Ken Byrne and his group of UBC Forestry students in the Masters of Sustainable Forest Management program took a recent trip to Squamish, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the world of forestry from the perspective of some local experts. Leaving UBC bright and early at 7 a.m., the students geared up for a full day of exploration of forest management practices and wildfire risk reduction treatments in the region.
The day kicked off with a much-needed caffeine boost at Starbucks in Squamish, where the group met with their local guide for the day. Stirling Angus is the lead forestry management consultant at SJA Forestry and he gave everyone a run down of the day, and directions to the first site. In a convoy of trucks, the group ventured up Highway 99 to the north end of Squamish where they turned left for a beautiful drive into the Squamish Valley.
Tour of Block 10 on Squamish Nation Land
Block 10 is about 12kms past the Cheakamus River Bridge on Squamish Nations Land. As students donned hard hats and boots, they were warmly greeted by Earl Lewis who manages the land and the forest there. After a safety briefing, Earl led the group on a hike through the forest stopping at points of interest and to talk about the selective logging techniques he uses to manage the land. The students also got to try licorice fern, a small fern growing out of the moss of a large douglas fir whose roots tasted like licorice.
Earl’s family has a long history of managing these forests sustainably, employing selective logging techniques passed down through generations. Still covered in snow in some parts, a real highlight was seeing the abundance of wolf tracks on the route. Earl said they’d been particularly active in the area recently, showing a tangible connection to the thriving ecosystem Earl works to preserve.
Paradise Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction Treatment Area
After a morning of immersive learning in the forest, the group paused for a scenic lunch break along the rocky banks of the Cheakamus River. Following lunch, the expedition continued to Paradise Valley to the Paradise Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction Treatment area. MSFM alumnus and RPF with the Ministry of Forests, Pauline Flottat took the group on a tour of the forest where she showed the techniques and practices they use to help mitigate wildfire risk in the area. Forest debris was cleared and trees under about 12 metres were taken down to limit ground fuels that could be at risk of catching fire. With the debris cleared, they collect viable wood into small piles for the local community to use as firewood, and any other materials are responsibly burned.
West Barr Log Sort
Continuing their journey along Highway 99, the group arrived at the West Barr log sort, set against the stunning backdrop of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. With another safety briefing, they were guided through the operations by Barry Simpson and his team, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of log sorting and processing. They also learned about the timber market and some of the challenges the industry is facing.
From sustainable forest management practices to proactive wildfire risk reduction measures, the day had provided a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in forestry stewardship. The field trip to Squamish had been an eye-opening journey, underscoring the vital importance of thoughtful forest management in preserving these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.