Mackenzie County Designated Forest Capital of Canada

L to R: Doug Reid, President of the Canadian Institute of Forestry; Josh Knelsen, Reeve, Mackenzie County; Lisa Wardley, Councillor, Mackenzie County and Allan Bell, Tolko Industries.

Mackenzie County was given the designation of Forest Capital of Canada for 2024 from the Canadian Institute of Forestry.

“Our forests mean more to our region than just the forestry industry,” said Lisa Wardley, Application Committee Chair, Ward 10 – Zama Councillor, Mackenzie County. “[They encompass] our enjoyment, education, recreation, employment, sustenance, history, health and overall connection. We all live, work and play where we do because we love our backyard!”

Established in 1979, the Forest Capital of Canada program focuses on the valuable role forests play in the socio-economic and environmental health of our communities.

Originally delivered by the Canadian Forestry Association, the CIF-IFC now administers the legacy program. Each year the CIF-IFC designates a community or region to host a celebration of its forest resources.

“Over the next year, we are confident our region will work together to celebrate and showcase our forests and our connection to them,” said Wardley.