How many trees were planted in B.C throughout 2024?

Provincial efforts saw more than 280 million trees planted throughout BC’s forests during 2024.

Caring for B.C.'s forests has significantly evolved since reforestation programs began in 1930. Careful planning is involved in determining which tree species are seeded and nurtured on public lands.

Last year, 13 native tree species were selected to support natural ecosystems and emphasize key traits, such as resilience to climate change according to a media release.

“2024 was a banner year for tree planting in B.C., including celebrating 10 billion trees planted since 1930,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Our government’s commitment to sustainable forests has seen us lead the country by planting more than two billion trees since 2017.”

In 2024, the Province's reforestation efforts primarily targeted fire-damaged areas, which was in addition to the work carried out by forest tenure holders to meet their legal obligations to regenerate harvested lands.

“We are in good shape right now based upon a run of strong years and the government’s commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change through adaptation and keeping reforestation programs at a level to help regrow our forests,” said John Betts, executive director, Western Forestry Contractors’ Association. “Our members have been adapting to the concept of a restoration economy targeting ecosystem resilience through all kinds of different planting programs.”

B.C. Timber Sales (BCTS), a division of the Ministry of Forests responsible for managing extensive forested public lands, achieved a significant milestone in 2024, planting over one billion trees since its establishment in 2003.

BCTS contributes to local economies and communities by issuing approximately 40 tree-planting contracts each year to small business operators throughout the province.