Community Forestry Summer Student at Sunshine Coast Community Forest
During my co-op work term at Sunshine Coast Community Forest the situated in Sechelt BC, I have had the privilege of assisting the directors with various tasks and intricate projects within the Community Forest including forestry layout plan, timber crusing, traffic control, trail assessment project, culvert checking road project, wetland restoration, amphibian survey, salmon release festival education and so on.
The most rewarding thing for me is that I have learned and witnessed the bonds that local people have with their community forests. The residents of the community are closely related to their forest. They not only regard the community forest as their playground with recreation and relaxation, but also as their place to live.
This work experience not only broadened my understanding of community forest resource management, but also honed my communication and cooperation skills. I highly recommend others to pursue the co-op program as it provides an enormously experience and the opportunity to gain early access to the industry to have a chance to think about future employment directions.