Opportunities for greater input into local forest management are expanding near Fort Nelson following an invitation from Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson to the Fort Nelson First Nation and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality to apply for a community forest agreement.

The challenge is clear. While British Columbia’s forest sector has a distinct advantage in market development, there are untapped opportunities related to innovation.

In the 1970s a number of events occurred at the same time which led to B.C. becoming a significant supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $72,640 to the Leq’a:mel First Nation to establish a non-timber forest resources business and associated value-added opportunities, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission Simon Gibson announced.

The provincial government released its agenda to enhance the competitiveness of B.C.’s forest sector so that it continues to make investments and provide family-supporting jobs in communities throughout the province.

The Government of British Columbia announced that it is investing $8 million to promote the use of B.C. wood, help advance wood building systems and products, and to expand global markets for B.C. wood products.