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British Columbia’s Transition to Modern, Climate-Smart Forestry

Original article: Policy Magazine, September 2024

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) was established by the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) as a crown service delivery agency to create lasting benefits to the province’s environment, wildlife, forest health, and communities. Over 300 FESBC-funded projects have advanced transformation in B.C.’s forest sector considerably by supporting modern, sustainable forestry practices as proposed by locals who live, work and play in its forests:

  • Indigenous engagement: FESBC has increased Indigenous Peoples’ participation and leadership within the forest economy, creating a shift toward more inclusive economic practices.
  • Climate action: The Society has enabled local people to take actions which have resulted in a cumulative net greenhouse-gas benefit equivalent to removing more than one million cars from the road for a year.
  • Wildfire risk reduction: More than 120 communities have seen reduced wildfire risks through FESBC-funded projects, enhancing community safety while at the same time creating numerous co-benefits.
  • Ecological recovery: FESBC has accelerated ecological recovery in areas devastated by beetle epidemics and wildfires.
  • Wildlife habitat enhancement: The Society has improved wildlife habitats for an array of species.
  • Community stability: The Society has created sustainable jobs in forest-dependent communities and throughout the supply chain.

FESBC’s approach involves collaborating and partnering with a wide array of organizations, including Indigenous Peoples, community forestry groups, grassroots community associations, municipalities, regional districts, woodlots, the provincial Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, contractors, forest consultants, and forest companies large and small. These collaborations have not only been a catalyst for different groups to work together for the first time, but they have also provided a platform to forge stronger, deeper partnerships leading to innovative solutions.

Fostering Transformation in Forestry

Since its establishment in 2016, FESBC has advanced an ambitious vision: to enhance forest resilience to wildfire and climate change for the lasting benefit of British Columbia’s environment, wildlife, forest health, and communities. FESBC has created permanent shifts contributing to the transition of B.C. to a modern era for forestry. Recognizing that forests contribute significantly to the well-being of wildlife, people, and broader environmental health, FESBC-funded projects have demonstrated that it is not only possible but desirable that forestry projects achieve multiple objectives at the same time with the same funding. Well-designed projects synergistically and simultaneously achieve social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Achievements and Impact

FESBC’s initiatives have led to significant, lasting transformations:

  • Utilization of low-quality wood fibre: Transitioning from burning to utilizing waste wood (left over from normal harvesting or other forest operations), FESBC has improved the economic and environmental viability of low-quality wood fibre. This shift required overcoming substantial economic barriers, fostering partnerships, and investing in proper equipment, ultimately reducing greenhouse gasses, expanding the bioeconomy and creating benefits for local communities.
  • Restoration of natural forest conditions: To address forest overgrowth due to historical wildfire suppression, communities — with support from FESBC — are taking steps to restore natural ecosystem functions. These include reducing wildfire risks, improving wildlife habitats and enhancing the health of forests, making them more resilient against diseases, pests, and climate impacts. While there will still be forest fires, as nature intended, the lower intensity of fires in treated zones near communities will help restore natural ecological functions and wildlife habitat.
  • Empowerment of Indigenous communities: FESBC has significantly enabled Indigenous Peoples to lead forestry projects, blending traditional knowledge with modern forestry practices. A notable example is a tree thinning and fertilization project with the Williams Lake First Nation that not only aims to increase timber supply but also to enhance food resources such as berry production.

Since its inception, FESBC has encouraged local communities to propose projects that reflect their specific needs, leading to innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while supporting economic development.

Forestry and Reconciliation

Over 30% of FESBC projects are led by Indigenous groups, enhancing reconciliation efforts and community empowerment. FESBC funding has greatly enabled Indigenous Peoples to participate more fully in the forest economy and the bioeconomy in B.C. In one project, two Nations melded their multi-generational caretaker cultural perspective with cutting-edge LIDAR and GPS-guided industrial drones to plant tree seeds in the aftermath of a mega-fire.

Today, as witnessed in many such FESBC-funded projects, First Nations are moving up the ladder and becoming leaders in forest management. They are becoming decision-makers about how, when, and in what manner their projects on the land are conducted. This approach has fostered mutual respect and understanding among Indigenous groups and other community stakeholders. In a small but important way, FESBC’s funding of projects led by First Nations helps contribute to reconciliation.

Growing the Bioeconomy and Reducing GHGs

FESBC has played a pivotal role in advancing the bioeconomy by utilizing forest residuals (logging waste) for energy production and other bio-products, which helps mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The transition from waste burning to biomass utilization is a win/win solution for the environment and the economy – something the province’s Clean BC Plan strives for. This action on climate change contributes significantly to Canada’s international commitments to reduce greenhouse gases.

Many FESBC-funded projects turn woody logging waste into green energy or useful forest products such as wood pellets. Logging waste is uneconomical — high cost, low value — and would otherwise be burned in slash piles. Not burning these piles results in less smoke in the air and a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (as verified by modelling in accordance with international carbon accounting standards). However, using waste wood from forests could be considered economical if benchmarked against carbon taxes of $65/tonne CO2e.

Historically, sawmills supplied waste fibre to industries like pulp mills, pellet plants, and bio-electricity generators in B.C. However, in recent years with many sawmills shutting down, there has been a shift toward utilizing more forest-derived waste fibre (waste wood from harvesting). This transition has seen new partnerships formed to adopt innovative practices. A notable example involves the Simpcw First Nation, which contributes wood from their logging activities that would otherwise be discarded. This wood is processed by Arrow Transportation Systems at their River City chip facility, where they also innovated processes for using fire-damaged trees for pulp chips. Subsequently, the Kruger pulp mill uses these materials to produce sustainable building products like cement board siding and to generate green energy, enough to supply about 60% of the city of Kamloops’ electricity needs.

Factors of B.C.’s Success

A community-driven and inclusive approach: FESBC empowers local and Indigenous communities to define and drive projects based on their unique insights and priorities, ensuring relevance and impact. Inclusiveness is enhanced by requiring no proponent cost contributions, making programs accessible regardless of financial resources.

Innovation and flexibility: By supporting a diverse range of projects, including those that try new practices and technologies, and by encouraging new entrants without previous experience, FESBC fosters innovation and welcomes new entrants to the forestry sector.

Strategic partnerships and synergies: FESBC builds strong, cross-sector relationships that enhance project effectiveness and create synergies, facilitating collaborative and transformative outcomes.

Supportive and accessible funding: FESBC removes barriers to funding, actively coaching applicants and strategically allocating funds to maximize the achievement of multiple benefits.

Operational excellence: With the lowest administration costs among comparable programs, FESBC delivers excellent value for the money.

Communication leadership: FESBC provides communication leadership to project proponents, equipping them with the tools and strategies necessary to help them tell their stories to their communities. This effort helps build a broader understanding and acceptance of forestry initiatives, building social license and engaging the community at a grassroots level.

Commitment to long-term, transformational impact: FESBC prioritizes projects that drive significant, long-term benefits, aiming to foster sector-wide changes that contribute to ecological sustainability, economic stability, and community resilience. FESBC focuses on projects that promise lasting benefits and structural shifts within the forestry sector. These carefully selected initiatives not only support immediate economic needs but also ensure long-term sustainability and increased First Nations participation in the forest economy.

FESBC’s approach is a case study of how careful and thoughtful targeted investments in forestry can result in transformative and lasting benefits. B.C. is striving to be a leader in climate-smart forestry practices that can serve as an inspiration for other jurisdictions in Canada and beyond.

To learn more about FESBC’s projects, visit www.fesbc.ca or contact FESBC staff for more detailed information on how you can get involved or learn more from these initiatives.

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Maclean’s Magazine Story: Building Resiliency Against Wildfires

With wildfires becoming more common across the country, developing resilience and responsiveness is crucial to preserving our forests.

Story created for Forestry for the Future.

Wildfire season has become a fact of life in recent years; every summer, wildfires erupt and threaten ecosystems, communities and our health—and now are further accelerated by climate change and forest fuel buildup.

The recent devastation in Jasper National Park is a solemn reminder of this impact. Now more than ever, we need a “whole of society” approach to a problem we can no longer ignore. Governments, industry, communities and the forest sector must work together to implement sustainable forest management practices; ones that protect the forests and ensure they remain places for future generations to live, work and play in.

By looking at B.C. in particular, where high-intensity wildfires ravaged the landscape last year, the importance of making wildfire resiliency a primary focus becomes clear.

Fire: friend vs foe

Fire is often considered a major threat—and with good reason. The 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive in B.C.’s recorded history with more than 2.84 million hectares of forest and land burned, tens of thousands of people forced to evacuate, hundreds of homes and structures lost or damaged, and an immeasurable impact to local economies.

That said, wildfires have served as an important part of ecosystems for centuries by clearing out the forest floor, creating openings in the forest and regenerating soil and vegetation.

“Wildfire naturally plays across landscapes to keep healthy ecosystems functioning,” says Steve Kozuki, executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC. “Fire, over thousands of years, comes and goes with a certain periodicity. In the semi-dry areas of the interior of British Columbia, it might be as frequent as every 10 or 20 years. Plants and animals come to depend on that fire to maintain their habitats.”

However, in recent decades, wildfire has been prevented from carrying out its critical role in B.C. forests. “When a fire starts, we apply the Smokey Bear mentality—that every fire is evil and needs to be put out,” explains Kozuki. “And we’ve been incredibly successful with that. We have excluded fire from our ecosystems here in B.C. And the result of that very successful fire suppression is a forest that becomes artificially old. I grew up looking at an ocean of continuous green forests, and I always thought it was beautiful. To my shame, I now understand that, in the absence of fire, it was actually degraded and detrimental to a healthy, functioning ecosystem.”

Long-time forestry consultant Bruce Blackwell agrees. “Over the last 100 years, strong wildfire suppression policies meant that more trees have filled in our forest. It’s led to stressors like drought, insects and disease, because we have more trees competing for the same resources. More trees means more fuel, which means fires burn hotter, they get larger and burn more area and they’re more difficult to control. And it’s the heat of those fires that is changing ecosystems such that they can’t recover as easily. They burn off important forest structure—organic matter, nutrients—and in some cases, they’re burning so hot that they’re basically creating sterile soils.”

“Trees and other vegetation have grown in, and biomass has accumulated on the forest floor creating more fuel,” adds Jennifer Gunter, executive director of the B.C. Community Forest Association. “And now we have an increased risk of large high-intensity fires that threaten the safety of communities and the health of our forests. This situation, created by our history of suppressing fire, along with land use and forestry decisions is, of course, made worse by climate change.”

Wildfire resiliency is critical

“A resilient forest is one that can withstand periodic events, like heat stress or very cold or very dry or very wet conditions,” says Kozuki. “Plants and animals have adapted to a certain range, including fire. You can have a disruption, but the ecosystem and everything in it can take a punch and keep on rolling.”

But because many B.C. forests haven’t had low-intensity fires in many decades, the trees have become much older than they would have naturally. “Trees are like people,” says Kozuki. “When they get older, they’re more susceptible to disease and other ailments. Similarly, the trees started growing more closely together and encroaching into natural grasslands, which impacts wildlife habitats.”

And when these overgrown forests catch on fire, especially during drought, “then we have uncontrollable, high-intensity fires, and they burn so hot that it incinerates everything,” he says. “With these mega fires, it’s going to be decades for ecological recovery as well as all the human trauma, and the financial cost of trying to protect those communities is massive.”

Kozuki points to the importance of the FireSmart BC program to help reduce wildfire risks to homes, neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure and natural resources through principles including education, emergency planning and vegetation management. It involves hardening homes and infrastructure against fire by removing fuel from rain gutters full of dried leaves or tree needles and creating a shaded fuel break—usually two kilometres wide—between the forest and a community, thinning the forest in the area so fire can’t jump from tree to tree.

“Fire plays an essential role ecologically and culturally,” affirms Gunter. “But the very large, high-intensity fires that we are seeing can be extremely damaging to communities. The impacts to communities, and to society as a whole, are ecological, social and economic. The effects on community members are physically and emotionally taxing. We see both short-term, and long-term impacts. So, in community forestry, we are extremely motivated to reduce the risk of these sorts of fires.”

Fighting fire with fire

“We’re thinning, we’re removing that fuel to reduce the intensities of fire and we’re doing some prescribed burning, but it’s a very small amount relative to the scale of the problem,” says Blackwell about restoration efforts. “The only way we’re successfully going to make the fire problem go away is that we have to get scale in terms of the treatments, whether that’s prescribed fire, whether that’s thinning or some form of harvesting. There has been a call for increased prescribed burning since the firestorm of 2003 in Kelowna that burned a lot of homes. That’s when it became very apparent that we needed to bring about fire on the landscape.”

Indigenous communities have long used prescribed burning as a practice to rejuvenate the land and the growth of new trees, plants and grasses. That said, prescribed burning is much more complicated now because of the number of people and all the infrastructure that exists. “Hydro utilities, wind farms, businesses like lodges, skiing areas—you can’t just burn those areas, and many of them would be too hazardous to burn without some removal of fuel before you try to burn them,” says Blackwell. “There’s a lot of areas that you can’t just burn without doing some kind of treatment to prepare the site ahead of burning. You can’t think of burning as a quick fix. It’s a long-term program that’s going to have to be done carefully in combination with treatment.”

How else can we make forests more resilient?

When it comes to harvesting and replanting, Natural Resources Canada has said that the rate of projected climate change is expected to be 10 to 100 times faster than the ability of trees to migrate naturally in Canada. By regenerating forests with trees better adapted to warming temperatures and changing climate conditions, foresters work with nature to help forests adapt to a changing climate.

Modern forest management strategies also involve carefully planned harvesting and replanting, which mimic natural growth cycles to minimize the impact of human intervention while mitigating the severity of climate change. And having younger trees to absorb carbon faster than mature ones helps balance forest growth and its capacity to store carbon for future generations.

“We grow the forest in a manner that nature would,” says Kozuki. “It’s often different age classes. It’s just like a human population. You wouldn’t want all of your humans to be between 60 and 100 years old.”

Community forests serve as a successful model for resiliency

Community forests are a unique part of B.C.’s forest tenure system that give forest management rights to communities through local governments, community groups or First Nations. B.C.’s Community Forest Program aims to create multiple benefits through forest management, increasing community participation and promoting innovation. Reducing the risk of wildfire to communities is a top priority.

“We are learning more and more about how forest management can play a key role in both mitigating and adapting to climate change,” says Gunter. “Managing forest fuels around our communities and creating more resilient forests at a landscape scale is urgently needed. It’s not forestry business as usual though; it involves new approaches that really improve the resilience of our forests.”

After coming off another wildfire season, it’s clear that sustainable forest management must go hand in hand with a collective and scaled-up approach to wildfire resiliency.

“By managing forests sustainably, we can create local jobs and economic benefits while working to create healthy forests that are more resilient to wildfire and climate change,” affirms Gunter.

To learn more, visit forestryforthefuture.ca.

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Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s Latest Accomplishments Update Highlights Atli Resources LP’s Impact in Helping Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Surrounding Communities, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate Solutions Powered By British Columbia’s Forest Workers,” showcasing the remarkable achievements of its funded projects across throughout the province. These actions on climate change have not only reduced net greenhouse gas emissions but also created economic opportunities for workers. There is now a greater sense of what growing a sustainable bioeconomy can look like in local B.C. communities. 

One such featured project is Atli Resources LP’s success in sustainable forestry practices through its work in recovering over 700 truckloads of low-value fibre and helping avoid 16,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to removing 3,480 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.  

Photo: Atli Resources LP truck carrying logs of wood for chipping. Photo credit: Atli Resources LP. 

At the heart of this project is the Atli Chip facility in Beaver Cove, where logging waste fibre from remote areas—including Holberg, Port Alice, Woss, and Port McNeill—is collected and chipped to make small pieces of wood. This fibre, which lies outside the economic radius of low-value wood, is now being put to valuable use. The chipped material is then transported to support the operations of Paper Excellence’s pulp mills in Howe Sound and Crofton, demonstrating how innovative approaches can extend the utility of forestry byproducts while reducing environmental impact. 

Chief Victor Isaac of the ‘Namgis First Nation, which owns Atli Resources LP, reflected on the projects’ profound cultural and environmental impact and said, “For generations, our connection to the forest has been fundamental, from the cedar bark used in our traditions and day-to-day life to the trees that support our existence. These forests are not just resources—they are vital to our cultural identity and way of life. FESBC’s funding has been crucial in maintaining this. It’s allowed us to integrate sustainable management practices that respect our heritage while ensuring the forests remain vibrant and productive for future generations. This project doesn’t just benefit us economically through job creation—it helps maintain the health of our lands, which is priceless.” 

The Accomplishments Update also provides a broader overview of the societal impact of these initiatives, including an analysis based on the Social Cost of Carbon. This benchmark, used by scientists and economists, measures the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions. FESBC’s projects have consistently outperformed expectations, proving their efficacy in contributing to a more sustainable future. 

First row (left): Atli Resources LP chipping facility; Photo credit: Atli Resources LP; First row (right): Pile of residual fibre.  Photo credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC. Second row (left to right): A closer look at the residual fibre for sustainable applications such as biomass, paper products, etc.  Photo credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki, said, “We are very proud of the project partners in local areas all around British Columbia who have stepped forward with creative and thoughtful projects which not only utilize more waste wood or reduce wildfire risk but also drive additional benefits. FESBC projects show that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between the environment or the economy – it can, and should be, a win for both.” 

The Accomplishments Update delves into two other significant initiatives: Williams Lake First Nation’s leadership in wildfire risk reduction and the BioNorth Energy plant project in Fort St. James, which is processing low-value fibre with the involvement of the Nak’azdli Development Corporation. These stories highlight how FESBC-funded projects are driving meaningful change by synergistically achieving environmental, social, and economic benefits all at the same time. 

To explore the full scope of these and other similar initiatives being undertaken throughout B.C. through FESBC funding, visit the website at www.fesbc.ca 

Click here to read FESBC’s Accomplishments Update Fall 2024Download

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.

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FESBC’s Latest Accomplishments Update Reveals Williams Lake First Nation Leading the Way in Wildfire Risk Reduction and Green Energy Production

Williams Lake, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate Solutions Powered By British Columbia’s Forest Workers,” showcasing the remarkable achievements of its funded projects throughout the province. These actions on climate change have not only reduced net greenhouse gas emissions but also created economic opportunities for workers. There is now a greater sense of what growing a sustainable bioeconomy can look like in local B.C. communities. 

One such featured project is Williams Lake First Nation’s project to mitigate wildfire risk reduction while also contributing to green energy production. The Nation has undertaken a comprehensive wildfire risk reduction project within its traditional territory, addressing one of the most prevalent environmental challenges in the Chilcotin region. However, rather than opting for the conventional practice of burning the wood waste in slash piles after thinning the trees—a method that contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions—the Nation strategically decided to transport this material to local facilities, where it is converted into green energy. This approach has already resulted in helping avoid 490 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to removing over 100 passenger vehicles off the road for a year. 

Photo: FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki engaged in a discussion during a project tour. Photo Credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki, said, “We are very proud of the project partners in local areas all around British Columbia who have stepped forward with creative and thoughtful projects which not only utilize more waste wood or reduce wildfire risk but also drive additional benefits. FESBC projects show that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between the environment or the economy – it can, and should be, a win for both.” 

The Accomplishments Update also provides a broader overview of the societal impact of these initiatives, including an analysis based on the Social Cost of Carbon. This benchmark, used by scientists and economists, measures the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions. FESBC’s projects have consistently outperformed expectations, proving their efficacy in contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Left photo: Williams Lake First Nation’s (WLFN) forestry crew grinding fibre.  Photo Credit: WLFN. Right photo: A pile of residual fibre. Photo Credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

The Accomplishments Update delves into two other significant initiatives: the BioNorth Energy plant project in Fort St. James, which is processing low-value fibre with the involvement of the Nak’azdli Development Corporation, and Atli Resources LP’s chip plant, which is processing low-value fibre with the involvement of the ‘Namgis First Nation. These stories highlight how FESBC-funded projects are driving meaningful change by synergistically achieving environmental, social, and economic benefits all at the same time. 

To explore the full scope of these and other similar initiatives being undertaken throughout B.C. with the help of FESBC funding, visit the website at www.fesbc.ca 

Click here to read FESBC’s Accomplishments Update Fall 2024Download

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests. 

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BioNorth Energy’s Remarkable Impact Highlighted in Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s Accomplishments Update

Fort St. James, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate Solutions Powered By British Columbia’s Forest Workers,” showcasing the remarkable achievements of its funded projects throughout the province. These actions on climate change have not only reduced net greenhouse gas emissions but also created economic opportunities for workers. There is now a greater sense of what growing a sustainable bioeconomy can look like in local B.C. communities. 

One project featured in the report is the FESBC-funded project of BioNorth Energy—a joint venture between the Nak’azdli Development Corporation, the Arrow Group of Companies, and Nexus PMG. This collaboration in Fort St. James has successfully diverted logging waste fibre from being burned in slash piles to the biomass energy facility, transforming what was once considered waste into green energy. Last year, about 3,400 truckloads of logging waste were diverted to the BioNorth facility, helping avoid 27,800 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to 6,000 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.  

FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki, said, “We are very proud of the project partners in local areas all around British Columbia who have stepped forward with creative and thoughtful projects which not only utilize more waste wood or reduce wildfire risk but also drive additional benefits. FESBC projects show that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between the environment or the economy – it can, and should be, a win for both.” 

First row (L-R): Grinding logging waste fibre to transport it to BioNorth Energy’s biomass energy facility; Photo Credit: BioNorth Energy. Second row: FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki engaged in a discussion during a project tour; Photo Credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

The Accomplishments Update delves into two other significant initiatives: Williams Lake First Nation’s leadership in wildfire risk reduction and Atli Resources LP’s chip plant, which is processing low-value fibre with the involvement of the ‘Namgis First Nation. These stories highlight how FESBC-funded projects are driving meaningful change by synergistically achieving environmental, social, and economic benefits all at the same time. 

The Accomplishments Update also provides a broader overview of the societal impact of these initiatives, including an analysis based on the Social Cost of Carbon. This benchmark, used by scientists and economists, measures the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions. FESBC’s projects have consistently outperformed expectations, proving their efficacy in contributing to a more sustainable future. 

To explore the full scope of these and other similar initiatives undertaken throughout B.C. through FESBC funding, visit the website at www.fesbc.ca 

Click here to read FESBC’s Accomplishments Update Fall 2024Download

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests. 

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New Accomplishments Update Highlights the Transformative Impact of FESBC-Funded Projects on Climate Action

New Accomplishments Update Highlights the Transformative Impact of FESBC-Funded Projects on Climate Action

Local Forest Workers in British Columbia Take Significant Steps to Combat Climate Change

Kamloops, B.C. – British Columbia’s forestry sector, in collaboration with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), is making significant strides to take action on climate change. To showcase the impacts of the work undertaken by FESBC and its project partners, FESBC has released an accomplishments update titled “Climate Solutions Powered By British Columbia’s Forest Workers.” The update shares how B.C.’s forest workers are helping drive climate change solutions and how, as a result, British Columbia and the world are seeing environmental, social, and economic wins.  

“Our work with our project partners highlights the power of collaboration in taking action on climate change using the powerful nature-based tool of forestry. By turning wood waste into green energy and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires which emit many tonnes of smoke into the air, we are not only helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but creating environmentally sustainable economic opportunities for communities throughout the province,” said FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki. “These projects demonstrate that when we work together, we can achieve meaningful and lasting impacts for the environment, for our society, and for our economy.” 

Photo: Steve Kozuki standing against the backdrop of residual fibre, ready for efficient utilization. Photo Credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

Since FESBC’s inception in 2017 through early 2023, FESBC-funded projects have sequestered 4.2 million tonnes of CO2e—equivalent to removing 904,000 cars from the road for an entire year—while delivering numerous benefits beyond wildfire risk reduction and fibre utilization. This latest Accomplishments Update from FESBC highlights three impactful projects featuring partnerships with BioNorth Energy in Fort St. James, Williams Lake First Nation, and Atli Resources LP on Vancouver Island. It showcases how local forestry workers are working to transform logging waste and low-value fibre into valuable green energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting local economies and effectively reducing the province’s carbon footprint. 

First row (left to right): A barge transporting residual fibre from Atli Resources LP. Photo Credit: Atli Resources LP; Williams Lake First Nation’s (WLFN) forestry crew grinding fibre. Photo Credit: WLFN; Grinding logging waste fibre to transport it to BioNorth Energy’s biomass energy facility; Photo Credit: BioNorth Energy.
Second row: A closer look at the residual fibre for sustainable applications such as biomass, paper products, etc. Photo Credit: Tiffany Christianson Photography/FESBC.

Reflecting on the Atli Resources LP project’s profound cultural and environmental impacts and why undertaking such projects is important, Chief Victor Isaac of the ‘Namgis First Nation said, “For generations, our connection to the forest has been fundamental, from the cedar bark used in our traditions and day-to-day life to the trees that support our existence. These forests are not just resources—they are vital to our cultural identity and way of life. FESBC’s funding has been crucial in maintaining this. It’s allowed us to integrate sustainable management practices that respect our heritage while ensuring the forests remain vibrant and productive for future generations. This project doesn’t just benefit us economically through job creation—it helps maintain the health of our lands, which is priceless.” 

The Accomplishments Update also provides a broader overview of the societal impact of these initiatives, including an analysis based on the Social Cost of Carbon. This benchmark, used by scientists and economists, measures the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions. FESBC’s projects have consistently outperformed expectations, proving their efficacy in contributing to a more sustainable future. 

“The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is an important partner in our work supporting the forest sector, leading projects focussed on enhancing recreational values, stand rehabilitation, and supplying fibre to local mills,” said Shane Berg, chief forester and assistant deputy minister for the Office of the Chief Forester. “We also know that prevention is a vital part of protecting communities from wildfires, and the projects supported by FESBC are strong examples of the proactive work we undertake to protect both forests and communities in B.C.” 

To explore the full scope of these and other similar initiatives undertaken throughout B.C. through FESBC funding, visit the website at www.fesbc.ca 

Click here to read FESBC’s Accomplishments Update Fall 2024Download

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests. 

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FESBC’s Executive Director to Address Forestry’s Role in Rural Development at “Keeping it Rural” Conference

Kamloops, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is pleased to have its executive director, Steve Kozuki be a featured speaker at the Keeping it Rural conference. Hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton in Kelowna from May 21-23, this year’s conference will explore the theme “Sowing Seeds of Success: Cultivating Rural Economies.”

Kozuki has been involved with forestry in British Columbia since 1984 with roles such as Timber Valuation Coordinator for Weldwood, General Manager of Forestry at the Council of Forest Industries, and key positions within BC Timber Sales and Timber Pricing Branch and has led FESBC since 2017. This year, at the conference, Kozuki will share insights as a panellist on the Emergency Preparedness panel.

Photo: Steve Kozuki; photo credit: FESBC

“Forestry has been an unsung hero, often overlooked in its extensive capabilities to address environmental, economic, and social challenges, including challenges faced by rural communities,” Kozuki shared. “When it comes to wildfires, we work closely with partners like the BC Wildfire Service, Fire Chiefs, FireSmart BC and local communities and First Nations to help bolster community defences against the ever-growing threat of wildfire through thoughtful planning and collaboration. While a focus of our funded projects may be on wildfire risk reduction, our projects yield significant secondary benefits which include creating jobs, enhancing wildlife habitats, reducing greenhouse gases and creating recreational trails—all of which naturally contribute to strengthen local economies. I’m excited to share how integral forestry is to both rural sustainability and emergency preparedness on this year’s panel.”

The Keeping it Rural conference started first in 2015, is an essential gathering for economic development professionals and community leaders dedicated to encouraging sustainable development in rural communities. This year’s sessions will cover a range of topics including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and innovative environmental conservation methods tailored for rural applications.

Sarah Sinclair, executive director of BC Rural Centre, explained what prompted them to approach Kozuki, and said, “FESBC was brought to our attention through board members in the Peace region of the province. After some brief research, it was clear to us that having Steve speak to our audience on the importance of forest enhancement and share FESBC’s success stories would bring great value. Our organization was founded as the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition (SIBAC), so any collaboration with organizations that are in the forestry sector, be it community forests, those who work in wildfire risk mitigation, or Indigenous forest stewardship, is a natural fit.”

This year’s conference will explore various critical topics, including an introduction to the BC Rural Centre Society, innovation in rural areas, advances in agricultural practices promoting food sovereignty, and essential discussions on water stewardship concerning riverscapes and watershed health.

“The conference is two half days and a full day with keynotes from Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Doug Griffiths author of ‘13 Ways to Kill your Community’ and more,” said Sinclair. “With panels on rural innovation, rural agriculture, water stewardship, and more there is something for everyone. The conference is geared for rural, remote, and First Nation communities, regional districts, non-profits, and other key stakeholders. But the content really lends itself to anyone who has a passion for living rurally and keeping it rural in BC.”

People can sign up for the conference at https://ticketstripe.com/keeping-it-rural-2024.

“It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in rural challenges, to hear rural success stories and share space with some amazing people,” concluded Sinclair.

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.

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Truck Loggers Association Magazine Feature Story: Wildfire Strategies Waiting for the Phoenix to Rise

By Jean Sorensen

BC’s forest industry is waiting for the Phoenix, a new phase of forestry, to rise out of the ashes after devastating years of wildfires with 2023 seeing BC lose both older-aged stands and allowable annual cut. Once trusted forest management practices have come back to literally set the provincial forests on fire triggered by climate change. The question now facing BC is whether existing strategies (that have not always been embraced) plus new strategies will be implemented fast enough to stem BC’s large and intense wildfires.

Read the full story here

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FESBC Board Chair Dave Peterson to Address Urgent Wildfire Concerns at the Truck Loggers Association Convention and the Role of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC

In a bid to highlight and address the challenges posed by escalating wildfire frequency in British Columbia, Dave Peterson, Board Chair of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), will be part of a distinguished panel at the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Convention held in Vancouver from January 17 to 19. The panel will explore the crucial question: “With B.C.’s escalating wildfire frequency in recent years, is it imperative to ask if we can be doing better at risk mitigating and identify the requirements to make that happen?”

Graphic Credit: Truck Loggers Association LinkedIn

Expressing his anticipation for the event, Peterson emphasized the urgency of reassessing and enhancing current wildfire management strategies.

“I am very thankful that the Truck Loggers Association chose to include this panel and topic in the agenda for their annual convention; the urgency of improving our wildfire risk reduction strategies can not be overstated, and this platform provides an excellent opportunity to deliver that message to a wide audience. I am also very thankful that the TLA chose to include me, representing the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, in this panel,” said Peterson.

With a robust career that has included serving as the Chief Forester for the Province of BC and as the President of the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturer’s Association, as well as holding several other senior positions in the forest industry, Peterson brings a wealth of practical experience and industry knowledge to the discussion. Given Peterson’s extensive and distinguished background in forestry, his perspectives during the TLA panel discussion will offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand through the lens of a forestry professional steeped in forestry.

During the panel discussion, Peterson will provide a comprehensive overview of the FESBC’s pivotal role in addressing the escalating wildfire crisis. Known for its commitment to projects focused on wildfire risk reduction and fibre utilization by incorporating sustainable practices, FESBC has been at the forefront of funding projects throughout the province that manage the changing dynamics of wildfires. Peterson will share more about FESBC’s funded projects, exploring an overall potential for improvement and adaptation in the face of evolving challenges posed by climate change.

“I am very proud of the key, unique role that FESBC plays in wildfire risk reduction and believe it is important to communicate that role more broadly. My focus will be on describing the unique role of FESBC in risk reduction and its critical importance in helping B.C. pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future in the midst of changing climate dynamics and human interaction with our forests,” Peterson added.

Peterson will also be highlighting FESBC’s ongoing efforts to navigate the intricate relationship between climate change, fire intensity, and the evolving human connection with forests. The society is strategically positioned to continue to play a crucial role in raising awareness while funding projects that work to address some of the causes of escalating wildfire incidents in the province.

Visit the FESBC website to get more insights into the work being done by FESBC and its project partners: www.fesbc.ca

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Responding to the Climate Crisis in BC’s Forests in BC Forest Professional Magazine

In the winter issue of the BC Forest Professionals magazine, Colin Mahony, PhD, RPF, a BC Ministry of Forests Research Climatologist and Team Lead of the Future Forest Ecosystems Centre (FFEC*), has shared an opinion piece as part of a series on climate change and forestry. The first article in this series by FESBC Operations Manager, Brian Watson, was published in the Fall edition, titled “A practical case for utilizing low value fibre derived from logging”.

In the Winter Issue, Mahoney writes on how he sees a clear message for forest professionals: there is some level of climate heating where the impacts become overwhelming and adaptation measures fall apart, and we work on adaptation, we must also advocate for the conditions under which adaptation is possible — a stable climate.

He writes, “BC’s forest professionals are emerging as leaders in climate change adaptation. We also need to be leaders in securing the conditions
under which adaptation is possible.”

Click here to read the full article

*The FFEC is a new scientific team in the Office of the Chief Forester that is focused on forecasting climate change impacts on BC’s forest ecosystems and their multiple values.

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Constraints to Forestry Innovation as featured in Truck Logger BC

In the Fall 2023 issue of the Truck Logger BC Magazine, Jean Sorensen examines innovation in forestry and what is holding it back, in an article featuring various industry experts, including the Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s (FESBC) Executive Director, Steve Kozuki.

The article, titled “Constraints to Forestry Innovation”, discusses innovation in B.C’s forestry sector and its importance to stay competitive, especially against larger manufacturers. It also emphasizes the need for a supportive business environment and policy stability to encourage innovation.

The forestry industry in BC is facing challenges related to fibre supply uncertainty, which affects the adoption of new technologies and investments. Companies are exploring innovations like LiDAR inventory mapping, the use of drones, and remote-controlled equipment. These innovations are seen as essential, and the article explores their feasibility in the current climate.

In the article,

FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki said over the past five years they have funded the utilization of five million cubic metres or roughly 100,000 truckloads of post-harvest residuals that would have been abandoned or burned.

Those five years brought a legacy of operating data. Logging contractors have tried whole log (pulp or biolog) sorts, chipping or grinding fibre at the roadside or landing, baling slash (but it still has a lot of air and costs to transport), central reload sites and sort yards, and barging from the mid and north coast. According to Kozuki, each method has pros and cons and trade-offs, but most contractors favoured transport of fibre in log form or chip/grind in the bush.

Click Here to Read the Full Story