Mas sem ct ove cat SS DEG DSO MAY 4-10, 1997 Forest industry faces big list of challenges By HELMUT GIESBRECHT MLA, SKEENA IT WOULD have been in- conceivable just a decade ago that the forest industry in Brit- ish Columbia would have to face real challenges highlighted by actions outside our jurisdic- tion. US, forest companies threatening tariffs on B.C. im- ports and boycotts of our pro- ducts by foreign countries in- fluenced by the environmental community made it necessary to change the way we harvest our trees. Even without these forces the rate of harvest was not sustainable, the cut levels were up and the jobs were down. It has been a difficult time for many who telied on our forests for their livelihoods. Change is hever easy and forest dependent communities have been on the front lines facing the challenge of protecting our forests for fu- ture generations for harvesting and recreation. Through initiatives like the Forest Practices Code, Forest Renewal BC and the Jobs and Timber Accord, this govem- Helmut Giesbrecht ment is actively demonstrating its belief in this vital and dynamic industry. On June 15, the Forest Prac- tices Code will have its first an- niversary. The code is a vital part of British Columbia’s over- all strategy for land use and resource management and is also front and centre to Brilish Columbia’s forest industry hav- ing access to global markets. World markets demand high cn- vironmental stewardship, To date, approximately eight thousand projecis have been ap- proved by Forest Renewal BC, and it has invested over half a billion dollars in our forests in the first three years of opera- lion. The FRBC Board has called for a more streamlined delivery system with major reductions in administrative costs. As I write this, the provincial government is working on a framework agreement with the forest industry for a Jobs and Timber Accord, The objective is to maintain existing jobs and create 21,000 ‘new ones; ensure the industries’ efficiency and competitiveness; stimulate value-added produc- tion and maintain the Forest Practices Code by streamlining the paper work in the bureaucracy. The northwest economy relies heavily on a viable and long- term sustainable forest industry. On this National Forest Week, everyone should take a moment to consider the importance of our forests to the economic well-being of the region and the importance that environmental- ly sustainable forest use serves to all citizens. Spring means sunshine and lurking fire danger ALL THAT spring sunshine is great for lawns and gardens. But it’s also a sign of increas- ing dry weather as summer ap- proaches and that means it’s time to think about forest fires. And the forest service is al- ready worried about the im- plications of people starting grass fires in their attempts to clean up their property. It is early in the season yet forest service fire staff have al- teady responded to.a number of grass fires that have come dangerously close to homes and personal property,”’ says forest minister Dave Zirnhelt. _ Burning permits are required for grass fires and people must be aware of municipal regula- tions. “Property owners may be responsible for the costs of forest service staff having to ex- tinguish spring grass fires that get away. We want people to be fully aware of the legal require- ments for spring burning,’’ said Zimhelt. And as the forest service is- sues warnings about grass fires, staff and contractors across the province are gearing up for an- other forest fire season. Specialized fire fighting crews, heavy equipment opera- tors, aircraft crews and others are honing their skills for what may be a busy season. How busy the season is depends upon the type of weather over the summer and early fall months. *“‘But the public has a large role to play in helping to pre- vent fires and making it a safe season,’” said Zirnhelt, ““As families and outdoor ' enthusiasts head out to enjoy spring camping and other ac- tivities, we want them to-get in the habit of always extinguish- ing their campfires with September 1997, Education Program. Management. gram is for you! (NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM The Natural Resources Program is currently accepting applications for The Program combines technical and university credit courses on a term basis fram September to December and January to April. Work terms from April to August, allow students to seek their own employment or take advan- tage of employment opportunities through the optional Co-operative Successful completion of the Certificate Level allows graduation after one year or entry into the Diploma Level. Diploma Level offerings include Forest Technology and Integrated Resource | IF you have an interest in the physical environment, forestry, fish ond wil- dlife, specialized computer systems and resource management, then this pro- Many new employment opportunities exist for graduates of this Program, so \ call your nearest College Centre today for more information! water,” WA - Canada commits itself to the establishment and maintenance of fully sustainable forestry. Forestry that leaves to future generations of Canadians a rich endowment of fish and wildlife, soils capable of sup- porting varied ecosystems, and commercial forests managed so as to provide many more jobs and the wide range of forest recreations that Canada values. TERRACE DIVISION BELL POLE CO. 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