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The forestry industry directly employs more than 600 people
and contributes $90 million per year to the local economy. Surrounded
by a 4.5 million-hectare timber supply, Fort St. John embraces
its responsibility as a guardian of the forest by developing the
Fish Creek Community Forest and reforestation initiatives that
have planted more than 50 million trees in the past 20 years.
Peace Valley OSB, a $200 – million oriented-strand board plant was recently construction by Canfor/LP and started operations in November of 2005.
Forestry has room to grow in Fort St. John: the Allowable Annual
Cut - key to the industry's survival - is set to increase substantially.
International players, such as Canadian Forest Products exemplify
the modern era of high-tech, environmentally sustainable forestry
practices. The Canfor sawmill near Fort St. John turns out high-quality,
finished lumber products. The Canfor Taylor Pulpmill converts sawmill
wood waste into salable wood fibers, marketed as far away as Japan
and Germany.
More than 350 trucking and logging contractors back up these major
operators. Spin-off from the forestry sector provides jobs and income
for countless local businesses and has established the industry as
a key component of Fort St. John's diversified economy.
The Ministry of Forests district office provides support and guidance
for the local industry. Forest management expertise at the government
and corporate level has blended with the real world know how of the
men and women who make their living from the forest, while respecting
the vulnerability of this vast but delicate resource.
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