Members of the Stellat’en First Nation now have an enhanced voice in local forest stewardship and greater opportunity for economic development through a forestry agreement signed with the Province, moving British Columbia and the Stellat’en further down the path of reconciliation.

Bruce Larson, Tara Marsden and Rick Monchak have been appointed to the Forest Practices Board for two-year terms, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has announced.

The Government of British Columbia has contributed $500,000 to the Forestry Service Providers Compensation Fund to protect eligible forestry and silviculture contractors, and service providers, in the event of licensee insolvency.

The impact that climate change is having on wildfire behaviour in B.C. will be a focus of the Wildfire and Climate Change Conference, taking place in Nelson from June 26-28, 2018, Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson announced today.

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

Beginning June 1, 2018, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will begin deactivating up to 500 kilometres of permit roads located in BC Timber Sales operating areas, throughout the Quesnel Natural Resource District – weather permitting.

Communities and wildlife will benefit from $134 million being awarded by the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. (FESBC) to 71 forest enhancement projects around the Province, Premier John Horgan announced today.

The Government of British Columbia is investing $7.8 million to promote the use of B.C. wood overseas, advance wood building systems and products, and expand global markets.

In an effort to eradicate a growing population of gypsy moths and minimize the risks they pose to forests, farms, orchards and trees, 94 hectares near Courtenay are planned for an aerial spray beginning in early May until June 30, 2018.

Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $567,190 to five projects in the northeast, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.