A new and innovative aerial forest fertilisation project launched in the lush Squamish-Lillooet region of southwest British Columbia aims to sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide in local forests while simultaneously enhancing timber volumes for future harvesting operations.
During October and November, specialised helicopters meticulously distributed urea—a nitrogen-rich fertiliser commonly used in residential lawn care—across the verdant forests situated in the Lillooet, Pemberton, and Squamish regions, ensuring a widespread impact.
This forward-thinking project is financed through the province’s Forest Investment Program and is expertly administered by B.A. Blackwell & Associates, a renowned forestry consulting and environmental management company dedicated to sustainable forest practices.
As every tree that is slated for harvesting over the next 50 years is already growing, the timely application of fertilisation is viewed as a key investment strategy to significantly enhance conifer growth during that critical period.
Jeff McWilliams, a senior associate with B.A. Blackwell, highlighted that similar fertilisation initiatives have existed since the early 2000s along British Columbia Highway 99—also known as the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway—which connects the vibrant cities of Vancouver and Whistler. The current program is set to commence in the northern regions and gradually progress southward. McWilliams elaborated that the fertilisation process begins with trucking the fertiliser to specific designated areas, where it is carefully loaded onto helicopters that disseminate it in a manner akin to lawn fertilisation.
“The helicopter employs precise navigational direction,” McWilliams noted. “They operate with detailed maps indicating where the fertilisers will be applied, following strict boundaries to ensure the fertiliser reaches the designated areas effectively.”
For outdoor enthusiasts hiking in the fertilised areas, McWilliams reassured that there is no risk of injury. The primary goal of this program is to sequester carbon dioxide, thereby contributing positively to the fight against climate change. By improving nutritional content for trees, the fertilisation ultimately supports enhanced atmospheric carbon storage.
The secondary objective seeks to “improve timber volumes and value for future harvesting,” aligning economic sustainability with ecological stewardship.
British Columbia’s chief forester, Shane Berg, recommends that forest stands receiving fertilisation should ideally grow for at least 7-10 years before any harvesting takes place. However, under certain circumstances, some harvesting could be permitted in as little as 5-7 years, provided there is adequate justification for earlier intervention.
Berg further stated that forest licensees are notified prior to the commencement of fertilisation to prevent any conflicts with existing harvest plans: “Increased forest volumes can reach up to 30 cubic meters per hectare within a decade.”
The economic advantages of implementing this fertilisation program include job creation and contributions to the GDP, estimating “4.5 full-time equivalents and $2.7 million per 10,000 hectares of treatment, respectively.”
This fertilisation initiative will expedite the transition of second-growth stands into merchantable timber, generating tangible benefits for local communities. Research indicates that applying fertiliser in optimal conditions—including species selection, site quality, timing, and stand health—can yield exceptional results. It is projected that fertilising 20,000 hectares over three years could lead to an additional 600,000 cubic meters of wood over the next decade, bolstering timber harvests and promoting sustainable employment.
According to data from the British Columbia Forest Authority, forest fertilisation has been a practice in the province since 1981. This application significantly enhances the growth of vital tree species such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, and spruce while also impacting the broader forest ecosystem.
To safeguard water quality, the application of fertiliser avoids sensitive streams and bodies of water. Rigorous water-quality tests are conducted to confirm that any detected runoff is below the maximum levels established by the Ministry of Environment for both drinking water and aquatic life.
Jeff McWilliams highlighted that streams, lakes, and wetlands are equipped with buffer zones and routinely monitored to comply with Ministry of Environment standards.
The effects of fertilisation on non-timber forest products, which include plants, wildlife, and fungi, reveal that certain Canadian undergrowth such as herbs and shrubs, including Saskatoon berries, have shown improvement. Conversely, there has been a decline in dwarf shrubs like twinflower and dwarf blueberry due to increased competition for resources.
Studies investigating the impact of mosses and lichens following fertilisation indicate a reduction in these species within areas that receive repeated applications. However, the BC Forest Authority notes that when forests are fertilised infrequently, these declines in mosses and lichens are significantly less pronounced.
The harvesting practices within British Columbia’s coastal forests are shifting from reliance on old-growth to second-growth ecosystems. Heightened concerns regarding global warming have catalyzed the BC Climate Action Charter, a collaborative effort between the province and local governments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, forest managers are actively assessing current conditions and defining desired future forest characteristics to make informed management decisions that effectively address these pressing changes.
Trees utilise carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce woody plant material. A forest that increases in biomass stores carbon extracted from atmospheric CO2 while simultaneously returning oxygen to the atmosphere through the vital process of photosynthesis. Thanks to the additional nutrients provided by fertiliser, trees grow more rapidly, thereby nearly doubling carbon storage rates. Each tonne of carbon stored in wood accounts for a remarkable reduction of approximately 3.67 tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere.
**Interview with Jeff McWilliams of B.A. Blackwell & Associates on the New Aerial Forest Fertilisation Project in British Columbia**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jeff! It’s great to have you here to discuss this exciting new project in the Squamish-Lillooet region. Could you start by explaining the main objectives of this aerial forest fertilisation initiative?
**Jeff McWilliams:** Thank you for having me! Our primary goals with this project are twofold: first, we want to sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation; second, we aim to enhance timber volumes for future harvesting. By increasing the growth rates of conifer trees, we can support sustainable forestry practices and economic development in the region.
**Editor:** It sounds like an innovative approach! Can you provide some details on how the fertilisation process actually works?
**Jeff McWilliams:** Absolutely! We use specialised helicopters to distribute urea, a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, across designated forest areas. This process is very precise; the helicopters follow detailed maps and defined boundaries to ensure that the fertiliser is applied accurately. It’s akin to how homeowners fertilise their lawns, but on a larger and more strategic scale.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! How does this fertilisation impact the forest ecosystem, and is there any potential risk to outdoor enthusiasts who might be hiking in these areas?
**Jeff McWilliams:** The impact on the ecosystem can be quite positive. By enhancing the nutritional content for trees, we improve atmospheric carbon storage while also benefiting the broader forest ecosystem. As for outdoor enthusiasts, I want to reassure everyone that there’s no risk of injury. We are very careful with our application methods and monitor the areas closely to ensure safety.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that safety is a priority. Now, British Columbia’s chief forester, Shane Berg, mentioned that these forest stands should ideally grow for 7-10 years before harvesting. What can you tell us about the projected economic benefits of this program?
**Jeff McWilliams:** The economic advantages are significant! For every 10,000 hectares treated, we estimate creating about 4.5 full-time equivalent jobs and adding approximately $2.7 million to the GDP. This program not only helps expedite the growth of second-growth stands into merchantable timber, but it also brings direct benefits to local communities through job creation and enhanced timber harvests.
**Editor:** Impressive figures! Lastly, could you comment on how you ensure that the application of fertiliser does not compromise water quality?
**Jeff McWilliams:** Certainly! We take water quality very seriously. The application process avoids sensitive streams and bodies of water, and we have buffer zones around these areas. Additionally, we conduct rigorous water-quality tests to validate that any runoff is well below the maximum levels set by the Ministry of Environment for drinking water and aquatic life. It’s all about striking a balance between productivity and environmental stewardship.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jeff, for your insights into this important project. It’s clear that initiatives like these are vital for both our forests and communities.
**Jeff McWilliams:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the potential benefits this programme can bring to British Columbia and appreciate the opportunity to share our work with you.
