FESBC launches 2022 accomplishments report with 263 projects

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has launched its 2022 Accomplishments Report to highlight the outstanding work being done throughout the province to improve the health of the forests, while at the same time, benefitting communities.

Enhancing forest resilience to wildfire and climate change is crucial – that’s why the Province is proud to partner with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC to ensure communities can undertake this vital work,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests. “FESBC projects reduce the risk of wildfire while creating jobs and enhancing wildlife habitats and recreation trails. They provide First Nations valuable opportunities to enhance forest health in their territories and support our CleanBC goals by reducing slash pile burning and using wood waste to make green energy. Communities across B.C. benefit from the work of FESBC.

The 263 FESBC-funded projects have seen many profound and transformational benefits, such as enhancing the use of wood fibre, seeing Indigenous peoples taking the lead in forest management, and reducing catastrophic wildfire risk to communities.

“Through the $238-million in funding, FESBC has helped communities take proactive steps toward wildfire risk reduction, accelerated ecological recovery after insect and fire damage, improved wildlife habitat, and meaningfully reduced greenhouse gases,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director of FESBC. “But this funding has also had deep far-reaching effects with so many more tangential, durable, and profound co-benefits that have not just transformed the communities, but also in many instances have shifted our way of thinking about how forests can help us achieve our social, economic and environmental goals.”

The 32-page Report highlights eight stories of transformation that have benefited communities, workers, the bioeconomy, and the environment.

“With support from the governments of B.C. and Canada, FESBC has made considerable progress toward achieving its vision to enhance forest resilience to wildfire and to take action against climate change for the lasting benefit of British Columbia’s environment, wildlife, forest health, and communities,” said Jim Snetsinger, FESBC board chair. “These projects also have many additional benefits in terms of job creation, a boost for the economy, and for bringing people together to collaborate on forestry projects.”

Since being formed in 2016, FESBC has generated substantial benefits from the 263 projects, including:

• The creation of 2,100+ full-time-equivalent jobs;
• $363 million in economic activity from the $238 million investment; and
• 63 projects led by First Nations, with an additional 22 projects that have significant First Nations involvement

FESBC is proud of all the project partners who have made these benefits possible through their innovative and collaborative work and looks forward to sharing new successes from the next round of funded projects.

“What we have accomplished together so far is remarkable, however, we know there is much more work left to do,” said Kozuki. “We have just approved another 23 forest enhancement projects from our 2022-23 FESBC Funding Program and are still accepting applications. We can’t wait to see the benefits these projects will bring to the people of British Columbia now and for future generations.”

FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.

To read the 2022 Accomplishments Report, click here: 2022 Accomplishments Report.