The Province has introduced legislative amendments allowing BC Timber Sales to improve access to fibre, create more opportunities for loggers and contractors, deepen partnerships with First Nations and strengthen its stewardship role in B.C.’s forests.

“Our path forward for forestry means a BC Timber Sales that moves fibre faster, creates more opportunities for workers and contractors, and ensures local logs go to local mills,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

“These changes matter. They matter to the workers grinding it out every day in the bush, they matter to the worker on the mill line who will see a steady stream of timber, and they matter to the local companies and communities who will be able to access the fibre they need.”

The changes are expected to increase B.C.’s fibre supply by as much as 17,700 truckloads, or 800,000 cubic metres.

An expanded range of contract opportunities will now be auctioned by BCTS and available for contractors and mills to increase availability.

The contracts will support a variety of stewardship and fibre-generating activities, including commercial thinning, wildfire risk reduction, projects with First Nations and community partners, the salvage of damaged trees, and new fibre opportunities.

The Province says the changes will make it easier for the forest sector to quickly access timber that was damaged by wildfire or natural disturbances, such as windstorms or insect outbreaks.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.