New Projects Underway in BC to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Improve Forest Health

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is investing in 12 new wildfire risk reduction projects in the Cariboo, Northeastern, South Coast, Thompson Okanagan, and Kootenay-Boundary regions of BC. The FESBC has approved a total of 34 new wildfire risk reduction projects to be completed by March 2024. These projects are reducing wildfire risk, while enhancing wildlife habitat, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from slash pile burning, and supporting forest recreation and ecological resiliency.

Over the past five years, the FESBC has approved 263 projects throughout BC. The First Nations have led 63 of the projects, and another 23 projects have significant First Nations participation. FESBC projects have reduced wildfire risk in 120 communities and have created more than 2,100 full-time jobs.

The $25 million (CAD) provided to FESBC is part of the $359 million announced in Budget 2022 to protect British Columbians from wildfires, including $145 million to strengthen the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC.