#fesbcnews

July 23, 2024July 19, 2024

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC Announces its New Executive Director

Kamloops, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jason Fisher will be the incoming FESBC executive director to replace Steve Kozuki, the current executive director who is retiring.

“We are so thankful to have had such remarkable candidates apply for this important leadership role,” shared Dave Peterson, board chair of FESBC. “After a comprehensive search, we are delighted to share that Jason Fisher has been selected as the successful candidate. I am thrilled that Jason will be joining our FESBC team; he will be taking on the role officially as of September 4, 2024.”

Fisher is no stranger to forestry or FESBC. Seven years ago, he worked within the Ministry of Forests and was a part of the team that helped develop FESBC’s structure.

“This opportunity is like a homecoming for me,” remarked Fisher, a Registered Professional Forester who was born, raised, and still resides in Prince George. “To be involved with FESBC at the beginning, to watch it create a foundation of respect, funding essential forest enhancement projects throughout the province, to now having the good fortune of being the incoming executive director, it is an exciting time, and I’m looking forward to starting this September.”

“FESBC has done great work and is a highly effective organization that is building momentum. One just needs to look at the number of projects the organization has funded and the outcomes of those projects to reduce open burning and utilize wood fibre, to help make communities safer from wildfire, and to protect our precious natural resources to see the value of FESBC. As a forester and a British Columbian, I am both thrilled and humbled to take on this role, which allows the provincial government, the FESBC team and, most importantly, program recipients, to invest in more resilient forests and a more beneficial and equitable vision of forest management, now and for generations to come,” Fisher said.

Kozuki is also delighted to have someone of Fisher’s calibre take on the role.

“I am so pleased to have Jason lead FESBC into the future,” noted Kozuki. “His deep experience within the forest industry, Indigenous business development, and senior public sector government roles will serve FESBC and the people of British Columbia very well going forward.”

The Board and staff at FESBC recognize the impact this wildfire season has already had on individuals and communities. Our thoughts are with those impacted, and we remain committed to funding projects that are working to reduce wildfire risk in B.C.

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

June 25, 2024July 8, 2024

Meet Forest Enhancement Society of BC Operations Manager: Travis Emsland

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) welcomes a new Operations Manager to its team. Meet Travis Emsland, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with over 20 years of work experience in the forestry sector.

Initially drawn to forestry because of the opportunities it presented to work outdoors and the variety of avenues to pursue within the sector, Travis began his career as a tree planter in northern Manitoba.

He attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, graduating in 2001 and obtained his RPF (Registered Professional Forester) status in Alberta two years later. From there on, Travis worked as a partner in a consulting firm in Slave Lake, Alberta where he specialized as a Silviculture Forester.

In June 2019, he was offered a position in British Columbia as a Stewardship Forester with the Ministry of Forests’ Rocky Mountain Resource District, which led him to relocate with his family to Cranbrook and obtain his British Columbia RPF designation a few months later. Travis worked exclusively from that point forward in the Wildfire Risk Reduction program until April of this year when he joined FESBC.

Travis will primarily provide strategic oversight for FESBC’s programs related to wildfire risk reduction.

“This role will include working with our project proponents and our colleagues at PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure that FESBC projects maximize the achievement of multiple benefits. Projects can be designed to not only reduce wildfire risk to communities, but at the same time also improve wildlife habitat, create recreational opportunities, reduce greenhouse gasses, manage for healthier resilient forests, and generate economic benefits for local people” he shared.

As he begins his journey with FESBC, Travis has found a deep sense of appreciation for the team’s support, as well as the diversity of backgrounds and experiences everyone brings to the table.

“My colleagues here at FESBC are wonderful people to work with. My favourite aspect of my job is the conversations I have with people who are looking to do unique things that will benefit all British Columbians. The field tours throughout the province to see FESBC funded projects are fantastic as well.”

He is looking forward to travelling throughout British Columbia and seeing first-hand how local people are making a difference, especially with respect to increasing fibre utilization with their projects and reducing wildfire risk to communities, taking action on climate change, and so much more, plus being involved with the FireSmart BC Committee.

During his free time, Travis enjoys staying active and hanging out with his partner, Lenore and their daughters Kennedy and Nicole. In the winter, he plays hockey, curls, and swims, and during the summer, he spends most of his time paddle-boarding, biking, or golfing. He really enjoys tackling woodworking projects in his backyard and would like to get into fly-fishing in the near future.

FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki said “With his extensive expertise around wildfire risk reduction and passion for forestry in general, Travis is set to make a positive impact on FESBC and contribute to the continued well-being of British Columbia’s forests and people. Welcome to FESBC, Travis!”

March 20, 2024March 19, 2024

Faces of FESBC: Trish Dohan, Board Treasurer

Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. In this month’s Faces of Forestry, we are featuring a Face of FESBC to highlight one of the exceptional individuals on our Board of Directors who helps guide our organization toward impactful change.

This month, we feature Trish Dohan, FESBC’s Board Treasurer and a key player in creating long-term benefits for our province’s forests.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Trish graduated from the BCIT Financial Management program with additional studies at the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and executive development programs through Royal Roads University.

Trish’s career began in Vancouver before she moved to Victoria to begin a fulfilling career with the BC Public Service, primarily in the Natural Resource sector. In late 2021, she retired from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, having served as an Assistant Deputy Ministry and Executive Financial Officer since 2013.

“It was in this role that I became involved in a wide range of activities including wildlife species, wildfires, and tree planting, to name just a very few,” she explained. “The creation of FESBC was one of these activities, and I have watched it evolve from a brand-new organization in 2016, to an efficient structure that successfully meets its goals.”

Joining the FESBC Board of Directors in November 2022, Trish brought her wealth of experience and understanding of British Columbia’s diverse geography, communities, and people.

“I joined the Board primarily as a way to stay connected to the Natural Resource communities that are so important to the province’s wellbeing. It’s a very special place to live, and we want to keep it that way.”

Initially, she joined as a Board Director and then became Board Treasurer in November of last year.

Optimistically focused on securing steady funding for the Board in 2024 and beyond, she envisions stability for funding recipients and FESBC’s dedicated team. This funding should generate more investment in equipment and innovation and allow FESBC to retain and recruit excellent staff, ultimately enabling them to continue to make a positive difference in British Columbia’s forests.

Given the impacts of climate change and diminished fibre supply in the province, Trish is particularly enthusiastic about FESBC’s projects focused on wildfire risk reduction while also utilizing wood fibre that would otherwise be considered waste.

“As recently seen in the Williams Lake area devastated by the 2017 fires, these projects are also enhancing the forests for wildlife habitat and Indigenous values,” she explains.

With a deep appreciation for forests and their critical role in influencing climate, water and air quality, Trish, as a new grandparent, emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to ensure these thrive for future generations.

Beyond her involvement with FESBC, Trish is an active community member, becoming involved on various boards, committees, and teams over the last 30 years. Since her retirement, she has been spending more time outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia and far beyond.

Thank you, Trish, for your passion and dedication to FESBC and your invaluable contributions to the well-being of our forests and communities.

November 22, 2023November 21, 2023

Faces of Forestry: Klay Tindall

Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. This month, we feature Klay Tindall, general manager of forest operations for Lil’wat Forestry Ventures LP.

Klay’s journey in forestry began with a strong educational foundation. After obtaining a Bachelor of Forestry in Forest Management/Forest Resource Management from The University of British Columbia (UBC), his commitment to personal growth led him to get an additional Certificate in Advanced Leadership from UBC Sauder School of Business.

“In the early days of my career, the adventurous spirit that forestry offered, as well as the excitement of being outdoors every day laid the foundation for this lifelong passion,” said Klay.

Currently, Klay works as the general manager of Forest Operations for Lil’wat Forestry Ventures (LFV) in Mount Currie, British Columbia, which supports the Lil’wat Nation by creating profits, employment, and training.

In this role, he ensures the operation’s contract safety and environmental leadership, leading and coordinating a team responsible for planning and implementing forestry activities. In addition, he is in charge of developing and implementing annual budgets, as well as coordinating the forestry activities with the Indigenous Affairs/Referrals department of Lil’wat Nation to ensure Rights and Titles are strengthened.

“An important part of my role is creating jobs in the community and developing employee skills,” added Klay. “LFV averages 35 employees and does contract forest firefighting, fuels management, silviculture, and road maintenance work for other licensees and clients. I deal directly with our clients that the contracting department works for.”

Additionally, he manages the harvesting, engineering, and silviculture contractors over Lil’wat Nations’ five forest tenures, with LFV harvesting approximately 100,000 cubic metres of timber annually.

Klay’s commitment to enhancing British Columbia’s forests is evident through his engagement with the FESBC. Since 2019, he has led many fuels management projects through his work with the Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) utilizing FESBC funds.

“Currently, we are working with FESBC on fuels management projects in the CCF and Spel’kúmtn Community Forest, hoping to extend that project to 2024. We are also receiving support from them to harvest low-value stands in Lil’wat Traditional Territory,” he explained.

Reflecting on the journey, one of the aspects Klay cherishes the most is the ability to create long-term financial benefits and meaningful careers for the Lil’wat community.

As he explains, “forestry is an exciting, tricky and ever-changing industry,” adding that “it involves complex and sometimes undiscovered science, historical and traditional knowledge, as well as intrinsic values. It provides meaningful employment producing sustainable products, as well as places to gather food and enjoy the beauties of nature.”

Outside his work, Klay finds solace in the mountains around Whistler, spending quality time with his loved ones. His passion for forestry extends beyond professional boundaries and into his family, as both of his oldest sons have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in forestry across British Columbia.

Thank you, Klay, for your dedication to sustainable forestry, and unwavering commitment to supporting the Lil’wat community.

December 13, 2022December 13, 2022

FESBC Names New Board Chair and Appoints New Board Members

– Dave Peterson Elected Chair of the Board –

KAMLOOPS, B.C.: The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC), a leader in supporting Indigenous groups, local communities, contractors and companies to implement innovative forestry projects with immense and lasting social, economic and environmental benefits, is pleased to announce the new Board Chair and appointment of five new Directors.

Current FESBC Directors Sarah Fraser, Brian Banfill (Treasurer) and Dave Peterson will continue to serve British Columbians on the FESBC Board. Five new Directors have been appointed to the Board: Trish Dohan (Secretary), Ian Meier, John Massier, Ken Day, and Michael Kelly. Each board member brings a unique perspective, extensive expertise, and a commitment to drive forestry solutions that will benefit British Columbians. Information on each of the Board members can be found on FESBC’s website.

Steve Kozuki, FESBC’s Executive Director said, “We worked with others to recruit the new FESBC Directors, including the Union of BC Municipalities and the BC First Nations Forestry Council. The result is increased diversity and stronger voices for communities and Indigenous perspectives, while retaining our connections to government and industry.”

Dave Peterson, soon to be retired as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Community Disaster Recovery, Lytton in the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for FESBC.

“When I was a young forester, Dave was a prominent senior leader in the forest industry. I was in awe of his strong presence and strategic orientation. I then watched Dave make a big impact when he joined the BC Public Service. Dave has really inspired me over the years. I am so delighted to now work directly with Dave in his role as the Chair of the FESBC Board of Directors,” said Kozuki.

Among other things, Dave was the President of the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers Association and held senior positions in the forest industry. Before moving to Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Peterson was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Lands and Innovation within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and he was also temporarily appointed as the Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in 2013. He has served on the FESBC Board of Directors since its inception.

“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of FESBC,” said Peterson. “I am honoured to carry on the excellent legacy of the previous Chairs, Wayne Clogg and Jim Snetsinger, and to build off the strong foundation they have created.”

Jim Snetsinger, who served as the previous Board Chair, will be stepping down. Wayne Clogg, who was the Board Chair before Snetsinger, will also be stepping off the board.

“We are grateful to Jim and Wayne for serving on the FESBC Board for the maximum term of six years. They are well-known and respected in the B.C. forest sector, and we thank them for helping make FESBC successful by providing their knowledge, experience and wise leadership,” noted Kozuki.

The new board successfully transitioned into their roles on December 1, 2022.

For an interview with FESBC contact:

Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison | communications@fesbc.ca | 250.574.0221

About FESBC: the purposes of FESBC are to advance environmental and resource stewardship of B.C.’s forests by: preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires; improving damaged or low-value forests; improving habitat for wildlife; supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. As of March 2022, FESBC has supported 263 projects valued at $238 million, in partnership with the governments of B.C. and Canada.

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the

Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.

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October 29, 2021November 25, 2021

Executive Director’s Newsletter Oct. 2021

We have developed a monthly newsletter to curate the good news stories we share throughout the province featuring FESBC-funded projects which are seeing excellent economic, social, and environmental benefits. Stories are shared in collaboration with our project partners. We’ve had the opportunity to share FESBC-funded project stories from throughout our province through our NEW Climate Change Heroes video and in collaboration with National Forest Week. Our projects have been featured in local, provincial, national and international publications which help build social license for the exceptional forest enhancement work throughout our province.

Read this month’s Executive Director’s Newsletter

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Watch the BC Forestry Workers are Climate Change Heroes video on Vimeo!