The Forest Enhancement Society of BC will be losing a key member of their team.
Executive Director, Steve Kozuki will be retiring October 5th, after having a hand in various projects, many of which in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
Kozuki recalls an Alkali Lake and Esk’etemc First Nation project that took place in his 7-year tenure.
“They wanted to reduce the wildfire risk to the community around the reserve and that involved thinning out some trees.” says Kozuki.
“What they had also done is they converted from propane in the community, to biomass heating, and they were able to use the thinning’s from the wildfire risk reduction, used that biomass and now they’re making heat and distributing it.”
Kozuki says the Cariboo alone has seen a great increase in participation in forest management from a wide range of organizations and people including First Nations and local municipalities.
He added that there’s a bright future for the Cariboo going forward when it comes to forest enhancement and management.
As for what’s next, Kozuki will remain in the Cariboo, take life slower, and enjoy the finer things in life.
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