On Monday afternoon (11-15-21), legislation was introduced that will help bring forth the B.C. Provincial government’s vision for forest care. According to the government, The Forest Amendment Act, 2021 is legislation to help build a more diverse and inclusive forest sector that works for people.
News in timber
Hancock Natural Resources Group Renamed Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture Inc.
Manulife Investment Management, a diverse private markets business, which includes timberland and agriculture, has announced that Hancock Natural Resource Group Inc has changed its name to Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture Inc effective today (11-15-21). The change completes the transition of all Manulife Investment Management private markets’ capabilities.
B.C. Celebrates a Milestone in its Reforestation Effort, Planting its One Billionth Tree Since 2018
On Wednesday (11-10-21), the Province of British Columbia celebrated a milestone in its reforestation efforts. This year, the province recognized planting its one billionth tree since 2018. There were over 300 million trees planted in 2021 throughout the province by around 5,000 silviculture workers.
Alberta’s Provincial Government Approves Renewal of Tolko Industries’ Forest Management Area
On Monday (11-8-21), the Alberta provincial government approved the renewal of Tolko Industries’ 272,441-hectare forest management area (FMA) near High Prairie. The renewal allows Tolko to harvest Crown timber from the FMA for the next 20 years.
Black Hill Forest Logging Levels to be Reduced
In an interview held on Friday (11-5-21) with South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s daily public-affairs show, In the Moment, hosted by Lori Walsh, the leaders of the Black Hills National Forest announced that after several years of debate about sustainability in the forest, they plan to reduce logging levels.
B.C. Forests Minister Responds to Criticism of Old-Growth Harvest Deferral Plan
On Thursday (11-4-21), Minister Conroy defended her position saying she is rejecting the accusations that she undermined the future of the forest communities in B.C. by relying on the recommendations from a biased technical panel stacked with environmentalists.
U.S. Establishes Forest Investors Club at COP26 During Forest Day Session
During the World Leaders Summit’s Forest Day Session at COP26 on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the United States launched the Forest Investors Club. The Forest Investor Club is a network of leading public and private financial institutions and other investors who aim to unlock and scale up investments that support climate-aligned outcomes in the land sector.
Chinook Forest Partners Completes Purchase of 50,747 acres from Hampton Lumber and Family Forests
Chinook Forest Partners announced on Friday (10-29-21) that they had finalized the purchase of 50,747 acres of timberland in northwest Washington from Hampton Lumber and Family Forests. The acreage purchased by Chinook was originally part of Hampton’s 145,000-acre timberland purchase from Weyerhaeuser, which was completed earlier this year.
Huuay-aht First Nations Respond to B.C. Ministry of Forests’ Proposed Old Growth Deferral Plan
The British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations announced their proposed old growth deferral based on the advice and recommendations of the Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) established in 2021. According to a statement, from the Huuay-aht First Nations, deferrals within their traditional territory will not be implemented without further review by the first nations.
U.S. Wildfire Season Continues to Burn into November with Six Large Uncontained Wildfires Reported
The U.S. wildfire season continues to burn into November. Last Friday (10-29-21), the National Interagency Fire Center reported there are wildfire fighters deployed trying to contain 6 large wildfires burning on over 336,400 acres nationally. Three new large fires were reported on Friday — two in Texas and one in Colorado.