CCR Thanks Wood Pellet Association of Canada for Showcasing Forest Recovery at the Palmer Project

Williams Lake, B.C.: Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) thanks the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) for visiting the Palmer Project site and helping share the story of Indigenous-led forest rehabilitation work in the Cariboo Chilcotin.

In a recent article and video following the visit, WPAC Executive Director Gord Murray described the Palmer Project as an example of the opportunities that can emerge from post-wildfire rehabilitation efforts.

WPAC learning about CCR’s operations. Photo: Kiwi Man Creative.

“It's such a good news story,” wrote Murray. “CCR is turning what might otherwise be seen as waste into jobs, economic development, community pride, and contributions to the biomass industry.” Murray added that the project left him optimistic about the future, noting that by working together, communities and industry can turn wildfire challenges into opportunities to restore forests, support local economies, and provide renewable fibre for low-carbon energy production.

The video highlights CCR's work at the Palmer Project site, where fire-affected stands are being treated by removing dead and damaged material, reducing fuel loading, and spacing young lodgepole pine to support forest recovery. It also shows how recovered fibre is being put to productive use rather than being left on the landscape.

CCR's work is helping recover usable wood fibre while supporting the next stage of forest regeneration. Recovered material from the site can be used in pulp, paper, and wood pellet production, creating value from fibre that may otherwise be left behind while supporting local employment and the biomass sector.

“We appreciate the Wood Pellet Association of Canada taking the time to visit the Palmer Project and share what they saw on the ground,” said Percy Guichon, CEO of Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. and elected Councillor of Tŝideldel First Nation. “This work is about rehabilitating forests impacted by wildfire while recovering fibre that can support local jobs and create long-term value for our communities.”

The Palmer Project demonstrates how Indigenous communities, industry, and government can work together to address the long-term impacts of wildfire while creating environmental, social, and economic benefits. Through active rehabilitation, CCR is helping reduce future wildfire risk, improve growing conditions for young forests, and support sustainable fibre utilization.

Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. thanks the Wood Pellet Association of Canada team for helping bring attention to this work and the role that collaboration plays in forest recovery and fibre utilization.

“We're grateful to WPAC for helping share what is possible when communities work together toward a common goal,” added Guichon. “Every hectare rehabilitated contributes to a healthier forest, reduced wildfire risk, and stronger economic opportunities for our region. We're proud of the work being done at the Palmer Project and appreciate the opportunity to share that story with a broader audience.”

Watch the YouTube video by clicking the image below: