Integrated Resource Management Agency and Women in Wood Awarded 2025 Partnership Award in Forestry
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announces Integrated Resource Management Agency (AGIR) and Women in Wood as recipients of its 2025 Partnership Awards, an honour recognizing organizations that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and leadership in supporting Canada’s forest sector and the people and communities it serves.
AGIR is a community-based organization operating in several small municipalities across the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. Over the past 25 years, Domtar has awarded forest harvesting contracts to AGIR, enabling the organization to generate revenues that were reinvested into community development projects. These investments include: the conversion of a village church into a multicultural centre; the preservation of local daycare and elder care services; and financial support of the regional hospital foundation. AGIR’s work demonstrates how forestry operations can have a lasting social impact and exemplifies how responsible forest management and community partnership to hand in hand.
Women in Wood was born from an idea and a conversation - to create a place where women who work in, with and for the woods could connect to build community and learn from and support each other. Through a private Facebook group, website, more than 50 blog posts, a newsletter, meet-ups, formal events, thousands of t-shirts, podcasts, interviews, presentations and countless conversations, Women in Wood has grown to a volunteer-run community of over 3,700 women all over the world. In 2025, Women in Wood celebrates 10 years since it was first started by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius, two women who serendipitously connected as they were among a handful of women in a room full of men at a forest sector event.
“We are honoured to recognize AGIR and Women in Wood with this year’s Partnership Awards,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC. “These organizations are leading by example - building bridges across communities, advancing sustainable forest practices, and creating space for more inclusive dialogue and collaboration in our sector. Their work reflects the kind of partnership that strengthens our industry and helps ensure a more resilient future for Canada’s forests and the people who depend on them,” Nighbor added.
Integrated Resource Management Agency(AGIR)
AGIR is a social economy enterprise specializing in forestry, environmental, and agroforestry sectors, located in Normandin, in the Maria-Chapdelaine regional county municipality (RCM) of Quebec.
Since 2018, AGIR and its affiliated local corporations have provided support to nearly 400 projects throughout the Maria-Chapdelaine RCM, representing a total investment of $3.5 million. This sustainable model proves that a community can take charge and use the resources and expertise available in its territory to generate collective wealth.
Thanks to the model developed by AGIR, the forest works for the community and the communities work for the forest. This vision requires those involved in managing forest heritage to ensure responsible and rigorous stewardship, as its socio-economic benefits would not be ensured for the future otherwise.
“On behalf of our employees, board, business partners, and AGIR members, we are very pleased and proud to receive the Award of Excellence from the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). As part of AGIR’s 25th anniversary celebrations, it is especially rewarding for us that FPAC recognizes our work and commitment to sustainable forest management, as well as our contributions to promoting the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable Canadian forestry.” - Michel Bouchard, Executive Director of AGIR
Women in Wood
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Women in Wood was founded in 2015 by Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius to create a space where women working in, with, and for the woods could connect, support one another, and build community. What began as a simple conversation has grown into a vibrant, volunteer-run network of over 3,700 women around the world.
Through a private Facebook group, blog, newsletter, events, and countless conversations, Women in Wood fosters daily engagement—whether it’s sharing career advice, gear recommendations, job postings, or personal stories. The group’s grassroots nature has been key to its success, sustained by the passion and participation of its members and supported by many champions and allies.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Women in Wood continues to thrive as a welcoming, inclusive space for women in the forest sector to connect, learn, and lead—together.
“The best part about working in the forest sector is being part of a community of incredible people who care about the forest as much as you do. I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award from FPAC and continue to be astonished at how Women in Wood still resonates with and brings people together after 10 years. I’m thankful to FPAC for all the support and encouragement they have given the Women in Wood community over the years.” -Lacey Rose, co-founder, Women in Wood
"I am grateful for the women who came before us who laid the foundation for us to be able to create and grow Women in Wood. The power of the community is in the women who are a part of it, who give their time, energy, and words of wisdom. The next generation will continue to grow the important role of women in the forest sector and hopefully through Women in Wood will see the value of supporting other women along the way.” -Jess Kaknevicius, co-founder, Women in Wood
For more information about the FPAC Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www.fpac.ca/awards/fpac-awards-of-excellence
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers—providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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