March 2, 2000 For Immediate Release

An important new facility for enhancing understanding of northern forest management issues has officially opened its doors at the University of Northern British Columbia's Prince George campus.

The $1.6-million I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Laboratory is a 7900 square-foot facility with four separate greenhouse compartments for plant growth and yield experiments. There is also a lab for experiments on soil composition and nutrients.

The Laboratory was built as a result of a partnership between industry, the University, and government. The lead contribution of $500,000 was provided by Ike Barber, the Chairman of Slocan Forest Products, Ltd. "Quite simply, the information coming out of this new Laboratory will help us grow trees faster and better," says Mr Barber. "UNBC researchers need state-of-the-art tools to provide the information that will ultimately make the industry in BC more competitive. But the Lab is only the physical part of the equation; that's why Slocan is also investing in research on mixedwood ecology."

Funding for the I.K. Barber Enhanced Forestry Lab has also been provided by Forest Renewal BC ($350,000), the BC Knowledge Development Fund ($380,000) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation ($420,881).

"The technology available in the new Enhanced Forestry Lab will give researchers a clearer perspective on variables that impact tree growth rates in different forest environments," says Paul Ramsey, MLA for Prince George North and Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations. "Improving our knowledge through effective research is crucial to achieving sustainability for British Columbia's forests."

"The forest industry has identified a need for greater research capacity and the University of Northern British Columbia's new Enhanced Forestry Lab helps fulfill that need," says Prince George Mount Robson MLA Lois Boone. "Better information builds a stronger forest industry and that's good news for the communities relying on the forest sector."

"By investing in this state-of-the-art forestry lab, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the University's funding partners are helping to preserve our intellectual capital - Canada's most critical resource in the 21st Century," says David Strangway, President and CEO of the CFI. "We are also supporting the development of world-class expertise in universities and communities in British Columbia."

The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit organization established by the Federal Government in 1997 to strengthen the capacity for innovation in Canadian universities and research institutions. The Foundation contributes 40% towards eligible project costs.

The Enhanced Forestry Lab was built by Wayne Watson Construction of Prince George. The official sod-turning was held in May, 1999.

"This facility will enhance UNBC's position as a world leader in forestry research," says UNBC President Charles Jago. "I greatly appreciate Ike Barber's vision and his confidence in UNBC. That industry connection helped the University raise the necessary funds from Forest Renewal BC, the BC Knowledge Development Fund, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Without the partnership, this facility would not be opening today. This Lab will allow the University to undertake important research on forest management. Ultimately, the communities of the North will benefit."