B.C. expands salvage logging to revive rural jobs and forest recovery by 2027

British Columbia is set to expand salvage logging of damaged timber to support rural jobs and speed up forest recovery. The government's new amendments aim to boost fibre supply for mills while meeting climate goals by 2027. Officials say the changes will help workers and communities relying on the struggling forestry sector. The province's forestry industry has seen fibre supply drop by over 40% since 2018. Rising demand for wood products, both locally and globally, has worsened the shortage, leaving mills with limited timber. To address this, the B.C. government is updating legislation to increase access to wood fibre.

BC Timber Sales will now auction contracts for thinning forests, reducing wildfire risks, and salvaging timber damaged by fires, insects, or storms. These changes will also let forestry contractors and value-added mills take part in fibre-generating activities. If successful, the plan could add 17,700 truckloads of fibre to the supply chain.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar stated the amendments would benefit mill workers and forest-dependent communities. The adjustments are expected to create more opportunities for loggers and contractors, particularly in coastal areas and the Prince George region. Partnerships with First Nations will also be strengthened under the new rules.

Jeff Bromley, wood council chair with the United Steelworkers, welcomed the changes as a way to improve fibre availability. The government insists the measures will support economic recovery in rural regions while aligning with sustainability targets. The legislative updates will open new contracts for thinning, wildfire prevention, and salvage logging. Mills and contractors stand to gain from increased fibre access, easing pressure on the industry. The province expects the changes to help meet both economic and environmental goals by 2027.