Western Forest Products Stewardship
Healthy Forests for a Sustainable Future
Western is committed to sustainable forest management, regularly exceeding British Columbia’s world-class standards and maintaining third-party certification across all our managed tenures. Using a collaborative, science-based approach and advanced technology, we manage the forests in our care with a view that extends hundreds of years. Our practices include preserving Big Trees, safeguarding sacred sites and critical habitats, and protecting biodiversity, while harnessing the power of trees as a vital climate solution.
Science-Driven Stewardship
With passion and pride, our dedicated team of foresters, biologists and specialists harness science-driven practices to sustainably nurture and protect our forests.
Growing Future Forests
Our Saanich Forestry Centre, the coast’s oldest company-owned seed orchard and nursery, ensures healthy forests by producing resilient seeds and seedlings and pioneering R&D programs.
Collaborating for Conservation
We worked alongside the Province of B.C., Indigenous groups, environmental organizations and industry partners to reach the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement.
Future Forest Focus
Protecting key values
Our collaborative planning work focuses on protecting key values, including wildlife habitat, rare ecosystems, sequestering carbon, flood control, big tree retention, natural beauty and reforestation.
Exacting Stewardship
Big Tree Policy
1st
Western became the first forestry company in B.C. to issue a big tree policy, identifying and protecting these rare trees for future generations.
Zero Waste
Zero
We work to utilize the entire log that arrives at our sawmills, ensuring zero-waste manufacturing.
Nurturing Growth
100%
The forests under our management and the wood products harvested from them are 100% certified to internationally recognized standards.
15M
Our Saanich Forestry Centre produces about 15 million high-quality seeds annually.
6M
Western plants more than three trees for every tree harvested. We plant approximately 6 million trees annually to regenerate the forests we manage.
60+
Since 1964, our seed orchard and tree nursery aided research and development programs for healthy coastal forests.
Third-party Assurance
Internationally Recognized
Forestry certifications assure the public that our forest management and wood product manufacturing is executed in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. We voluntarily submit to annual audits by independent third parties to verify that the lands we manage meet internationally recognized criteria.
manage with care
Planning & Practices
At Western, we’re committed to nurturing the land we manage with care, using the latest science and technology and welcoming feedback every step of the way.
beneficial partnerships
Advancing Reconciliation
Western respects Indigenous rights, titles, and interests in Coastal British Columbia. We support reconciliation through innovative forest sector initiatives that foster mutually beneficial partnerships with First Nations.
strict forest management standards
Third-party Assurance
Western adheres to B.C.’s strict forest management standards and international forestry agreements. We undergo annual third-party audits to ensure sustainable practices across environmental, cultural, and conservation objectives.
adaptive management
Continuous Improvement
With over 100 certified forestry professionals, Western advances forest stewardship through adaptive management, research, education, technology investments, and partnerships to foster a sustainable, vibrant industry.
Preserving B.C.’s Giants
Naturally Iconic
Big trees on B.C.’s coast hold immense biological and cultural value. At Western Forest Products, we are dedicated to safeguarding these awe-inspiring giants as part of our sustainable forestry practices.
Defining Standards
In 2016, we formalized our Big Tree Policy, enhancing the guidelines for protecting B.C.’s biggest trees. Our big tree standards are one component of our commitment to nurturing the public and private lands in our care.
Data Driven
Using advanced LiDAR technology, we identify big trees across the lands we manage. These trees, excluded from harvest areas, are part of new retention zones that promote biodiversity.
Purposeful Partnerships
Our commitment to verify and protect these trees is built on collaboration with First Nations, scientists, and our forestry professionals. By sharing knowledge and data, we’re strengthening efforts to conserve B.C.’s giants.
Sustainable Forest Management Statement
At Western, we practice sustainable forest management that balances environmental, social, and economic priorities, respects Indigenous rights, supports reconciliation and meets international standards to deliver specialty wood products to global markets responsibly.
Environmental Policy
We are dedicated to protecting the environment, preventing pollution, ensuring sustainable resource management, and continuously improving environmental performance through collaboration, compliance and robust environmental management systems across all operations.
Community News
We are dedicated to helping communities thrive, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the regions where we operate.