Silvicon Services Inc. is a well-established and successful forest management consulting firm. Their experienced and highly motivated forest management team has provided high-quality, professional, and technical woodlands services to forest licensees, indigenous groups, government agencies, and individuals in British Columbia and Alberta since 1980. They offer a competitive wage, quality training, mentorship, and a supportive and fun work environment.
To learn more about the position and on how to apply visit the link below.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Chenming Wei, president of the International Forestry Students’ Association at UBC, who will be attending the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, UAE for a speech titled, “Green Bonds: Empowering Communities through Afforestation and Carbon Stability.”
About Chenming Wei
Chenming is currently a Master of International Forestry student and is a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship. His professional experience includes roles such as Junior Resource Technologist at the BC Ministry of Forests, and Climate Ambassador at the Langley Environmental Partners Society. He is the current President of the UBC Local Committee for the International Forestry Students’ Association, and is driven by a profound understanding that forestry issues transcend national borders. He is dedicated to using his expertise to promote international collaboration, bridging gaps, and fostering cooperation in the global goal of achieving sustainable forest management.
About IFSA-UBC
The International Forestry Students’ Association at the University of British Columbia Local Committee (IFSA-UBC) is a dynamic student-led organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of future forestry professionals. Committed to the sustainable management of forests and natural resources, IFSA-UBC engages students through educational seminars, networking events, and hands-on initiatives. Their diverse and passionate membership collaborates with experts, faculty, and international organizations to explore the latest trends in forestry, environmental conservation, and climate action. By combining academic excellence with practical experience, IFSA-UBC strives to empower the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of forestry and contribute to global environmental stewardship.
About the IFSA Speech at COP28
Chenming is set to make an impact at the upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai, UAE, from December 4 to 12, 2023. The event, titled ‘Sensitive Afforestation: Winning Solutions for the Climate and Communities’ is dedicated to underlining the pivotal role of afforestation in supporting communities and addressing climate change. Chenming will present a speech on behalf of IFSA entitled, “Green Bonds: Empowering Communities through Afforestation and Carbon Stability” on December 9. Afforestation policy needs to support communities to cover social, economic and environmental benefits and ensure the ongoing health of the forest and security of carbon captured in the forests into the long term. To see the full event and exhibit schedule, click here.
A new undergraduate bursary helps wood science students realize their dreams.
Alan R. Casselman Bursary in Forestry
Wood and wood derivatives are found in more products today than at any other point in history. Wear rayon? The material is extracted from wood-derived cellulose or other plant materials. Home insulation? Researchers have developed wood-based foam to produce that. The same goes for renewable plastics, packaging materials and a host of other products. Tall wood buildings that outperform steel and concrete? Scientific studies and knowledge-sharing have made them a reality.
The seemingly endless permutations of wood products drew former chemistry and engineering student, Ghullam Yahia Muneeb, to study the renewable resource at UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Department of Wood Science.
“I am very interested in the environmental aspects of wood,” notes Ghullam. “Products such as cross-laminated timber, glulam and other engineered wood products are replacing non-renewable products used in home construction, such as concrete. I see a lot of potential for growth and job opportunities in this industry.”
At the end of his second year of a Wood Products Processing undergraduate degree, Ghullam is also the inaugural recipient of the Alan R. Casselman Bursary in Forestry. The award – made possible through an endowment established by Alan R. Casselman (BSF’61) – helps relieve some of the financial burden on students like Ghullam.
“I dealt with a lot of financial hardships moving here from Alberta, including an even higher cost of living from inflation,” says Ghullam.
Ghullam faced squeezing a full course load of studies between full-time work to make ends meet. The bursary he received made it possible for him to focus on his degree.
Like Ghullam, Alan came to forestry obliquely. After losing his footing in the second year of a commerce degree, Alan took two years away from university to work as an invoice clerk, survey assistant, chokerman and log scaler in the forest sector. He then received some sage advice from then UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Dean George S. Allen, who encouraged him to pursue a degree in forestry at UBC, where he found his calling.
Alan’s keen interest in wood products led him down a highly successful career path as an engineered lumber products consultant. He managed wood products market research with MacMillan Bloedel, including identifying new markets for the company’s groundbreaking Parallam manufactured wood product. Along with David Parker, former general manager of the Parallam Division at MacMillan Bloedel, Alan co-founded StrongWood Technologies Inc., a new proprietary engineered wood technology.
“I have had a great career,” says Alan, “and forestry continues to have a huge impact on me.”
Alan remains close with some of his former UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship classmates to this day. He decided to help out the next generation of UBC Wood Science majors by providing them with financial support to pursue their studies through the Alan R. Casselman Bursary in Forestry.
After graduation, Ghullam plans to work in industry as a quality control specialist in wood building materials before pursuing a master’s in architecture and PhD in timber engineering.
“My eventual plan is to become a professor of timber engineering,” Ghullam says.
“I’m very thankful to Alan Casselman for this support. It’s really helped me a lot.”
The UBC Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)is a one-year professional course-based program that focuses on economic solutions for climate, food and the environment. We offer a strong combination of academic courses, paired with a 4-month work experience project, and a full year of professional and data analytic workshops. Students interested in building upon their economic or business degrees and entering a career in the climate, food, and environmental sector are an excellent fit with the MFRE program.
Please see the attached document for more details about the program, upcoming info sessions, and more.
Ntityix Resources LP and Westbank First Nation’s philosophy around forest stewardship includes caring for everything in, on, and around the land – living or not. Everything is connected to each other in a functioning ecosystem; so, it is important to care for everything on the land we manage. We manage the forest tenures held by Westbank First Nation with the goal of maximizing benefits to Westbank First Nation while remaining a leader is sustainable resource management practices.
For more information and how to apply to be the Junior Engineer, Junior Silviculture, and/or summer student with Ntityix Resourses LP please see the links below.
Global English Camp: The purpose of Global English Camp is to bring English to life for Japanese high school students and build their confidence in speaking it through engaging conversations with native speakers. Whilst students in Japan begin learning English from the third grade, they rarely have the chance to learn it outside of a rote school lesson setting – their time with you is a big deal. As English proficiency is a requirement for getting into top Japanese universities, too, their time with you can be key to their future success in more ways than one. Overall, this program will require you to fly to Japan for at least five weeks, facilitate discussions with a different group of Japanese high school students each week, and be prepared for the realities of living in Japan.
For more information and how to apply please see the attached document below or visit this link.
Traveling Mentor Program: In the Summer of 2024, we will bring our Traveling Mentor Program again. 10-15 Mentors will travel together to several different locations throughout Japan. This team will begin with orientation, training and review/creation of curriculum for the summer programs. Students may range from Highschool, Junior High and even a short Nursery School program. (programs and locations will vary depending on registration confirmations with groups and schools)
For more information and how to apply please see the attached document and visit this link.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship would like to congratulate Dr. Maja Krzic for receiving the Fellow of Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Award!
About Maja
Maja’s research intertwines soil science with education and community engagement, fostering an interactive learning space for students to tackle tangible, real-world issues. Her work merges soil science principles with the influence of human actions on soil dynamics within various ecosystems like crops, grasslands, and forests. By delving into the pivotal role of soil in addressing pressing global sustainability challenges, Maja’s research pioneers a path toward addressing existential issues through soil-focused initiatives.
About the Fellow of Soil Science Society of America Award
Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the Soil Science Society of America. Members of the Society nominate worthy colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Dr. Guangyu Wang and PhD student Chunyu Pan who will be attending the upcoming COP28 in Dubai for an associated event called, ‘Global Knowledge Exchange and New Skills of NbS about Forestry Power to Mitigate Climate Change.’
About Guangyu Wang
Dr. Guangyu Wang’s research centers on sustainable forest and watershed management through computer modeling. He’s completed projects utilizing system dynamics, bioregional assessments, and GIS to analyze ecosystem degradation and land use management. His primary focus is on Chinese forest management, where he’s developed innovative sustainable management plans. Dr. Wang also investigates climate change, forest adaptation, and carbon market mechanisms. Additionally, as a former business professional, he’s keen on strategic planning, financial management of natural resources, and the effectiveness of land use change policies.
About Chunyu Pan
Chunyu Pan is currently a PhD student with Guangyu. His research interests are on the global carbon market, forestry offsets, and bamboo offset projects and their relationships with climate change. He graduated from UBC with a BSc of Science, majoring in Environmental Sciences. Chunyu has been investigating the potential linkage of global carbon markets and the barriers and challenges to developing carbon forestry projects. His current research focuses on the additionality and effectiveness of forestry carbon offset projects and a valid, credible, and internationally recognized carbon accounting methodology for bamboo forest carbon offset projects.
About the UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Side Event at COP28
Two members of the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship are set to make an impact at the upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai, UAE, on December 8, 2023. This event, titled ‘Global Knowledge Exchange and New Skills of NbS about Forestry Power to Mitigate Climate Change,’ is dedicated to underlining the pivotal role of forestry and nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing climate change. Guangyu will open the event and follow with a keynote speech entitled ‘New Pathways for Forestry Development in Response to Climate Change – Carbon Offsets and Health Industry.’ Also, Chunyu will present his research on the development of forestry offsets in Canada. The event will gather world-renowned enterprises, think tanks, universities, research institutions, and NGOs to discuss innovative forest carbon sink technologies and the practical application of NbS. By creating a global platform for dialogue among NGOs, communities, academia, and the business sector, the event seeks to establish a cooperative network to address climate change challenges, thus generating a synergistic global impact. To see the full event and exhibit schedule, click here.
The Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Professor Isla Myers-Smith and the project team and collaborators on being awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair in global change ecology. The position comes with an $8 million grant towards Isla’s research in Arctic greening.
As Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in global change ecology, Isla and her team will study the impacts of global change on northern ecosystems. The research program will focus on tundra and boreal ecosystems in the Western Canadian North, which face threats to sustainable food systems, wildlife populations and their habitats, which together challenge the resilience of communities.
The program will investigate how warming temperatures and shifting seasonality affect Arctic tundra, alpine, and boreal forest ecosystems, including changes in plant growth, habitat composition, wildlife movement and species ranges. It will also examine the collective impact of these changes on the livelihoods of Indigenous communities in the Yukon Territory, Canada.
“As we continue to redefine and reimagine the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Isla Myers-Smith, one of the world’s leading experts in tundra and northern boreal ecosystems,” says Dean Robert Kozak. “As a global change ecologist, Isla will be studying the impacts of a warming planet on these vital and threatened landscapes and communities in the Canadian Arctic.”
Additionally, this CERC program aims to provide international leadership in Arctic research and will integrate long-term monitoring, remote sensing, drone technology, and traditional knowledge from Indigenous partners in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
“I am very excited to begin this research program that will bring together researchers in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, across the UBC campus and in the Yukon, NWT and beyond,” says Dr. Isla Myers-Smith. “The climate change challenges that the Canadian North is facing will require a collaborative approach to research, and this project will bring people together to address Northern research priorities together.”
About Isla
Isla’s research focuses on the study of the ‘greening of the Arctic’ and the responses of plants to climate warming, as well as related impacts such as shrub expansion and permafrost thaw. Her research group, known as “Team Shrub“, employs a range of tools, including measuring tapes and drones, to document changes in the Arctic region, particularly in the Yukon Territory of the Canadian Arctic and across the tundra biome.
About the Team
The full UBC team for the proposal (in alphabetical order) includes: Marie Auger-Méthé, UBC Statistics/EOS; Cole Burton, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Warren Cardinal-McTeague, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Nicholas Coops, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Lori Daniels, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Sue Grayston, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Danielle Ignace, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Tongli Wang, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Tara Martin, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship; Sean Michaletz, UBC Botany.
Yukon, NWT and international partners include: YukonU; Outpost Research Station; Aurora Research Institute; NASA ABoVE Project; Mike Suitor, Yukon Government Dept. Environment; Cameron Eckert, Yukon Government; Caitlin Willier, Yukon Government Dept. Environment; Syd Cannings, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Thomas Jung, Yukon Government Dept. Environment; Laurence Carter, Ivvavik, Parks Canada; Ian McDonald, Vuntut, Parks Canada; Trevor Lantz, UVic; Noémie Boulanger-Lapointe, UVic; LaLiberte, UdeMontreal; Heather Johnson, USGS; Anne Bjorkman, UGothenburg; Sarah Elmendorf, UCBoulder; Bruce Forbes, ULapland; Scott Goetz and Logan Berner, Northern Arizona U; Schaepman-Strub, UZurich; Kerby, UAarhus
About CERC
The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program was established by the federal government in 2008 to strengthen Canada’s ability to attract the world’s top researchers. UBC will receive up to $24 million over eight years to support these three new chairs and their teams to establish ambitious research programs. CERC chairholders conduct ground-breaking research in various fields, such as health sciences, engineering, natural resources and social sciences.
The program has successfully attracted renowned scholars from around the world, strengthening Canada’s research capacity and fostering collaborations. Through its support for exceptional researchers, the CERC program enhances Canada’s global competitiveness and drives innovation, benefiting both the country and the international community.
Applications are invited from a broad range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health and related sciences. Canada Excellence Research Chairs are selected through a highly competitive and rigorous selection process involving a multilevel peer review assessment.
