Looking Forward with S. Kozuki

“While we are immensely proud of our progress, we also know much work remains to be done."

—Steven Kozuki, Executive Director, FESBC

FESBC is well-positioned to continue the successful delivery of a carefully crafted program of initiatives that serve the needs of British Columbians, now and into the future. People rely on B.C.’s forests, which makes this work more important than ever as the forces of climate change, insect epidemics, and catastrophic wildfire events continue to impact our forests. Protecting communities from wildfire risk, reducing greenhouse gases, and improving wildlife habitat are critical. Whenever possible, FESBC tries to include projects that contain more than one benefit to British Columbians while at the same time increasing First Nations participation in the forest economy, improving timber supply, increasing employment in rural economies, and increasing ecological sustainability. Partnering with many First Nations and other organizations has helped FESBC fund and deliver a large variety of projects in every area of the province. These partners, along with dedicated FESBC staff, are working on projects that will provide benefits for generations to come: • Union of BC Municipalities • Federation of BC Woodlot Associations • BC Community Forest Association • Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation • forest companies • many others. Being a government agency, FESBC works to complement programs of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD). FESBC and FLNRORD collaborate closely to serve the needs of British Columbians and in doing so, our strategic thinking is guided by long-term perspectives on the scale of the lifespan of trees or several human generations. While we are immensely proud of our progress, we also know much work remains to be done. However, with so many committed to forest enhancement, there is no doubt we will achieve our shared vision of enhanced forest resilience for the lasting benefit of B.C.’s environment, wildlife, forest health, and communities.

Steven F Kozuki, RPF Executive Director, Forest Enhancement Society of BC