September 18-24, 2016 is Canada’s National Forest Week
What is now known as National Forest Week (NFW) was established in the 1920’s and known as Forest Fire Prevention Week. The intention was to encourage greater public awareness of Canada’s forests. Since then, National Forest Week (renamed in 1967) has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada’s forest resources – past, present and future. Although special activities are promoted across Canada, National Forest Week remains first and foremost a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. National Forest Week is observed annually during the last full week of September. National Tree Day is observed on the Wednesday of National Forest Week.
National Forest Week is a time to reflect on the importance of forests to Canadians, not just as an economic generator but for all the recreational, environmental, wildlife and other values.
National Tree Day serves as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us – clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature.
National Forest Week is spearheaded annually by the Canadian Institute of Forestry which has Sections all across Canada.
British Columbia is one of the world’s largest exporters of softwood lumber, a significant global producer of pulp, paper and bioenergy, and a global leader in the production of high-quality wood products from sustainably managed forests.
About 52 million hectares of British Columbia’s land base are certified to internationally recognized standards for sustainable forest management, an important ‘green advantage’ for international customers.
Like the theme for this year’s National Forest Week, British Columbia is doing its part to keep the ‘true north strong and green’.
(By: Jeanete Duazo, Photos by: Aiesha Duazo)