September 2006

Tip Sheets

National Forest Week (September 24-30, 2006)

National Forest Week is a time to reflect on the vital role forests play in our daily lives. Canada’s forests contribute significantly to the high standard of living, clean air and water that we enjoy. Now celebrated in the last week of September each year, National Forest Week is an opportunity for all Canadians to take time out to appreciate the beauty and importance of Canada's forests.

Finding forest fires at your finger tips

Natural Resources Canada has a new tool to help ensure the safety of Canadians in forested areas during the fire season. An interactive map on the Forest Fire in Canada Web site shows the forest fire situation across Canada. Zoom in and you can see if there are fires near your community, cottage, work site or favourite camping spot.

Why do leaves change colour?

Canada is known throughout the world for its breathtaking landscapes. This is especially true when the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn emerge, leaving behind the greens of summer. Why do leaves turn colour each fall? The answer may be different than what you expect.

National Forest Congress

On the centennial of Canada's first forest congress, the 10^th National Forest Congress is being held from September 25–27 in Gatineau, Quebec. The Congress will provide a variety of perspectives on the use of natural resources and sustainable land management in the boreal region.

Colouring between the “Lyons”

A student at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver has taken a teeny beetle called Dendroctonus ponderosae (Mountain Pine Beetle) and turned it into a larger-than-life model.

Forest Pest Strategy

Did you know that in 2004, Canada lost an estimated 13 million hectares of forest to insects and diseases?  That’s more than 15 times the amount of forest that was harvested across the country. The increased movement of goods around the world, a changing environment and natural cyclical outbreaks each have an effect on Canada’s healthy forests, the competitiveness of the forest sector, and the communities that depend on both.  For more information on the forest pest strategy.

For more information on Tipsheet articles, or for an interview with subject matter experts, media can call 613-992-4447, or e-mail media@nrcan.gc.ca.