The Province is supporting the development of a new mass-timber production facility that will create 90 sustainable, local forestry jobs in Castlegar and continue to grow to position B.C. at the forefront of this emerging wood-manufacturing and housing-construction sector.

People in the Kootenay-Boundary region will have greater protection from wildfires through a provincial investment in a series of community-led projects.

Robert (Bob) and Greg Sahlstrom are being recognized by the Province with a 2020 Minister’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management for the South area.

The public is invited to attend a community open house and participate in a discussion about the 2020 gypsy moth aerial spray treatment program planned for an area north of Castlegar (Raspberry).

A 60-hectare prescribed burn will be conducted in the Winlaw Creek area to help reduce wildfire risks and restore local ecosystems.

Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson made the following statement in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Selkirk College:

The BC Wildfire Service, in conjunction with BC Timber Sales and the Kaslo and District Community Forest Society, is planning to conduct two prescribed burns in the Kootenay Lake Fire Zone. Burning will take place between Oct. 8-10, 2015, weather conditions permitting.

The Province is accepting bids on a new woodlot licence near Edgewood, a move that will eventually generate new job opportunities across the region.