SMITHERS – New Democrat MLA Nathan Cullen says that grants to help increase utilization of wood fibre will help support communities and workers in Stikine, while reducing wood waste and emissions.

“Putting what would normally be considered forestry waste to use is a way of creating more local jobs from forestry operations, while also reducing their environmental impacts,” said Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “Investments like these will help make forestry more sustainable in B.C.”

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC has allocated $3 million in new grants throughout the province to support jobs in the forestry sector and increase the utilization of wood fibre that otherwise would be burned as slash.

The projects will allow roughly 250,000 cubic metres of post-harvest waste wood to be utilized in the production of pulp, wood pellets, electricity, and compost for soil remediation. This work will also provide environmental, economic and social benefits to B.C. communities, including a reduction in greenhouse gases.

New Democrats are committed to supporting the forest industry while reducing its impact and making it more sustainable, ensuring that British Columbians can continue to work and play in B.C.’s forests.

This investment is part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. B.C.’s total provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds $8.25 billion.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23675