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Carihi forestry program receives funding

The Truck Loggers Association is donating to the Carihi Forestry Education Program over the next five years
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The Carihi forestry class receives a cheque from the Truck Loggers’ Association at the Maritime Heritage Centre.

The Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Forest Education Fund, generously founded and supported by TLA members, is donating $25,000 to the Carihi Forestry Education Program over the next five years.

The presentation of the first annual contribution of $5,000 took place at the TLA Networking Event on April 16 at the Maritime Heritage Centre.

“This is grass roots recruitment at its best,” said David Elstone, TLA Executive Director. “Forestry allows communities like Campbell River to retain their young people by creating steady, good paying jobs close to home.”

More than 75 students have completed the Carihi Forestry Education Program over the past three years. These students live in Campbell River and through this program have had an opportunity to learn about the forest industry and the jobs available while still in high school.

“I’ve seen interest building over the past three years,” said Jason Kerluck, Carihi Secondary’s forestry teacher.

“More students are considering post-secondary opportunities or going directly into forestry workforce.”

One of Kerluck’s students, Breagh Kobayashi, has a summer job at Capacity Forest Management, a TLA member company based in Campbell River, and has been accepted to the UBC forestry program for the fall.

“I am continuously overwhelmed by the support of our local forest community,” said Kerluck.

“In particular, the TLA has offered guidance as well as financial support in creating a sustainable program. This most recent $25,000 will allow for much needed long-term planning.”

The TLA (Truck Loggers Association) represents more than 450 independent forest contractors and their suppliers operating on the coast of British Columbia.

Membership supports thousands of workers and, along with other independent contractors, accounts for close to 90 per cent of the trees harvested on the coast.