Latest news with #Sitka
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
It is time to stop the Forestry Commission destroying our beautiful peatlands
At first glance, one might imagine that the primary purpose of the Forestry Commission was the preservation of our ancient and most beautiful forests. Its website and posters depict broadleaf trees and sunny, sylvan glades. Indeed, the preservation of these sumptuous places is one of its main objectives. But there is another and arguably more important one: the promotion of commercial forestry. Much of the UK's uplands are carpeted in Sitka spruce so closely planted that it is difficult for any other form of wildlife to survive. In the Northumberland National Park vast armies of Sitka spruce, which produces low-grade timber for us as fence posts, kitchen furniture and laminate floors, march across some of our most scenic uplands. More than 20 per cent of the national park is carpeted in commercial forestry, much of it planted in deep peat, and the park management are powerless to stop it. The vast Kielder Forest, part of which is within the park, is among the least diverse habitats in the country. In 2011, in response to mounting criticism from conservationists, the Forestry Commission advised land managers to avoid planting in deep peat. There was, however, a large loophole. The advice applied only to new planting. Forests already planted in deep peat, as many are, would continue to be replanted, regardless of the environmental consequences. The first big test of this new policy has occurred in Northumberland where the 852 hectare Uswayford forest, at the head of the beautiful Coquet valley, is about to be harvested. The national park authority enjoys good relations with the local forestry management and a period of negotiation resulted in a suggested compromise that one third of the forest in the most sensitive areas would not be replanted, another third would be replanted with native broadleaf trees, and the final third would revert to commercial conifers. However, when this proposition was put to the Commission's senior management, they rejected it outright. Instead, they insisted on 71 per cent of the site being replanted with conifers, 21 per cent with broadleaf trees, and just under eight per cent reserved for the restoration of peat. When challenged, Forestry England replies that they have been set targets by the Government to reduce the import of timber imports, much of which comes from Scandinavia and Canada. As it happens, national parks have targets, too. Ironically, they too are set by Defra, the very Government department which sets targets for the Forestry Commission. Landowners in the Northumberland national park are funded by the taxpayer to restore damaged peatland, and the park authority has a successful programme doing exactly that. The Forestry Commission also deploys another argument. Namely, that conifer plantations are as effective as peat bogs at absorbing carbon dioxide. The weakness of this argument is that commercial forests are harvested every 30 or 40 years and turned into products which have a limited shelf life, whereas peat continues to absorb carbon indefinitely. It is also worth bearing in mind that, once peat has been replanted three times, it is beyond salvation. The case for restoring the Uswayford deep peat is that, thus far, it has only been replanted once; It could still be saved. Ultimately Defra ministers need to decide on priorities. If they are interested in preserving ancient peat and the carbon locked inside it, they need to stop the Forestry Commission from destroying them. A good place to start would be in the national parks. Happily, there is an obvious solution at hand. At the moment, although most national parks have responsibility for planning and development, forestry is exempted. Perhaps the time has come for the planning powers of the national parks to be extended to cover forestry, rather than allowing the Forestry Commission to be its own judge and jury. Chris Mullin is a former Environment minister and a member of the Northumberland National Park Authority. He is writing in a personal capacity Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Synex Renewable Energy Corporation Announces Voting Results from the Special Meeting of Shareholders
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Synex Renewable Energy Corporation (TSX: SXI) ("Synex" or the "Company") announced today that the shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") have approved the previously announced statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"), whereby Sitka Power Inc. ("Sitka") will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") for C$2.40 in cash per Common Share (the "Cash Consideration"). 3,676,638 votes, or approximately 82.74% of the votes cast at the special meeting of the Shareholders held on May 27, 2025 (the "Meeting"), were cast in favour of the special resolution approving the Arrangement. 3,553,838 votes, or approximately 82.25% of the votes cast at the Meeting, excluding votes casts by persons whose votes may not be included in determining minority approval of a "business combination" in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61‐101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61‐101"), were cast in favour of the Arrangement. Pursuant to the arrangement agreement dated March 27, 2025, as amended (the "Arrangement Agreement"), entered into between the Company and Sitka, the special resolution approving the Arrangement was required to be passed by (i) at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the votes cast by Shareholders at the Meeting, and (ii) a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders at the Meeting (excluding votes casts by persons whose votes may not be included in accordance with MI 61-101). Details of the voting results will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at The Company will seek a final order approving the Arrangement from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") which is expected to take place on May 29, 2025. Subject to receiving all required regulatory approvals relating to the Arrangement, including from the British Columbia Utilities Commission and British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, including final approval of the Court, the Arrangement is expected to close during the second half of 2025. Immediately following the completion of the Arrangement, the Company will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sitka. Further details regarding the Arrangement, including the regulatory approvals, closing conditions and the benefits for the Shareholders, can be found in the Company's management proxy circular dated April 24, 2025, in respect of the Meeting, which can be found under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at About Synex Renewable Energy Corporation Synex is a Vancouver, British Columbia based company engaged in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of renewable energy projects in Canada. It has ownership interests in 11 MW of operating hydro projects in British Columbia and owns a Vancouver Island grid connection and utility carrying on business as Kyuquot Power Ltd. The Company also has 9.4 MW of construction ready run-of-river projects, applications, and land tenures on another 24 potential hydroelectric sites totaling over 150 MW of capacity, and approximately 16 wind development sites that could provide up to 4,700 MW of clean power in British Columbia. For further information, visit About Sitka Power Inc. Sitka is a small scale Canadian renewable energy developer and independent power producer, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, who is active in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. For further information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information or statements ("FLS") are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such FLS may be identified by words such as "proposed", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", and similar expressions. FLS contained or referred to in this press release includes, but is not limited to, the proposed timing and various steps contemplated in respect of the Arrangement, the results of the completion of the Arrangement, the likelihood that the Arrangement will be consummated, receipt of required regulatory and Court approvals, payment of the Cash Consideration and the delisting of the Common Shares. FLS is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such FLS is reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on FLS because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such FLS include, without limitation, the following factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict: (a) the possibility that the Arrangement will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all, due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required Court and regulatory approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the Arrangement or for other reasons; (b) the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement; (c) risks relating to the abilities of the parties to satisfy conditions precedent to the Arrangement; (d) credit, market, currency, operational, liquidity and funding risks generally and relating specifically to the Arrangement, including changes in economic conditions, interest rates or tax rates; (e) changes and trends in the Company's industry and the global economy; and (f) the identified risk factors included in the Company's public disclosure, including the annual information form dated September 27, 2024, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions underlying the FLS prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the FLS. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in FLS, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such FLS. The FLS in this press release reflect the current expectations, assumptions, judgements and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to change without notice. Any FLS speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. The FLS contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For more information on the Company, please review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available under the Company's profile at No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The TSX accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, please contact: Daniel J. RussellPresident & CEO, Synex Renewable Energy Corporation4248 Broughton Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 0A4 Phone (905) Sitka Power Inc. Trevor WhitePresident & CEO, Sitka Power Inc.639 5 Ave SW #1050, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9 Phone (403) 999-8781twhite@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scottish woodland with stunning views of Ben Nevis on sale for offers over £185000
A scenic Scottish woodland with sweeping views of the iconic Ben Nevis mountain range has hit the market, offering what agents describe as an 'excellent small-scale investment opportunity ' with immediate earning potential. Kilmonivaig Wood, a 12.35-hectare (30.51-acre) commercial conifer forest, is located just four miles west of Spean Bridge in the heart of the Highlands. The freehold site is now being marketed by Landfor Chartered Land and Forestry Agency at offers over £185,000. Described as a 'compact and attractive' woodland, the forest was planted in 1975 and features a productive crop of Sitka spruce, now reaching maturity. The agents said this presents the buyer with two strong options: harvest the timber for immediate tax-free income, or continue to allow it to grow to increase its volume and future return. 'Covering approximately 10.50 hectares, the timber crop is now reaching maturity and could be harvested within the next five years,' Landfor said. 'This presents the purchaser with the opportunity to generate immediate tax-free income or, alternatively, to allow further growth, increasing the volume of harvestable timber within the woodland.' The underlying soils, mainly peaty gleys and humus-iron podzols, are well-suited to commercial forestry, which is reflected in the robust growth of the conifer crop. The yield classes are reported to be reaching 16 and above, indicating strong productivity for the area. But it is not just the economic potential that makes Kilmonivaig Wood an attractive prospect. Landfor also highlighted its exceptional setting and the spectacular views it offers. 'Set in one of Scotland's most picturesque regions, the woodland enjoys outstanding views of the world-famous Ben Nevis Mountain range and presents an excellent small-scale investment opportunity for an incoming purchaser,' the agency said. Situated in the scenic Scottish Highlands, the woodland offers dramatic and far-reaching views across the Grey Corries and the Great Glen. The area surrounding the wood is not only beautiful but also practical for forestry operations. Just 8.7 miles south lies Fort William, a popular Highland town that serves as a hub for visitors and locals alike. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Around 8.7 miles to the south is the popular town of Fort William, which provides a wide range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and various outdoor attractions and activities,' Landfor noted. The region benefits from good access to timber markets, particularly for high-quality Sitka spruce. The BSW sawmill in nearby Corpach offers a convenient market for sawlog timber, while jetty facilities close by enable timber exports by sea. Transport links are also strong, with the A82 providing road access to key destinations. Fort William's railway station offers direct connections to Glasgow and beyond, making the woodland both remote and easily accessible for commercial use. For more information or to arrange a viewing, interested buyers are encouraged to visit the Landfor website and get in touch with the agency directly.
The Herald Scotland
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Forest with 'outstanding views' to Ben Nevis Range for sale
Landfor Chartered Land and Forestry Agency said the Kilmonivaig Wood is a 'compact and attractive' first-rotation commercial conifer woodland, established in 1975 with a productive crop of Sitka spruce near Fort William. The agent said: 'Covering approximately 10.50 hectares, the timber crop is now reaching maturity and could be harvested within the next five years. 'This presents the purchaser with the opportunity to generate immediate tax-free income or, alternatively, to allow further growth, increasing the volume of harvestable timber within the woodland. 'The underlying soils are predominantly peaty gleys and humus-iron podzols, well-suited to commercial forestry, as demonstrated by the strong growth rates of the conifer crop with yield classes reaching 16 and above.' The forest is in a 'stunning setting'. (Image: Landfor) Landfor added: 'Set in one of Scotland's most picturesque regions, the woodland enjoys outstanding views of the world-famous Ben Nevis Mountain range and presents an excellent small-scale investment opportunity for an incoming purchaser. 'Kilmonivaig Wood lies in a stunning setting approximately four miles west of Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands offering dramatic and far-reaching views of the Ben Nevis Mountain range, Grey Corries, and the Great Glen.' READ MORE: The agent said: 'Around 8.7 miles to the south is the popular town of Fort William, which provides a wide range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and various outdoor attractions and activities. 'The area is renowned for its excellent conditions for timber growth, particularly high-quality Sitka spruce, and benefits from outstanding scenery alongside good access to timber markets. BSW's sawmill in Corpach offers a very convenient local market for sawlog timber as well as jetty facilities nearby that enable timber exports by sea. 'Transport links in the area are well-developed, with the A82 providing access to key regional destinations, while Fort William railway station offers direct connections to Glasgow and beyond.' The freehold being marketed at offers over £185,000.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Megaquake could trigger land drop, spike flood risk along West Coast, study says
In this Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, photo, evidence of a Cascadia earthquake's awesome destructive power is visible at the beach in Neskowin, Ore. A "ghost forest" of Sitka spruces juts up from the beach in the tiny town. The trees were likely buried by tsunami debris 2,000 years earlier, and partially uncovered by storms in 1997. (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky) One of the most dangerous fault lines that threatens the United States lurks off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, capable of producing a Pacific-wide tsunami and dramatically changing the landscape of coastal regions forever. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a fault that stretches around 600 miles from Northern California to British Columbia. Most earthquakes that strike this area go unnoticed because it is located 70 to 100 miles offshore, but it is capable of generating monstrous tremors. According to Oregon State University, there is a 37% chance of a magnitude 8.0 earthquake or larger in the next 50 years. Tremors of at least magnitude 8.0 are sometimes called "megaquakes." A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed how such an earthquake could transform the Pacific Northwest, and it's not just powerful waves from a tsunami that could reshape the coastline. "Along the Washington, Oregon, and northern California coasts, the next great Cascadia subduction zone earthquake could cause up to 2 m [6.5 feet] of sudden coastal subsidence, dramatically raising sea level, expanding floodplains, and increasing the flood risk to local communities," the study claimed. An abrupt 6-foot drop in land could destroy local infrastructure, re-shape waterways and change the environment, including where certain types of plants can grow. Data for the hazards of the Cascadia Subduction Zone – tsunamis, landslides, site amplification, turbidites, land-level change, and episodic tremor and slip. (USGS) One of the biggest impacts of a sudden decline in elevation would be a significant increase in the flooding risk across the region. If a great earthquake occurred today, floodplains could expand by 90 to 300 square kilometers (56 to 186 square miles), more than doubling the flooding exposure of residents, structures and roads, the study stated. In addition to skyrocketing insurance costs in the wake of such a disaster, businesses and homeowners may need to purchase expensive flood insurance for the first time due to the expansion of the region's floodplains. When was the last major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone? The last significant earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone was Jan. 26, 1700, when an estimated magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck. This took place more than 100 years before Lewis and Clark traveled to the Pacific coast, but the date and estimated magnitude were determined by geologic markers and a Pacific-wide tsunami documented in Japan. "Since over 300 years have passed, we worry about the next big event being imminent, and we expect something like the Japan 2011 and Sumatra 2004 earthquakes and tsunamis to occur there," said Tina Dura, assistant professor of natural hazards at Virginia Tech College of Science. Dura and their team also suspect the land will subside by at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) following the next major Cascadia earthquake. "We need to be thinking about this," Dura said. "For coastal communities to remain resilient, stakeholders and decision makers need to prepare for land subsidence from future Cascadia earthquakes."
