Mission —Net profit from the City of Mission’s timber sales last year reached a record-breaking $7.5 million. These funds will be transferred to the Forest Legacy Reserve, which can be used by Council to invest in future capital projects for the community. Council heard the update from the City’s Director of Forestry, Chris Gruenwald, at last night’s Council meeting.
“2023 was a strong year for our department, despite falling timber markets over the year,” said Chris Gruenwald, Director of Forestry. “While markets overall were down significantly in 2023, we were able to take advantage of strong utility pole markets early in the year. This was combined with significantly lower stumpage prices compared to 2022, which created ideal financial conditions in 2023. It’s also important to acknowledge the hard work of our staff, contractors, and timber buyers, as their commitment to our community is one of the major reasons we were able to achieve these results.”
The Forestry Department manages Mission Tree Farm Licence #26, also known as the Mission Municipal Forest. The City has been managing the forest since 1958. At the time, it was the only community-held Tree Farm Licence in the province.
Since then, profits in the Forest Legacy Reserve have been used to fund many improvements within the community, including most recently funding toward the construction of the Boswyk Seniors Activity Centre, the purchase of a portable mill at Mission Secondary School, and a sizable donation to Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation to support the purchase of a CT scanner and other imaging equipment at the Mission Memorial Hospital.
“We are extremely grateful for Mission’s Municipal Forest and to our small but dedicated team who manage it,” said Mayor Paul Horn. “They have done an exceptional job of stewarding the forest as an ecosystem, as a recreational resource, and as a source of revenue for our City.”
“While forestry returns fluctuate year over year, our forest has proven a consistent source of revenue for the City over the last 66 years,” added Horn. “Our forebears demonstrated remarkable foresight when they acquired the Tree Farm Licence so our Council’s aim will be to invest those resources in a way that similarly serves our future.”
Learn more about the Forestry Department.
