National Forest Week is celebrating the ‘green’ forest sector    250News photo

Prince George, BC –  The theme of National Forest Week this year is ‘The Greenest Workforce’…

The Association of BC Forest Professionals says it’s meant to highlight the vital work of forest professionals and practitioners who are involved in managing all aspects of forests. ABCFP members across the province use the week to raise awareness about forestry’s role in our economy, culture, heritage and future.

BC Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations Minister, Steve Thomson, points out that the forest sector accounts for 56-thousand direct jobs throughout the province – everything from forest health technicians and research scientists, to land officers and tree planters.

"From sustainable forest management and water stewardship to wildlife protection and habitat conservation," says Thomson, "Forestry offers a range of opportunities for individuals wanting to contribute to a healthy environment and ‘green’ future."

ABCFP is hosting three contests – a photo contest for members, art contest for kids, and essay contest for teens – to mark National Forest Week.  (click here for details)  Another major project the association is working on right now, is the development of a smartphone app that would BC residents could use to identify trees they find in their communities.  So far, $950 towards the total cost of $6500 has been raised through donations, click here to find out more.