Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has issued the following statement in recognition of National Forest Week, Sept. 23 to 29, 2018:

“I invite British Columbians to join me in celebrating National Forest Week. We are reaching the end of a wildfire season in which a provincial state of emergency was declared for the second year in a row. I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to keep people safe.

“Our province’s forests are vital to our communities, providing not only economic benefits, but also environmental, recreational and cultural values that help define who we are as British Columbians. This year’s theme, research forests: Canada’s living laboratories, provides an opportunity to reflect on how forest research in B.C. grows our knowledge of sustainable resource management and helps us build a greener future.

“New and changing environmental, social and economic factors, combined with our province’s diverse topography and climate, contribute to the complexity of resource management decisions. Our research activities cover areas such as ecosystem stewardship, timber supply, ecosystem health and disturbance, species and habitat, water and bioeconomy.

“B.C. is a world leader in sustainable forest management. We will continue to make every effort to keep our research as relevant and responsive to existing needs, and to provide timely, high-quality, science-based information to support complex resource management decisions and policies.

“During National Forest Week, I encourage all British Columbians to take the opportunity to enjoy our forests first-hand and to appreciate the many ways in which our forests contribute to sustainable resource management, a healthy environment and thriving communities.”

Learn More:

National Forest Week in B.C.: https://www.bcnfw.ca/