Since ForestLine began as an e-newsletter in January of this year, we have been distributing each monthly issue during the last week of the month. As I look forward in the calendar over the next number of months, it is becoming apparent that moving the publication date from the last week of a month to the first week of a month may be more practical - in terms of the timing of events, forestry operations stories and such. As a result, this edition is "the August edition."

The Alberta Forest Products Association is busy gearing up for the 63rd Annual General Meeting and Conference in the majestic surroundings of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge from September 28th through to October 1st.

AFPA member companies are reaching outstanding milestones this year, with Tolko Industries Ltd. planting their 100 millionth tree, and Hinton Wood Products planting their 150 millionth tree. Ceremonies were held this month in High Level for Tolko and at Gregg Cabin Recreation Area for Hinton Wood Products.

The Alberta Forest Products Association congratulates the 10 member companies and two forestry contractors who received 2004 Best Safety Performer awards from Work Safe Alberta. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Council administer the awards. More than 340 Alberta employers received recognition this year.

The Alberta Mountain Pine Beetle Battle continues, since surveys conducted earlier this summer identified that this insect had entered the Willmore Wilderness Park, located north of Jasper.

On Thursday July 14, one lucky Edmonton family attended the Habitat for Humanity wall-raising ceremony at the site of their future home on the north side of the city. The three city lots near Edmonton's Rexall Place are being turned from condemned houses into five new family residences.

There are several forest companies who have supported Habitat for Humanity's efforts on this build and other builds throughout Alberta, both financially and in-kind gifts.

The Alberta government will contribute $2.75 million worth of land to kickstart development of an intermodal container facility that will speed up the flow of goods in northern Alberta. The proposed terminal at Grande Prairie will reduce transportation costs, improve delivery times, and enhance shippers' ability to capitalize on a burgeoning container port in Prince Rupert, B.C.

NEWS AND NOTES

Forest Genetic Research Council Launches New Website

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Awards Call for Nominations

Wood Design & Building Magazine Wins International Award

EVENTS

AFPA AGM and Conference, Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge September 28 through October 1

First Nations Forestry Conference, Vancouver October 5-6

Trees to Dollars Workshop, Grande Prairie November 15-16

ForestEDWest II Conference, Banff Centre January 26-29, 2006

Fire Behavior and Fuels Conference, Portland March 27-30, 2006

A Conference for the Boreal - In the Boreal, Cochrane Ont October 2006