This is National Forest Week.

Established around 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week, the intention was to encourage greater public awareness towards Canada's forests. At the time, there was no apparent shortage of trees for industrial expansion – the greatest threat came from forest fires, due mainly to human causes.

Since then National Forest Week, as it was renamed in 1967, has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada's forest resources – past, present and future.

The theme this year is “tradition and transition”.  The theme is especially poignant here in B.C.

While B.C.’s economy has diversified over the years, it was initially built on forestry.   Today, forestry is responsible for 15% of the province’s economic activity, it is the largest or second largest source of income for 77% of the communities outside the lower mainland, and employs, directly some 80 thousand people and nearly twice that number indirectly.  

Forestry accounts for about 40% of the province’s exports, but it is facing serious challenges.

The strength of the Canadian dollar, the slumping U.S. housing market, increased competition and the Mountain Pine Beetle are all challenging the industry.

B.C.’s Minister of Forests and Range, Rich Coleman says the mountain pine beetle devastation has increased interest in other areas “The mountain pine beetle is also providing an opportunity to more fully explore bio-energy possibilities.  Our forest sector is definitely changing and will continue to change, and government will continue to ensure that our policies remain conducive to investment.” 

WorkSafe B.C. has issued some information to coincide with this week:

According to WorkSafe B.C., improvement in safety practices in the forest have resulted in fewer accidents and injuries from 2005 to 2006.

There has been a 21.5% drop in total claims from 1193 to 936 and there has been a 3%  drop in the length of  short term disability

National Forest Week is observed annually during the last full week of September, Sunday through Saturday.