Mission Municipal Forest reached a major milestone on April 7 at the city’s annual “Cutblock Party”.
The forest’s 5 millionth seedling was one of the 140 trees planted at the event. The forestry department plants 80,000 seedlings each year to regenerate harvested areas.
Forestry director Chris Gruenwald says there was a focus on planting in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s because so much of the area was heavily logged not replanted. Since 1958, Mission has managed Tree Farm Licence 26, which spans 26,900 acres.
Currently, the department plants trees every spring. Harvested areas are always planted the following spring at a three-to-one ratio, Gruenwald says.
Douglas-fir trees are planted for warm sites, western red cedar for various environments, and minor western white pine for rocky terrain.
Gruenwald says the department is focused on planting cedars because the tree was dominant in the area before European contact and carries importance with local First Nations.
The event also featured axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, and guided walks. Attendees also had an opportunity to learn about the forestry department.
“We had a lot of young people interested in the Municipal Forest – we had a great discussion with them. We talked about some issues and they were asking some very good questions,” Gruenwald said.
Forestry will have a booth at the Green Living event on April 20 at Fraser River Heritage Park to celebrate Earth Day.
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