First Nations forestry projects generating jobs and benefitting the environment

16 July 2020

Published by https://ckpgtoday.ca/

WILLIAMS LAKE—Grants from the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. (FESBC) are supporting the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), creating jobs, creating a cleaner environment, and reducing wildfire risks.

To date, the grants have helped with the removal of 64,000 cubic metres of slash (debris from forest fires) and over the next two years, the total will reach 200,000 cubic metres. The ongoing project will create an estimated 26 jobs for both, the WLFN and the Tŝideldel First Nation (TFN), which has partnered to grind the debris on site and ship it to local markets.

“The WLFN have partnered with the TFN on this unique ongoing project that is seeing slash piles turned into biomass fuel instead of burning them.”—Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

“This green-energy project is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building new economic opportunities for both communities while contributing to B.C.’s clean energy plan,” added Donaldson.