Four New 2 Billion Trees Program Projects Announced to Plant Over 35 Million Trees for Wildfire Restoration Across Canada

Canadians are experiencing a historic wildfire season. In every region of the country, these fires have caused the loss of valuable habitats and impacted our biodiversity. Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced over $60 million in federal funding to support four projects that will plant over 35 million trees to restore wildfire-impacted forests and rehabilitate reserve lands that have been damaged by wildfires.

The four projects announced today are part of the 2 Billion Trees program and will specifically help to restore boreal forest lands, which will improve forest health and biodiversity and benefit Canadians.

Additional details on the projects can be found below:

●      World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society project in British Columbia will plant 900,000 seedlings over three years to restore three wildfire-impacted forests in the traditional territories of the Secwepemc people through an approach grounded in Indigenous leadership. The project is supported by over $1 million in federal funding.

●      Skeetchestn Natural Resources’ project in British Columbia will plant 10.5 million trees over nine years to repair damage caused by the 2021 wildfires that burned large portions of the Deadman Valley and Skeetchestn territory, as well as build a small-scale nursery that will offer employment and training opportunities for the community. The project is supported by over $18.7 million in federal funding.

●      Nekoté Limited Partnership’s Kistike’win Wildfire Restoration project in Manitoba will plant 20.8 million trees to restore boreal forest lands affected by pest infestation and wildfire that will improve forest health and assist in biodiversity. The project is supported by $27.4 million in federal funding.

●      Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society’s 2 Billion Trees Western Coalition project in Alberta will plant more than 3.4 million trees in disturbed areas in Western Canada to increase biodiversity and forest habitat. The project is supported by $16.7 million in federal funding. The province of Alberta provided $2.2 million in funding through the Wildfire Rehabilitation Program.

Canada’s forests are a vital part of our wildlife and communities, with tree planting at the forefront of reforestation efforts. The planting of trees following wildfires is a critical part of ensuring that Canada’s forests remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. It is especially important given this year’s unprecedented and challenging wildfire season. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in revitalizing our forest ecosystems — including through the 2 Billion Trees program.

The Government of Canada announced 12 additional 2 Billion Trees program projects backed by $39.2 million of federal investment to support the planting of an additional 21.7 million trees. Additional information can be found here.