Forestry Summer Student; Lil’wat Forestry Ventures
This summer I received the opportunity to work with Lil’wat Nation in Mt. Currie, BC. For the past 3 months I helped manage their forests in a holistic manner. This entailed tree planting, different types of surveys (reagan, free grow, coarse woody debris, indicator species surveys), survey compilations, demarcation of and within blocks using plot lines, as well as fuel management. Working with Lil’wat Forestry gave me an insight into the forestry industry and its many facets one can specialize in. I gained proficiency and experience in tree planting, I learnt how to carry out different types of surveys, and I improved my plant identification abilities. I learnt how to assess a block and recommend certain prescriptions based on my in-field surveys. I received first aid training, brush saw training, and took 2 firefighting courses during my time there. I had the privilege of surveying a block before it was culturally burnt — a pilot project on controlled burns that Lil’wat Forestry Ventures is leading in collaboration with the BC ministry of Forests. I also gained insight into how the Indigenous community use different parts of trees and plants in their daily lives (did you know Devil’s Club can treat arthritis!). Learning and witnessing snippets of Indigenous culture in the form of people, language, ideas, and perspectives was a genuine treat. To me, co-op is a resource that I can learn and receive support from.
As someone relatively new to the work environment, the co-op program was immensely beneficial in facilitating my transition to the workplace. I am excited to use my newfound experience, as well as the support from the co-op program to continue to foster my knowledge and skills in the Forestry Industry.