Plant a tree. Plant another tree. Plant 1,999,999,998 more. That is what Canada is planning to do in the name of fighting climate change. 2 Billion trees planted by 2030. The Canadian Forest Service estimates that by 2050, the 2 billion additional trees planted could reduce GHG emissions by up to 12 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) annually – the equivalent of taking over 2 million gasoline-powered cars off the road each year. If that is not a big deal, I am not sure what is. Today we talk with representatives from The Canadian Forest Service(Government), Coast to Coast Reforestation (Nurseries), and Project Forest(Afforestation and Silviculture) to try and cover all the angles of this monumental task.

Resources

Anne-Hélène Mathey: https://sustain.forestry.ubc.ca/people/former-students/doctorates/dr-anne-helene-mathey/

Mike Toffan: https://projectforest.ca/team/mike-toffan/

Scott Formaniuk: https://treetimeservices.ca/about/our-team

Braiding Sweetgrass: https://www.amazon.ca/Braiding-Sweetgrass-Indigenous-Scientific-Knowledge/dp/1571313567/ref=asc_df_1571313567/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293014842916&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6906331647491887417&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001251&hvtargid=pla-625520155112&psc=1

Quotes

20.56 - 21.01: “You don’t just plant any trees anywhere. You have to have the right tree, the right place.”

Takeaways

Progress statistics (13.25)

2 billion dollars have been allocated to the 10-year 2 Billion Trees program, beginning in 2021. Over 30 million trees of 50 species have been planted in 1 year across 500+ Canada sites.

Right tree, right place (19.34)

Anne-Hélène shares that tree planting is a challenging process. She envisions supply chain issues with seed collection, timing, and species that can adapt to the location’s climate.

Planting logistics (25.34)

Anne-Hélène discusses the option for multi-year contribution agreements in the program, wherein planting organizations become partners for a set number of years.

Biodiversity benefits (30.05)

Anne-Hélène would like to work in partnership with Indigenous groups, municipalities and private organizations. Trees must be planted on ecologically sound lands.

Human benefits (38.19)

In his experiences engaging the Indigenous communities, Mike has seen a “real, meaningful impact”. Planting a tree can be an enjoyably unique way to interact with nature.

Planting impacts (44.42)

Anne-Hélène is motivated by the progress the program has made the impact it has had on different communities. Mike ran a ‘Submit Your Tree Story’ contest, revealing impacts.

Location decisions (49.33)

Anne-Hélène mentions that they are working with wildlife service partners towards ensuring planting sites that will be most beneficial to support habitats and wildfire reduction.

Planting partners (56.44)

Scott highlights the importance of working with partners and forestry professionals to assess areas for planting based on the effects of burns.

Empowering nurseries (59.33)

Anne-Hélène speaks about training applicants who are not professional foresters and the infrastructure-style investments for nursery expansion.

Tree talk (1.07.11)

Anne-Hélène looks to those in the supply chain for feedback and to point the way forward for the next 9 years, addressing the climate and biodiversity challenges.

The bigger picture (1.17.52)

Anne-Hélène laments that the program is restricted to the 10-year timeline; communication will be paramount to keep course-correcting through this time frame.