Features Environment & Sustainability Forestry Paper Pulp
Alberta firms planted 74 million trees in 2016

Members of the Alberta Forest Products Association planted 74 million tree seedlings in Alberta’s forests during the 2016 planting season. This means that for every Albertan, 18 trees were planted this spring and summer. The industry replants an average of 2 trees for every 1 that is harvested.

“Our industry plants trees because we want a sustainable and green future for Alberta,” said AFPA president and CEO Paul Whittaker. “We know that healthy forests are one of the best defenses against climate change. Planting trees also fulfills our commitment and obligation to the people of Alberta to regenerate all forests that we harvest. We take this commitment very seriously.”

The Honourable Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, emphasized the importance of reforestation. “Our forests are essential to the quality of life in Alberta. They support a healthy ecosystem, thousands of well-paying jobs, and pristine recreational spaces. Government and the forest sector work closely together to maintain our forests for future generations.”

Planting trees supports renewable forests and provides jobs for Albertans. Tree planters, who are often youth and post-secondary students, worked 37,000 person days on replanting operations. Tree planting also creates jobs in support sectors like tree nursery employees and local businesses that supply goods and services to planting operations.