2025-05-08 07:18:18
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd.
In 2017, the Elephant Hill wildfire burned over 190,000 hectares in the South Cariboo. On November 12, 2023, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) embarked on the first phase of its largest wildfire rehabilitation project – the Pressy Lake Pilot Project. This innovative project challenged long-held beliefs in the forest industry about wildfire salvage logging, reflecting a paradigm shift from the prevailing attitude that burnt wood is detrimental to pulping.
CCR’s forestry superintendent Daniel Persson explains how this opportunity was nearly missed.
“Another license owner abandoned the cutting permit because they saw no prospects. The fibre, having no perceived economic value, was left to degrade and was condemned to remain an impaired forest with limited possibilities for regeneration,” Persson said.
However, Joe Webster, Tsi Del Del Biomass’ operations manager, “looked at the wood instead of a map.” A critical distinction was made between fire-killed and burnt wood. Webster learned how to assess and sort multiple species for multiple products effectively from the first 100 hectares and brought in a chipper, resulting in 700 B-train loads of biomass.
With the current market primed for receiving biomass from new streams, and leadership from fibre managers like Thomas Hoffman at Kruger Kamloops Pulp LP, the initiative’s timing was impeccable.
“Recently, CCR worked with Kruger on a trial to recover fibre from fire-affected areas, rehabilitating the land base by removing the impacted trees and replanting, contributing to fire resiliency. The fibre recovered was sent to Kruger, where we were able to turn it into green energy and pulp. This pulp then gets converted into further value-added products including writing paper, electrical grade paper, and fibre cement,” Hoffman said. “Ultimately, this fibre-recovery trial can create innovative solutions transforming silvicultural slums into green power and value-added products, while supporting wildfire mitigation in B.C. Given the climate change challenges, this work is a crucial step in addressing these challenges, and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry. CCR’s emphasis on promoting sustainable forestry practices and environmental stewardship is commendable.”
The Pressy Lake Pilot Project offers a fresh perspective on the longstanding issue of wildfire salvage. It has demonstrated that commercial value may be found in wasteland even after seven years. During a period of fibre scarcity, the project provided 40,000 cubic metres of biomass to Kruger and Cariboo Pulp, created jobs, and supported sustainable green bioenergy. The ensuing rehabilitation work effectively closed the loop in the silvicultural system, speeding up forest development by 75 to 100 years.
“This award honours the deep connection First Nations people have to the land. Through CCR, we’re taking the lead to care for our forests and land to create meaningful opportunities for our communities. The Pressy Lake pilot project is more than a biomass success; it’s a reflection of our inherent responsibility to restore what was lost and ensure the land can thrive for future generations,” said Chief Otis Guichon, Chief of Tŝideldel First Nation and Tribal Chief of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government.
“This recognition speaks to the strength of partnership between Indigenous leadership and industry, driven by innovation,” added Percy Guichon, CEO of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. “At CCR, we are not only supporting economic growth through forest rehabilitation and the added benefit of fibre recovery but also strengthening our communities by creating good family-supporting jobs and restoring our forests for future generations. The Pressy Lake pilot project shows what’s possible when Indigenous values, invested and trusted supporters like our District, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, Natural Resources Canada, and good forest management work in collaboration.”
“We’re very pleased and proud to have received this acknowledgement. In terms of biomass projects, we saw an opportunity where others perhaps didn’t,” Webster added. “By distinguishing fire-killed from burnt wood and rethinking how fibre can be assessed and processed, we’ve opened the door to a new stream of biomass. This kind of innovation isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for the future of forestry. Thank you for recognizing our efforts through this award.”
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