Natural Resources Canada announced a $12.7 million contribution to Forest Ontario to plant 7.2 million trees through the 2 Billion Trees Program, which is aimed at partnering with governments and organizations to plant two billion trees over the next 10 years.
News in timber
New Jersey Pinelands Commission Plan Draws Mixed Response From Environmental Groups
A plan adopted by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission on October 14 and set to begin in April of 2023 has split environmental groups. Created by Congress in 1978, the Pinelands district occupies 22% of New Jersey’s land area, is home to 135 rare plant and animal species, and is the largest body of open space on the mid-Atlantic seaboard.
US Forest Service Receives $10 Billion in New Funding
While addressing the 7th annual workshop of the Montana Forest Collaboration (MFC) about forest conservation, recreation, and resource utilization, US National Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced that $10 billion will soon help fund work in forests around the US.
New Forestry Agreements With BC First Nations Will Expedite Wildfire Log Salvage Process
On Wednesday, the British Columbia government unveiled a new approach to provincial forestry agreements that will lead to faster action on harvesting areas damaged by wildfires, which in turn will provide more timber for mills and set up faster reforestation through the leadership of First Nations.
New Brunswick Investing in Forest Research and Innovation
On Wednesday, the New Brunswick provincial government reported that it was investing $600,000 (CAD) in forest research in northern New Brunswick. The forestry sector—through Groupe Savoie, AV Group, J.D. Irving, and Forest NB—also committed to matching the province’s funding.
BC Announces New Rural Economic Diversification Program
The BC Government announced that it is investing as much as $33 million (CAD) in 2022–23 to support projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean-growth opportunities, and infrastructure development.
Bureau of Land Management Agrees to Reverse Trump-Era Post-Wildfire Logging Rule Changes
A year ago, environmental groups sued the Bureau of Land Management over rule changes made during the Trump administration that allowed the agency to log large areas of forests after a wildfire without first doing an environmental review.
Black Hills Timber Industry Wins Appeal to US Forest Service for GTR Review
The Black Hills local timber industry received some welcome news last week when a formal review of the findings from a critical general technical report (GTR) found flaws in the methodology used to determine its conclusion.
New Employment Opportunities to Support Rural BC Forestry Workers
The BC Government announced on Monday that more employment opportunities are in progress for contractors and forestry workers throughout rural BC under the province’s Forest Employment Program (FEP). It will be funded through the province’s $185 million support package to help British Columbians impacted by old growth deferrals.
Georgia Voters Approve Ballot Measure Exempting Forestry Equipment From Property Tax
According to the New York Times, Georgia voters on Tuesday approved by a margin of 59% to 41%, “Referendum A” which beginning January 1st, 2023, will provide an annual ad valorem (property) tax exemption for equipment use for managing, harvesting, and replanting forests.