New Education Kit Highlights Forestry’s Importance

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:05:27 -0700

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Oct. 18, 2008
Ministry of Forests and Range

RICHMOND - A new teacher resource kit designed to help educate secondary school students about the economic importance and international reach of British Columbia's forest sector was launched today by Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.

"More than anything, the kits highlight the international opportunities and global reach of B.C.'s forest sector," said Bell. "Whether it's developing new markets in China or promoting the use of wood to fight climate change, the issues that students will explore in the classroom today are the real world opportunities that promise to transform the industry in the years ahead."

Bell unveiled the education kits at the Canadian Women in Timber's 19th annual general meeting. The organization's motto is "Forest Awareness through Education."

"We are thrilled to be a part of the launch for this new education package, and look forward to working with teachers and students who want to know more about our most environmentally friendly building material - wood!," said Sandy McKellar, chair of Canadian Women in Timber.

The kits, BC Forest Products for the World, were produced by Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd., a B.C. Crown agency, and the Council of Forest Industries. They will be distributed to 400 secondary schools around the province and the learning outcomes are intended to help students:
• describe what happens to harvested timber;
• demonstrate the importance of the forest industry to the provincial economy;
• demonstrate the importance to the provincial economy of marketing wood products around the world;
• identify and evaluate international markets for B.C.'s wood products; and
• assess the opportunities and challenges in marketing of B.C.'s wood products internationally.

"Students can take pride in B.C.'s international reputation for producing world-class products from sustainably managed forests," said Chris Lear, manager, Forest Education, Council of Forest Industries, Northern Operations. "Many are unaware of the forest sector's size and economic importance. Not only do these kits help demystify the sector, we hope they'll inspire the next generation to pursue careers in our industry and shape the future of forestry."

The kits build on the success of the mountain pine beetle educational kits distributed in 2006 and 2007. The resource kit, one year in the making, was developed in accordance with identified Ministry of Education learning outcomes, and has been endorsed by the Ministry of Education. It represents an investment in learning of almost $80,000 by Forestry Innovation Investment and the Council of Forest Industries.

For more information, go to http://www.forest-education.info.

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Contact:

Sophia Proctor
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592
Chris Lear, Manager, Forest Education
Council of Forest Industries
Northern Operations
250 614-4352

Minster Pat Bell at Canadian Women in Timber AGM

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:53:29 -0700

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Oct. 15, 2008
Ministry of Forests and Range

RICHMOND, B.C., OCTOBER 2008 - Working in resource communities across British Columbia, the Canadian Women in Timber (CWIT) have a mandate to promote forest awareness through education. Speaking at the AGM luncheon on October 18th in Richmond, B.C., Minister of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, will share his perspectives on forest awareness and promotion of the sector. “The luncheon is open to all forest industry and education stakeholders,” said CWIT chair, Sandy McKellar. “We look forward to a lively discussion about forest awareness in the province.”
For almost 20 years, CWIT volunteers have strived to encourage sound management and wise use of forest resources for the benefit of all, with a focus on public education through schools and community organizations. “Through community events, classroom education programs and development of teaching materials, we have worked at the grassroots level to ensure that British Columbians understand the economic, social and environmental value that our forest sector brings to communities across the province”, said McKellar.
Since their inception in 1989, the Canadian Women in Timber have provided the public with a balanced view of forest land-use issues. They work with allies and partners, such as industry associations and forest and wood companies. Some Branches have created programs for classroom presentations and provide bursaries to students furthering their education in forest related programs or forest industry training.
“Many teachers who work with our young people know very little about forestry and how the science of the forest could fit into their curriculum.” McKellar, who has worked in the forest education field for many years explained, “our members work in local communities to build this awareness, and coach teachers in how they might modify or adapt their class work accordingly.”
The 19th Annual CWIT General Meeting and Luncheon will take place at the Vancouver Airport Hilton, in Richmond B.C., on Saturday, October 18th.
For more information: Sandy McKellar, Chair, Canadian Women in Timber Phone: 604 916-9117 (mobile) | or visit the CWIT website: www.canadianwomenintimber.com
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News and More

New Education Kit Highlights Forestry’s Importance

Minster Pat Bell at Canadian Women in Timber AGM