Whoever first made the observation that an individual “couldn’t see the forest for the trees” was pointing to a common problem — particularly about forests themselves. While many, including myself, view trees as beautiful and crucial to our way of life, as a sustainability professional I know that spending all one’s time focusing on individual trees…
This week, forestry is the focus as the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) holds its annual convention in Vancouver and there is plenty to discuss. There is no doubt, these are challenging times for forestry with the Softwood Lumber Agreement up in the air, duties and tarriffs about to be levelled and reductions to the…
The cherry birch is one of the most endangered woody tree species in Canada with an estimated five naturally-occurring plants known to exist in Ontario. That’s a paltry number. But there is actually a lessened chance of this botanical beauty dying out, thanks in large part to an innovative program at the University of Guelph….
March 21 is the International Day of Forests proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly back in 2012. The timely theme for 2017 is: Forests and Energy. The iconic boreal forest is a symbol of natural beauty, joy, pride, and power to Ontarians. It is both a carbon source and a sink; the forest aids…
Global softwood lumber trade increased 12% year-over-year to reach a new record-high of 121 million cu. ft. in 2016, according to Wood Resources International. Since the global financial recession in 2009, there has been a steady climb in international trade of lumber, with shipments the past seven years increasing as much as 66%. While it’s…
Unexploded shells, an outbreak of a tree-killing disease in Europe and even pesky Canadian squirrels have failed to defeat Monty McDonald. McDonald, 72, remains determined to fulfil his dream of building a living memorial of oak trees at Vimy Ridge to honour Canadians who fought there 100 years ago. “I have done half a billion dollars’ worth…
Williams Lake city council is tackling the issue of forest health in a resolution it will be submitting to the North Central Local Government Association for consideration. The resolution advocates for the extraction of diseased trees taking precedence over park or protected area designations, as well as other restrictions such as mule deer winter range…
The Forest Practices Board has found Lemare Lake Logging Ltd.’s operations in the East Creek Valley on northern Vancouver Island met provincial standards, but that the company had failed to follow the law requiring it to provide public access to its site plans. “The board concludes that the licensee did not provide the complainant with…
As the days get hotter and drier, the province is reminding Albertans that new legislation aimed at stopping reckless behaviours that could start wildfires includes fines of up to $1 million and even jail time. The changes to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, which were announced in October, will take effect tomorrow, March 31….
British Columbia’s softwood trade envoy says there’s a slight opportunity to quickly negotiate a new lumber agreement between Canada and the United States, but if a deal can’t be reached by the summer or fall it could mean a lengthy fight. David Emerson said Wednesday he sensed a chance at a deal but also saw…