We live in the middle of a forest. Want to learn more about what that means?
"For 2016 National Forest Week we are once again looking for interested residents to join the committee in 
planning another educational and successful week of events for North Thompson Valley residents to participate in," said Abbey Bates, spokesperson for a National Forest Week committee set up by Wells Gray Community Forest’s advisory committee.
"Some suggested topics are invasive plants, integrated resource management, fire smart fuel management, community watersheds and climate change to name a few," Bates continued.
National Forest Week is observed during the third week of September, Sunday through Saturday. National Tree Day is part of National Forest Week and is celebrated on the Wednesday.
In August of 2015, the Community Forest Advisory Committee (CFAC) invited interested residents to plan and participate in celebrating National Forest week in the North Thompson Valley.
A small enthusiastic committee was formed and plans for National Forest week were made.
The week of events was designed to reach a wide demographic of residents and provide a variety of forestry related activities that would inform and excite people about our important resource.
These events were in the form of evening workshops, field trips and mill tours.
National Tree Day was celebrated with Simpcw First Nations students planting a tree on their property adjacent to the Raft River viewing platform.
National Forest Week was established circa 1920 as Forest Fire prevention week. It was intended to encourage greater public awareness about Canada's forests.
At this time it seemed our forest were endless and the only threat to the forest was from wild fires. Since then National Forest Week (renamed in 1967) has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada's forest resources.
Activities are promoted across Canada and this week challenges Canadians to learn about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this important resource.
The first planning meeting for the National Forest Week 2016 committee will be held Wednesday, March 9.
Please contact Abbey Bates for more details: 250-674-2127 or email at 3bates@telus.net
Below: Participants in a field trip through North Thompson Provincial Park during National Forest Week last year pose for a photograph. The walk was guided by Lorraine Maclauchlan, regional entomologist with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources.
