Forestry
Forestry holds paramount significance for Vancouver Island, contributing significantly to the region's environmental, economic, and social fabric. The island's lush landscapes, characterized by towering coniferous forests, are not only a source of breathtaking natural beauty but also serve as vital carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Beyond their environmental importance, these forests sustain a thriving forestry industry that has been a cornerstone of Vancouver Island's economy for generations. Timber harvesting, sustainable logging practices, and the production of wood products provide employment opportunities, support local businesses, and contribute to the island's economic resilience.
Moreover, forestry activities are deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of indigenous communities, who have long practiced sustainable forest management, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the land.
In essence, the preservation and responsible management of Vancouver Island's forests are not just an economic necessity but a commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of a way of life deeply rooted in the island's history and identity.
For more than a century, the forest sector has fueled our coastal economy and shaped our communities. Today, people and businesses across BC’s coastal region depend on transportation networks and other services developed for our forest sector.
Campbell River is the hub for the coastal forest industry on Northern Vancouver Island, serving both public and private forest lands and an access point for experienced labour and forest industry contractors as well as business and sector support services within the region.
City of Campbell River Forestry Sector Profile
NIEFS 2015 Forestry Employer Forum Video
Strategic Sectors Study Regional District of Mount Waddington 2015
Resource Management & Consulting
BC Ministry of Farming, Natural Resources, & Industry
Government resources and info for the BC Forest sector and other natural resource operations.
BC Council of Forest Industries
The Council of Forest Industries is the voice of the British Columbia interior forest industry. COFI companies operate about 100 production facilities in over 60 forest dependent communities in the interior of BC.
The British Columbia Forest Safety Council was created as a not-for-profit society dedicated to promoting forest safety in the sector.
The Truck Loggers Association is the official voice of independent forest contractors located throughout BC's coastal region.
Strategic Natural Resource Consultants Inc.
Strategic Natural Resource Consultants Inc. is a professional consulting firm specializing in natural resource management and has offices in Campbell River (head office), Port McNeill and Nanaimo.
Training
Association for BC Forest Professionals
Deciding on a career in forestry? Find what the professions are, how to launch your career and apply, where to attend continuing education, self-assessment competency tests, papers and reports and send a resume to their job center.
This is the go-to place to learn about the many different occupations and skills needed in the forestry and natural resource management field.
Click on "Careers in Wood" to get the lowdown on wood related careers, education and industry.
Vancouver Island University - Forest Resource Technology Program
This program provides the technical training required for starting a career in most fields of forest technology.
VIU - Fundamentals of Forest Harvesting Practices
With the Fundamentals of Forest Harvesting Practices program you gain the skills and knowledge you need to work safely and sustainably in a harvesting environment.
North Island College - Coastal Forest Worker Certificate
Gain hands-on skills for a range of entry-level careers in the forestry industry. You’ll learn silviculture, harvesting, occupational safety, surveying, timber cruising, grading and overall resource management. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to work safely and productively in a range of entry-level forestry and harvesting positions.
Forestry Companies
Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest products company and the largest coastal British Columbia woodland operator and lumber producer
International Forest Products Limited is one of the Pacific Northwest's largest producers of wood products and they have an office in Campbell River.
Is a full service stump to dump logging contractor on northern Vancouver Island with the head office located in Campbell River.
Harmac Pacific operates a Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp mill located in Nanaimo.