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Alberta forest companies plant 65 million trees in 2015

October 5, 2015 – Members of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) planted 65 million tree seedlings in forests throughout the province in 2015. The industry also planted 65 million trees in 2014. This means that each year 16 trees were planted for every man, woman, and child in Alberta. The industry replants an average of two trees for every one that is harvested. 

“We are very proud of our legacy of environmental stewardship,” said AFPA president and CEO Paul Whittaker. “Planting trees is an important part of ensuring that our forests are healthy and continue to support a variety of ecological, recreational, and economic values for generations to come.”

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier emphasized the importance of forestry standards and reforestation with the view of keeping the industry strong.

“Forestry is one of the most sustainable industries in Alberta,” he said. “Our government is committed to working closely with forestry producers to ensure the health of our forests and to support the industry’s mortgage-paying jobs now and for generations to come.”

Planting trees benefits Alberta’s environment in the long-term and also has a positive, immediate impact on Alberta’s economy. Tree planters, typically youth and post-secondary students, worked 32,500 person days on replanting operations. Spin-off jobs created by tree planting include tree nursery employees and local businesses that supply goods and services to planting operations.     

More information can be found on our website at albertaforestproducts.ca.

About AFPA
The Alberta Forest Products Association is a private, non-profit industry organization, representing lumber, panelboard, pulp and paper, and secondary manufacturing wood products companies operating in Alberta. AFPA member companies are active participants in sustainability advancements that contribute economic, environmental, and social benefits for Albertans.

October 5, 2015  By Alberta Forest Products Association