Latest news with #ProjectForest


Global News
21-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
Unproductive Alberta farmland to be converted back to forest
The federal government is providing over $100 million to help return unproductive Alberta farmland to its original forested state. Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to Canada's natural resources minister, says the cash is part of the $3.2 billion 2 Billion Trees program and the reforestation will help capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The goal is to support provinces, territories and third-party organizations in planting two billion trees across Canada by 2031. Hogan says cleared farmland will be turned back into thriving forests, providing employment to Indigenous women and youth, and providing economic benefits. 1:49 Canada falling short of pledge to plant 2 billion trees by 2030: audit Mike Toffan from Project Forest says through four different projects, 12 million trees will be planted in Alberta, including on the Siksika Nation and in the Peace Country. Story continues below advertisement He says some of the land goes back well over a century, when a quarter section was offered to settlers to encourage settlement in the Prairies. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'In some of those cases, the original farmers were farming the land, weren't able to make an economic go and the next generation didn't take that on,' Toffan said Monday. 'So going back to 1912 and in some cases prior to that, land was cleared in areas, not able to produce economic crops and those are perfect cases to bring forests back.'


Cision Canada
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Regrowing Alberta's Forests
CALGARY, AB, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada, together with Indigenous communities, private and non-profit sector leaders, and provincial partners, is taking action to regenerate Alberta's forests — protecting clean air and preserving the province's vast natural landscapes for generations to come. Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced, in collaboration with Project Forest, The Carbon Farmer and FIND Biomass Inc, a joint investment of over $125 million for four projects that will plant 12 million trees and restore critical habitat for species at risk throughout Alberta, such as caribou. Investments will help to create and restore biodiverse forests and wildlife habitat and sequester carbon while creating seasonal and full-time jobs for surrounding communities in Alberta. We are not just planting trees — we are building a stronger, healthier and more-resilient Canada. Quotes "Forests are more than ecosystems — they are economic drivers, climate solutions and cultural touchstones. That's why the Government of Canada is taking action in partnership with the Government of Alberta, Indigenous communities, the private sector and non-profit organizations to restore forest landscapes and grow a greener economy. Building a resilient Albertan economy means working across sectors and jurisdictions to turn shared goals into lasting impacts." MP Corey Hogan Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "Our government is committed to supporting biodiversity by investing in the protection of wildlife habitats and species at risk, like the caribou. The survival of this iconic Canadian species depends on healthy forests, which is why we are working with partners across Alberta to protect and restore its habitat. This initiative will help preserve nature while strengthening local economies." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin Minister of Environment and Climate Change "The 2 Billion Trees program is a transformative initiative that will shape Canada's future forever — ushering in a greener, healthier world where more Canadians can connect with nature. The generous funding Project Forest has received is not just support; it is a catalyst that will supercharge our mission to rewild Canada, one forest at a time. This is a game-changing moment for our organization, and words alone cannot fully capture the depth of our gratitude. This funding empowers us to make an even greater impact, faster, and we are profoundly thankful for this incredible opportunity." Mike Toffan Founder and Executive Director, Project Forest "The food that farmers produce on their land is critical for us all. However, some fields or portions thereof that have been cleared of trees historically are actually better suited for forest ecosystems, due to factors like soil quality, parcel size, the need for erosion prevention, the value of water retention and the benefits of habitat connectivity. The 2BT program will allow us to proudly plant trees with farmers who want to manage their land with a mosaic of best ecological practices." Brad Rabiey President, The Carbon Farmer "As an Indigenous business, we are committed to creating Indigenous employment and training opportunities while contributing to environmental sustainability. This project allows FIND Biomass to collaborate with a landowner who shares our dedication to social and environmental values. By planting hybrid poplar, a fast-growing species, we will sequester ten times more carbon than a natural forest." Melissa Minks FIND Biomass Inc Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.


Winnipeg Free Press
21-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Federal money provided to return unproductive farmland back to forest in Alberta
PRIDDIS – The federal government is providing over $100 million to help return unproductive Alberta farmland to its original forested state. Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to Canada's natural resources minister, says the cash is part of the $3.2 billion '2 Billion Trees program' and the reforestation will help capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The goal is to support provinces, territories and third-party organizations in planting two billion trees across Canada by 2031. Hogan says cleared farmland will be turned back into thriving forests, providing employment to Indigenous women and youth, and providing economic benefits. Mike Toffan from Project Forest says through four different projects, 12 million trees will be planted in Alberta, including on the Siksika Nation and in the Peace Country. He says some of the land goes back well over a century, when a quarter section was offered to settlers to encourage settlement in the Prairies. 'In some of those cases, the original farmers were farming the land, weren't able to make an economic go and the next generation didn't take that on,' Toffan said Monday. 'So going back to 1912 and in some cases prior to that, land was cleared in areas, not able to produce economic crops and those are perfect cases to bring forests back.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.