Nk’Mip Forestry Advances Large-Scale Planting Through the 2 Billion Trees Program
- Nk'Mip Forestry
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Oliver, B.C.: Nk’Mip Forestry, with support from Siya Forestry, is continuing large-scale planting work across Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) territory through the federal 2 Billion Trees Program. The project, supported by the Government of Canada, focuses on planting trees and native vegetation in areas affected by wildfire and other disturbances. In 2026 alone, more than 900,000 trees and native plants were planted across the land as part of the project.
“Healthy forests are essential to thriving communities, wildlife, and local economies. Indigenous Peoples have long been leaders in caring for these lands, and their knowledge continues to shape how we protect and restore nature. Through the 2 Billion Trees program, we’re proud to support Indigenous-led projects like this one that bring together local knowledge and science to help forests recover from wildfire. It's a great example of what we can achieve by working together to leave healthier forests for future generations,” shared the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature).
Planting helps give these areas a stronger chance to recover. In some wildfire-affected areas, trees and native vegetation have not naturally regenerated, even years after the fire. None of these sites carry legal reforestation obligations and therefore would not be replanted through typical forest management in the tenures where they are located.
As Peter Flett, Head of Operations, Nk’Mip Forestry, noted, planting helps expedite recovery in these areas. “This initiative is important because it allows us to support areas that would not otherwise be replanted through regular forest management activities. These sites were severely burned by the 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire and were not regenerating on their own. By planting now, we can help establish mixed-species forests that are better suited to future environmental conditions.”
The project includes a mix of conifer and deciduous trees, along with native shrubs. These species are selected based on their suitability, wildlife needs, and ability to support healthier forests over time.
Photo: Nk'Mip Forestry staff conduct field assessments in a wildfire-affected area as part of the planning and monitoring work supporting the 2 Billion Trees Program.
A key part of the work is using locally collected seeds. For several deciduous species, seeds were collected within the OIB territory and grown for future planting.
“Using locally collected seed is a key part of the project,” said Dylan Savoie, Silviculture Project Lead with Siya Forestry. “For species such as trembling aspen and ponderosa pine, we have collected seeds directly from within the territory so the trees are adapted to local growing conditions and have the best opportunity to thrive over the long term. The ponderosa pine seed used in this project was collected from OIB's Raven Hill property.”
“A big component of this work is helping bring wildlife habitat back,” added Flett. “By restoring vegetation across the land, we are helping create food sources and cover for wildlife while supporting healthier ecosystems overall.”
The project is also creating employment opportunities for local crews, contractors, and community members. From seed collection and nursery work to planting and monitoring, the work is helping build local forestry skills while supporting OIB’s long-term stewardship goals.
As planting continues, the project shows how partnerships, local knowledge, and planning can support healthier forests across OIB territory. Through this work, Siya Forestry and Nk’Mip Forestry are helping strengthen forests, support wildlife, and create lasting benefits for the land and community.
About Nk’Mip Forestry
Nk’Mip Forestry LLP was formed in 2014 when the Osoyoos Indian Band strategically decided to pull together their forest management efforts toward the rising need for sustainable economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation within the community through forestry. Nk’Mip Forestry is a major contributor to the local economy and is committed to applying Okanagan cultural and environmental values in all operations. Fully OIB-owned, the company ensures that licensed forestry areas are harvested sustainably, using methods that help preserve the forest and all its ecological attributes for future generations. Learn more: www.nkmipforestry.ca
Follow Nk’Mip Forestry on social media: LinkedIn
About Siya Forestry
Established in February 2024, Siya Forestry is a joint venture between Nk’Mip Forestry LLP of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group Ltd., dedicated to advancing forestry practices and supporting community development in the Okanagan, Kootenay, and Boundary regions. Learn more here: https://siyaforestry.ca/
For more information or an interview with Siya Forestry, contact:
Foram Joshi, Communications Liaison, (604) 728 3723 | foram@amplifyinc.ca
