across B.C. benefit from the work of FESBC.
The 263 FESBC-funded projects have seen many profound and transformational benefits, such as enhancing the use of wood fibre, seeing Indigenous peoples taking the lead in forest management, and reducing catastrophic wildfire risk to communities.
“Through the $238-million in funding, FESBC has helped communities take proactive steps toward wildfire risk reduction, accelerated ecological recovery after insect and fire damage, improved wildlife habitat, and meaningfully reduced greenhouse gases,” said Steve Kozuki, Executive Director of FESBC. “But this funding has also had deep far-reaching effects with so many more tangential, durable, and profound co-benefits that have not just transformed the communities, but also in many instances have shifted our way of thinking about how forests can help us achieve our social, economic and environmental goals.”
The 32-page Report highlights eight stories of transformation that have benefited communities, workers, the bioeconomy, and the environment.
Eight stories of transformation featured in the 2022 Accomplishments Report.
“With support from the governments of B.C. and Canada, FESBC has made considerable progress toward achieving its vision to enhance forest resilience to wildfire and to take action against climate change for the lasting benefit of British Columbia’s environment, wildlife, forest health, and communities,” said Jim Snetsinger, FESBC Board Chair. “These projects also have many additional benefits in terms of job creation, a boost for the economy, and for bringing people together to collaborate on forestry projects.”
Since being formed in 2016, FESBC has generated substantial benefits from the 263 projects, including:
The creation of 2,100+ full-time-equivalent jobs;
$363 million in economic activity from the $238 million investment; and
63 projects led by First Nations, with an additional 22 projects that have significant First Nations involvement
Western Red Cedar.
FESBC is proud of all the project partners who have made these benefits possible through their innovative and collaborative work and looks forward to sharing new successes from the next round of funded projects.
“What we have accomplished together so far is remarkable, however, we know there is much more work left to do,” said Kozuki. “We have just approved another 23 forest enhancement projects from our 2022-23 FESBC Funding Program and are still accepting applications. We can’t wait to see the benefits these projects will bring to the people of British Columbia now and for future generations.”
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.
“With FESBC funding, the planning, overstory removal, fertilization, and thinning, it’s an exceptional collaboration with what we hope will provide some outstanding results. It’s significant towards reconciliation with the Nation and restoring areas impacted by the war effort and pre-Forest Practices code logging.”
Mayor Linda McGuire of the Village of Granisle
“FESBC funding helped support this crucial project, which is now making a difference on the ground, protecting communities and creating local employment opportunities.”
AboutFESBC: the purposes of FESBC are to advance environmental and resource stewardship of B.C.’s forests by preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires; improving damaged or low-value forests; improving habitat for wildlife; supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. As of March 2022, FESBC has supported 263 projects valued at $238 million in partnership with the governments of B.C. and Canada.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
Faces of Forestry is a newer 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 Francis Johnson, RPF, Alkali Resource Management Ltd. (ARM), Forest Manager.
Francis was first drawn to joining the forestry industry after witnessing how community and forestry were dependent on one another; and how critical this relationship is to enhance a community’s living conditions and natural resources.
“As I learned more about Forestry, I saw that Esk’et had a community forest and their management decisions were based on community values. I knew that there was an opportunity that I could work in my community one day.”
Johnson then completed his Bachelor of Natural Resource Management in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University.
“I encourage people to consider careers in forestry. We have a diverse industry with several areas of expertise, so there is work that suits different personality types and skill sets,” said Johnson.
Francis is the Forest Manager at ARM, a forestry company centred on providing numerous forest management services, such as timber development, road construction, wildland fire suppression, and more.
Since 2011, ARM has worked closely with BC Wildfire Services, deploying fire suppression crews across the Cariboo region.
For the last couple of years, Francis has worked with FESBC on behalf of ARM in Alkali Lake. The projects focused on forest carbon efforts through forest harvesting activities undertaken by the First Nation, wildfire risk reduction treatments adjacent to communities, and habitat improvement in the Esk’etemc community forest and First Nation Woodland License.
As a Registered Professional Forester, Francis believes that community voices and values must be factored in, when managing the land.
“It’s rewarding to see how the Community Forest and First Nation Woodland licenses help individuals in the community with economic benefits, and with new infrastructure developments. People are inspired to choose careers in forestry that require higher education and training,” said Johnson.
The Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia (FESBC) recently added a new office manager to its team. Joyce Clarke, who brings over 25 years of administrative experience in Office Management, Human Resources, Accounting and, as an Executive Assistant, will be working with the team to help keep processes running smoothly behind-the-scenes.
Throughout her career, Joyce gathered diverse work experience through industries such as drilling and manufacturing, as well as experience in both government and non-profit organizations.
“I applied to FESBC because I wanted to make a difference, even if it’s small. I also wanted a position where I could use my skillset and I felt this was a perfect fit,” said Joyce, who has a knack for organizing and implementing successful policies and procedures.
Within her first month of working with FESBC, Joyce got an opportunity to go on-site for one of the prescriptions FESBC had funded in Logan Lake and she found this hands-on approach to working very informative.
“I learned so many things and it really confirmed that I am in an organization where I belong. I like working in the office, but it is really nice to see the work we are doing and how it impacts communities in real-time,” said Joyce.
As FESBC’s office manager, Joyce is responsible for taking care of details for the office, bookkeeping, etc. But she also wears an executive assistant hat, helping the FESBC team wherever needed.
Joyce was born in Ontario in a small town, but while growing up, due to her father’s work, she moved around Ontario a lot, and even moved to Yukon when she was 14 years of age. When she got married, she moved to B.C. with her husband, and she now considers B.C. home.
Her diverse background was part of what attracted her to FESBC’s work.
“I like working as a team and working in a diverse group and I believe with FESBC, I will get that,” explained Joyce. “I believe in giving back, I like taking care of the environment and I like living in harmony with First Nations and all of this also lines up with the work FESBC does; so, it’s great!”
When not at work, Joyce enjoys spending time with her family, hanging out with her yorkie/pom Pebbles, going on camping trips in the summer, and attending music festivals with friends.
On occasion, Joyce dabbles in creative writing and likes to write personal poetry for those who have touched her in some way.
If you ever get the chance to stop by the FESBC office in Kamloops, don’t be surprised if cookies show up, or seasonal decorations are put up, as Joyce likes to bring a touch of hominess to her working environment!
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits. Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
Faces of Forestry is a new 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 Erin Robinson, Forestry Initiatives Manager at The City of Quesnel.
“I remember learning in school that we would eventually face a time of ecological change so drastic that we would no longer be able to ignore it – and then in 2017, it was on our doorstep. During the 2017 wildfires, I remember thinking, ‘Should I move my family away from here?’ and then I realized, there is no longer anywhere we can move to that isn’t facing an ecological crisis.
The Forestry Innovation Centre is located in the City Hall of Quesnel and from inception in January 2019, I’ve held the position of Forestry Initiatives Manager. The Forestry Innovation Centre is excellent for fuel management and FireSmart. We also support research and innovation in landscape management and forest product manufacturing. I’ve always been interested in land and resource management from a social science perspective for most of my academic and working career.
I chose this current career because, in my opinion, the pest outbreaks, wildfires and floods we are experiencing, while they have ecological explanations, are inherently social problems with social solutions. I believe forestry has an integral role in restoring the ecosystems we rely on for continued human survival. I want to thank the Forest Enhancement Society BC for all the work they have enabled in Quesnel, the surrounding region and the province.”
– Erin Robinson, Forestry Initiatives Manager, City of Quesnel
Erin obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and an interdisciplinary Master’s in Natural Resource Management and Anthropology, focusing on community forestry, from the University of Northern British Columbia. Her thesis The Cross-Cultural Collaboration of the Community Forest used the Likely Xats’ull Community Forest (LXCF) as a case study. For eight years, Erin was part of the LXCF Board of Directors and she has published peer-reviewed articles on the topics of community forestry.
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits. Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
GOLDEN, B.C.—The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has provided $655,000 in funding to LP Building Solutions (LP) to utilize over 30,000 cubic metres of residual fibre to generate power in Golden B.C.—equivalent to about 750 logging truck loads. Much of the residual fibre would normally be left behind on local logging blocks and wildfire risk reduction treatment areas to be burned, as it doesn’t meet sawlog or pulp log requirements. The funding enables an increase in the utilization of this fibre and reduces smoke levels by avoiding pile burning.
Scott King of LP with logs ready for grinding for power plant
A significant number of logs are pulled out of Kinbasket Lake (a reservoir created by the Mica Dam) every year and normally burned. LP sees an opportunity to explore utilizing these logs from the reservoir and is using some of the FESBC funding to see if the logs can be a viable source of renewable energy to generate power for the mill. This project is a climate change solution to make renewable bioenergy to offset the use of fossil fuels in manufacturing and working with the forest products industry to improve forest utilization and sustainability practices by recovering fibre from the lake and utilizing it at LP’s facility in Golden.
“One of the biggest challenges of fibre utilization is having somewhere to use it so this is a unique opportunity where the fibre can be used to generate energy,” said Gord Pratt, RPF, Operations Manager, FESBC. “There’s a need and a desire to utilize this fibre and LP is looking at opportunities to utilize fibre recovery around Golden, including the utilization of fibre from Kinbasket Lake, to generate renewable energy to power its mill.”
Scott King, RPF, Silviculture Forester, LP notes the fibre from the reservoir is free from dirt, making it a cleaner fuel source to be processed into hog fuel. Being able to use this fibre would also result in a guarantee of fibre for the power plant.
“Like anything, when we try something new, people must come together to work collaboratively,” said King. “I’m very proud of what we’re doing as a company. It’s enjoyable to work on a project everyone is keen to get behind and support.”
Interestingly, LP Golden’s generator the fibre will power is based on WWII technology. The utilization of the wood fibre is close to 100% because there’s not a piece that goes to waste or gets thrown out.
Power Generator in power plant.
Gord Ryter, who has worked as a powerhouse engineer at the facility since 1965, was there when the generator was brought in by Kicking Horse Forest Products in 1965 and said it has been running 24/7 at 3600 rpm for close to 70 years. As far as Ryter is aware, only one other generator like it exists. Having it run steadily contributes to its longevity as it avoids heat cycling, which weakens the metal in the turbine over time.
“The generator is a critical piece of this mill’s operation because it burns waste fuel,” said Ryter. “We have 400 employees here, and its continuous operation has helped guarantee employment for the community. Seeing this machine run that whole time has been amazing.”
Mayor of Golden, Ron Oszust, is also pleased with the project.
“This is an amazing example of industry working to find better solutions for our communities and our environment—thank you to LP and FESBC,” noted Oszust. “Reducing wildfire risk close to our community is critical and being able to avoid the burning of this fibre, along with other waste fibre to avoid smoke, benefits the community. This plant provides many long-term jobs to our community members, and we support the effort to innovate and explore new ways to power the plant.”
The project allows for the utilization of fibre normally outside LP’s economic reach and provides feedstock required by the old, reliable power generator while also reducing the greenhouse gases emitted from pile burning.
“FESBC is proud to support LP’s effort to increase the use of fibre normally burned in slash piles near Golden, and we are also proud to assist B.C. and Canada meet our climate change targets.” said Pratt.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
About FESBC: the purposes of FESBC are to advance environmental and resource stewardship of B.C.’s forests by: preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires; improving damaged or low-value forests; improving habitat for wildlife; supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. As of March 2021, FESBC has supported 269 projects valued at $238 million, in partnership with governments of B.C. and Canada.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: In 2022, citizens in the Province of British Columbia will have more opportunity than ever to take the proactive steps to ‘FireSmart’ their properties thanks to the British Columbia Automobile Association’s (BCAA) employees. In late 2021, BCAA employees made the decision to donate $17,700 through an employee giving initiative to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to direct funds toward making FireSmart BC materials accessible to more British Columbians.
“Supporting communities is an important part of what we do at BCAA. In 2021, we wanted to give our employees more ways to give back and support causes they care about. We know the devastating impact wildfires have on communities, so when we invited our employees to vote for organizations to which we could donate, it’s no surprise that many of them chose FireSmart BC,” said Shawn Pettipas, Director Community Engagement for BCAA. “We are proud to support FireSmart BC’s work on wildfire prevention – their dedication to education and supporting communities to become more resilient is what makes their work unique and so important to our province.”
With last year’s many wildfires throughout the province, many communities were deeply impacted. Perhaps the best examples of the proactive wildfire risk reduction work done by private property owners and how that work saved important infrastructure was in the community of Logan Lake, located in the Southern Interior of the province, just 60 kilometres southwest of Kamloops.
“As the Mayor of Logan Lake, B.C.’s first FireSmart community, we have long been aware of the necessary proactive work we can all do to help better protect our properties and communities from the devastating effects of wildfire,” said Robin Smith, Mayor of Logan Lake. “In the summer of 2021, our community was in the pathway of a very large wildfire, and in large part due to the hard work that led to our 2013 Community Protection Achievement through FireSmart, firefighters were able to direct the fire away from homes. To learn that BCAA employees have generously chosen to direct their employee giving initiative to FireSmart BC means so many more British Columbians will have access to FireSmart BC resources to better protect their homes and communities too.”
For their commitment, the BC FireSmart Committee expresses its deepest appreciation to the employees of BCAA.
“On behalf of our entire Committee, we thank BCAA and their employees,” said Gord Pratt, Operations Manager of FESBC and a proud BC FireSmart committee member. “This donation is significant and will allow FireSmart BC to share resources and information with many more people which in turn will help them be better prepared for wildfire with proven steps to help protect their home, and their community, from wildfire.”
We have developed this monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are generating excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits. Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners to highlight the exceptional work happening in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, take action on climate change, and more.
