“Alberta is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse forests in the world, covering more than 60 per cent of our province. As we mark the start of Alberta Forest Week on Monday, May 5, I’d like to encourage all Albertans to take the opportunity to celebrate our incredible forests.
“Last year we reached a significant milestone by celebrating the end of the mountain pine beetle outbreak in Alberta’s forests. This threat to forest health could have been catastrophic but through aggressive forest management techniques and collaborative work done by our industry partners, we were able to stop the spread of pine beetle – preventing the loss of more forest space while also reducing dangerous fuel loads that contribute to fire risks.
“Wildfires are one of the most serious threats to both our forests and our safety, which is why we’ve made historic investments in wildfire prevention, mitigation and readiness to respond – and continue working with local communities across the province to build fireguards, remove dangerous fuel loads, and implement FireSmart practices.
“Alberta’s forest industry plays a large role in Alberta’s economy as the largest employer in more than 700 communities – supporting almost 40,000 direct and indirect jobs. We're continuing to explore new markets for our high-quality wood products and working to resolve trade challenges so we can grow this important sector.
“This week, as Albertans take a moment to enjoy the outdoors – whether by walking in the woods, visiting a park, or simply appreciating the trees in their neighborhood, we ask that everyone remember that most wildfires are caused by human activity. Be mindful and vigilant; your care and attention make a big difference in fire prevention.
“We all share a responsibility to protect and our forests and by working together, we can ensure that future generations of Albertans have the same opportunities to enjoy and connect with our incredible landscapes.”
Quick Facts:
- Alberta’s provincial tree is the lodgepole pine.
- Only 18 per cent of Alberta’s forest is available for harvest each year, and of that, less than one percent is harvested.
- Most reforestation in Alberta is done by planting seedlings or letting the site regenerate naturally.
- Alberta Forestry and Parks conducted more than 2,300 inspections last year to ensure that forestry operations and reforestation are completed to the government’s standards.
- Each year 25,000 lodgepole pine seedlings and 45,000 white spruce seedlings are distributed as part of the Grade 1 seedling program during Alberta Forest Week.
- In 2025, about 70 school divisions and municipalities will be taking part in the Grade 1 seedling program.
- The program has been in place since the 1960s.
- Forestry and Parks continues to partner with the Grade 1 Tree Registry, which allows the public to register and keep track of their Grade 1 tree and share stories of interest online at grade1tree.ca.
- Alberta’s legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31.
- Budget 2025 provides wildfire investments including:
- $160 million for the base wildfire budget, an increase of $5 million from 2024.
- $15 million for the Community Fireguard Program administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
- $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts.