VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The government of British Columbia announced it will provide $50 million in funds to get more fire-damaged wood, logging waste and other low-value fiber to mills facing supply challenges.

The new funding is part of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) which aims to keep people working and local mills running, while also mitigating wildfire risks and reducing climate emissions.

“We know that access to fiber is one of the most critical challenges facing the industry and we’re working hard to find new sources,” said Premier David Eby. “The projects funded through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC will help us get more fire-damaged wood and logging waste to the mills that need it. At the same time, forestry contractors will have more work hauling fiber that would otherwise be too remote or costly to access. This also supports our CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and our continued focus on getting more well-paying jobs from our forests.” 

“The Forest Enhancement Society of BC is a proven partner in delivering projects on the ground that benefit communities, workers, and the health of our forests,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of Forests. “Forestry is – and will remain – a foundation of B.C.’s economy. As market prices have declined, forestry workers should know that government has their backs. That’s why we are taking action today and providing increased funding to get more fiber to the mills that need it.”

FESBC has supported 263 projects throughout B.C.; 43 of these projects have been in partnership with First Nations. The government said these projects have benefited 120 communities and created approximately 2,200 full-time-equivalent jobs. 

As part of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, the province will work toward the near elimination of slash pile burning by 2030 and will increasingly divert materials away from slash piles, reducing both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while creating new economic opportunities.