Forest Carbon Initiative

Most healthy forests have a positive carbon balance - they absorb more GHGs from the atmosphere than they emit. However, when a severe natural disturbance occurs (e.g. insects, wildfire, etc.) that causes trees to die, these stands shift from being a carbon sink to a carbon source. Many forested areas across B.C. have been impacted by these types of natural disturbances as well as disturbances related to human activity (e.g. oil and gas activities, road construction, etc.).

Reforestation projects involve planting trees in areas affected by natural disturbances. Compared with natural forest regeneration, planting accelerates the rate at which these areas return to being a carbon sink. Learn more (PDF, 991 KB).

Nutrient deficiency limits how fast and large trees grow and is thought to be common across B.C.’s forests. To boost forest productivity, the province has been fertilizing forests for decades. Periodic applications of nitrogen and other essential nutrients benefits forest growth and increases the amount of carbon they store. Prior to the establishment of FCI, approximately 17,000 hectares of forests were fertilized annually. Additional fertilization through FCI is projected to more than double the annual area treated in B.C. by 2020. Learn more (PDF, 167 KB).

When logging takes place in B.C., some residual wood fibre is typically left behind. To reduce the risk of wildfires and free up space for new trees to be planted, it is common to pile and burn wood waste during ideal weather conditions. This practice, known as slash pile burning, impacts local air quality and increases GHG emissions. 

Instead of burning wood waste in piles, this fibre can be transported off-site to be used for bioenergy in place of fossil fuels, pulp/paper and other products, reducing GHG emissions. Learn more (PDF, 280 KB).

Natural resource roads are built on provincial land in association with timber harvesting and other industrial activities. While these roads provide access for many activities such as recreation, hunting, fishing, range and managing silviculture obligations, many roads have become unnecessary or un-managed over time. In many cases, when roads are not maintained, the density of roads in a landscape is inappropriate for the management of wildlife, water or public safety. Rehabilitating roads through decompaction, site preparation and planting provides an opportunity to improve timber supply, restore wildlife habitat, and to sequester carbon. Learn more (PDF, 85 KB).

Young forests that are healthy, fast-growing and adapted to future climate, will capture additional carbon as they mature. Through tree breeding, tree seed orchards and associated activities, the tree improvement program provides improved seed for B.C.’s reforestation programs. Plantations established with improved seed grow faster, are better matched to the future climate and in some cases are more resistant to pests. Within FCI, a targeted set of tree improvement projects aim to increase the amount of improved seed available for planting programs in B.C., the gains associated with this seed, and refine the matching of seed sources to future climate.