B14
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
www.kamloopsthisweek.com
61ST ANNUAL INTERIOR LOGGING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
What’s in a name? In the forest, quite a bit
F
orestry is a major employer in B.C., yet few people outside of the sector understand the differences between the various job titles and designations. The Association of BC Forest Professionals registers and regulates the province’s forest professionals — registered professional foresters, registered forest technologists, special permit and limited license holders, accredited timber cruisers and accredited timber evaluators. These professionals have post-secondary education, or equivalent, in forestry, in addition to many years of experience and are responsible for managing the forests. They may look after all aspects of the forest, including forest health (insect infestations, diseases and fire), fish and wildlife habitat, preparing areas for harvesting and much more. In general, forest professionals ensure forests are managed sustainably.
H I G H
• Forester usually refers to a registered professional forester (RPF). Foresters have university degrees, or equivalent, specializing in forestry and have spent at least two years articling before passing a rigorous registration exam. • Tech or technologist usually refers to a registered forest technologist (RFT). RFTs have a two-year college diploma, or equivalent, in forestry and have spent at least two years articling before passing a rigorous registration exam. • Accredited timber cruiser (ATC) is a specialist who is trained to accurately figure out how much and the quality of each tree species is available for harvesting. A cruiser has on-the-job training and must demonstrate competency before being allowed to use the title ATC. Note that RPFs and (more commonly) RFTs may also be ATCs. • Accredited timber evaluator (ATE) is a specialist similar to an ATC; however, the timber evaluator has more experience
and is able to supervise a team of cruisers. Like ATCs, ATEs must demonstrate their competency before being allowed to use the ATE designation. Note that RPFs and (more commonly) RFTs may also be ATEs. • Silvicultural accredited surveyor (SAS) measures the quantity and quality of young forest stands, usually planted after harvesting, and provides recommendations to ensure these stands reach maturity. Like ATCs and ATEs, they must demonstrate their competency before being allowed to use the SAS designation. Note that RPFs and (more commonly) RFTs may also be SASs. • Forest professional is a generic phrase that refers to any of the above five job categories. Other forest workers: • Logger usually refers to a number of workers whose job it is to harvest timber and bring it to a mill. The term “lumberjack” is similar to logger, but is not used in B.C. It is an eastern North American term.
I N D U S T R Y
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