BCTS plants 30 million seedlings during 2026 spring planting season, summer planting season well underway
Each year, BC Timber Sales (BCTS) implements its reforestation program to support forest regeneration and sustainable forest management, while meeting its legal reforestation obligations.
In total, BCTS forecasts nearly 35 million seedlings will be planted throughout the province in 2026. Of those, approximately 30 million seedlings have been planted during the spring season, with close to five million scheduled for summer and fall planting programs.
Of the nearly 35 million seedlings forecast to be planted this year, 9.6 million will be funded through the Forest Investment Program.
The 2026 spring planting season began March 2, with 10 of BCTS’ 12 business areas undertaking spring planting activities. By June 5, the program was approximately 75 per cent complete, with an estimated 23 million seedlings shipped and planted throughout the province. Spring planting was wrapping up by June 21, aligning with the end of the spring planting window in many areas of the province, before operations transition to summer planting activities.
Spring is typically the largest planting season of the year because soil moisture and weather conditions are generally favourable for seedling establishment. Seedlings are selected based on local site conditions, reforestation requirements and climate adaption. BCTS plants as many as 15 different tree species in various combinations based on local climate and site conditions. By mid-June, the Babine, Kamloops, Kootenay and Strait of Georgia business areas had completed their planting programs for the year.
Summer planting started July 1, with four business areas undertaking summer planting activities this year. Fall planting begins in September, with three business areas expected to be active during that season.
In addition to supporting reforestation throughout the province, the BCTS Seedling Services program contributed to a community planting initiative this spring. The program donated 200 western white pine seedlings to a Scouts Canada Beaver Colony based in Esquimalt. Youth members planted the seedlings at Camp Barnard, a Scouts Canada camp near Sooke. The event provided participants with an opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship, develop leadership skills and contribute to local forest restoration efforts.
Learn more about the BCTS seedling services program here.
