National Forestry Week 2015 by KamloopsThisWeek

National

FORESTRY Week SEPTEMBER 20TH - 26TH

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181 Vernon St | Kamloops, BC | 1-800-482-3459 | 250-554-3167

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ver 1,400 members in many industries including: Sawmilling, Wood products manufacturing, Steel manufacturing, Recycling, Security, Trucking, Construction, Machining, and more.

LOCAL 1-417

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT

Celebrating our forests

ll of Canada is invited to participate in this year’s National Forest Week from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26. This year’s theme, Wildland Fire, brings awareness fire as a powerful natural force. Fire has shaped Canada’s forests, prairies and parklands for countless generations and brings healthy renewal to diverse ecosystems. But, some fires can have a devastating impact on public safety and property. Use FireSmart principles to help protect your family and

property from wildfire damage: play a role in control. Established in 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week, the intention of National Forest Week was to encourage greater public awareness toward Canada’s forests. At the time, there was no apparent shortage of trees for industrial expansion — the greatest threat came from forest fires, due mainly to human causes. Since then, National Forest Week, as it was renamed in 1967, has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada’s forest resources

— past, present and future. Although special activities are promoted across Canada, National Forest Week remains first and foremost a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. National Tree Day, which takes place during National Forest Week on Wednesday, Sept. 23, will serve as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the benefits trees provide us — clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature. Go online to national-

treeday.ca for more information. National Forest Week is an initiative of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the Canadian Forestry Association. The B.C. Provincial Coalition is a group of companies and associations within the B.C. forestry industry that present National Forest Week programing in B.C. It was established in 2013 with the overarching goal of showing young people they can enjoy time spent outdoors and learn more about the different uses of B.C.’s forests including wood products, jobs, recreation and

spiritual values. For more information about National Forest Week in B.C., go online to abcfp.ca.

industry or processing site • Learn about the prevention of forest fires — canadianforestry.com

How to participate in National Forest Week

Events

• Arrange a tree planting: treecanada.ca • Take a walk in woods nearby and get to know your forest • Care for a newly planted or neglected tree, and study its species • Identify things at home or school made of wood • Learn about organizations that demonstrate sustainable forest management • Tour a forest sector

• TD Tree Days: Locally, volunteers will plant 300 trees at Tournament Capital Park (5375 Yellowhead Highway) on Sept. 20. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle and wear weather-appropriate attire and closed-toed shoes. To register for TD Tree Days in Kamloops go online to tdtreedays.com.

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FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK

Size of open fires remain restricted until Oct. 15 The open burning prohibition restricting the size of open fires will remain in place until Oct. 15 in the Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones. The ban has been in place since May. A map of the affected areas is available online at bcwildfire.ca. The open fire prohibition applies to: • The burning of any waste, slash or other materials; • The burning of stubble or grass; • The use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description. This prohibition does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide (or smaller) and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. The prohibition covers all B.C. parks, Crown lands

and private lands, but it does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Before lighting any fire, residents should check with local civic authorities regarding any other restrictions. The Kamloops Fire Centre stretches from the northern border of Wells Gray Provincial Park to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Gold Bridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby. For information about open burning and tips on making responsible burning decisions, please download an open burning guide from bcwildfire. ca. Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345,

required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/ or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on your cellphone. For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, go online to the BC Wildfire Service website: bcwildfire.ca You can follow the latest B.C. wildfire news: • On Twitter: twitter.com/ BCGovFireInfo • On Facebook: facebook.com/ BCForestFireInfo

Campfire ban no longer in effect After two months of restrictions, the campfire ban in the Kamloops Fire Centre was lifted on Aug. 31. It was rescinded due to recent widespread precipitation, which resulted in a decreased risk of wildfires in the region. The fire danger rating is now primarily “low” to “moderate” throughout the fire centre. The campfire ban was enacted on July 3, two weeks earlier than last’s year’s prohibition, which went into effect on July 16. Last year, the campfire ban was lifted on Aug. 21. Those enjoying campfires are reminded to follow the following safety procedures: • Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish your campfire. • Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

• Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and wind may carry embers to other combustible material. • You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuelfree area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed. • Never leave a campfire unattended. • Make sure campfires are completely extinguished and ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time. • People who light campfires are legally responsible for making sure they don’t escape. They may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if negligence results in a wildfire.

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Getting you out of the woods since 1991

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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Manufacturing and Marketing Forest Products to World Markets

renewable & sustainable building materials Heffley Creek Division 6275 Old Highway #5, Kamloops, BC Phone (250) 578-7212 • Fax (250) 578-8655 www.tolko.com

NATIONAL FOREST WEEK FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT

Government grants to help reduce wildfire risk

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he B.C. government and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities are providing new grants totalling $500,000 to help communities identify and take action to reduce wildfire risks on private land. Fifty grants of up to $10,000 each will be made available to local governments and First Nations through the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative (SWPI). The 2016 SWPI FireSmart Grant program will support communities to plan for wildfire prevention activities on private lands, as identified through the FireSmart Communities Program. “Homeowners who live in interface areas can help protect their properties from wildfires by using FireSmart principles,” said Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations “This new grant program will help communities and First Nations raise awareness of this important work

and become recognized as FireSmart Communities.” FireSmart activities help decrease wildfire threats to homes and property and can prevent damage to structures, increase the effectiveness of firefighters and safeguard fire-suppression resources. Funding provided through the 2016 SWPI FireSmart Grant program may be used to: • Enhance public awareness of FireSmart principles. • Increase community participation in FireSmart activities. • Advance planning to address wildfire mitigation on private land. • Help communities obtain official recognition as “FireSmart Communities.” FireSmart recognition involves engaging neighbours, property owners, local government and First Nations authorities and other agencies to meet a set of recognition criteria to assist communities become more resilient to wildfire.

Wildfire facts

Since 2004, over $68

million has been directed through the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative to help local governments and First Nations significantly reduce wildfire risks around their communities. As of Sept. 1, 286 Community Wildfire Protection Plans have been completed by local governments and First Nations and another 44 are in progress. Completed fuel treatments and risk reduction efforts covered 78,245 hectares in and around communities that face a significant wildfire risk.

Learn more

Homeowners who live in interface areas can help protect their properties from wildfire risks by using FireSmart principles. More information is available online at firesmartcanada.ca. The Homeowner’s FireSmart Manual was developed to help reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires. Copies are available online at bcwildfire.ca.

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FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK

Forestry in Kamloops: An industry snapshot How Kamloops contributes to production of forest products

enture Kamloops outlines the role Kamloops plays in the forestry industry. Find out more at venturekamloops.com. B.C. is the largest producer of forest products in Canada, with Kamloops contributing significantly to production. As a provincially recognized forest centre, Kamloops and the Central Interior of B.C. account for the second highest concentration of value-added plants in the province. The number of valueadded wood products manufactured in Kamloops continues to grow and ranges from plywood, veneer products and finger jointed lamina to prefabricated housing units and custom kitchen cabinets. Many companies, agencies, and services related to the forest industry are headquartered in Kamloops including

Domtar, Tolko Industries, FORREX and Compwood Products.

Competitive advantages

• Kamloops’ Location: One of Kamloops’ advantages is its geographic location in the province. As a transportation hub with trucking, rail and air cargo access, the ability to move products from Kamloops to other locations in a cost-efficient method is ideal. • Strong infrastructure: Kamloops has over 2,200 acres of affordable land zoned for industrial use, much of which is vacant. There are eight industrial parks, some with both rail and highway access and the city enjoys a reliable supply of affordable power and telecommunications. • Local resources and support: There are more than 125 fabrication and manufacturing companies

operating in the city and businesses enjoy extensive research and development support by the Interior Science and Innovation Council, FORREX, Nexterra and Thompson Rivers University. In terms of raw materials, wood species, lumber grades, fibre supply and wood waste are available at competitive prices. • Experienced industry professionals: The value-added wood industry in the Kamloops Forest District has a number of strengths, which positions it well to compete in the North American home building market. This includes knowledgeable and experienced professionals who know the inner workings of the industry, have export market experience, and have strong interests in developing partnerships. • Skilled and educated labour force: The city enjoys a diverse pool of trades, forestry specialists, contract

loggers, truckers and silviculture workers. Additionally, Kamloops is home to Thompson Rivers University. With over 1,200 graduates annually from a wide variety of diploma, undergraduate and graduate programs, TRU works closely with community and industry organizations, and all levels of government. Since 1996, TRU faculty and students have worked with over 200 manufacturing and technology businesses to develop and implement commercial applications of new and existing technologies and innovations. Projects including consulting for wood products and other manufacturing companies, equipment automation projects for industry, technology commercialization, business start-up and marketing advice, and applied research and development to regional and provincial businesses and industries.

FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT

The number of value-added wood products manufactured in Kamloops continues to grow and ranges from plywood, veneer products and finger jointed lamina to prefabricated housing units and custom kitchen cabinets.

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FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK

Get involved with your forest’s management MIKE LAROCK MEGAN HANACEK

t is hard to imagine the moniker Super Natural British Columbia holding up if our province didn’t have such vast forests. Almost 60 per cent of the land base in B.C. is forested and 94 per cent of the land is publicly owned. The fact that the majority of land is owned by the public makes B.C. unique in the world. Because the public is the primary landowner in the province, you have a responsibility to understand how that land is being managed and to speak up if you have concerns. The good news is that you are not alone. BC Forest professionals are located in every corner of the province;

more than 5,300 registered forest professionals reside in communities from Fort Nelson to Port Hardy to Fernie. Our forest professionals have training and education to help them ‘see the forest for the trees’ and even then, it’s not only about the trees but all the associated values that contribute to healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. These values include recreation opportunities, jobs, clean air and water, spiritual values and much more. Forest professionals are relied upon to hold together this rich tapestry of values in tandem with multiple other land users such as the public, tourism operators, ranchers, trappers, miners, and oil and gas extractors. One doesn’t have to

be an expert to take an active interest in how B.C.’s forests are managed. We urge the public to learn more about the management of our forests. B.C.’s forests serve as the backbone of the provincial economy by providing rural community stability and filling the coffers for socially supported medical services, public education and highway improvements. Sustainable decisions made in our rural and urban forests directly affect the high quality of life that citizens of British Columbia enjoy. If you’re wondering how the forest management framework works, you are not alone. Here’s a fourstep primer: • Step one: The objectives for the land are set by government. • Step two: The

forest companies (or other license holders) propose results or strategies to achieve the objectives. • Step three: The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations have a decision-maker who approves (or not) those results or strategies. • Step four: If approved, the forest companies decide on a method to accomplish the result. Forest professionals help the government and the forest companies work within this four-step process. There are many other situations, rules, rights to follow and many different variables in the forest to consider — such as maintaining archaeological sites, water quality and protecting wildlife/fisheries habitat. The role of the forest professional is to

plan and prescribe the path to achieve these objectives. These forest management decisions are made with input from other natural resource professionals and in consultation with stakeholders and First Nations. In some cases, a tremendous amount of planning will be ‘on the books’ for several years while crucial professional assessments on terrain, wildlife, fisheries, visuals and timber value are conducted in conjunction with public consultation meetings. Additionally, the increase in land users which are governed by other regulations, increasing access opportunities, and changing forests all add up to a greater requirement for public engagement. Here’s how you can learn more about the

use and management of our forests: If you want to understand the complexity of the forest ecology, or management of forests for uses like recreation, then ask a forest professional. Chances are, one of our members is living in your community. Similarly, question published articles on issues which may overlap forestry management if a forest professional has not been consulted to provide information. Seek out a forest professional to discuss any unanswered questions you may have. If you want to influence the goals and objectives of government, then communicate with your elected officials. As a part owner in this fabulous natural resource, it is best to be informed. And

when you begin to learn a little about the forest resource you will find that forest professionals have been there all along. You will see first-hand that forest professionals operate with factual information and research and with knowledge of forest uses. It’s your job to decide what the public wants from its forests. If you want to know how to achieve what you want, well that is our job. Talk to your forest professional and get involved.

Mike Larock is a registered professional forester and director of professional practice and forest stewardship with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. Megan Hanacek is a registered professional forester and forest stewardship specialist.

Stump to Dump Logging / RoaD BuiLDing ContRaCtoR 3335 Shuswap Rd, Kamloops, BC V2H 1T2

250-573-2900 | 250-319-0135

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK Humming Bird drones provides lowlevel infrared scanning and mapping for emergency responders .

Using drones to suppress wildfires

his past summer, Hummingbird Drones (Hummingbird) became the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) service provider in North America to be engaged in wildfire suppression activity. What began as a conversation between two firefighters on their way back from a forest-fire deployment took shape over the following year at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and culminated in a fast-growing tech company. Our accomplishments can be attributed to support from within the community of Kamloops. The Kamloops Innovation Centre and The Generator at TRU gave us the tools

and training required for our start-up. Bruce Morrow Forest Consulting provided us with limitless business mentorship and guidance. Bruce continues to provide us with valuable input as our company grows. We could not have achieved what we did without him. We were also privileged to work alongside the remarkable individuals at the BC Wildfire Service who work tirelessly at fostering an environment of early technological innovation and adoption. Hummingbird provides low-level infrared scanning and mapping for wildfire agencies, emergency responders and environmental industries. With a full suite of service offerings

Forest week art contest The Association of BC Forest Professionals and the Truck Loggers Association are holding an art competition to celebrate National Forest Week. Kids from across the province are invited to draw a picture of what the forests in their communities mean to them. There will be three winners, one from each age group. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to Chapters and will have their pictures published in the ABCFP and TLA magazines

and posted on the websites of both organizations. The deadline to submit art is Oct. 19. The art competition is open to kids aged four to 12. Parents can submit their own kids’ artwork or teachers can enter the work of the whole classroom. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the contest into an art or forestry class. Visit the ABCFP or the TLA websites to download the art competition entry form, abcfp.ca or tla.ca.

including GIS, volumetric measurements and infrared analysis Hummingbird provides unrivaled up-to-date aerial and mapping solutions. In the application of this emerging technology Hummingbird provides the professionalism and experience required to safely and effectively integrate drone technology into worksites. As we shift gears into autumn and leave a busy fire season in the rear-view, we look forward to what lies ahead. While we are as focused as ever on delivering cutting edge technology to the BC Wildfire Service and other wildfire agencies across the world, so too are we excited about the applications for these tools within B.C.’s

diverse environmental industry. Maximizing the utility of UAVs requires significantly more than just having a drone. If you are interested in finding out how Hummingbird can help your organization, give us a call. We offer presentations at no charge and would love the opportunity to share the potential of our technology. As our company develops, we are excited about making our home here in British Columbia’s interior. While our vision for the company is international, our roots will always be in Kamloops and innovation will always be at the core of who we are. — Robert Atwood, co-founder and president of Hummingbird Drones.

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www.unirepro.com Specializing in wildfire hazard assessments, planning and mitigation strategies. Bruce Morrow Professional Forester 250-320-2685 Kamloops, BC brucemorrow@shaw.ca

Full aerial and GIS Solutions to see the forest like never before. Robert Atwood 250-877-7082 Kamloops, BC info@hummingbirddrones.ca www.hummingbirddrones.ca

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FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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NATIONAL FOREST WEEK

FORESTRY INNOVATION INVESTMENT

Urban forestry: Keeping our city green with life Urban forestry is growing in municipalities. Kamloops is developing an urban forestry plan to manage urban forests in a sustainable state and maintains the regions original forest legacy. Urban forestry is the sustained planning, planting, protection, maintenance and care of trees, forests, green spaces in and around cities and communities for the economic, environmental, social and public health benefits of people. Trees help clean our air, and reduce the pollutants that trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate other respiratory diseases. They cool our streets, sidewalks, and homes on hot summer days. Trees increase property value, and encourage neighbourhood revitalization. And trees make our City an even more beautiful and comfortable place to live, work, and visit. Get involved in tree planting

programs around Kamloops. Find out more at kamloops. bc.ca

Operation Re-Leaf

The number of trees in the urban forest in Kamloops is below average when compared with other cities. The devastation wreaked by the pine beetle has further decimated our urban forest. The our goal is to plant 20,000 trees over the next four years. The city wants to achieve the many quality-of-life benefits that come with planting trees. No matter how you participate, you will be planting a legacy when you plant a tree. Here’s what you can do: 1. Participate in one of our Tree Planting Programs 2. Make a Record of your Tree Planting

Boulevard Tree Planting Program This program allows

neighbourhoods to apply for trees to be planted on their street if homeowners agree to be responisble for irrigating them.

Kamloops Community Forest

This is a Communities in Bloom Legacy Project where people can plant a tree in the Kamloops Community Forest in memoriam for a person or cherished event.

Aspen Tree Replanting Program

The city will provide aspen trees to qualified homeowners if they agree to irrigate and care for trees to restore visual screening where trees were lost to pine beetle infestation. The city also provides tree coupons in partnership with participating nurseries, but they are available on a first-come firstserve basis and are sold out. — kamloops.ca

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