Forestry Works For … British Columbia’s Economy
Forestry is the backbone of British Columbia’s economy. It supports more than 100,000 jobs, funds vital public services, and fuels community investment across the province — proving that when forestry works, we all do better.
Restoring Ecological Balance in British Columbia
For thousands of years in British Columbia, natural fires and cultural fires deployed by First Nations peoples occurred on a variety of landscapes, maintaining a healthy ecological balance. However, in recent decades, fire suppression policies and restrictions on cultural burns have led to overgrown, overcrowded, and unhealthy forests. With climate change causing hotter and drier summers, these conditions have set the stage for catastrophic wildfires, vastly different from the smaller, lower-intensity fires that once rejuvenated ecosystems. Experts now recognize that reintroducing controlled burns can help restore forests, benefiting communities, the economy, and the environment.
British Columbia’s Forests are a Green Energy Powerhouse
Forests are sometimes called the ‘lungs of the earth’ because growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen. However, when trees die or burn in wildfires, they release greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide. Utilizing forest biomass for energy can help reduce emissions while creating economic opportunities. Countries like Sweden and Finland have successfully used bioenergy to reduce wildfires and fossil fuel dependence, a model that British Columbia could learn from.
New forestry advocate society presses for working forest legislation
In a mandate letter to B.C.’s new minister of Forests, Premier David Eby directs Ravi Parmar to create a ‘sustainable land base’ for an annual harvest of 45 million cubic metres of timber while protecting old growth forests. The newly formed society, Forestry Works for BC, advocates for legislative protection of working forests, akin to the Agricultural Land Reserve, to provide stability and certainty for the forestry sector. The society emphasizes the need for public awareness about the benefits of forestry, including clean energy production and ecosystem restoration, amidst the growing challenges of access to timber and increasing wildfire risks.
Steve Kozuki Honoured as a Distinguished Forest Professional
Forest Professionals BC has awarded Steven F. Kozuki its highest honour for his outstanding contributions to forestry. Throughout his career, Steve has reduced wildfire risks, improved wildlife habitats, advanced reconciliation with First Nations, and strengthened community economies. Known for his leadership and passion, he has also raised public awareness of forestry initiatives, leaving a lasting impact.
An ask of our political leaders from Forestry Works for BC
British Columbians love our forests for many reasons. Healthy forests provide habitat for wildlife and absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. BC’s forests are crucial for reducing greenhouse gases.
Forestry Works for BC is a coalition representing businesses in the forestry sector. We urge the leaders of British Columbia to take decisive actions to support forestry and create a legislatively protected working forest to ensure continued social, economic, and environmental benefits for future generations.