News Pulp
FESBC receives $50M for fibre supply boost, wildfire risk mitigation and job support

The British Columbia government is providing $50 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to assist with the delivery of uneconomic forest fibre and to assist communities to reduce their wildfire risk.

FESBC is currently accepting funding applications.

“Receiving $50 million in funding from the Province of British Columbia is a significant boost for reducing smoke and greenhouse gas emissions, and will also better protect communities from the devastating impacts of extreme wildfires. This investment will also create and maintain jobs for workers, provide stability in communities, and accelerate Indigenous participation in the forest bioeconomy,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director at FESBC.

The eligible parties for this funding opportunity for this year are:

• First Nations (Bands, Treaty First Nations and Indigenous Governments with authority for lands and resources) in B.C.
• Companies and forest tenure holders owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Small area-based tenures such as community forest agreement holders and woodlot licensees.
• Forest tenure holders, log suppliers, or purchasers of non-sawlog fibre that don’t own or control a primary forest product manufacturing facility.
• Ministry of Forests and other provincial agencies.
• Local governments such as Municipalities or Regional Districts.

Details on the application process, eligibility criteria and a step-by-step guide on the next steps are available through a document on the FESBC website.

A recording of FESBC’s virtual information session on the application process will be available to view on FESBC’s website from April 19 or by contacting FESBC Communications Liaison, Aleece Laird, at communications@fesbc.ca. The session aims at guiding potential applicants on the application criteria and the necessary steps to successfully submit a proposal through the online portal.