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  In six years the BC Forest Service will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. Since its inception in 1912, the Service has become one of the most efficient fire suppression agencies in the world. Our forest fire fighters are world renowned and their advice and assistance is in demand internationally. However, avoiding fire outbreaks in the first place is the priority goal. As we enter another fire season let us all remember to do our part. Information on fire risk is available on the MOF website at www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect along with many tips on how to avoid starting forest fires. British Columbia experiences an average of 2,000 forest fires every year with half of them caused by people. Enough fires are started deliberately that there is now a $50,000 reward for those who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone deliberately setting wildfires. If you do come across a fire please report it immediately to the MOF at 1-800-663-5555 or on your cell at *5555. The Mountain Pine Beetle devastation has resulted in forests that are at risk from fires of unprecedented scope. Our forests are of great importance to British Columbia for economic, environmental and recreational reasons and we have to be ever more vigilant in protecting them.  John Allan |
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 COFI members and staff were saddened and shocked at the untimely passing of Peter Affleck, Vice President Forestry, on May 1, 2006. In memory of Peter, the Council of Forest Industries joins with many others to establish the Peter N. Affleck Memorial Graduate Scholarship in Forest Policy at the University of B.C.
Peter was recognized across Canada as a dedicated, effective and highly respected advocate for the forest sector. Providing assistance to young people in developing knowledge and a passion for good forest policy is something we are confident will be considered a fitting tribute to Peter. It is now up to Peter's friends and colleagues to join with us in establishing the fund that will support the provision of annual scholarships to forestry students at UBC in his name. Please consider making a contribution today as we must raise a minimum amount before the University can formally establish the scholarship. Contributions are tax deductible. Cheques should be made out to: UBC - Peter N. Affleck Scholarship Fund and mailed to: Dan WorsleyAssociate Director Awards, Gifts and Estate Planning The University of British Columbia Suite 500 - 5950 University Boulevard Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z3 Contributions will be gratefully received from corporations, associations, governments and individuals. |
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The week-long tour of the interior of BC was facilitated by industry representatives taking time out from their busy schedules to provide tours of their facilities. Companies involved included West Fraser, L&M Nechako, Silva-Gro Nurseries, Ainsworth, and Weyerhaeuser. The tree planting itself was hosted by West Fraser and L&M Nechako. Crawford Young of Spectrum Resources, planting contractor for L&M Nechako, provided brand new equipment for the tree planters. The Council of Forest Industries provided some planning and logistical assistance.
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Workshops covered topics such wildlife management, archaeology, silviculture, ecology, careers in forestry and post secondary education, road engineering and timber cruising. "Its an amazing experience for the students, they learn so much about what it takes to manage our forest resources. And the professionals who come out to the program and work with the students are really inspiring. This is really a fantastic way to introduce students to careers in forestry. We hope this program will continue for many more years", noted Dan Broderick, teacher at Quesnel Secondary School. This year's NRM program could not have been possible without the participation of professionals from the University of Northern BC, The College of New Caledonia, Canfor Quesnel, West Fraser Quesnel and the Ministry of Forests and Range. COFI Northern Operations Forest Education Program's NRM Camps are held annually across north central BC. For more information about NRM camps or other career and forest education programs, please contact: Chris Lear, COFI Northern Operations at (250) 564-5136 or by e-mail at: lear@cofi.org. |
 COFI Northern Operations Forest Education Manager Chris Lear traveled to Fort Nelson to give the Commencement Speech to the Graduates of Northern Lights College and while there, joined in the town's Forest Capital of BC Celebrations.
The chips were indeed flying, as Fort Nelson hosted its first ever "Watch the Chips Fly Logger Sports Day" as part of their Forest Capital of BC 2006 Celebrations. This was the first 'official' logger sports day in Fort Nelson and a fitting way to celebrate forestry. Both professional and amateur competitors from BC and beyond competed for fun and cash prizes. While the amateur loggers drew cheers, laughter and applause, it was the professional loggers, including both past and current Canadian and World Champions from Canada and Australia who really 'let the chips fly' with amazing skill, delighting hundreds of spectators from Fort Nelson and tourists who stopped to take in the event. Mayor Chris Morey and the Forest Capital of BC Organizing Committee did an amazing job in organizing the logger sports which also included a free community BBQ, entertainment and children's activities. "The event was a great way to draw the community together and help celebrate The Forest Capital, what a success" said Mayor Morey. Special thanks to the major sponsor Brandt Tractor and to Canfor Fort Nelson who supplied the logs for all their support. The "Watch the Chips Fly Logger Sports Day" was just one in a number of public events being held throughout the year to help Fort Nelson celebrate being chosen Forest Capital of BC for 2006. For More information, contact Chris Lear, Forest Education Manager, COFI Northern Operations by e-mail at lear@cofi.org or Linda Wallace, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Fort Nelson & the Northern Rockies at lwallace@northernrockies.org. |
Forest Expo 2006 showcased world class harvesting & manufacturing equipment and technologies capable of sustainably meeting the needs of world customers with top quality wood products. Associated with the Expo was the 2nd biennial Bio-Energy conference; proceedings and presentations are available on the conference website: www.bioenergyconference.org. B.C. Forest Minister Rich Coleman took the opportunity at Expo to announce a $20.7 million upgrade to forest service roads in north-central BC to help deal with safety issues and increased truck traffic due to the impact of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Minister Coleman was the keynote luncheon speaker at Thursday's seminar which focused on Forest Safety issues. Betty Pirs gave an overview of the results of WorkSafe BC's 3 month forestry compliance pilot project. MaryAnne Arcand and Keith Playfair gave a Forestry TruckSafe progress report. Thursday afternoon seminar speakers included: Ivar Marriott, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement; Eric Amlin, FERIC and Dave Bryden, Canfor. Friday morning seminar sessions focused on "Cut to Length" issues. COFI's Steve Kozuki, along with Marvin Clark, FERIC and Tim White of White Forestry Consultants addressed the move to "CTL" and its implications. Friday's luncheon keynote speaker was Lorne Keller, VP Marketing & Development with the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Currently Canada's second largest West Coast port, Prince Rupert is in the midst of constructing an ultra-modern high capacity container-handling facility expected to be operational in the fall of 2007. The new terminal will provide shippers with a new North American gateway for resources and goods moving between Asia and North America. Friday afternoon sessions included a progress report from Keith Rush on the SAFE Companies program, a report on the new results based Forest and Range Practices Act from Chief Forester, Jim Snetsinger and a presentation on due diligence by Garry Mancell, Davis & Company. Both inside and outside exhibits were well attended and COFI's booth received numerous inquiries about the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Through the use of COFI Forest Education materials staff were also able to promote career awareness in the Forest Industry. The next biennial Prince George Forest Expo will be held June 5, 6 & 7th, 2008. For more information visit www.forestexpo.bc.ca or contact Doug Routledge, RPF, Vice President, Northern Operations at (250) 564-5136 or by e-mail at:routledge@fcofi.org. |
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 This issue is changing literally on a daily basis and readers are urged to check with sources such as web sites. For more information please see the following websites: BC Lumber Trade Council: |
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"The Council of Forest Industries (COFI) member company graders once again dominated the competition" said Gary Desrosier, COFI's Quality Control Manager, "We had six of the top ten positions and 13 of the top 20". Ian Brown of West Fraser - Chasm took home second place money of $600 with a mark of 92.45% and Preet Sidhu of Gorman Bros. - Westbank was third with a mark of 92.35%. In the "First Year Division" Kamaldip Sandhu of Tolko - Soda Creek finished in first place winning $500 and also the $500 Geo. Hewitt Award with a mark of 85.25%. We are extremely proud of our education program and these results are just icing on the cake", said Desrosier. For more information contact Gary Desrosier by email at: desrosier@cofi.org or by phone at: (250) 860-9663. |
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