Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, have issued the following joint statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in its second administrative review regarding countervailing and anti-dumping duties applied to Canada’s softwood lumber exports to the United States:

As a result of catastrophic damage to multiple forest service roads attributed to the recent storm events, and the potentially unsafe circumstances that may exist in areas not yet assessed, all forest service roads in the Chilliwack Forest District have been closed until further notice.

In line with government’s vision for forest care, the Province has introduced legislation to help build a more diverse and inclusive forest sector that works for people.

British Columbia has planted more than one billion trees since 2018, including 301 million this year.

Two community forest awards, along with $10,000 grants, have been awarded to the West Boundary Community Forest for 2020 and the Westbank First Nation for 2021.

Due to severe wildfire damage in areas of the Thompson Okanagan and one area in the Kootenays, 15 motor-vehicle closures under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act are in effect.

The Province has introduced legislation that will make B.C.’s approach to forests more focused on sustainability, return more benefits to people and local communities, and position B.C. to take full advantage of future economic opportunities through long-term planning.

As of Oct. 15, 2021, areas within McTaggart-Cowan/nsək'łniw't wildlife management area (WMA) damaged by this year’s Thomas Creek fire have been closed to all public use.

Benjamin (Ben) Wilson is being recognized by the Province with the 2020 Minister’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management for British Columbia’s North.