Forest and Environment News:

Bioenergy Strategy includes Beetle Wood – The Province is developing a bioenergy strategy to promote new sources of sustainable and renewable energy, and to take advantage of pine beetle-attacked timber. A feasibility study, funded by the provincial government and the BIOCAP Canada Foundation, was published in November 2005, examining the potential for a mountain pine beetle-fuelled power plant in the Quesnel or Nazko area. For more information about government’s mountain pine beetle action plan, visit pine bettle.

BC Lumber Trade Council supports Premier Campbell’s message on Softwood Lumber – The BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) recently said that it fully supports Premier Gordon Campbell’s declaration that BC will not support a softwood lumber deal that is bad for British Columbia. For more information see News Release.

Market Pricing System Launched In Interior – A new market-based timber pricing system that reflects local timber values will be in use in the Interior effective July 1, it was recently announced. See details at: News Release.

Local Government News:

Canada And British Columbia Sign Infrastructure Agreement – The governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed a new infrastructure agreement, that will, over the coming year, provide $102 million in combined funding to projects in communities across British Columbia. The federal and provincial governments and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities will jointly implement the agreement.

Communities with a population under 250,000 people will be targeted, and much of the funding will assist with “green” projects such as fresh and wastewater systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. In addition, funds will support local roads, culture, tourism, recreation and connectivity projects. For further information see the Bulletin.