BC’s Forest Bioeconomy is Turning Waste into Wealth and Climate Action
British Columbia’s forest sector stands at a critical crossroads. With harvest levels down to 32 million m³ and mill closures continuing across the province, the future of BC’s forest industry and the thousands of jobs it supports depends on one central factor: access to economic fibre supply in a timely manner.
At the same time, BC’s forests hold an immense untapped opportunity. Over 215 million m³ of fire-damaged wood—enough to supply the entire pulp sector for a decade—remains on the landscape. Recovering and utilizing this fibre could unlock millions in new economic activity, reduce wildfire risk, and help BC meet its climate goals.
The BC Forest Leadership Report, prepared by Silvacom Consultants and supported by a Working Group that includes the BC Pulp and Paper Coalition, its members and other industry representatives, Foresight Canada through its BC Net Zero Innovation Network, the BC First Nations Forestry Council, and MJ Rensing Consulting Inc., calls for the rapid implementation of a fast-track cutting permit process for damaged stands—those affected by fire, insects, or wind events. The report recommends launching pilot projects on both the BC Coast and Interior beginning in early 2026, with significant data input and feedback provided by the BC Ministry of Forests (MoF), the BC Ministry of Energy and Low Carbon Solutions, and Natural Resources Canada.
There is an opportunity for the MoF and industry partners to explore federal and provincial funding programs—such as the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC)—which allocates roughly $50 million per year—to support fibre utilization and fire mitigation initiatives.
Why This Matters
The forest sector is in crisis, but the solutions are within reach. A coordinated fibre recovery and utilization program could deliver:
- $275 million in annual government revenue from taxes and stumpage
- 3,000+ new jobs across BC—particularly in Indigenous and rural communities
- Reduced wildfire risk and emissions, with slash pile burning alone currently releasing over 1.1 million tonnes of CO₂e annually
- Greater fibre security for both traditional forest products and new bio-based industries
This isn’t just an economic opportunity—it’s a climate imperative. By replacing decaying or burned stands with healthy new forests and diverting biomass from waste to value-added uses like biochar, biofuels, and bioplastics, BC can transform one of its biggest environmental challenges into a cornerstone of its circular economy.
From Waste to Wealth
Between 2021 and 2023, BC generated over 7 million m³ of wood waste, much of which was burned or left to decay. Instead of being lost, this material could support emerging bio-based industries and innovative technologies across the province.
Through Foresight’s work with partners such as the Pulp and Paper Coalition and the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, we’re helping industry explore carbon monetization pathways, enhance fibre utilization, and de-risk early-stage innovation. Our lignin biorefinery studies, commercial thinning trials, and forest operations pilots are already showing what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration.
Enabling Policy for Forest Sector Transformation
Real transformation in BC’s forest sector will depend on enabling policy that supports innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience. The BC Forest Leadership Report outlines practical steps that can help modernize BC’s forest management framework over the next three years, driving measurable outcomes across the following areas:
- Wildfire Risk Reduction – Proactive fibre recovery, salvage, and thinning can significantly reduce wildfire hazards and lower BC’s annual firefighting expenditures—currently averaging about $1.1 billion—by removing high-risk fuels before they burn.
- Carbon Emission Reduction – Implementing climate-smart forestry practices, including reducing roadside slash pile burning, could cut emissions by up to 1.1 MtCO₂e per year—equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road. Additional gains can be achieved through the salvage of damaged stands and reforestation efforts.
- Increased Fibre Utilization – Unlocking approximately 2 million cubic metres of unused roadside fibre and the estimated 215 million cubic metres of wildfire- and insect-damaged timber would strengthen fibre supply for existing and emerging value-added products. Expanding fibre recovery is essential to sustaining BC’s long-term harvest target of 45 million cubic metres annually.
- Job Creation and Economic Reconciliation – Enhanced access to residual and damaged fibre is estimated to create more than 3,000 jobs, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities, supporting shared prosperity and reconciliation goals.
- Economic Growth and Innovation – Scaling up value-added manufacturing and bioeconomy applications—such as pellets, biofuels, and low-carbon materials—could contribute more than $275 million to BC’s GDP while advancing clean growth and diversification in forest-dependent regions.
A Vision for BC’s Forest Bioeconomy
Foresight believes that BC can and must become a global leader in the forest-based bioeconomy. By fostering collaboration between government, industry, innovators, and Indigenous partners, we can position BC as a hub for climate-smart forestry, advanced biomanufacturing, and export-driven growth. This transformation will not only secure fibre for existing industries, it will create entirely new markets for low-carbon materials, reduce emissions, and generate sustainable, local employment.
The next chapter of BC’s forest story depends on bold action. With targeted investments, modernized policies, and collaborative partnerships, the province can move beyond crisis management toward a regenerative, resilient, and competitive forest economy.
The opportunity is clear and the time is now. Let’s work together to turn BC’s forest waste into wealth, reduce wildfire emissions, and build a stronger, more sustainable future for our forests and communities.
Download the BC Forest Leadership report below for key insights on how the province can solidify its place as a global leader in the forest bioeconomy.
