Forest Enhancement Society of BC's former executive director Steve Kozuki is one of four forest professionals recently recognized by Forest Professionals British Columbia.
Kozuki, a retired registered professional forester living in Williams Lake, was honoured as a distinguished forest professionals during the 77th annual foresty conference in Victoria, Feb. 6, 2025.
The category recognizes significant accomplishments over a career, for providing outstanding service to the profession of forestry and for furthering the principles of FPBC. It is the profession’s highest honour for a registrant, noted a the FPBC in a news release.
“As the former executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, Steve’s dedication to advancing projects, particularly those led by First Nations, helped cultivate mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous groups and other community stakeholders,” said Keri Simmons, RPF, FPBC board chair.
“Steve's contributions to the forestry sector are not just commendable; they are truly remarkable. He has been a dedicated forestry professional, driving transformational change to pave the way for a more sustainable future where forestry is acknowledged as having a key role in taking action on climate change.”
Kozuki retired in September as executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). He started working in the forest industry in 1984, earned a diploma in forest resources technology in 1989, and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in forestry in 1994.
Kozuki has held various positions throughout his career, including sawmill worker, compass person, silviculture technician, timber cruiser, forest planner and valuation co-ordinator. He also served as general manager of fibre management for a pulp mill, director of timber pricing for the Ministry of Forests and as a sales manager for BC Timber Sales Manager before joining FESBC.
"Some of his proudest career achievements include pioneering the use of computerized landscape design analysis to meet visual quality objectives and being part of a team that took an under-performing manufacturing division and returned it to profitability, saving hundreds of jobs in a resource-dependent community," noted the news release.
At FESBC, Kozuki combined deep forest industry business acumen with government goals in a way that enabled local grassroots organizations to reduce wildfire risks to communities, reduce greenhouse gasses, improve wildlife habitat, increase fibre utilization, advance reconciliation, and create economic benefits.
