Mission’s forestry department took in a net profit of $1,113,699 from July through September.
Forestry director Chris Gruenwald presented the department’s quarterly report to council on Monday (Dec. 3) to provide an update on finances, strategies, activities and potential issues.
The net profit comes after a forecasted net loss of roughly $350,000 for the quarter. Per the report, the positive results are from harvesting the bulk of the volumes from two timber sales over the quarter.
“Timber markets continue to remain volatile, despite the fact that markets were
trending up early in the year. The department is actively monitoring markets and will
release timber sales to take advantage of improving markets and low stumpage
costs,” the report reads.
Coun. Carol Hamilton said because of market uncertainties for 2025 and beyond, council has to be mindful of how to use the money in the forestry reserve.
“Just look at with a good, close lens before we spend. And that's sort of been the theme that I've had through this whole budget cycle and with your report – is that we need to be a little cautious,” Hamilton said.
With heavy rains and atmospheric rivers, the late fall and early winter can be operationally challenging for forestry, according to the report.
“The department remains proactive in terms of ensuring proper culvert sizing and road construction techniques to address these challenges,” the report stated.
