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. 

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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. 

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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 

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

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.” 

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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 

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

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.  

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. 

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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 

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