Workers and communities throughout B.C. are benefiting from projects funded by the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. (FESBC), aimed at reducing wildfire risks and increasing fibre supply for local mills and energy plants. With $28 million from the Province, FESBC is supporting 43 new fibre-recovery projects and 31 wildfire-mitigation initiatives.
Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar emphasized the importance of these projects in supporting workers during tough times. “I’ve got their back,” he said, noting that the projects not only help reduce wildfire risks but also create jobs in B.C.’s pulp and biomass sectors.
These projects span all eight of B.C.’s natural resource regions, helping to keep local businesses and workers engaged. Fibre-recovery projects repurpose wood that would otherwise be burned, turning it into valuable resources for mills and energy plants. Since April 2024, over 44,000 truckloads of fibre have been recovered, providing jobs and boosting the economy.
The projects are expected to be completed by March 2025, ahead of wildfire season. Additionally, FESBC will receive an extra $60 million in funding as part of Budget 2024 to continue supporting wildfire risk reduction and biomass utilization efforts.
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