On September 17 to 18, 2024 the Wood Pellet Association of Canada will be harnessing the energy of industry experts in Victoria, B.C. to discuss the critical role biomass and wood pellets play in the transition to a greener and brighter future.
During WPAC’s annual conference “Powering Sustainability: The Role of Biomass in Electrification”—over two days of sessions and networking events—an exciting lineup of experts will examine the electrification revolution taking place across Canada and around the globe.
“Waste Not, Want Not” on Wednesday, September 18 at 8:30 am will explore the challenges of moving logging residuals from the forest to the pellet plant and beyond and how these actions will keep our communities safer, reduce emissions, protect our forests, and provide clean energy.
“Powering the shift from fossil fuels to clean, renewable and responsible energy will require new innovations and solutions,” says Gordon Murray, Executive Director, WPAC. “Respected industry veteran Steve Kozuki will be sharing how the Forest Enhancement Society of BC is helping communities remove excess fibre from forests to reduce fuel for potential wildfires and providing the raw materials needed to make bio-products and bioenergy.”
It is estimated that millions of cubic metres of “wood waste” are left in Canada’s forests after harvesting, left to be burned in slash piles or contribute to forest fires. In his last official speaking engagement before retirement from FESBC, Steve will join other industry experts to illustrate home-grown actions that are demonstrating the importance of government and industry partnerships in solving these challenges.
The session features:
The Case for Forest Management – Ben Hudson, Manager, Carbon Accounting and Reporting, Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service
Lessons from Finland, Joe Nemeth, General Manager, BC Pulp and Paper Coalition
The British Columbia Approach – Steve Kozuki, Executive Director, Forest Enhancement Society of BC
Advances in Traceability & Geolocation – Carsten Huljus, CEO, Sustainable Biomass Program (EUDR)
Kozuki says it is an honour to cap his career talking about how the FESBC is a catalyst that empowers local people and uses forestry to create deep transformational shifts.
“FESBC is unique in the forest sector in British Columbia blending the best characteristics of industry with the best aspirations of government,” he adds. “It uses forest industry business know-how to create social and environmental benefits for the public enabling local people to propose projects using local knowledge, contractors and workers.”
Improving utilization of wood fibre is a win for people and our forests. Given that most of the recovered fibre would otherwise be burned in slash piles, FESBC projects are also helping B.C. reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Wood Pellet Association of Canada Conference is Canada’s largest gathering of the Canadian wood pellet industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the dialogue that transforms our future.
Register now for WPAC’s conference by clicking here.
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 SolutionsPowered 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
Williams Lake, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate SolutionsPowered 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
Fort St. James, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate SolutionsPowered 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
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
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.
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.
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. has just released a video on their Pressy Lake pilot project featuring the Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s (FESBC) Executive Director, Steve Kozuki.
The video, titled “Trying Something New”, highlights the ongoing efforts of the pilot project, funded by FESBC, to rehabilitate areas severely affected by the 2017 Elephant Hill wildfire.
Steve Kozuki, executive director of FESBC is “thrilled that CCR adopted a fire-damaged uneconomic forest abandoned by the forest industry. CCR will help turn biomass into green energy and sustainable forest products and replant a new forest to accelerate ecological recovery and reduce greenhouse gases. It truly represents our commitment to sustainable forestry practices and showcases how we can turn challenges into opportunities.”
Watch the full video here:
This video is followed by a second one, titled “What We Learned”, that speaks to the successes and learnings from the project and what the next steps would look like.
According to CCR, the release of a third video in early June will document tree planting with funding support from Natural Resources Canada, giving viewers an inside look into the efforts to reforest the area and showcasing the practical steps being taken to ensure the rehabilitation of the land.
Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Surrounding Communities, B.C. – Atli Resources LP, a ‘Namgis First Nation-owned company, in collaboration with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), is celebrating an important milestone in sustainable forestry practices with the successful recovery of 35,000 cubic meters of fibre—equivalent to approximately 700 truck loads. This achievement has been made possible through the crucial support and funding provided by FESBC, highlighting the impactful role FESBC plays in supporting projects that lead to substantial environmental benefits and community development.
Row 1 (L to R): Loaded barge heading out from Atli Resources LP; Roadside pile burning undertaken by the crew, Row 2 (L to R): Transporting logs; Atli Resources LP chip plant. Photos credit: Atli Resources LP.
As a part of the projects funded by FESBC, waste fibre is being collected and chipped at the Atli Chip facility at Beaver Cove. The fibre comes from areas outside the economic radius of the plant, including areas near Holberg, Port Alice, Woss, and Port McNeill. The chipped fibre is then transported to support the operations of Paper Excellence’s pulp mills in Howe Sound and Crofton.
Chief Victor Isaac of the ‘Namgis First Nation 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 two projects on North Vancouver Island, supported through FESBC funding, are confronting the logistical and operational challenges in salvaging and transporting fibre, particularly from remote or hard-to-reach areas and are successfully managing to transport the waste fibre instead of piling and burning it.
“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. “As we work to support a strong and sustainable forest sector, FESBC has played a pivotal role in helping get more fibre that would have previously gone to waste into the hands of mills across B.C. to be processed into usable products. These initiatives help get more value out of every tree and lower greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting the hard-working people and businesses that make up our forestry sector.”
Confirming Minister Ralston’s remarks, the project is already showcasing the tangible outcomes of such initiatives. This project effectively recovered 35,000 cubic meters of waste fibre (equivalent to 15,493 CO2 emissions if burned, further equivalent to 3,300 cars off the road for a year), including low-value logs and short pieces of wood typically left to pile and burn or rot. This reduces potential wildfire fuel and significantly cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, plus smoke and ash.
Doug Mosher, CEO of Atli Resources, said, “The involvement, advice, assistance, and funding from FESBC has made an incredible contribution to the fibre supply for the chip plant. With FESBC funding, Atli Resources and its contractor have been able to salvage fibre that otherwise would be well beyond the chip plant’s economic range to transport it economically. This also has enhanced primary and secondary employment and other benefits to the environment and local economy.”
The benefits, as Mosher notes, extend beyond the immediate environmental impact. The operation of the chip plant and related salvaging activities has created 25 to 30 full-time ongoing jobs, providing stable employment and boosting the local economy. The influx of workers has led to increased demand for local services such as housing, food, and retail and has prompted contractors to invest in new equipment to handle the increased workload. Moreover, the project has helped more efficient forest regeneration by clearing the way for new seedlings, thus enhancing the sustainability of forest management practices.
Kurt Leroy, operations manager with Estero Peak Contracting Ltd., explained, “The help and the funding from the FESBC program has made it financially viable for Estero Peak Contracting Ltd. to salvage and haul logs from outside the usual Fibre Recovery Zone (distance wise). They have, therefore, been able to provide more jobs for members of the local communities at the north end of Vancouver Island.”
Beyond the multiple benefits this project has provided the ‘Namgis and the community, it has brought together several local companies, creating strong partnerships that boost both the economy and the environment. A critical contributor to the success of the project is Atli Chip LP. Atli Chip is jointly owned by Atli Resources, along with the local logging company Wahkash Contracting Ltd, and Paper Excellence, a pulp and paper company. Estero Peak Contracting Ltd, a local contractor, takes care of fibre salvaging, loading, and hauling the waste wood, and supporters like Western Forest Products and Mosaic Forest Management provide access to cutblocks for salvaging fibre. Paper Excellence purchases the pulp logs for the chip plant from forest licensees and various landowners and then purchases the residual chips and hog fuel (bark and small pieces of wood) from Atli Chip LP. This teamwork shows how working together can lead to major achievements in sustainable forestry.
Chris McGourlick, operations manager with FESBC, said, “Atli Chip LP is an excellent example of a First Nations-led partnership achieving multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Removingresidual fibre and the corresponding reduction in burning activities contributes to a healthier local environment and additional economic activities. As we see harvest levels decrease across the province, partnerships like this are critical to providing stability to communities and local economies. The leadership that the Namgis are showing through Atli Resources and Atli Chip is highlighting ways to move forward as forest stewardship evolves in the province. FESBC is proud to partner with them as they work to improve the utilization of our forest resources.”
Looking ahead, Atli Resources remains committed to expanding its environmental and economic impacts through sustainable forestry practices. The company continuously seeks available fibre for chipping and plans to increase the operational capacity of the chip plant to double shifts whenever sufficient fibre is available. This will maximize productivity and the project’s environmental benefits.
According to Mosher, the waste wood salvaging projects are also set to continue, especially for the long-distance areas outside of the Ministry of Forests-derived Fibre Recovery Zones, relying on the ongoing support from FESBC funding. This sustained effort will ensure that less fibre goes to waste, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better protect communities from wildfire risk.
These comprehensive efforts further showcase the critical role of FESBC-funded projects in preserving the environment and strengthening the economic fabric of communities throughout B.C.
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) 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.”
“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.
Terrace, B.C.: The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable forest management practices through its funding for wildfire risk reduction and fibre utilization projects across the province of British Columbia. Through funding initiatives, FESBC has been instrumental in most recently supporting three critical projects undertaken by NorthPac Forestry Group Ltd. (NorthPac). These projects have significantly enhanced forest operations while contributing to British Columbia’s carbon reduction goals.
While the three projects funded by FESBC for NorthPac are similar in nature, each has its own unique aspects. For instance, a portion of the fibre removed by NorthPac and Coast Tsimshian Resources LP (CTR) includes small-diameter tops and limbs, which were historically left in the forest. In securing funding from FESBC, NorthPac and CTR have been able to introduce a chipper in Terrace to recover significantly more wood waste material, contributing to more efficient forest management.
“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. “As we work to support a strong and sustainable forest sector, FESBC has played a pivotal role in helping get more fibre that would have previously gone to waste into the hands of mills across B.C. to be processed into usable products. These initiatives help get more value out of every tree, increase wildfire resilience and lower greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting the hard-working people and businesses that make up our forestry sector.”
Photos: The operation at the Kitsumkalum rail yard where the chips generated from the project are being loaded into rail cars;. Photos credit: NorthPac.
Cathy Craig, CEO of NorthPac, highlighted the importance of FESBC’s support. “The Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s funding is crucial for NorthPac and our partners. Without it, we would not be able to economically move a significant portion of the wood fibre in the forest due to challenges such as the long distances to haul logs and low-value fibre. For instance, some blocks – or forest areas – consist of over 50 percent pulp, a lower-value wood fibre unsuitable for making more valuable products. The Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s financial support has helped us not leave this material behind to be burned, ensuring its more efficient utilization.”
Northwest B.C.’s forests are a testament to the region’s diversity, ranging from wetter coastal forests to drier areas more prone to wildfire. The absence of major sawmills and the limited presence of significant industry players necessitate innovative approaches to timber utilization. Local mills cannot process all the different species and log sizes in the region’s forests, resulting in a dynamic system of fibre distribution. Timber harvested in the region often follows various routes, including being supplied to local mills, transportation to the lower mainland and for export to other parts of the world.
Since partnering with FESBC, NorthPac has transported over 150,000 cubic metres of pulp logs and wood waste for utilization, significantly reducing carbon emissions that would have resulted from burning. Of the total transported material, a substantial portion of this fibre went to pulp mills in the lower mainland in the form of pulp logs and wood chips. Some of the material has gone to Drax to make wood pellets, and a small amount was used to produce squared-off logs, or cants, in Houston, B.C. Most recently, some of the wood chips were sent from Terrace to the Canfor pulp mill in Prince George via rail.
Andrew Burke, Director of Business Development with NorthPac, noted, “If this material had been burned as logging waste, it would have emitted upwards of 200,000 tonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions produced by 61,273 vehicles in a year*.”
The FESBC-funded projects have not only contributed to environmental sustainability but have also significantly benefitted the economy. Approximately 4,350 full-time equivalent days of employment have been supported, creating new job opportunities, and driving local economic growth.
Moreover, these projects are immensely important for Indigenous communities in the region.
Kelly Sampson, director of Coast Tsimshian Resources LP, noted, “The involvement of Indigenous communities in forestry projects is paramount to ensuring sustainable development and economic empowerment. Through collaboration with NorthPac and FESBC, we are strengthening our stewardship of the land while creating opportunities for meaningful participation and benefits for our people.”
Indigenous involvement and benefits are integral components of forestry operations in Northwest B.C. For example, CTR, owned by the Lax Kw’alaams Band, is the largest licensee in the Terrace area. Additionally, every road permit and cutting permit application undergoes review by the nations whose territory it overlaps, ensuring their input guides the operations.
Calvin Carlick, director of partnership and business development with the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, said, “Tahltan Forestry recognizes the importance of responsible forestry practices on our territory. Through collaborative efforts with NorthPac and the support of FESBC, we strive to uphold our stewardship responsibilities while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our people. This partnership represents a meaningful step towards ensuring the health and vitality of our forests for generations to come.”
While the Lax Kw’alaams Band and Tahltan Nation are directly involved in the work on two of the projects, NorthPac also works directly with many of the Gitxsan Wilps (House Groups) who receive economic benefits from the logging that takes place on their Lax’yip (territories). Moreover, the Kitsumkalum are indirectly involved as the chips generated from the project are being loaded into rail cars at the Kitsumkalum rail yard.
In addition to benefiting NorthPac’s operations and some of the Indigenous communities in the region, the funding has had a positive impact on the operations of the Terrace Community Forest (TCF), as highlighted by Kim Haworth, RPF, General Manager of the community forest. Haworth noted, “The project, as I understand it, was for chipping the small diameter log that usually ended up in our burn piles. This was a desirable log for the chipping program and allowed Terrace Community Forest to increase utilization while reducing the size of our waste piles and carbon emissions by approximately 50 per cent.”
The ripple effect created through the funding has also resulted in employment opportunities for TCF’s logging crew and supervisor, contributing to local economic development. While specific numbers for employment created were not available, it was estimated to be in the neighbourhood of 150 days. Haworth further emphasized the importance of continuing such programs to further reduce wood waste, increase utilization, and create employment opportunities for the community forest.
Chris McGourlick, operations manager with FESBC, acknowledged Northpac’s initiative in fibre utilization and said, “Northpac has taken a leadership role in helping facilitate the utilization of fibre in the Skeena area. Their successful collaboration with their First Nation partners and local tenure holders is helping find new outlets to address the limited options available for low value and residual fibre. These new options help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through pile burning, provide a stabilizing influence for the local workforce and economy and maximize the utilization of our forest resources.”
As NorthPac navigates the complexities of forestry in Northwest B.C., Burke shared that an ongoing challenge was addressing more common misconceptions, especially the ones troubling recreation users. Burke believes it’s important for people to understand there are a set of higher-level plans that govern land use. These plans include the Kalum Sustainable Resource Management Plan, Kispiox Land & Resource Management Plan (LRMP), and Cassiar Iskut-Stikine LRMP, among others. There are also a few First Nations-developed Land Use Plans (LUP), such as the Gitanyow LUP that NorthPac follows.
“The important message here is that before companies even step foot in the forest to identify potential harvest areas, there are already a host of protections in place, such as Old Growth Management Areas, wildlife habitat areas, and protected scenic areas with Visual Quality Objectives,” noted Burke. This is in addition to the wonderful parks in the area that can never be harvested, such as Seven Sisters Provincial Park and Protected Area, Swan Lake / Kispiox River Provincial Park, and Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park, to name a few.”
According to Burke, it is also important for recreational users to understand the immense contributions made by forestry to the infrastructure development in B.C. through its contributions to building and maintaining the province’s extensive road and bridge network.
“Each year, we spend millions of dollars on infrastructure development and maintenance activities, such as plowing snow, grading roads, and repairing bridges. This infrastructure enables public access to recreational areas for activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting. The industry’s substantial investment in infrastructure upkeep enhances public accessibility,” Burke asserted.
Today, NorthPac, which owns a licence in the Kispiox timber supply area, and jointly manages licenses owned by the Lax Kw’alaams Band, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, and Haisla Nation (a combined annual allowable cut exceeding 1,000,000 cubic metres), remains committed to sustainable forest management and maximizing fibre utilization. This commitment is more attainable with the support of strategic funding from FESBC, despite the numerous challenges inherent to forestry operations in Northwest B.C.
Two Merritt-based companies are advancing sustainable forest management. Read the story of a long-standing alliance of First Nations-owned and operated fibre management company, Stuwix Resources Joint Venture, and Valley Carriers, who are working together to make better use of leftover forest materials in the Winter 2024 edition of Canadian Biomass Magazine.
