The ministry's South Island Natural Resource District and the Pacific Rim Forest Professional Network are inviting the public to celebrate National Forest Week.

An open house will be held at the ministry's district office in Port Alberni at 4885 Cherry Creek Rd. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

District staff will be hosting a pancake breakfast sponsored by Western Forest Products, Alberni Valley Community Forest, Coulson Forest Products Ltd., Island Timberlands and TimberWest. Get there early to receive one of the free breakfasts available. Additional breakfasts will be provided at a minimal cost. The breakfast will be prepared by the local Shriners' club and will feature Smokey the Bear as a special guest.

A photo contest is also planned. The public is invited to submit photos, in print form, to the district office until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013.

Submitted photos will be displayed in the foyer of the South Island Natural Resource District office for voting from Sept. 24-26. Votes must be received by noon on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. Contest winners will be determined by 1 p.m. the same day and will be notified directly.

Also during the open house:

• A Kid's Corner for children to learn more about B.C.'s forests.

• Learn about wildfires and what you can do to protect your home and property. Meet staff and learn how to be FireSmart.

• Check out what's new with our natural resource officers.

• Find out more about local recreation trails.

• Staff from BC Timber Sales, Island Timberlands, Alberni Valley Community Forest and Western Forest Products will be available to answer questions about forest management.

• The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society will be on site with some of its restored equipment.

• A display featuring the new Alberni District Secondary school's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building strategy.

• Enjoy the work of local artisans and craftspeople, who make wonderful treasures from local forests.

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 'The Greenest Workforce', providing an opportunity to highlight B.C.'s forest industry's commitment to sustainable resource management and a healthy environment.

Learn More:

National Forest Week: http://www.abcfp.ca/about_us/events/national_forest_week.asp

Contacts:

Ed Kleywegt
District Engineering Officer
South Island Natural Resource District
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 731-3021

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