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Photo contest showcases the value of B.C. forestry
November 18, 2019 By Canadian Forest Industries Staff

The benefits of forestry are evident in our everyday lives. From working in forestry to using products made of paper to living or working in beautiful timber buildings, the industry is a cornerstone of Canada. The photos we have received so far as part of our fourth annual forestry contest, in partnership with COFI, reflect this. This year, we asked British Columbians to submit photos showcasing the benefits forestry provides them. The submissions we have received so far showcase the value of B.C.’s forests and the many ways in which we interact with them.
Check out our submissions below. One grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of CFI’s January/February 2020 issue and will receive a $500 Canadian Tire gift card. Three runners-up will receive a $75 Canadian Tire gift card and be featured in the pages of CFI, alongside various selected photos.
The photo contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated and sent in these amazing submissions!
The Haynes Ranch buildings, located near Osoyoos, date back to 1860, when the house was built for Judge John Haynes. Early pioneers in B.C. used wood frame construction almost entirely. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of B.C.’s softwoods that this building still stands today, over 150 years later. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forestry provides many cultural, social, economic and ecological benefits to British Columbians. Our stunning forests attract visitors from all over the world, thus generating socio-economic benefits for the communities. These four old growth Douglas-firs are one of the many attractions at Elk Falls Park near Campbell River for over 175,000 day users during June to September each year. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
A Western red cedar tree in a coastlal B.C. lowland forest. Southern Vancouver Island. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The new 80,000 square-foot Centre for Trades Education and Innovation at Camosun College in Victoria provides students on Vancouver Island with more opportunities to train for in-demand careers. Spanning 140 feet over the main entrance atrium, a glulam truss resembles the form of a ship’s hull. The $30-million facility met B.C.’s Wood First policy through the incorporation of nail laminated timber (NLT) and exposed glulam framing in the classrooms and teaching spaces. Throughout the design, students are exposed to various visual elements showcasing examples of the trades being taught in the space. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Benefits from the forest comes in many forms – cultural, social, economic and ecological. Ecological benefits vary from single species to a complex web of species interactions to sustain life. Forest birds vary widely in their habitat (forest) use. Some bird species occur in every type of forest, some are specific to an age of the forest, some to specific habitat elements in a forest, while some need a very specific habitat pattern on the landscape. The Northern flicker requires a standing dead tree to nest in but is not dependent on the type of forest the snag is in. It can be a tree in a recently harvested area, second growth or old growth. This male Northern flicker was nesting in a second growth retention patch near Campbell River. Forest practices such as using a retention silvicultural system benefits not only this species but other species that depend on woodpecker nest cavities for part of their life cycle. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Each year in Campbell River there is a chainsaw carving competition called Transformations on the Shore. The wood is provided by local forest companies and is transformed into beautiful pieces of art. This event draws thousands of visitors annually. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
A fantastic new float plane terminal on Victoria’s waterfront. Fabricated at Bamfield and then towed into place, it utilizes B.C. Douglas Fir roof beams and interior ceiling cladding wherever possible. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forestry provides many cultural, social, economic and ecological benefits to British Columbians. As part of forest planning, riparian management areas must be managed to maintain bank stability, provide cover, and source of insects (food for fry) to ensure healthy fish populations for local First Nations. These pink salmon were photographed near Campbell River on the Quinsam River. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
The imposing wall of the Stawamus Chief looms over this lumber yard in Squamish, B.C. Photo by Mike Heller, Vancouver.
A couple hike in the forest on southern Vancouver Island, near Victoria. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The beauty of it all. Photo taken in the Table River Valley. Photo by Leslie Joles, Coldstream, B.C.
Totem poles are monuments carved by First Nations throughout the West Coast. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Mossy tree limbs deep in the rainforest in the Goldstream Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
This is a photo of a black cottonwood tree located on the shore of Elk Lake near Victoria. The pulp of black cottonwood trees is used for books and magazines. The light-colored wood is also useful for making boxes and furniture. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
A very old Western red cedar tree seeks the sun on southern Vancouver Island. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Last winter in Revelstoke, B.C., Highway 24 North – Saint Cyr Creek. Photo by Filip Mertlik, Kamloops, B.C.
The MV Swell, built as a tugboat in Vancouver in 1912, was a workhorse for many years on the B.C. Coast. Her frames are Douglas Fir; the really big frames are yellow cedar; the planking is Douglas Fir and Red Cedar. The deck is Red Cedar. The interior paneling in the cabins is Yellow Cedar. Currently used as a “cruise ship,” she takes passengers to Haida Gwaii and to many other locations on B.C.’s coast. This photo was taken in Victoria, B.C., where the Swell currently spends the winter months. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
A newly installed and very unique bicycle storage shelter on a Victoria street showcases B.C. Douglas fir timber. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Three brothers of Western Red Cedar in Linley Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
Morning light streams into a B.C. coastal forest, showing both coniferous and deciduous trees. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Bigleaf Maple in fall foliagein Linley Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
The town of Sidney, B.C., has just opened it’s new Community Safety Building. The stunning yet practical design has incorporated B.C. Douglas fir glue laminated beams in the roof and as support columns throughout. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forestry provides many cultural, social, economic and ecological benefits to British Columbians. Whether it is through regional planning or local forest planning, well placed reserves that manage multiple values are important not only for biodiversity management, but also for economic opportunities for communities. Old trees and waterfalls attract many visitors each year. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Photo taken at the most northern point of Williston Lake. A nice path to follow on my way home from work. Photo by Chelsey McCarthy, Mackenzie, B.C.
A mixed stand of Douglas fir (with some hemlock and deciduous species) lines the distant shore of Elk Lake in Victoria. Photo taken on a foggy morning in October. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The Mary Winspear Centre is a state-of-the-art event, conference and theatre facility located in Sidney, B.C. The entrance foyer has hand carved supporting columns, and showcases B.C. Douglas fir glued and laminated roof beams. Together they make a spectacular statement on the entrance to the building. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forestry worker has an office with a view at Klanawa River Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
The Victoria Harbour Airport was awarded an Excellence Award in the Service – Commercial category, as well as the coveted Judge’s Choice award at the 2016 Commercial Building Awards. Extensive use was made of B.C. Douglas fir for the roof joists and the interior ceiling. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Bigleaf Maple beginning to change colour in Autumn Coombs, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
Benefits from the forest come in many forms – cultural, social, economic and ecological. Ecological benefits vary from single species to a complex web of species interactions to sustain life. This photo is of a rare double Western trillium flower in a second growth forest. Two beetles are on the stamen possible eating pollen. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Putting down the wood with a John Deere 953M buncher in Mackenzie, B.C. Photo by Kevin Hamilton, Prince George, B.C.
Forestry provides many cultural, social, economic and ecological benefits to British Columbians. Big trees, such as this 260-centimetre diameter at breast height and 82-metre tall Douglas-fir, offer tourism opportunities to local communities. This tree is located near Woss and is in a patch of forest that is approximately 700 years old. When the last wildfire burned through the area approximately 375 years ago, this small patch of forest was left untouched. The forest company placed a voluntary reserve around this patch over 30 years ago and it was later established as an Old Growth Management Area in 2005. A walking trail through the big tree grove was constructed in 1993 to protect the root structure of the forest. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
The beautiful color of our forests in October. Cowichan River Provincial Park. Photo by Melanie Brochu, Nanaimo, B.C.
Taking in the view before taking off with the drone. Near Chamiss Bay, B.C. Photo by Devin Gannon, Vancouver, B.C.
Norbord OSB mill in 100 Mile House, B.C., a week before being indefinitely curtailed. I had never seen the logyard this empty in the 14 years of having worked here. Photo by Thomas Schmid, 100 Mile House, B.C.
Totem poles are monuments carved by First Nations throughout the Coast. Western red cedar is normally used because it is very malleable. Totem poles are usually located in visual locations in communities. Each year forest companies donate logs to First Nations to be carved into totem poles. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Resembling a huge cedar hat and perched on top of the slope overlooking the Lansdowne Road Camosun College campus, this structure, Na’tsa’maht, is a gathering place. Na’tsa’maht is a Salish phrase, meaning “unity or working together as one.” The conical and open-sided design was inspired by traditional Coast Salish building styles. Using 18 huge cedar logs to support the structure, Brad Shuya Architect Inc. prepared drawings and Canpro Construction Ltd. started construction in June 2010. Within the circular structure, a gas-powered fire, surrounded by stones, is centered in a broad expanse of floor. Three tiers of wooden benches look in from the sides offering circular seating for a couple of hundred people. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forest litter collects under a Broadleaf Maple inLinley Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
Photo taken in Armstrong, B.C. at the Caravan Farms. The old house on the left contrasts the new gazebo structure in behind. The horse drawn sleigh is reminiscent of the past as it points to the newer structure. The cold blueish winter is contrasted by the warmth of the lights, the straw and the shelter that wood provides. Photo by Darren Petrie, Kamloops, B.C.
Leaving streamside timber to grow adds shade and keeps water temperature low. Spawning salmon return to this river each year. Goldstream Park, B.C. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Bracken fern in a woodlot, second growth forest in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
My grandchildren have a special “enchanted forest” near where they live. They go there often and search the forest floor for signs of toadstools and fairies. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Forestry benefits wildlife through careful forest planning that addresses the habitat needs of many species on the landscape and cutblocks. Northern flickers require standing dead trees to nest and feed. In forests, they also feed on insects in downed woody material as shown in the photo. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
This waterfront bandshell structure, located in Beacon Park in Sidney, B.C., consists of four segmented composite wood shells pinned together and set onto a concrete raft slab. The accoustically reflective roof sections were pre-fabricated in the shop complete with the clear Western Red Cedar soffits. Diamond-shaped zinc shingles protect this carefully detailed structure. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
After a hard day on the hill side. Bute Inlet, B.C. Camp life. Photo by Paul King, Powell River, B.C.
A young man (my son, Zachary) and his fishing rod, soaking up the serenity of the Tulameen River in British Columbia. The significance of responsible forest management reaches far beyond economic value. Photo by Jim Shales, Princeton, B.C.
Start of a new day with a new machine at Myatovic Bros Logging in Mackenzie, B.C. Photo by Kevin Hamilton, Prince George, B.C.
The new 80,000 square-foot Centre for Trades Education and Innovation at Camosun College in Victoria provides students on Vancouver Island with more opportunities to train for in-demand careers. Spanning 140 feet over the main entrance atrium, a glulam truss resembles the form of a ship’s hull. The $30-million facility met B.C.’s Wood First policy through the incorporation of nail laminated timber (NLT) and exposed glulam framing in the classrooms and teaching spaces. Throughout the design, students are exposed to various visual elements showcasing examples of the trades being taught in the space. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
A photo of a tug towing a raft of cedar logs south down Queen Charlotte Strait, near Telegraph Cove, B.C. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
“The Rose Carousel” at the Butchart Gardens outside Victoria is a very special attraction. Besides the gaily painted animals to ride on, the building is constructed as a dome, with Douglas fir glued and laminated supporting timbers. The interior of the dome itself, pictured here, was carefully crafted using only Douglas fir from the Comox valley area of Vancouver Island. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
High up the Forgetmenot FSR near McBride, B.C. I took this photo on the way up to a block we were cruising! Love that my job took me too the most spectacular places!!!! Very few people get to experience what we do in forestry. Photo by Jen Pelton, Vernon, B.C.
Forestry is a major economic driver in B.C. Many communities depend on the direct and indirect contribution of forestry to the local economy. This S-64E is on contract to a forestry company to yard logs to roadside from areas that cannot be accessed by road. Just having a heavy-lift helicopter company on contract creates spinoff employment and economic benefit for local accommodation, food, fuel truck drivers, and local support helicopters to name a few. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
Using forestry products to build bridges and explore beautiful British Columbia. Photo by Arlene Janousek, Vernon B.C.
Forestry provides many cultural, social, economic and ecological benefits to British Columbians. Whether it is through regional planning or local forest planning, well placed reserves that manage multiple values are important not only for biodiversity management, but also for economic opportunities for communities. Old trees and waterfalls attract many visitors each year. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
A new “under construction” development currently taking place in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood is called Capital Park. It has sustainability features, including minimum Gold LEED environmental standards for office and residential buildings, green roofs, bicycle storage, shower and change facilities, electrical charging infrastructure, potential treatment of stormwater or grey water for irrigation and potential use of solar collectors to heat water. This photo shows one of the completed businesses, which is now open to the public. The creative use of Western red cedar in the soffits and in the interior of the building showcase our native trees. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Waterfall on the Forgetmenot stream near McBride, B.C., 37 km up the Forgetmenot FSR. Photo by Jen Pelton, Vernon, B.C.
The major feature in the Atrium Building in Victoria is the extensive use of local wood. Vancouver Island woods were preferred for the construction and used as much as possible. There are Hemlock-covered walls, and the soffits are Island cedar. The 7,200 square-foot glass skylight is supported by a series of 60-foot-long custom shaped Douglas fir roof trusses, fabricated on the Lower Mainland. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
This waterfront bandshell structure, located in Beacon Park in Sidney, B.C., consists of four segmented composite wood shells pinned together and set onto a concrete raft slab. The accoustically reflective roof sections were pre-fabricated in the shop complete with the clear Western Red Cedar soffits. Diamond-shaped zinc shingles protect this carefully detailed structure. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The design of this innovative construction office building located in Victoria takes advantage of the small building lot by utilizing two pavilions connected by a sky light-filled atrium. Each pavilion has a barrel-vaulted roof, one curving from front to back, the other curving side to side, each utilizing bent laminated B.C. Douglas fir glulam beams. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The local government house, owned by the Union of BC Municipalities and located in Victoria, is a showcase for B.C. wood. There is extensive use of mountain pine beetle wood, including the exposed glue-laminated beams in the ceilings, exterior soffits, sunscreens, baseboards, countertop edging, windowsills in each office and the tongue and groove interior ceilings. The exposed posts are Douglas Fir and B.C. lumber was used for all the framing. The boardroom tables are Western Maple veneer with a solid Western Maple trim. The meeting room table is Madrone Arbutus veneer with B.C. Alder and Black Poplar trim and an Arbutus base. Clearwater Industries Inc., in Esquimalt, B.C., designed and produced the tables. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The design of this innovative construction office building located in Victoria takes advantage of the small building lot by utilizing two pavilions connected by a sky light-filled atrium. Each pavilion has a barrel-vaulted roof, one curving from front to back, the other curving side to side, each utilizing bent laminated B.C. Douglas fir glulam beams. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
The photo is of a gas station on the highway near Lantzvile, B.C. It showcases the use of B..C wood in its construction. Photo by Mike Lane, Saanichton, B.C.
Western Red Cedar deep in the rainforest at Cameron Lake, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
Scaly bark of the Yellow Cedar atMount. Washington, Vancouver Island, B.C. Photo by Lloyd Davis, Nanaimo, B.C.
Second growth forests around Campbell River provide many direct and indirect ecological and socio-economic benefits. This photo was taken on a foggy day along a hiking trail near Campbell River. Photo by John Deal, Campbell River, B.C.
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