Burns Lake Student Celine Stiffler Wins $2,000 Forestry Scholarship

URGENT UPDATE: Celine Stiffler, a student from Burns Lake, has been awarded a prestigious $2,000 2025 Forestry Scholarship from the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI). She stands out as one of only 10 recipients across British Columbia, marking a significant achievement for the only student recognized from the Northwest region.

Stiffler, currently pursuing a degree in Natural Resources and Forest Technology at the College of New Caledonia, is part of an elite group of future leaders in forestry. “These students represent the next generation of forestry professionals,” stated Kim Haakstad, President and CEO of COFI. “They are helping to shape an industry that’s more innovative, sustainable, and diverse than ever before.”

The scholarships, which have been awarded since 2007, are designed to support students interested in forestry-related fields, with recipients enrolled in diverse programs including forest technology, engineering, commerce, and sustainable forest management. Stiffler and her peers are now equipped to tackle the significant challenges facing the forestry sector in B.C.

“Forestry continues to be a solution to many of B.C.’s biggest challenges,” Haakstad emphasized. “From building more housing with low-carbon wood products to reducing wildfire risks through active forest management, these students will play a crucial role in advancing reconciliation and creating sustainable jobs across the province.”

The forestry sector is vital to the B.C. economy, supporting nearly 100,000 jobs and involving over 9,000 businesses and contractors throughout 335 municipalities and First Nations communities. “COFI’s Forestry Scholarships reflect the commitment of our members to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders,” said Jim Costley, Manager of Forest Education at COFI.

The other scholarship recipients hail from cities including Victoria, Quesnel, North Vancouver, West Kelowna, and Gold Bridge, attending prestigious institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University, and BCIT.

As Stiffler embarks on this exciting journey, the impact of her scholarship extends beyond personal achievement—it embodies the future of forestry in B.C., fostering innovation and community resilience. This news is a call to recognize the importance of forestry education and its role in shaping sustainable futures for generations to come.

For those interested in following Stiffler’s journey and the development of forestry initiatives in British Columbia, stay tuned for more updates on the evolving landscape of this essential industry.