Burns Lake Student Wins 2025 Forestry Scholarship for Future Impact

Celine Stiffler, a student from Burns Lake, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship as one of only ten recipients across British Columbia. The 2025 Forestry Scholarship, provided by the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), recognizes Stiffler as the sole recipient from the Northwest region. Each scholarship recipient will receive $2,000 to support their studies in forestry-related fields.

Currently enrolled in the Natural Resources and Forest Technology program at the College of New Caledonia, Stiffler is among a diverse group of students aiming to contribute to the future of the forestry sector. Kim Haakstad, President and CEO of COFI, remarked, “These students represent the next generation of forestry professionals. They are helping shape an industry that’s more innovative, sustainable, and diverse than ever before.”

Since its inception in 2007, COFI’s scholarship program has aimed to support students pursuing professional, technical, and trades careers within the forest sector. The 2025 recipients are studying a range of programs, including forest technology, engineering, commerce, and sustainable forest management.

Celine Stiffler’s achievement highlights the significant role that forestry plays in addressing various challenges faced by British Columbia. “Forestry continues to be a solution to many of B.C.’s biggest challenges,” Haakstad noted. “From building more housing with low-carbon wood products to reducing wildfire risk through active forest management, we’re proud to support these students as they take on that challenge and help strengthen forestry in B.C.”

The forestry sector remains a vital component of the provincial economy, sustaining nearly 100,000 jobs and involving over 9,000 businesses and contractors across 335 municipalities and First Nations communities. Jim Costley, Manager of Forest Education at COFI, emphasized the importance of nurturing future leaders in this field. “COFI’s Forestry Scholarships reflect the commitment of our members to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders across the province,” he stated.

Other scholarship recipients hail from various regions, including Victoria, Quesnel, North Vancouver, West Kelowna, and Gold Bridge. They are studying at notable institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Through these scholarships, COFI aims to ensure that passionate and skilled individuals can lead the forestry sector into a sustainable future, benefiting communities throughout British Columbia and beyond.