Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson issued the following statement today in recognition of International Day of Forests:

“International Day of Forests is celebrated on March 21 as a way of increasing public awareness about the contribution of healthy forests to the planet’s overall health. This year’s theme Forests and Climate Change focuses on forest-based solutions to address climate change and sustainable development.

“As we celebrate the fifth annual International Day of Forests, British Columbians can take great pride in our position as a world-leader in growing trees and sustainable forest management.

“We can be equally proud of our environmental track record; B.C. produces more lumber certified to environmental standards than any other region in the world.

“British Columbia’s forests are global treasures and we will continue to invest today for forests tomorrow. In 2014, over 244 million trees were planted and another 240 million seedlings are on track for planting in 2015.

“Another achievement we can be proud of is the Forests for Tomorrow program. Launched in 2005 to reforest areas affected by wildfires and the mountain pine beetle that would not be harvested, Forests for Tomorrow achieved a milestone anniversary this year. After 10 years of planting and tending resilient, diverse forests, it is the longest running silviculture program in B.C.

“Since 2005, Forests for Tomorrow has invested over $348 million in reforestation activities, surveyed over 1.5 million hectares in mountain pine beetle affected areas, planted more than 157 million seedlings on over 124,000 hectares, fertilized approximately 110,000 hectares and provided 120,000 person days of employment each year.

“As one of the most heavily forested jurisdictions in the world, it’s no surprise that over 40% of B.C.’s regional economies are based on forestry activities in more than 7,000 businesses, providing direct employment for more than 60,700 British Columbians in 2014.

“The forest industry continues to be a major economic driver. In 2014, the value of B.C. forest product exports rose to $12.4 billion, an increase of 63% from 2009, and accounted for 35% of the province’s total exports by value.

“On International Day of Forests, British Columbians can rest assured that government will continue to build healthy forests and maintain environmental standards while providing jobs and economic security for tens of thousands of B.C. families.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia is home to one of the largest public forests in the world. Of a total land base of 95 million hectares, 55 million hectares are considered productive forest land and only 22 million hectares are available for commercial timber harvesting.
• About 75% of B.C.’s annual timber harvest comes from operations that meet one of three internationally recognized sustainable forest management certification standards. Since reforestation programs began in 1930, government and private industry have planted well over seven billion trees in the province.
• Forest companies have been legally required to reforest the areas that they harvest since 1987. About half of all reforestation expenditures in Canada occur in B.C. with more than 200 million seedlings planted every year to supplement natural regrowth.

Learn More:

International Day of Forests: http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/

Forests for Tomorrow: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hcp/fia/landbase/fft/

Forests for Tomorrow poster: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Forests for tomorrow_Poster.PDF

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261