New wood network links fibre users

Aug. 4, 2010, Victoria – Fibre Connections BC, a new provincial government service,
will directly link fibre suppliers, manufacturers, and investors to streamline
the flow of British Columbia’s wood to its highest value use.

“We have staff in all areas of the province with detailed knowledge about the land base,
fibre supply, existing manufacturers, and potential product opportunities.
Fibre Connections BC will make it possible to share that information in a
direct and coordinated way,” says Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. “Now you
can call any forest district, government agency, or Front Counter BC office and
be referred to people with the expertise you need.”

Under the new network, fibre inquiries or proposals received anywhere by government will
be directed to 1 of 72 fibre officers based in communities across the province.
The officers will triage the requests, provide information, and bring together
buyers, sellers, and investors where applicable. Requests that cannot be filled
immediately will be logged and tracked to ensure they are matched with future
opportunities.

Fibre Connections BC will also work closely with the British Columbia Ministry of
Community and Rural Development and provincial resource ministries to ensure
that information is coordinated across government and captures all new
investment opportunities.

“Whether you’re a wood pellet producer looking for chips, or a First Nation, municipal
government, or community forest license-holder looking for customers, Fibre
Connections BC can help get you in touch with the people you need,” says Bell.

A public website will be launched in fall 2010 to support the network. Fibre Connections
BC delivers on key recommendations from the Working Roundtable on Forestry and
the 2009 report, Generating More Value from Our Forests.