NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010FOR0019-000247 March 10, 2010

Ministry of Forests and Range

 

PARALYMPIC PODIUMS TELL THE STORY OF B.C. COMMUNITIES

 

VANCOUVER – Each of the five Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games podiums tells the story of a unique community in British Columbia and the people who live there, Minister of Forests and Range Pat Bell announced today.

 

“The podiums tell the story of how British Columbian communities create local employment and benefits through sustainable forest management,” said Bell. “British Columbians feel great pride in their communities and these podiums help share our tradition of forestry excellence with the world.”

 

The podiums are built from different species of wood donated by the Cheslatta Nation Community Forest, Wells Gray Community Forest, the Cariboo Woodlot Association, Merritt’s Aspen Planers and West Fraser Timber. They range from about six to 15 metres in length, are about five metres deep and 30 cm high. Each podium is assembled from more than 200 wooden pieces, and in the case of the Cheslatta Nation, include wood harvested from the bottom of the Nechako Reservoir.

Profiles for each of the Paralympic podiums with an introduction to the community and the people involved are at www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/Olympics/podiums. Each profile offers perspective from those who work in the forest, and community and business leaders, including a descendant of an Olympian, and Rick Hansen. The podiums will be used at Whistler Creekside, Whistler Paralympic Park, the Vancouver Paralympic Centre, and Whistler Medals Plaza from March 13-21.

 

The wood podiums highlight the importance of forestry in British Columbia. The province is a global leader in sustainable forest management and the world’s largest exporter of softwood lumber, paper and bio-energy products that help mitigate climate change and provide innovative solutions to green building and energy needs.

 

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Contact:

Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-8482

 

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