Catalyst's Crofton Mill to Plant Trees

Crofton, British Columbia, Canada, 13 April 2007 – To commemorate 50 years of mill operations and help fight climate change, Catalyst Paper's Crofton mill is teaming up with the District of North Cowichan to replant the Maple Mountain block of the municipality's community forest.

The 6000 trees will be planted in 2008, after the municipal logging area is harvested this year. The mill and District of North Cowichan will split the cost, with the mill paying for the trees and the District paying to have them planted. The mill is pledging its share of the funding in advance as a demonstration of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to mill vice-president Don McKendrick, while Catalyst does not harvest forests itself, the mill wants to promote planting trees because of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas linked to climate change.

"We mostly use sawmill leftovers like chips and sawdust to make pulp and paper, but we know that planting trees is one way to combat climate change," said McKendrick. "We also want to make a gift to the community as part of this year's celebration of 50 years of mill operations."

Since the 1990 Kyoto Protocol baseline year, Catalyst's mills have reduced greenhouse gas emissions 70% by switching to cleaner fuels and continuously improving production efficiency. In 2005, Catalyst was recognized internationally by BusinessWeek Magazine and The Climate Group as one of the top 10 companies of the decade for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.