South Korea is one of the most promising markets in Asia for Canadian wood products and has one of the highest housing starts per capita. In 2005, close to 6,000 wood-frame houses were built. Forecasts suggest that timber-frame housing has the potential to grow to more than 20,000 units per year by 2020.

The Canada Wood program has three major thrusts: branding Canada's wood products through enhanced industry presence in international markets; increasing shipments to offshore markets through market development and promotional activities; and improving market access by addressing the issues of building codes and product standards in foreign markets.

Meanwhile, the recent rain and snow have meant an end to the most significant fire threats in BC for another season. Many BC firefighters are being deployed in Ontario to deal with the late season fires there, but we can be thankful for their hard work in containing the threats of major fires in BC, including Tatoosh and Border Lake.

New challenges continue to face the industry but I remain convinced that the strength and resilience that has been demonstrated by our companies will see us maintain our strong position in the marketplace and contribute to the quality of life in our province and country.

B.C.’s updated Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan outlines 59 key actions to be taken in the coming year, as well as 13 multi-year actions, aimed at helping B.C. achieve sustainability for forests, communities and the provincial economy.

The updated plan involves growing the value-added wood sector, developing non-timber forest product enterprises with First Nations, ensuring road networks meet timber transportation needs, and establishing a mountain pine beetle research information network.

The vision in the Action Plan is backed by close to $500 million in strategic investments by the Province. Forests for Tomorrow and the Northern Development Initiative Trust are two of the long term programs set up to respond to the reforestation and economic development needs created by the infestation.

The $185-million Northern Development Initiative Trust, which includes a $30-million Pine Beetle Recovery Account, is in place to help communities diversify their local economies. The Northern Trust is investing in recreation, tourism, and proposals to develop other resource-based sectors such as mining, energy and agriculture.

The Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan was introduced in 2001 and is updated regularly. Input comes from the Minister’s Community Advisory Group, which includes members from communities, First Nations, the forest and range industries, logging contractors, academia, environmental groups, and the federal government.

For more information on the updated Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan, or to download a copy, visit www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle.

Our students look forward to participating each year, notes teacher Don Lefler. After participating in this program students have a greater understanding of just how much science is involved in managing our rich forest resource, They also have a greater understanding of careers, many of which they never knew existed. Excellent!

This fall’s Natural Resource Management Camps will be held in Houston, Sept 25-27, Chetwynd, October 2-6, Vanderhoof, October 10-12 and Prince George, October 16-20.

For more information, contact: Chris Lear, Forest Education Manager, COFI Northern Operations by phone at: (250) 564-5136 or by email: lear@cofi.org.

Our forests are important to every community in BC. It's a heritage we take pride in and celebrate. The Association of BC Forest Professionals selects the winning community based on the community's relationship to its surrounding forests and the strength of the bid proposal. The winning community is announced in December and carries the Forest Capital of BC title from January 1 to December 31.

The nomination deadline for the 2007 Forest Capital is November 15, 2006, check out the ABCFP website for more details: www.abcfp.ca/about_us/affiliated_programs/forest_capital_of_bc.asp

The town of Fort Nelson is the 2006 Forest Capital of British Columbia. Find out what they are doing to celebrate here: www.northernrockies.org/forest_capital/index.htm

Participants may choose either to register in individual modules or to enroll in the whole certificate for a 10% overall discount. Individuals who have taken kiln drying courses through other institutions may be eligible for exemption from Module 1 - please inquire for details.

Module 1 - Introduction to Wood Drying: Oct. 16th to 20th

Module 2 - Kiln Quality Control: Dec. 4th to 6th

Module 3 - Kiln Performance Analysis: Dec. 7th to 8th

Module 4 - Advanced Power Plant & Operations: Feb. 19th to 23rd

Module 5 - Kiln Controls & Control Instrumentation: May 7th to 8th

Module 6 - Advanced Schedule Development: May 9th to 11th

For more information check out the CAWP website: www.cawp.ubc.ca.

To register contact Coral Voss by phone:
(604) 822-2634 or toll free at 1-866-822-2297.

Or by e-mail: Coral.voss@ubc.ca.

The British Columbia Council on Substance Abuse is holding its 7th biennial Conference. The Conference is focused on prevention, early intervention, treatment and the many partners involved in addressing substance abuse in the workplace. Additionally, the Conference will engage delegates in discussion on Young Workers; recognizing the many challenges Young Workers face in the workplace and with potential substance misuse.

The Council prides itself in offering top quality experts, presenting “real” up-to-date information, and workshops that are aimed at managing and minimizing substance abuse issues. The Conference is designed to provide employers, supervisors and employees with information, awareness, education and skills in dealing with substance abuse in the workplace.

Central Themes…

Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Young Workers Challenges and Solutions Access to Experts on Substance Abuse as well as Resources and Materials Networking Opportunities Professional Development of Safety and EFAP Committee Members

Who Should Attend?

ActionNorth Conferences attract both private and public businesses from across Canada representing labour, management, healthcare, occupational health and safety, mining, oil and gas, municipal, human resources, counsellors, practitioners, forestry, trades, transportation, retail… Whether you are from a small business or larger organization, ActionNorth 2006 will appeal to anyone interested in promoting a healthier, safer workplace, community or family. For more information go to the website: www.actionnorth.net/an2006/index.php.

Government of Canada:
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/softwood/menu-en.asp

For other information please see the following websites:

BC Lumber Trade Council:
www.bclumbertrade.com

Government of BC:
www.for.gov.bc.ca/HET/softwood

Andrea Smith of Vancouver and Jon Fleming of Ottawa get on the ground for a first hand look at MPB attacked stands.

Jon Flemming, Andrea Smith and COFI VP Doug Routledge tour portions of the MPB epidemic area.

With the assistance of Canfor’s Prince George Regional COFI staff were able to fly the two special assistants over portions of the epidemic area and tour log-yard, sawmill and planer operations. The tour was part of fact finding work aimed at assisting the Minister in considering further ways for the federal government to help address MPB related issues in BC.