Have you ever wanted to board a piece of provincial history? You now have the chance as the annual Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron Rendezvous comes to Victoria this long weekend.

The rendezvous is a multi-day event from Aug. 3-6 organized by the Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron, a group of private individuals dedicated to preserving the rich floating history of our province's Forest Service. Members of the squadron purchased vessels used by the Forest Service decades ago and converted them for use as private and commercial boats. They have continued to maintain these heritage vessels and display them to the public.

This year the event is being held at Ships Point in Victoria's Inner Harbour and will include 11 wooden vessels that will be available to board and tour. The event will also feature a "Then and Now" exhibit of forest service artefacts, equipment and interactive demonstrations of firefighting equipment, a visit from Smokey the Bear, a 1931 B.C. Forest Service Ford pick-up, a scavenger hunt, information tents, seedlings, films and much more.

For more information on rendezvous activities please visit the BC Forest Service Centenary website at: http://www.bcfs100.ca and click on the 'Featured Item' link on the bottom left.

This year the BC Forest Service also celebrates its centennial birthday. For more details and a list of centenary events, contact your local forest district office or visit the B.C. Forest Service Centenary website at: http://www.bcfs100.ca/bscripts/index.asp

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"For decades these vessels played an essential role in the protection and management of our province's forests and rangelands. I applaud the Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron for ensuring these vessels are still available for the public to experience."

Doug Mitchell, Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron -

"These vessels have a deep historical significance to the BC Forest Service and are an integral part of our B.C. coastal heritage. Our squadron members share a strong commitment of stewardship and sense of pride in maintaining their respective vessels. Without the hard work and dedication of the individuals who maintain the vessels these physical pieces of forest service history would be lost."

Mike Apsey, president, BC Forest Service Centenary Society -

"I am incredibly thankful for the commitment displayed by individuals and many organizations to keep this piece of BC Forest Service history alive for future generations to enjoy and learn from."

Quick Facts:

• The Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron consists of 13 vessels ranging from 11 metres (36 feet) to 25 metres (81 feet).
• The vessels represent the 1920s through 2010.
• This year marks the 21st annual rendezvous of the squadron vessels.
• Three of the squadron vessels are home-ported in Washington State, with the remainder on the south coast of B.C.
• The BC Forest Service was established on Feb. 27, 1912, with the passage of the Forest Act.

• Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron: http://westcoastwood.wordpress.com/
• Video of B.C. Forest Service vessels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVcZbtewpSM&feature=youtu.be
• BC Forest Service Centenary Society: http://www.bcfs100.ca
• Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/

Contacts:

Logan Wenham
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 953-3675

Douglas Mitchell
Ex-Forest Service Vessel Squadron
250 812-2379