Dan Macmaster is honoured with an alumni UBC Builder Award
An exceptional role model and volunteer with UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, Dan Macmaster (MSFM’13, RPF) was selected as the recipient of a 2024-25 Alumni Builder Award in recognition of his extensive career accomplishments and mentorship of the next generation of foresters. Among his contributions, Dan has regularly volunteered with the Faculty’s Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) program, serving on the MSFM Advisory Committee, guest lecturing, presenting at field camps and organizing multi-day field activities for MSFM students.
A Registered Professional Forester and the Forestry Manager with the Osoyoos Indian Band on their Nk’Mip First Nations Woodland licence, Dan plays an instrumental role in managing the Band’s six forestry licences, including log extraction, wildfire risk mitigation and habitat and biodiversity management. He is also closely involved in business partnership procurement for the Band with the forest sector, utilities and different levels of government, among others.
A personable and people-focused professional, Dan serves as a Director with the BC First Nations Forestry Council, a Contributing Forester with the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Executive Director with the Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association and a Director of the BC Community Forest Association.
“People really make this industry work. I am always on the lookout for opportunities to build my network, because you never know who you might collaborate with on a project or who might be able to offer some valuable insights to help you meet your objectives.”
— Dan Macmaster
Before switching to forestry, Dan taught environmental science, outdoor education and ecology to high school students for 15 years. He enrolled in UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship MSFM program as a stepping stone to make a positive difference in sustainable land management. His resolve redoubled while completing an MSFM group project on a Vaagen Fibre Canada holding outside of Nelson. The small, family-run mill specialized in value-added fibre and selective cutting with a focus on sustainable forestry and supporting rural communities.
“I collaborated and communicated with First Nations, local community members and stakeholders throughout this project, which helped me understand the land, the neighbouring community members, recreational groups using the land, even sawmills that purchased wood harvested from the land,” Dan recalls. “It broadened my perspective on how the whole system fits together, including the ecological, social and economic components of forest operations.”