Province announces $134M to re-grow B.C.’s forests, support communities

April 06, 2018

PRINCE GEORGE – Communities and wildlife will benefit from $134 million being awarded by the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. (FESBC) to 71 forest enhancement projects around the Province, Premier John Horgan announced today.

“In the wake of the 2017 wildfires, our government has a responsibility to restore damaged forests and support communities,” said Premier Horgan. “These investments in reforestation will benefit ecosystems, workers and the communities that rely on forestry for their livelihood.”

Over $99 million is being awarded in the Cariboo, with the majority focused on forest enhancement and restoration of public forests impacted by the 2017 wildfires. Approximately 30% of the work will involve, or be led by, First Nations and their partners.

The funding for the Cariboo also includes $65 million for the Forest Carbon Initiative, which is a key part of the Province’s commitment to climate action. The initiative supports projects such as increased planting density, incremental reforestation, improved utilization and enhanced fertilization to grow and store forest carbon, reduce emissions and deliver greenhouse gas benefits.

“Forestry supports tens of thousands of workers and families throughout the province,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “Today’s funding will help support B.C.’s economy and our environment.”

In addition to the $99 million for projects in the Cariboo, the following amounts are being granted to other regions of the province:

• $4.47 million to the Thompson-Okanagan
• $5 million to the South Coast
• nearly $3.4 million to the West Coast
• nearly $1.7 million to the Skeena
• nearly $1.5 million to the Omineca
• $803,050 to the Northeast
• $2.1 million to Kootenay-Boundary
• over $15 million to projects that are provincewide in nature

“We’re pleased to able to award funding toward FESBC’s five purposes to projects throughout the province that will benefit forest workers and communities, ecosystems and wildlife habitat,” said Wayne Clogg, chair, Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. “The funding provided by FESBC helps to restore and enhance B.C.’s Crown forests, providing a tremendous benefit for future generations.”

The Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. was set up specifically to advance the environmental and resource stewardship of British Columbia’s forests by:

• preventing and mitigating the impact of wildfires;
• improving damaged or low-value forests;
• improving habitat for wildlife;
• supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low-value forests; and
• treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases.

Learn More:

For a full list of funded projects, and more information on the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., visit: www.fesbc.ca

Contacts:

Jen Holmwood
Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
250 818-4881

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
250 356-7506

Steve Kozuki
Executive Director
Forest Enhancement Society of B.C.
778 765-0938

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