 |
|
KELOWNA
– Premier Gordon Campbell and Forests
and Range Minister Rich Coleman were joined by local community and industry
leaders in a ceremony today to celebrate the planting of the six billionth tree
in British Columbia since reforestation programs began in the 1930s.
“This tree represents an incredible milestone in our
ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management here in British Columbia,” said
Campbell. “British Columbia’s forests are a critical economic engine for our
province, a treasured part of our natural heritage and a powerful ally in our
fight against climate change. Since reforestation began in the 1930s, we
estimate the seedlings planted have sequestered two billion tonnes of CO2 over
their lifetime. As we move towards our goal of net-zero deforestation in B.C.,
we’ll further build on this legacy of reforestation, and further strengthen our
forest resource.”
“Planting the six billionth tree symbolizes our approach to sustainable
forest management,” said Coleman. “We have nearly as much natural, diverse
forest as we had 150 years ago, while at the same time our forest sector is
delivering long-term economic benefits to British Columbians.”
“We
are proud to have the six billionth tree planted in our community because it’s
a great reminder of how we can all make a difference to make the world a better
place,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “In Kelowna, we are working to
ensure that our policies support a greener city for future generations.”
“This
is a major accomplishment on the part of many people – tree planters, nursery
workers, forest companies, professional foresters and technicians, scientists
and researchers, and governments,” said John Allan, president of the Council of
Forest Industries. “The forest industry helped build this great province and,
by planting hundreds of millions of trees every year, we know our forests and
forest industry will remain a vital part of our future.”
The six billionth tree is a ponderosa pine, a native B.C. species
and ecologically suited to growing in the Okanagan. It took 51 years from the
time the first seedling was planted in British Columbia in 1930 to the first
billion milestone in 1981. The second billion mark was reached in 1989, the
third billion in 1993, the fourth billion in 1997 and the fifth billion in
2002. In the 2008 throne speech, government committed to pursue a goal of zero
net deforestation. In addition, the Forests for Tomorrow program will
plant an additional 60 million seedlings over the next four years.
-30-
|
contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177 |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
