Webinar series to explore big topics in B.C.’s forestry sector

Anyone with an interest in the forestry sector may be intrigued to learn that a free webinar series is coming up that will take a deep dive into the subject.

The FESBC said in a press release that it is teaming up with the BC Rural Centre to launch a new four-part webinar series this fall, running from September to December. The series will be bringing together voices from across the province for practical, community-focused conversations about forestry and its connection to the communities directly experiencing changes in the sector, the FESBC explained.

The free series will explore the subject through Indigenous perspectives, community experience, sector knowledge and personal stories.

“Designed to be accessible to people with varying levels of forestry knowledge, the webinars will move beyond technical discussions to explore what forestry means for communities, how the sector is changing, and what these changes mean for community decision-making.”

Jason Fisher, a registered professional forester and executive director with FESBC, said forest management is closely connected to the economic, environmental and social well-being of rural communities across the province.

“This series is an opportunity to make those conversations more accessible, bring different perspectives together, and help community leaders and residents better understand the changes taking place in the sector and what they mean locally,” Fisher said.

The FESBC explains that the webinar is coming at a “timely moment,” as it noted communities in B.C. are navigating significant changes affecting their economies, landscapes and futures. It said forestry intersects with many of these issues, from local economies and employment to reconciliation, land stewardship, wildfires and community resilience.

“The webinars will be particularly relevant to municipal and regional elected officials and staff, Indigenous communities and leaders, community forest organizations, economic and rural development leaders, forestry professionals, and British Columbians interested in better understanding the relationship between forestry and rural communities,” the FESBC says.

Sarah Sinclair, executive director of the BC Rural Centre, said rural communities in the province are navigating “significant changes” in their economies, landscapes and local futures, and added that forest management is part of many of those conversations.

“The BC Rural Centre is pleased to partner with FESBC to create an accessible space where rural leaders, residents, and community organizations can hear directly from people with lived and professional experience, ask questions, and gain practical insight they can bring back to their communities,” Sinclair remarked.

The FESBC further detailed what the webinars will entail. It said each one will feature two panellists in a facilitated 40-minute conversation, followed by a 20-minute Q&A with the audience.

“The format is intended to create space for different perspectives and firsthand experiences, giving participants an opportunity to build their understanding and connect directly with the people involved on the ground.”

It noted that participants will be able to register for individual webinars or take all four in the series. Registration is required.

“Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping forest management in BC, the experiences of communities working through those issues, and questions they may wish to explore locally,” the FESBC said.

Fisher remarked that “rural communities are navigating significant change, and having access to good information, different perspectives, and practical experience matters. We hope this series creates a useful place to learn, ask questions, and better understand the role forestry can play in the future of communities across our province.”

The four webinars and registration links can be found below.

– Reconciliation and Stewardship — Indigenous Perspectives, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. PT

“Explore Indigenous perspectives on forestry, stewardship, reconciliation, relationships, and the opportunities associated with managing forests for future generations.”

– Community Forests — Local Voices, Local Value, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. PT

“Explore how community forestry can connect forest management with local priorities, economic benefits, stewardship, resilience, and community decision-making.”

– Forestry Fundamentals — Understanding the Sector, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. PT

“An accessible discussion designed to help participants better understand how forestry in British Columbia works, the forces currently shaping the sector, and why those changes matter to rural communities.”

– Stories of Wildfire — Humanizing the Experience, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. PT

“Explore the human and community experience of wildfire beyond statistics and hectares burned, including resilience, recovery, preparedness, and lessons learned.”

The FESBC says recordings will be available after each webinar, and subtitles will be available on the recordings.

“Advance questions may be submitted to sarah@bcruralcentre.org or info@amplifyinc.ca.”

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