February 11, 2003 For Immediate Release

Global climate change will have a profound effect on Canada's western and northern forests. How will the forests change, and how will these changes affect the industries and communities that are dependent on them?

On February 17-19, 2003, researchers, forest managers, and community and industry leaders will gather at the University of Northern British Columbia to discuss issues related to climate change and Canada's forest sector. The Climate Change in the Western and Northern Forests of Canada: Impacts and Adaptations Workshop is hosted by the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network - Forest Sector and the University of Northern British Columbia.

Workshop events will begin with a free public seminar at 7 pm on Monday, February 17, 2003, in the Canfor Theatre on the Prince George campus. Topics will include:

- climate trends and predictions
- impacts and adaptations from global and regional perspectives
- mountain pine beetle
- community strategies for change

Sessions on February 18 and 19 will feature presentations by leading researchers. Some topics that may be of interest to the media include the effects of climate change on

- forest fire and insects, including mountain pine beetle
- biodiversity
- forest productivity and the nature and composition of forests
- parks and other protected areas
- timber and non-timber values of the forest

Visit www.res.unbc.ca/climatechange for complete program details.

The workshop is sponsored by the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network, University of Northern British Columbia , British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service, McGregor Model Forest, and the Sustainable Forest Management Network at the University of Alberta.