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Planting 125 million more trees in B.C.

Press Release

June 2, 2026

SAANICH –

Summary

  • B.C. contributes more than $155 million toward reforestation and habitat restoration in addition to funding from Canada that exceeds $200 million for a total of more than $355 million
  • The funding will support large-scale reforestation, wildfire recovery and habitat restoration projects that replant trees and native vegetation to reflect natural ecosystems, and for species at risk and species of interest in B.C.

The Province is investing $155 million toward reforestation programs to plant more than 125 million trees throughout British Columbia.

The funding, which also includes investments from the federal government, will deliver both large-scale reforestation and targeted projects that restore critical habitats, conserve biodiversity and support wildfire recovery.

“Since 2017, we’ve invested in planting 400 million trees in B.C. Now, we’re adding 125 million more,” said Ravi Parmar, B.C. Minister of Forests. “As we head into the Council of Canadian Forest Ministers Conference, hosted right here at home, we’re showing how B.C. continues to lead not only in forestry, but in reforestation and restoration. We’re securing the future of our forests and forestry jobs for generations to come.”

The Province’s reforestation investments will support:

  • more than $56 million for reforestation that supports habitat restoration through the BC Aggregation 2 Billion Trees Project
  • more than $1 million for B.C.’s Riparian Recovery Project
  • more than $99 million for large-scale reforestation through the BC Forest Investment Program

The funding builds on the $95 million the Province invests annually via the Forest Investment Program, targeted toward long-term sustainability and forest health.

“Funding for tree planting work under the 2 Billion Tree agreement supports our efforts to restore habitat for wildlife and safeguard B.C.’s iconic ecosystems for future generations,” said Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “This funding, which will plant up to 20 million trees in B.C., highlights what we can do when we work across governments to support our province’s biodiversity.”

B.C. has secured more than $200 million in federal funding for reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives in British Columbia, including:

  • dedicating $97.6 million to B.C.’s 2 Billion Trees aggregation project
  • more than $99 million supporting the B.C. Forest Investment Program

“From restoring wildlife habitat to supporting recovery after wildfires, these projects will help rebuild healthier forests throughout British Columbia and strengthen the resilience of our natural landscapes for years to come,” said Nathalie Provost, federal Secretary of State (Nature). “Through collaboration with provinces, local communities, Indigenous partners and environmental organizations, we are ensuring that Canada’s forests continue to thrive for generations to come. Our government is proud to support stronger forests for a stronger Canada.”

Reforestation supporting habitat restoration projects

The stream of 2 Billion Trees funding will support the province in bringing partners together to plant as many as 20 million trees, focused on restoring critical habitats.

It will enable targeted projects that replant trees and native vegetation, restoring habitats for wildlife, with particular focus on areas that will support species identified in B.C. as at risk or of interest.

This work will include:

  • environmental assessments from forest professionals
  • planting seedlings and vegetation that reflects the surrounding environment
  • supporting the use of machinery to remove manufactured structures to reclaim space for natural habitats

Indigenous-led projects are eligible to receive federal funding of as much as $13.3 million, supporting Indigenous stewardship and leadership in restoration efforts.

Large-scale reforestation restoring wildfire-affected areas

Reforestation for wildfire restoration is funded equally by the Province, representing a joint Canada-B.C. investment over four years, funding tree-planting in wildfire-affected areas.

The funding will support the planting of 53.8 million trees on public lands throughout B.C. by 2027, with planting targets to be determined in later years. The initiative enables the Province to undertake large-scale reforestation in areas that have been damaged by wildfire, promoting forest regeneration and sustainable forestry.

Together, the investments represent the benefits of reforestation to restore forests, strengthen ecosystems and support communities throughout B.C.

Quick Facts:

  • In addition to legislated reforestation efforts, the provincial Forest Investment Program has yearly targets to plant 40 million to 50 million seedlings.
    • In 2026, the program is planning to plant more than 48 million seedlings.
  • The total number of planned trees to be planted on public lands in B.C. for 2026 is 233.8 million.
  • The 2026 Council of Canadian Forest Ministers Conference is being held June 3-5 in Langford.
  • Ravi Parmar, B.C. Minister of Forests, is the chair of the council.
  • On top of showcasing B.C.’s leadership in reforestation and forest management, the conference is an opportunity for the Province to advocate to the federal government for continued investments into forest-sector transformation and international trade diversification.
  • Canadian forest ministers will also continue to advocate for worker support amid the ongoing softwood lumber trade dispute with the United States.

Learn More:

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250-380-8491

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
GCPE.WLRSMedia@gov.bc.ca
250-419-8775

BACKGROUNDER

What people are saying about reforestation efforts

Doug Hevenor, executive director, Canadian Tree Nursery Association –

“The Canadian Tree Nursery Association-Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières proudly supports the B.C. government’s commitment to restoring wildfire-impacted forests and fostering healthy ecosystems. Through the dedicated efforts of just 25 of our Western Canada member nurseries, over 335 million trees have been supplied, contributing to a vibrant forest restoration economy that generates more than $166 million in revenue across Western Canada.”

Christina Lavoie, president, Forest Nursery Association of British Columbia (FNABC) –

“The FNABC will collaborate closely with the provincial government, First Nations, project proponents and local communities to support the successful on-the-ground implementation of restoration and reforestation initiatives, leveraging its established partnership with the Western Forestry Contractors Association to create a seamless link between production, transportation, planting and field operations, thereby strengthening the delivery of effective habitat restoration outcomes.”

Steven Hofer, president and CEO, Western Forest Products –

“At Western Forest Products, we believe healthy forests are the foundation of a sustainable future. Through science-based forest management and strong partnerships, we are committed to regenerating the forests in our care by planting more trees than we harvest and investing in resilient, diverse ecosystems. Government support for reforestation strengthens this shared commitment, helping ensure our forests continue to deliver benefits for all.”

John Betts, executive director, Western Forestry Contractors’ Association –

“As leaders in the silviculture, restoration and land management space, the Western Forestry Contractors Association is pleased to see this announcement. These are the opportunities that keep our contractors working, through restoration projects today and by building sustainability that ensures forestry work in the future. Alongside our government partners, we are committed to long-term forest management throughout British Columbia.”

Vincent Machelle, councillor, Lytton First Nation –

“British Columbia wildfires and droughts brought on by global warming have caused havoc for First Nations communities. The path to resolving this is listening to elders’ advice – planting trees and planting resilient forests. First Nation involvement is critical to provincial planning and approaches. The recent field trip with local First Nations in the Nicola Valley wildfire-restoration areas was a good example of this kind of important listening. At the end of the day, we need to look after Mother Earth, and learn and adapt.”

Contacts:

Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250-380-8491

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
GCPE.WLRSMedia@gov.bc.ca
250-419-8775

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