The public is invited to celebrate National Forest Week at the South Island Natural Resource District Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.

District staff will be hosting a free pancake breakfast with Smokey the Bear as a special guest. The breakfast will be prepared by Dave's Catering and is sponsored by Coulson Forest Products Ltd. and Western Forest Products. Other major sponsors of this event are the Alberni Valley Community Forest, Island Timberlands and TimberWest. There will also be a cake to celebrate the centennial birthdays of both the BC Forest Service and the City of Port Alberni.

The district office is again hosting a photo contest. The public is invited to submit photos, in print form, to the district office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The theme of the photo contest is "100 Years of Forestry". Photos will be displayed in the foyer of the South Island Natural Resource District office for voting from Sept. 19-25. Winners will be called by 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25. Prizes include 'Whale Watching for Two' for first place provided by Jamie's Whaling Tofino/Ucluelet, a backpack for second place and a Backroads Mapbook for third.

Also during the open house:

• Learn about wildfires and what you can do to protect your home and property, meet staff and learn how to be FireSmart.
• BC Timber Sales, Island Timberlands, Alberni Valley Community Forest, 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 its equipment, and Cedar Images Chainsaw Carvers will be carving the district's annual draw prize.
• Learn more about the Alberni District Secondary school's project-based learning sustainable resource class.
• Enjoy the work of local artisans and craftspeople who make wonderful treasures from our forests.
• There will be a firewood raffle, kids' art contest with prizes and door prizes donated by local suppliers including Jacks' Excel Tires and LB Woodchoppers of Port Alberni.

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's theme is Healthy Forests - Healthy Communities, providing an opportunity to celebrate not only our forests but the connection between forests, people and communities.

The South Island Natural Resource District office is at 4885 Cherry Creek Road in Port Alberni. More information is available at: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dsi/nfw

Media Contact:

Rhonda Morris
District Manager
South Island Natural Resource District
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 731-3033