Student Forestry Technician – Forsite Consultants Ltd.
As a Forestry Technician with Forsite Consultants Ltd., I have been contributing to various stages of timber development across multiple projects for different clients, such as Canoe Forest Products and Interfor Forest Products. In the beginning stages of a new cutblock, I have carried out preliminary timber reconnaissance surveys to gather information about wood volume and quality within a block. If the timber is deemed merchantable, I then use a combination of GPS, LiDAR, maps, and field observations to plan and lay out the boundaries of the cutblock and roads throughout it, and more detailed timber cruising is carried out. I have also collected data on indicator plants and soil properties in order to determine the BEC site association, which is then used to inform post-logging restoration strategies.
My time at Forsite has challenged me both physically and mentally, as it involves working outdoors in unfavourable terrain through adverse weather conditions. However, the opportunities to witness different forest types in the southern interior, including post-fire stands, makes the physical demands rewarding. The independent nature of the position has honed my decision-making skills and encouraged me to think critically about how each decision impacts the entire project.
My work with Forsite has been an eye-opening introduction to the world of forestry and an inspiring first co-op placement. I am eager to pursue future academic and co-op endeavours equipped with the field skills and deeper understanding of BC forestry I have gained through this position.