In this edition of the Williams Lake Tribune, we give a salute to forestry through our special section, Celebrating Forestry.
Williams Lake has long been dependent on the forest industry, which has greatly helped the region grow and prosper.
Though the industry has taken a rather substantial economic hit due to the recession that began in 2008 and the mountain pine beetle, there are still numerous mills operating in the lakecity and others that have started up fresh.
Take, for example, RiverWest, the mill located at Hanceville. It opened up in February and currently employs 20 people.
Though Tolko’s Creekside mill is still curtailed, its Lakeview and Soda Creek operations are doing well, and so is West Fraser’s sawmill. And Pinnacle Pellet is also still distributing products around the world.
Whether they sink their teeth into overseas markets or make modifications to their equipment to handle different fibres, companies throughout the industry have proven themselves to be strong and resilient, and ready to diversify and move forward.
There will likely continue to be bumps in the road, especially when the new annual allowable cut is determined in 2012, but forestry will always play a big role in the region’s future and success.
This week is National Forest Week and we hope you join us in celebrating our forests, the industry, and the people it employs.