Six East Kootenay and area wildfire risk reduction projects are among 60 in the province to receive Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) funding, the Ministry of Forests announced June 8.

The provincial funding is $20 million per year over three years supporting First Nations, local governments, community forests, local forestry companies and community organizations.

This investment funds projects that reduce wildfire risk, restore forest ecosystems and improve the long-term health and resilience of B.C.’s forests.

Local wildfire risk reduction projects being funded:

BC Parks – Columbia Lake Park Wildfire Resiliency: $150,000;

City of Kimberley – 2025 Kimberley Landscape Fuel Break Treatment Unit 11: $300,200;

Columbia Woodlot Association – Mount 7 Phase 2 Wildfire Risk Reduction Mulching: $271,500;

Creston Valley Forest Corporation – 2025-27 Cutting Permit 35 Wildfire Risk Reduction: $502,300;

Lower Kootenay Indian Band – Creston Airport Fuel Management: $315,000;

Rocky Mountain Trench Society – Indian Springs Ecosystem Restoration: $316,800.

“The best wildfire is the one that never starts. The best way to protect communities is to work together to prevent them,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Through this investment into FESBC, we’re investing in wildfire resilience and this means local logs for local mills to create local jobs.”

“These projects reflect the innovation and commitment we continue to see from proponents throughout British Columbia,” said Jason Fisher, executive director, FESBC. “The work being funded will help create healthier, more resilient forests by reducing wildfire risk to better protect communities, restoring important ecosystems and supporting communities that depend on our forests.

“We are pleased to invest in projects that deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for British Columbians.”

Lead image: Columbia Lake Provincial Park at Fairmont Hot Springs.  e-KNOW file photo

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