In today’s Williams Lake Tribune, we are celebrating forestry in our annual Celebrating Forestry section, which coincides with National Forest Week.
The week provides an opportunity to learn more about Canada’s forests and the role they play in industry, heritage, history, and our day-to-day lives.
We here in the Cariboo-Chilcotin have benefited greatly from our area forests. Mills such as Tolko and West Fraser provide many, many jobs, as do others such as Pinnacle Pellet and Parallel Wood Products. There are also jobs in forest restoration and education, as well as many associated spin-off jobs.
Our forests generate tourism to the region and offer a pleasant lifestyle hard to find in the more populated cities.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of spending time in the forest. I remember climbing trees and being enraptured by the intricacies of a leaf. And every time I head out into the great outdoors, I discover something new and am amazed by how complex our forests and the life they provide are.
Our forests keep the mills, economy, and jobs going in the region and provide useful wood to build homes, furniture, and many other items across the globe.
They also provide a home for wildlife, support biodiversity, provide food, and produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. In fact, they are necessary for our very survival.
This week, let’s all take the time and recognize the importance of our forests and reflect on how our communities, our lives, and all life are so very connected to them. And while you are at, head out into the forest yourself, flip over a leaf, and celebrate our forests.
— Erin Hitchcock