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FPAC supports feds’ plan to plant two billion trees over next decade

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) says it supports the federal government’s recently announced plan to plant two billion trees over the next decade, starting in 2021.

The industry association says the move will help Canada achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Canada’s forest sector plants roughly 600 million seedlings every year.

The federal plan encompasses growing seeds to seedlings, preparing the land for planting, monitoring the health and survival of the planted seedlings, and reporting on the carbon they sequester.

“The government has acknowledged that an incremental national tree planting initiative is complex and will require preparation and specific expertise as well as support from many partners,” says Derek Nighbor, president and CEO of FPAC.

“Canada’s forest sector and our nursery and tree planting partners across the country are ready to do our part to realize the significant environmental, economic and social benefits that the two billion trees program promises to deliver.”

The government says it aims for provinces and territories to plant 150 million new seedlings by 2022.