Work is underway to enhance forest resilience in an effort to protect against the effects of wildfire in the western Kootenay-Boundary region, according to a recent statement from British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC this month announced a provincial investment of $25 million. The investment is spread across nearly two dozen community projects across BC, including one in Boundary Country.
FESBC is investing more than $1 million into projects for the West Boundary Community Forest. The wildfire-mitigation efforts will positively impact communities of Midway, Grand Forks, Rock Creek, and Westbridge.
“The Forest Enhancement Society of BC is a proven partner in delivering projects on the ground that protect people from wildfire risks and reduce emissions from slash pile burning,” explains Katrine Conroy, who is the Province’s Minister of Forests.
Conroy says that “historic investments” aim to transform the BC Wildfire Service into a year-round service, noting more funding for proactive wildfire prevention.
“These new projects funded by FESBC will help build communities that are safer and more resilient,” she stated.
“FESBC is thrilled that communities will be able to continue this important work to reduce their wildfire risk to better protect their residents and important infrastructure,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC.
These newly funded projects take “a proactive approach to reduce the risks of wildfire and many will also improve wildlife habitat,” according to Kozuki, increasing the health of forests so they are more resilient and use left-over wood waste to make green energy.
“Achieving multiple objectives is good forest management and good value for money,” he says.
Dan Macmaster, community forest manager for West Boundary Community Forest, says the funding from FESBC will be used for five projects.
“Two address forest-fuel buildup using both mechanical and hand treatments; two treat forest stands after they’ve been harvested to prevent catastrophic wildfires; and one creates a safer evacuation route for locals and those visiting our community forest,” he explains.
If not for the funding from FESBC, “we would not be able to move as quickly as we need to in order to proactively do this important work to minimize the wildfire risk to communities, critical transportation corridors, and valuable infrastructure people in rural communities rely on,” Macmaster added.
The Province expects all projects to be complete by March 2024.
“The West Boundary Community Forest has won provincial awards based on its ability to focus on local ecological conservation, recreational opportunities and forest education, in addition to economic returns to the communities,” stated Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen.
When it comes to completing projects, WBCF is a known collaborator, and has worked with FESBC before.
Since 2016, FESBC has supported more than 260 projects throughout BC. The Crown agency has reduced wildfire risk in more than 100 communities and have created more than 2,000 full-time jobs.
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