British Columbia — The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) and the BC Rural Centre are
launching a new four-part webinar series this fall, bringing together voices from across British Columbia
for practical, community-focused conversations about forestry and its connection to the communities
experiencing changes in the sector firsthand.
Running from September through December 2026, the free webinar series will explore forestry through
Indigenous perspectives, community experience, sector knowledge, and personal stories. Designed to be
accessible to people with varying levels of forestry knowledge, the webinars will move beyond technical
discussions to explore what forestry means for communities, how the sector is changing, and what these
changes mean for community decision-making.
“Forest management is closely connected to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of rural
communities across British Columbia,” shared Jason Fisher, Registered Professional Forester and
Executive Director of FESBC. “This series is an opportunity to make those conversations more accessible,
bring different perspectives together, and help community leaders and residents better understand the
changes taking place in the sector and what they mean locally.”
The series comes at a timely moment as communities across B.C. navigate significant changes affecting
their economies, landscapes, and futures. Forestry intersects with many of these issues, from local
economies and employment to reconciliation, land stewardship, wildfires, and community resilience.
The webinars will be particularly relevant to municipal and regional elected officials and staff, Indigenous
communities and leaders, community forest organizations, economic and rural development leaders,
forestry professionals, and British Columbians interested in better understanding the relationship
between forestry and rural communities.
“Rural communities across BC are navigating significant changes in their economies, landscapes, and
local futures, and forest management is part of many of those conversations. The BC Rural Centre is
pleased to partner with FESBC to create an accessible space where rural leaders, residents, and
community organizations can hear directly from people with lived and professional experience, ask
questions, and gain practical insight they can bring back to their communities,” said Sarah Sinclair,
Executive Director of the BC Rural Centre.
Each webinar will feature two panelists in a facilitated 40-minute conversation, followed by a 20-minute
audience Q&A. The format is intended to create space for different perspectives and firsthand
experiences, giving participants an opportunity to build their understanding and connect directly with the
people involved on the ground. Participants will be able to register for individual webinars or take part in
the full four-part series.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping forest
management in BC, the experiences of communities working through those issues, and questions they
may wish to explore locally.
“Rural communities are navigating significant change, and having access to good information, different
perspectives, and practical experience matters,” said Fisher. “We hope this series creates a useful place
to learn, ask questions, and better understand the role forestry can play in the future of communities
across our province.”
Registration is required. Participants can register for individual webinars using the links below.
The four-part series will include the following webinars:
Reconciliation and Stewardship — Indigenous Perspectives
September 24, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PT
Explore Indigenous perspectives on forestry, stewardship, reconciliation, relationships, and the
opportunities associated with managing forests for future generations. Register here.
Community Forests — Local Voices, Local Value
October 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PT
Explore how community forestry can connect forest management with local priorities, economic
benefits, stewardship, resilience, and community decision-making. Register here.
Forestry Fundamentals — Understanding the Sector
November 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PT
An accessible discussion designed to help participants better understand how forestry in British
Columbia works, the forces currently shaping the sector, and why those changes matter to rural
communities. Register here.
Stories of Wildfire — Humanizing the Experience
December 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PT
Explore the human and community experience of wildfire beyond statistics and hectares burned,
including resilience, recovery, preparedness, and lessons learned. Register here.
Recordings will be available following each webinar, and subtitles will be available on the recordings.
Advance questions may be submitted to sarah@bcruralcentre.org or info@amplifyinc.ca.
For an interview with FESBC or the BC Rural Centre, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, communications@fesbc.ca | 250.574.0221
About the Forest Enhancement Society of BC
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) invests in projects that enhance the health and
resilience of British Columbia’s forests for the benefit of communities, wildlife, and the environment.
Working with First Nations, communities, government agencies, tenure holders, and other organizations,
FESBC supports locally led projects that reduce wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitat, restore and
improve forests, and make better use of forest fibre. To learn more about FESBC, visit: www.fesbc.ca or
follow FESBC on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky, and sign up for the monthly newsletter.
About the BC Rural Centre
The BC Rural Centre is a community-first organization dedicated to supporting strong and resilient rural
communities across British Columbia. Grounded in the belief that rural challenges are best understood
by the people who live and work closest to them, the Centre listens to rural leaders and residents, shares
knowledge and practical solutions, and helps communities turn opportunities into action. Its work is
guided by the priorities identified by rural British Columbians from good jobs, education, and training to
food security, housing, health care, vibrant communities, and a balanced, sustainable environment. To
learn more about the BC Rural Centre, visit: www.bcruralcentre.org