The public is invited to celebrate National Forest Week at the South Island Natural Resource District Open House on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

District staff will be hosting a pancake breakfast with Smokey Bear as a special guest from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The first 150 guests will receive a free pancake breakfast. The cost for each guest after that will be $4 - so don't be late!

The public are also invited to submit photos, in print form to the district office by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21. The theme of the photo contest is "Our Forests - What they mean to YOU". Photos will be displayed for voting during the Sept. 22 open house. Winners will be called by 4 p.m.

Also during the open house:

• Learn about interface fires and what you can do to protect your home and property, meet staff and learn how to be FireSmart.
• BC Timber Sales, Island Timberlands and Western Forest Products staff will be available to answer questions about forest management.
• The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society will be on site with some of their equipment.
• Cedar Images Chainsaw Carvers will be carving the district's annual draw prize.
• Other activities include a firewood raffle, kids' art contest with prizes and door prizes donated by local suppliers.

National Forest Week began in the 1920s as Forest Fire Prevention Week. Renamed in 1967, it has evolved into a celebration of the role forests play in the daily lives of Canadians.

This year is also International Year of Forests. Canada's first-ever National Tree Day will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 21, during National Forest Week.

This year's theme for both National Forest Week and International Year of Forests is Forests for People.

The South Island Natural Resource District office is at 4885 Cherry Creek Rd. in Port Alberni.

More information is available at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dsi/nfw

Media Contact:

Mary Bauto
South Island Natural Resource District
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 731-3016