A Creston-based pilot project that converts forestry waste into a soil supplement has secured provincial funding.
The B.C. government announced last week it is providing $182,000 through its Rural Economic Diversification Program (REDIP) to the environmental organization Wildsight to support its Fire for Healthy Soils project in Creston.
The initiative turns wood waste into biochar, a charcoal-like material created when organic matter is heated with little oxygen present.
Wildsight is leading the project with support from the Creston Community Forest and the Regional District of Central Kootenay. The province said the investment will allow the three groups to collaboratively pilot a biochar business project using low-cost kiln technology.
“Since 1987, Wildsight has collaborated with partners like Creston Community Forest and the Regional District of Central Kootenay to pursue new ways for our communities to thrive in greater harmony with the natural world,” said Wildsight Water and Climate Director Graeme Lee Rowlands.
“This project overlaps community resilience, climate action, youth empowerment and economic innovation.”
Instead of pile-burning waste wood, the project will transform hazardous wildfire fuels and wood waste into biochar.
Biochar is primarily used as a soil supplement to improve agricultural yields, enhance water retention, improve soil quality by storing carbon and other essential nutrients, and keep carbon out of the atmosphere.
The province said the material will be tested in forestry, agriculture, composting, gardening and landscaping applications.
While research shows strong interest in biochar, the province said businesses need local proof before investing. This project aims to demonstrate its value and build demand for biochar and kiln rentals while supporting local businesses and jobs.
The province said demonstrating a practical, scalable model for turning waste into biochar will support other rural communities in B.C. that want to adopt similar approaches, enhance forestry revenue and reduce emissions while strengthening food security.
It will also provide training opportunities for local youth, build skills, support job creation and improve youth retention in the region through the Youth Climate Corps (YCC).
The YCC program launched in the Kootenays in 2020 through Wildsight and has since grown into a provincewide initiative, Youth Climate Corps BC. Wildsight continues to run the East and West Kootenay YCC crews.
“Projects like Fire for Healthy Soils are helping our communities find innovative ways to reduce emissions, make better use of wood waste and support our local economy,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central.
“This work is strengthening our forestry and agricultural sectors and supporting job growth and long-term rural resilience.”
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