In partnership with the College of New Caledonia

This Issue:

• Open House (2)• Resource Library (3)• Who’s Who (3)• SWP Bios (4)...And More!

An initiative of

Demonstration of Alaskan Sawmill.

Fort St. James:Fort St. James:Fort St. James:Fort St. James:Fort St. James:Small ScaleSmall ScaleSmall ScaleSmall ScaleSmall Scale

Private forest landowners in the Fort St. Jamesarea were provided with an introductory

seminar on small-scale sawmilling over theweekend of May 26-27 on the John and JoyceHelweg farm. This course provided classroom aswell as practical sessions on some of the variousmills available for small-scale operations. Asidefrom saw sharpening skills, safety and the millingcharacteristics of the various tree species, theparticipants were privileged to have the opportu-nity to receive hands-on experience operating thetwo sawmills which were present on site.

Ron Repco travelled down from GermansonLanding to teach us the intricacies of handling theAlaskan Sawmill. This particular piece of equip-ment obviously stands the test of time well as hehas used this same model for the last 20 years.This model can be purchased for about $340. Twopower saws are also required to operate thisdevice, one to buck and trim the log and the otherto attach to the mill. Last year alone Ron cut closeto 6,000 board feet of lumber with the mill. Thelargest pieces of lumber he has ever cut were acouple of 12 inch x 12 inch x 40 foot stringers

Supporting Management of Forest Resources on Private Lands � Fall 2001

The Northern BCThe Northern BCThe Northern BCThe Northern BCThe Northern BC

SawmillingSawmillingSawmillingSawmillingSawmillingWWWWWorkshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshop

by Lee Foster, Extension ForesterSmall Woodlands Program of BC

has found that parts for hismachine can easily be pur-chased at most equipmentsupply stores.

John Helweg also displayedhis mill, which was called the

Board Bandit. His advice foran individual looking to

acquire a sawmillwould be to look

for a good usedmodel. The sawcomparable tothis new would

be worth $20,000 - $30,000.He was able to purchase hissecond hand mill for consider-ably less. John started out themorning by quickly and effi-ciently milling a dried out GradeIII log into six 2x10x12-footlong boards. Participants laterhad the opportunity to operateboth of these mills. Futuretraining courses may involve theuse of additional mills should theinterest and opportunity arise.

that he had custom cut for abridge for a local sawmill. Hewas pleased with the straightprofessional end product pro-duced. However he was morethan a little disgruntled when hewent out to the bridge site andwatched them cut 10 feet off theend of each stringer and use theexcess for firewood.

This mill, aside from beingportable, is very efficient. Heexplained how he was able to cutseven to eight foot logs out of aspruce tree that was 19 inches atthe butt. He used two powersaws for limbing and buckingand managed to harvest thirteen2x10s, ten 2x8s, and nine 2x6s.He also resawed the slabs toproduce some 1-inch boards. Hedid this all in four to five hourswith the help of his wife andone gallon of gas. Ron said he

Small Woodlands UpdateSmall Woodlands Update

Frances Hall of the Ministry of Forests reviews some silviculture basics.

The service that hasgenerated the mostinterest is the opportu-nity to have a RegisteredProfessional Foresterexamine landowners’property.

Omineca-POmineca-POmineca-POmineca-POmineca-Peace Reace Reace Reace Reace Regionegionegionegionegion’s SWP Open House’s SWP Open House’s SWP Open House’s SWP Open House’s SWP Open House

A Small Woodlands Program of BC openhouse held May 9 in Dawson Creek gave

landowners a sampling of the range of servicesoffered by the program. The afternoon event tookplace at the Kiwanis Enterprise Centre, and SmallWoodlands Program Coordinator FrancesArmstrong said the intent was to assess the needsof interested parties and provide them with someof the basics of woodland management.

The service that has generated the most interestis the opportunity to have a Registered Profes-sional Forester examine landowners’ property.Local landowner John Kendrew has alreadybenefited from this expert advice, and he gave apresentation about the experience.

In the winter of 1999, Kendrew had an on-siteconsultation with extension forester Lee Foster,RPF.

“We walked the ground. He saw our differentspecies and different ages of growth and [Foster]was able to talk so knowledgeably about what thepotential was, and what my options were, andtried to match them as close as possible,”Kendrew said.

Foster then submitted a written report toKendrew which included soil and vegetationprofiles and aerial photos of his property. Thereport is the basis for Kendrew’s business andmanagement plan. Kendrew hopes to complete theMaster Woodland Management course when theSmall Woodlands Program of BC offers it in the

Omineca-Peace Region.Silviculture Planning Forester

Frances Hall, from the Ministryof Forests, reviewed somebasics of Silviculture. As wellas purchasing a planting shovel

and learning the physicaltechnique for transplantingseedlings, landowners need toknow the Seedling TransferGuidelines.

These guidelines classifyseedlings according to thegeographical location in whichthey will best perform. Land-owners must note the latitude,longitude and elevation of thearea they intend to plant.

2

“Every single seedlot that iscollected has a geographiclocation, and if planted outsidethe recommended zone, the treemay lose volume,” said Hall.

Using the Interior Spruce andLodgepole Pine as examples,Hall illustrated that seeds havespecific zones for optimumsuccess. In terms of elevationand location, Lodgepole Pineseeds have a narrower range ofsuccessful germination thanseeds from Interior Spruce.

The essentials of TimberMarks were covered by JimPodger, District Scaling Super-visor with the Ministry ofForests. The alphanumeric codeis assigned to both the land andthe owner. It is not transferrable,though it can be amended if thelicensee obtains more land foruse in timber production.Podger explained that “inlaymen’s terms, you can almostlook at it as a license plate.”

Timber Marks must be dis-played on every log once itleaves its point of origin. Whenthe timber is scaled, transportedor processed the Timber Mark isverified to confirm the produc-er’s legitimacy. Operating as atrace back, it is one way tocounteract timber piracy.

At the conclusion of theafternoon, participants voicedtheir interest in further semi-nars. Top topics for participantswere how to begin managingforest resources, discussion ofharvesting methods, legal andtaxation issues and the value-added sector.

Small Woodlands Update

Who’s Who in Prince GeorgeWho’s Who in Prince GeorgeWho’s Who in Prince GeorgeWho’s Who in Prince GeorgeWho’s Who in Prince George

The College of New Caledonia in Prince George is the

lead agency for delivery of theSmall Woodlands Program inthe Omenica-Peace Region. TheCollege has a wide communityinterest area, with regionalcampuses in Burns Lake,Vanderhoof, Fort St. James,Mackenzie, Quesnel, andValemount-McBride.

At the helm is Glen W.Wonders, RPF, coordinatingand directing program activity.Glen has an extensive forestrybackground. He is a RegisteredProfessional Forester in bothBC and Alberta, with experi-ence as a forestry consultant,industry and government for-ester.

Donna Burgess joins Glen atthe office in Prince George,assisting him with the adminis-trative duties of running theprogram. Donna has worked forthe College of New Caledoniafor 2 years, and worked inprivate business prior to thejoining the College.

There are currently fiveextension foresters conductingon-site consultations with

landowners. Three of the five,Bob Baker, Lee Foster, andMark Clark , have been with theprogram since it’s inception.Joining us this year are JimEadie and Mike Torpe. All areRegistered Professional Forest-ers (RPFs) as well as independ-ent forestry consultants.

While each of the foresterscontributes extensive knowledgeand experience in the forestryand land management indus-tries, they also bring uniquequalities that further enhancethe extension services we areable to offer through the SmallWoodlands Program. As anexperienced College instructor,Jim Eadie is an ideal candidateto administer many of thecourses and seminars, as well asproviding educationally-basedextension services. Mark Clarkis a private forest land ownerand woodlot licensee, and has abackground in formal mediarelations and has participated inmany public and televisedforums. As the owner of 480acres of private land and themanager of his own Woodlot,Lee Foster is able to contribute

The crew from PThe crew from PThe crew from PThe crew from PThe crew from Prince George, joined by Trince George, joined by Trince George, joined by Trince George, joined by Trince George, joined by Tanis Blockaanis Blockaanis Blockaanis Blockaanis Blocka(program coordinator – Northern Lights College –(program coordinator – Northern Lights College –(program coordinator – Northern Lights College –(program coordinator – Northern Lights College –(program coordinator – Northern Lights College –Chetwynd) take time to check out the new SmallChetwynd) take time to check out the new SmallChetwynd) take time to check out the new SmallChetwynd) take time to check out the new SmallChetwynd) take time to check out the new SmallWWWWWoodlands Collection at the College of Newoodlands Collection at the College of Newoodlands Collection at the College of Newoodlands Collection at the College of Newoodlands Collection at the College of NewCaledonia LibraryCaledonia LibraryCaledonia LibraryCaledonia LibraryCaledonia Library. P. P. P. P. Pictured from left to right are;ictured from left to right are;ictured from left to right are;ictured from left to right are;ictured from left to right are;Glen WGlen WGlen WGlen WGlen Wonders, Mark Clark, Donna Burgess, Tonders, Mark Clark, Donna Burgess, Tonders, Mark Clark, Donna Burgess, Tonders, Mark Clark, Donna Burgess, Tonders, Mark Clark, Donna Burgess, TanisanisanisanisanisBlocka, Jim Eadie, LBlocka, Jim Eadie, LBlocka, Jim Eadie, LBlocka, Jim Eadie, LBlocka, Jim Eadie, Lee Fee Fee Fee Fee Foster and Bob Baker (missingoster and Bob Baker (missingoster and Bob Baker (missingoster and Bob Baker (missingoster and Bob Baker (missingfrom photo is Mike Tfrom photo is Mike Tfrom photo is Mike Tfrom photo is Mike Tfrom photo is Mike Torpe).orpe).orpe).orpe).orpe). The Small W The Small W The Small W The Small W The Small Woodlands Collection consists ofoodlands Collection consists ofoodlands Collection consists ofoodlands Collection consists ofoodlands Collection consists ofapproximately 700 books, videos and faxbacks (looseapproximately 700 books, videos and faxbacks (looseapproximately 700 books, videos and faxbacks (looseapproximately 700 books, videos and faxbacks (looseapproximately 700 books, videos and faxbacks (loosepage articles that can be faxed or photocopied andpage articles that can be faxed or photocopied andpage articles that can be faxed or photocopied andpage articles that can be faxed or photocopied andpage articles that can be faxed or photocopied andmailed). The collection covers a wide variety of topicsmailed). The collection covers a wide variety of topicsmailed). The collection covers a wide variety of topicsmailed). The collection covers a wide variety of topicsmailed). The collection covers a wide variety of topicssuch as business, estate and taxation planning,such as business, estate and taxation planning,such as business, estate and taxation planning,such as business, estate and taxation planning,such as business, estate and taxation planning,ecosystems, property and resource rights, wildlife,ecosystems, property and resource rights, wildlife,ecosystems, property and resource rights, wildlife,ecosystems, property and resource rights, wildlife,ecosystems, property and resource rights, wildlife,riparian areas, wetlands and watersheds, forestriparian areas, wetlands and watersheds, forestriparian areas, wetlands and watersheds, forestriparian areas, wetlands and watersheds, forestriparian areas, wetlands and watersheds, foresthealth, agroforestryhealth, agroforestryhealth, agroforestryhealth, agroforestryhealth, agroforestry, timber harvesting and marketing,, timber harvesting and marketing,, timber harvesting and marketing,, timber harvesting and marketing,, timber harvesting and marketing,and much more. In addition to the Small Wand much more. In addition to the Small Wand much more. In addition to the Small Wand much more. In addition to the Small Wand much more. In addition to the Small WoodlandsoodlandsoodlandsoodlandsoodlandsCollection, the CNC library offers an extensiveCollection, the CNC library offers an extensiveCollection, the CNC library offers an extensiveCollection, the CNC library offers an extensiveCollection, the CNC library offers an extensivecollection of forestrycollection of forestrycollection of forestrycollection of forestrycollection of forestry-related resources.-related resources.-related resources.-related resources.-related resources.

Contact the program at 1.877.561.2302 for moreContact the program at 1.877.561.2302 for moreContact the program at 1.877.561.2302 for moreContact the program at 1.877.561.2302 for moreContact the program at 1.877.561.2302 for moreinformation on the collection.information on the collection.information on the collection.information on the collection.information on the collection.

New Resource Library at CNC

3Northern B.C. Edition • Fall 2001

to the program from bothperspectives, as a private forestlandowner and as an experi-enced extension forester. MikeTorpe has 24 years experience inforest management and manages233 hectares of private forestland contributing to his ownwoodlot. Mike was a member ofthe planning team responsiblefor the Prince George Land andResource Management Plan.Rounding out the extension teamis Bob Baker who brings inter-national experience to theprogram. He was born andraised in the County of Kent inthe UK, attended University inNew Brunswick, and worked inthe forestry industry in England,Sweden, Quebec and BC.

The current team of extensionforesters may be increased asregional interest and clientdemand continues. The Collegeof New Caledonia is committedto providing professionalextension and high qualityeducational services to ourclients, and to ensure that theprogram goals of the SmallWoodlands Program of BC aremet.

4

Tanis Blocka, a registeredprofessional forester, is theSmall Woodlands ProgramCoordinator for NorthernLights College, ChetwyndCampus. Before starting withNorthern Lights College inMarch of 2001, she was em-ployed for five years with theMinistry of Forests where sheworked for the timber depart-ment and had involvement withwoodlots and agricultureleases. Tanis has been very busycoordinating the on site consul-tations in this region as well asplanning training events forlandowners with the KiwanisEnterprise Centre.

Ken Kohlman started inbusiness as a Heavy EquipmentOwner/Operator in 1978. He hasexperience in gold mining androad construction and has been alogging contractor for the past15 years for West Fraser Millsin Chetwynd, BC. As the SmallWoodlands Program Coordina-tor for the Kiwanis EnterpriseCentre, Ken would like tocontribute in any way possible toencourage and promote environ-mentally sound community landmanagement, diversification andsustainability to enhance thevalue-added and agroforestryconcepts.

Your Small Woodlands Contacts for the Peace Country

Peace Region SmallWoodlands Programteam pictured withconsultant SandraBurton, P. Ag., secondfrom left. Teammembers are (fromleft) Ken Kohlman,Tanis Blocka andFrances Armstrong.

The Small Woodlands Program of BCoffers a wide variety of educational oppor-tunities to the forest land owners of BC. Theinitial focus of Glen Wonders and theCollege of New Caledonia has been to letpeople know that the program exists and thatthe services are available courtesy of ForestRenewal BC. Glen has promoted the pro-gram by personal contact with those attend-ing the general meetings of various associa-tion’s throughout the region. He has at-tended numerous meetings of private landowners, woodlot associations, BC Cattle-men’s meetings, farmer’s meetings, andmany others.

Training opportunities offered to dateinclude: computer training courses inVanderhoof, an Agroforestry Seminar inQuesnel, and a Small Scale Sawmillingcourse in Fort St. James.

Glen and his crew are very pleased withthe response to the program and are nowshifting direction from promotion to deliv-ery. Requests for on-site consultations withan extension forester now total over 85 andare well under way. The needs and interestsof landowners will direct the courses andseminars to be offered through the program.

Opportunities Past, Presentand Future

SMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCCollege of New CaledoniaCollege of New CaledoniaCollege of New CaledoniaCollege of New CaledoniaCollege of New Caledonia

3330—22nd A3330—22nd A3330—22nd A3330—22nd A3330—22nd AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenuePPPPPrince George, B.C., V2N 1P8rince George, B.C., V2N 1P8rince George, B.C., V2N 1P8rince George, B.C., V2N 1P8rince George, B.C., V2N 1P8TTTTToll Foll Foll Foll Foll Free: 1.877.561.2302ree: 1.877.561.2302ree: 1.877.561.2302ree: 1.877.561.2302ree: 1.877.561.2302e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail: wondersg@cnc.bc.ca wondersg@cnc.bc.ca wondersg@cnc.bc.ca wondersg@cnc.bc.ca wondersg@cnc.bc.cawebsite:website:website:website:website: www www www www www.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca

Small Woodlands Update

Frances Armstrong, B.Ed.,has worked at the KiwanisEnterprise Centre since 1997.As Program Manager sheoversees the operation of all theprograms being offered at theCentre. She will be promotingthe Small Woodlands Programin the Peace region and assistingwith the design and delivery ofbusiness management training.Frances will also be available todiscuss and review businessplans with landowners seekingto diversify rural farm income.

This Issue:

• Map and compass (3)• Wild and dangerous trees (3)• Malaspina team (4)...And More!

In partnership with Malaspina University College

An initiative of

Multi-Multi-Multi-Multi-Multi-Generational Forest ManagementGenerational Forest ManagementGenerational Forest ManagementGenerational Forest ManagementGenerational Forest Management

Vancouver Island home-steader Ephriam Boyd Cook

would have been pleased.Two generations of one of the

Island’s oldest families, de-scendents of the pioneeringCook, have also embraced therole of pioneers — clearing theway for a new approach to themanagement of privately heldland.

Recently Dick Varney of theSmall Woodlands Program ofBC paid a visit to Warren Cook,a family forest owner livingnear Deep Bay on VancouverIsland and working the familyforest with his son Bruce.Varney is the Southern Vancou-ver Island and Gulf Islandsextension coordinator for theprogram, which is run out of

Malaspina University College inNanaimo.

A paper maker in CampbellRiver for 40 years with CrownZellerbach and Fletcher Chal-lenge, Warren, 65, has expandedhis father Melville’s oyster farmand taken over the familyhomestead established by hisgreat grandfather Ephriam in1897, and later run by his sonEzra. Cook Creek, which wasnamed after the family, runsnear their property located at theend of a winding tree-chokeddirt road off the Old IslandHighway. The modest homehas a great view overlookingBaynes Sound.

“We’re the only Cooks left,”Warren says. “We used to have500 acres, and now we have87.” Generation changes havesplit the ownership up.

Warren and Bruce participatedin the federally funded ForestResources Development Agree-ment (FRDA) program in the1990s set up to provide exten-sion and cost share funding forsilvicultural projects for landowners.

“It’s been a challenge —there’s just Dad and me and thebrush grows faster than we cankeep up. It’s time consuming,and we could sure use somehelp, but we really enjoy it,” hesays of what has grown into alabor of love for both of them.

“It’s really interesting and it’salso very rewarding when youwalk around out here and seethe results. Sure it’s hard work,

but we’re putting back.”To that end, both have taken

field trips to other forests andattended seminars to help get ahandle on managing their trees.Judging from the checkerboardof bright blue seedling protec-tors, the two are astute students.

“We’ve learned a lot over thelast 10 years,” says Bruce (whohis dad describes as the planter,the pruner, you name it.) Hepoints to an acre patch that stillcontains many large treesoverlooking Bayne Sound. “Wetook out maybe a dozen treesthat needed to go, did someclearing and replaced them with600 seedlings.... and they’re alldoing really well.”

All told, the Cooks havecleared the way for some 4,000young firs and cedars spread outover about 10 acres, all growingin the shadows of selectedalders. Once considered a weedtree, alder logs are now com-manding a good price south of

Warren andBruce Cook ontheir woodlot atDeep Bay:interesting andrewarding work.

Supporting Management of Forest Resources on Private Lands � Fall 2001

Continued on page 2

Small Woodlands UpdateSmall Woodlands UpdateThe VThe VThe VThe VThe Vancouver Islandancouver Islandancouver Islandancouver Islandancouver Island

2Small Woodlands Update

“““““

”””””

You get toknow thetrees prettygood

We’velearned a lotover the last10 years

the border.“This area here was just a

swamp and a mountain ofsalmonberry when we started,”Bruce points out proudly totheir latest plot established in1999. “But we cleared thebrush, laid down some drainage,and it dried up right away.Look at all those little babies.They’re doing very well.”

As for how many hours themen put in tending to the careof their young trees, both saywhile they simply grab thehours when they can, they alsoset aside certain days for for-estry work.

“You have to stay on top of it,that’s for sure,” says the seniorCook. “You have to baby-sitthem and then once they get to acertain height they’re on theirown. You get to know the treespretty good.”

A landowner with a con-

he says. “But thank gosh for theoysters.”

The family’s year round oysterbusiness — Lorindale Holdings— currently constitutes about90 per cent of their livelihoodwith tree farming accounting forthe other 10.

In the meantime, father andson say they will continue towork towards creating a sustain-able forest and tapping intoprograms such as the SmallWoodlands Program of BC.

“The Cooks are dealing with awet, rich site here, and world-wide rich sites are the mostdifficult to reforest,” Varneysays.

“But they’re doing really well.The Cooks are prime examplesof how landowner educationcontinues to provide publicbenefits.”

science, Warren’s stewardshipethic also saw him donate someof the family land for salmonenhancement. To that end, areaStream Keepers have turned aswamp into a newly establishedspawning pool fed by ChefCreek and stocked with some5,000 coho fry. It is clear theCooks care about the land theycall home, which is also hometo eagles, deer, quail and afamily of bears.

“It’s all very interesting, veryfulfilling as far as I’m con-cerned,” says Warren, whomakes the point that because theidea of small scale forestry isstill a new concept to many,those interested in headingdown this path must not only bepatient, but also be willing tobuck up some of their ownmoney.

“We love our trees ...it’s morelabor intensive than anything,”

The Forest Resource Centremission is to promote, demon-strate and nurture sustainable,ecologically sound small-scaleforestry.

The centre is about more thanconnecting a land owner with aforester. It is about connectingpeople in the forest industry andthe community. It is aboutlearning, nurturing and respect-ing each other as members andcontributors to the woodlandscommunity - from the nurseryoperator to the final woodproducer, the wood extractor,the wildlife and watersheds, allof us. That is why the ForestResource Centre will offerservices from variety of areasand will focus on connectingpeople with services.

The Forest Resource Centrefunctions as a “store front”office which provides small-

scale forest landholders and thepublic with a meeting place,access to information andextension services, including:

• on-site visits by foresters(RPFs)

• store front clinics for indi-viduals seeking options

• study groups, seminars,workshops, guest speakersfrom across the industry

• field trips, demonstrations,learning from peers

• videos, books, catalogues,library

• newsletter, website, newscolumns, displays at localevents

• field support for the MasterWoodland Managers programand volunteers

• networking with agroforestry,practitioners in the forestindustry and other commu-nity groups.

Forest RForest RForest RForest RForest Resource Centre Backgrounderesource Centre Backgrounderesource Centre Backgrounderesource Centre Backgrounderesource Centre BackgrounderForest Renewal BC’s Small Woodlands Program

has selected the North Island Woodlot Associa-tion as one of the Regional Delivery Agents forthe Mid and North Vancouver Island areas. Theassociation operates the Forest Resource Centre at318C Avenue in Courtenay.

Joyce Currie, Tim Fairbank and Linda O’Brennanprovide information on the Master WoodlandManager program at the July 8 Victoria Flower andGarden Show.

Continued from PContinued from PContinued from PContinued from PContinued from Page 1age 1age 1age 1age 1Cook FamilyCook FamilyCook FamilyCook FamilyCook Family

MWMs at Garden ShowMWMs at Garden ShowMWMs at Garden ShowMWMs at Garden ShowMWMs at Garden Show

A Map and Compass courseheld June 10 at Oyster River’sUBC Research Farm attracted20 people, including someprivate forest landowner fami-lies. The course was sponsoredby the Forest Resource Centrein Courtenay and was taught byHarold Macy. During themorning lecture participantslearned map-reading and how touse stereoscopes for aerialphotos. In the afternoon fieldsession the group worked ontaking sight lines (with the goalthat if you do it right you endup back where you started!)

The Gallagher family ofComox attended theMap and Compasscourse.

Looking for Wild and Danger-ous Trees, a workshop held onQuadra Island, attracted severallandowners interested in learn-ing about retaining wildlife treesand still maintaining a safework environment.

Jerry Benner, a provincialinstructor who certifies Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessors, con-ducted the June 23 workshop.

Wildlife trees (sometimescalled snags) provide valuableand sometimes critical habitatfor many forest animals. How-ever a standing tree can alsopresent a hazard. This can bedue to deterioration or physicaldamage to its root system,trunk, stem or limbs or due tothe direction and lean of thetree.

Workshop participants learnedto recognize trees that are goodfor wildlife as well as those thatare dangerous to people work-ing or recreating in the woods.

The Workers CompensationBoard has regulations fortreatment and forestry opera-tions around such danger trees.Because not all snags arehazardous, it is important toestablish what type of work or

Quadra Island WQuadra Island WQuadra Island WQuadra Island WQuadra Island Workshop: Workshop: Workshop: Workshop: Workshop: Wildlife and Danger Tildlife and Danger Tildlife and Danger Tildlife and Danger Tildlife and Danger Treesreesreesreesreesrecreation will be done nearsuch a tree. This will help anoperator decide if the tree is safeto work around. For example, asnag with unsafe limbs may beconsidered safe if no activitieswill take place near the tree andthe limbs will simply fall intoan adjacent riparian reservearea.

Wildlife trees can be one ofthe most important componentsof wildlife management in awoodland. Wildlife value andusage increases with the size ofthe tree. The importance ofsuch trees has been recognizedunder the Wildlife Act, whichlegally protects bird specieswith active nests.

Workshop participants learnedhow to design wildlife treepatches and reserves that protectthe truly valuable trees whilestill providing a safe working orliving environment.

The Looking for Wild andDangerous Trees workshop wasorganized through the SmallWoodlands Program of BC andthe North Island WoodlotAssociation. These organiza-tions aim to promote small-scale sustainable forest manage-

ment among small woodland owners and thecommunity.

An Assessor Certification Course may beoffered this fall. For information on this and otherworkshops, field trips, demonstrations or forgeneral information about managing your smallwoodland contact the Forest Resource Centre inCourtenay. See page four for contact information.

Landowners Learn Map and Compass SkillsLandowners Learn Map and Compass SkillsLandowners Learn Map and Compass SkillsLandowners Learn Map and Compass SkillsLandowners Learn Map and Compass Skills

3Vancouver Island Edition • Fall 2001

Ted Moore,agroforestryspecialist, gavelandowners anoverview of how tomanage forages,livestock and trees.The field day forlandowners wassponsored by theMinistry ofAgriculture, Foodand Fisheries, andwas hosted by theBuchanan family attheir farm in ParryBay.

Field Day at Parry Bay

Small Woodlands Update4

Small Woodlands Program ofBC services are provided out ofMalaspina University College byPaul Sears, Dick Varney andKim Hammond.

PPPPPaul Searsaul Searsaul Searsaul Searsaul SearsPaul is a forestry graduate of theUniversity of New Brunswicktoo long ago. He has workedfor the forest service and indus-try. He has a background inforest inventory, harvestingoperations, silviculture andmarketing for a large seedlingcontainer nursery. Paul startedas regional program managerwith the Small WoodlandsProgram of BC in January 2001at Malaspina University-Col-lege.

Dick VDick VDick VDick VDick VarneyarneyarneyarneyarneyDick grew up on a dairy farm inNew York State. He went toagriculture college for two yearsand decided one day aftergraduation to go on a trip.He ended up in the PacificNorthwest and in the early1970s ventured to LasquetiIsland where he discovered hisreal calling was growing garlic.He was a forerunner in thegarlic trade in the mid to late1970s. After his family sold thefarm they migrated west aswell. They bought forest landon Lasqueti and his mom lived

there until recently. Dick returned to the Universityof Washington and finished aforestry degree in the early1990s. He worked in extensionfor several years there, thenmigrated back to BC with Susanhis wife, in the mid 1990s. He isnow a registered professionalforester in BC and works withsmall private land owners.

Kim HammondKim HammondKim HammondKim HammondKim HammondA native of St, John’s New-foundland, Kim moved to BC in1980, fell in love with “realmountains” and never left. Her

Malaspina team is here to serve youMalaspina team is here to serve youMalaspina team is here to serve youMalaspina team is here to serve youMalaspina team is here to serve you

first career was in animal husbandry. In 1992 shewent back to college and graduated from KwantlenUniversity College in horticulture technology. Kimmoved to Vancouver Island in 1996 and later spenttwo years rearing natural predators (biologicals)for the greenhouse industry. Kim was an earlygraduate of the Master Woodland Manger Trainingoffered by the Small Woodlands Program of BC,and was an active volunteer following the course.As a natural extension of gardening, forestry was anew frontier. Kim is a founding member and tourguide at Milner Gardens in Qualicum, founder andpast president of the Community Garden inParksville and a Master Gardener. Kim now livesand works at home in Parksville as Coordinator ofthe Master Woodland Manager Program.

The Team: (from left) Tom Hedekar, Malaspina University-College forestry extension programmanager; Pat Stuart, administrative assistant; Kim Hammond, master woodland managercoordinator; Dick Varney, extension forester; Paul Sears, regional program director.

SMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCForest RForest RForest RForest RForest Resource Centreesource Centreesource Centreesource Centreesource Centre

318C Duncan A318C Duncan A318C Duncan A318C Duncan A318C Duncan AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueCourtenayCourtenayCourtenayCourtenayCourtenay, BC V9N 2M5, BC V9N 2M5, BC V9N 2M5, BC V9N 2M5, BC V9N 2M5Phone: 1.250.334.8265Phone: 1.250.334.8265Phone: 1.250.334.8265Phone: 1.250.334.8265Phone: 1.250.334.8265e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail: niwa@island.net niwa@island.net niwa@island.net niwa@island.net niwa@island.netwebsite:website:website:website:website: www www www www www.island.net/-niwa.island.net/-niwa.island.net/-niwa.island.net/-niwa.island.net/-niwa

Malaspina University CollegeMalaspina University CollegeMalaspina University CollegeMalaspina University CollegeMalaspina University College

900 5th Street900 5th Street900 5th Street900 5th Street900 5th StreetNanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Phone: 1.250.740.6363Phone: 1.250.740.6363Phone: 1.250.740.6363Phone: 1.250.740.6363Phone: 1.250.740.6363e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: searsp@mala.bc.casearsp@mala.bc.casearsp@mala.bc.casearsp@mala.bc.casearsp@mala.bc.ca

The Parry Bay Field Day at the Buchanan farm was wellattended by landowners.

This Issue:

• Private Woodland Planner (2)• Silviculture Investments (3)• Fact Sheet (4)...And More!

In partnership with the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations

An initiative of

The BC Cattlemen’s AnnualGeneral Meeting, held in

Williams Lake May 24-26,provided the Small WoodlandsProgram with an opportunity toshow ranchers and farmers howto benefit from managing theirforest lands.

Glen Wonders, RPF, ProgramManager for the Northern BCRegion, met farmers and ranch-ers and explained the servicesand opportunities availablethrough the Small WoodlandsProgram of BC. People wereparticularly interested in theextension forester service.Extension foresters walk alandowner’s property and lookat their forested sites. Theyoffer advice on maximizing thepotential of the forest landholdings, and refer the land-owner to publications and other

SWP of BC attends BC CattlemenSWP of BC attends BC CattlemenSWP of BC attends BC CattlemenSWP of BC attends BC CattlemenSWP of BC attends BC Cattlemen’s A’s A’s A’s A’s AGMGMGMGMGM

Rancher GeorgeGilson of theOnward Ranchdiscusses theSmallWoodlandsProgram of BCwith RegionalProgramManager GlenWonders ofPrince George.

resources that willhelp them managetheir forests. Aftertalking to Glen,several rancherssigned up for anextension forestervisit.

Approximately400 people attendedthe AGM, whichbrought togetherfarmers and ranch-ers from around theprovince, Albertaand a few borderingstates. The meetingalso included a tradeshow with 69booths featuringeverything fromequipment tocoffins.

Supporting Management of Forest Resources on Private Lands � Fall 2001

Small Woodlands UpdateSmall Woodlands UpdateThe PThe PThe PThe PThe Provincialrovincialrovincialrovincialrovincial

YYYYYour Pour Pour Pour Pour Provincial Trovincial Trovincial Trovincial Trovincial TeameameameameamMembers of the SmallWoodlands Program of BCProvincial Coordination Teaminclude (clockwise from bottomleft) Lynn Christie andCatherine Quanstrom,communications; NancyHalvorson, administrativesupport; Carmen Wheatley,contract coordinator; and JillDunbar, project coordinator.

See “Providing Provincial Support” onnext page for more information.

The Private Woodland Plan-ner is a user-friendly com-

puter software program devel-oped by the Small WoodlandsProgram of BC to help land-owners with financial analysisof forestry values and optionson their properties. The PWPwas designed to help estimate:

• Current and future timbervolume growth and yield.

• Costs and returns for harvest-ing timber.

• Costs and returns for harvest-ing and processing non-timber forest products.

• Gains and returns fromsilviculture investments.

The PWP can predict potentialfuture profits and can be usedanywhere in British Columbia.

It has been designed to be easyto use, with default valuesincluded to fill informationgaps, although users should besomewhat familiar with types oftrees and non-timber forestproducts on their land, as wellas harvesting costs. The PWPwas developed as part of ourcommitment to provide educa-tional services to land owners.

Landowners are encouraged todownload the PWP from theInternet at www.swp.bc.ca. Thesoftware is also available in CD-ROM format. There is a chargeof $13.29 (includes GST andshipping) per CD to cover costsof production, handling andmailing. Payment must be bycheque or money order, payableto the Small Woodlands Pro-gram of BC. For more informa-

tion, or to order your copy,contact the Small WoodlandsProgram of BC ProvincialOffice in Smithers. Contactinformation is listed on page 4.

The PWP can be installed onany personal computer usingWindows 95, 98, 2000, or NT4.The program requires up to 8mbof hard drive space for installa-tion.

A User Guide is included withdownloaded or CD-ROMversions. Please refer to theUser Guide for complete instal-lation and operating details.

We welcome your questions orcomments on the application ofthe Private Woodland Planner.See page 4 for contact informa-tion

The Private WThe Private WThe Private WThe Private WThe Private Woodland Planner Helps Analyzeoodland Planner Helps Analyzeoodland Planner Helps Analyzeoodland Planner Helps Analyzeoodland Planner Helps AnalyzeProperty RProperty RProperty RProperty RProperty Resourcesesourcesesourcesesourcesesources

2Small Woodlands Update

Providing Provincial SupportProviding Provincial SupportProviding Provincial SupportProviding Provincial SupportProviding Provincial SupportServices to Private Forest Landowners are currently providedthrough the Regional Offices of the Small Woodlands Programof BC at the College of New Caledonia in Prince George andat Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo. As well, thoseorganizations have partnered with other groups to helpdeliver services to a wider audience. Partners in the Northinclude Northern Lights College in Chetwynd, and theKiwanis Enterprise Centre in Dawson Creek. In Courtenay,the North Island Woodlot Association’s Forest ResourceCentre delivers Small Woodlands Program of BC services.Malaspina University-College has also partnered with theSouth Island Woodlot Association to deliver on-the-groundextension services. Support to these regional agencies isprovided by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations. TheFederation has contracted a Provincial Coordination Teamlocated in Smithers, BC, to assist the regions in providingservices to landowners. Landowners outside the NorthernBC and Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast service areas canalso contact the provincial office to receive the programnewsletter, the Small Woodlands Update. It is anticipated that services will be provided in theKamloops and Okanagan areas in the fall of 2001 by theSouthern Interior Forest Extension Research Partnership. Call250-371-3746 for more information.

Regional OfficeCollege of New Caledonia,Prince GeorgePartnersNorthern Lights College,Chetwynd.Kiwanis Enterprise Centre,Dawson Creek

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Regional OfficeMalaspina University-College,NanaimoPartnerNorth Island WoodlotAssociation’s Forest ResourceCentre, Courtenay

ProvincialCoordination TeamFederation of BC WoodlotAssociations, Smithers

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An oft-heard complaint aboutsilviculture is the long wait forconiferous trees to grow to amerchantable volume. Whiledelays in returns on investmentmay be frustrating, the alterna-tive to silviculture—lettingharvested woodland grow backnaturally—in many cases resultsin greater delays and poorerquality trees.

The greater freedom of privatelandowners to manage theirwoodlands offers more invest-ment alternatives. The followingare some investment strategiesto mitigate a wait for silvicul-ture to pay-off:

Introduce a short term cropIntroduce a short term cropIntroduce a short term cropIntroduce a short term cropIntroduce a short term cropWith this strategy, you leveragethe value of your land andwoodland growing conditions.

Gather non-timber forestGather non-timber forestGather non-timber forestGather non-timber forestGather non-timber forestproductsproductsproductsproductsproductsPractical suggestions for market-ing non-timber forest productsare provided in Chapter 5.

What can I do about the wait for a silvicultureWhat can I do about the wait for a silvicultureWhat can I do about the wait for a silvicultureWhat can I do about the wait for a silvicultureWhat can I do about the wait for a silvicultureinvestment payinvestment payinvestment payinvestment payinvestment pay-----off?off?off?off?off?

Improve the look of yourImprove the look of yourImprove the look of yourImprove the look of yourImprove the look of yourlandlandlandlandlandSeveral elements of the look ofyour woodland, includingtiming, are left to nature ifsilviculture treatments are notconducted. If your land is usedfor residential or recreationpurposes or can readily be seenfrom the roadside, the aestheticsof your woodlands can beimportant.

More important from aneconomic standpoint, you willlikely also improve the value ofyour land.

Enhance the forest habitatEnhance the forest habitatEnhance the forest habitatEnhance the forest habitatEnhance the forest habitatThe enhancement of wildlife andfish habitat, grazing potential,and soil protection are benefitsof silviculture. The potential fordisease, pest or fire damage maybe reduced. While dollar valuesare sometimes not obvious, theymight be reflected in a land saleprice.

Improve the value of yourImprove the value of yourImprove the value of yourImprove the value of yourImprove the value of yourwoodland throughwoodland throughwoodland throughwoodland throughwoodland throughincreased growth andincreased growth andincreased growth andincreased growth andincreased growth andimproved timber qualityimproved timber qualityimproved timber qualityimproved timber qualityimproved timber qualityThe timber return to silvicultureis usually thought of as beingvery long term. Your trees puton “weight” every year i.e., thereis a mean annual growth incre-ment (MAI). There is an associ-ated market value with theannual in-growth, which adds toyour land value.

This article isexcerptedfrom theBusinessPlanning andMarketingGuidebookdeveloped bythe SmallWoodlandsProgram ofBC. Guide-books will beavailable in thefall of 2001.

You can realize the value of thatannual “weight” gain upon thesale of your land withoutnecessarily having to wait for aharvest. The incremental gainfrom silviculture is a feature thatsome buyers will take intoaccount in the purchase price.

Silviculture can alsoSilviculture can alsoSilviculture can alsoSilviculture can alsoSilviculture can alsoimprove the quality ofimprove the quality ofimprove the quality ofimprove the quality ofimprove the quality oftimbertimbertimbertimbertimber..... If you are selling to a buyerwho is interested in timber value,timber quality can be factoredinto the selling price.

Introduce selectiveIntroduce selectiveIntroduce selectiveIntroduce selectiveIntroduce selectiveharvestingharvestingharvestingharvestingharvestingRather than clear-cutting anarea, a selective harvestingregimen can be used. In thissystem, you may harvest everyfew years. Re-planting wouldsimilarly occur every few years.

TTTTTo order a copyo order a copyo order a copyo order a copyo order a copyof the of the of the of the of the BusinessBusinessBusinessBusinessBusiness

Planning andPlanning andPlanning andPlanning andPlanning andMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingGuidebookGuidebookGuidebookGuidebookGuidebookcontact thecontact thecontact thecontact thecontact the

provincial office.provincial office.provincial office.provincial office.provincial office.See contactSee contactSee contactSee contactSee contact

information oninformation oninformation oninformation oninformation onpage 4page 4page 4page 4page 4

3Provincial Edition • Fall 2001

Small Woodlands Program of BC

Fact SheetFact SheetFact SheetFact SheetFact SheetProgram Objectives• To expand BC’s forest

potential• To encourage sustainable

management of private forestland

• To increase employmentopportunities and revenuefrom private lands

• To increase the viability ofrural land-based businesses

Landbase• 2.15 million hectares of

non-industrial private forestland

• Is close to population centersand manufacturing facilities

• Has high forest capability

Value of PrivateWood• When markets for lumber

peak, forest companies seekprivate suppliers and paypremium prices.

• In a peak year the value ofprivate wood sales in theNorthern Interior (for exam-ple) could be as high as $72million

Landowners• 27,000 landowners hold

between 8-4,000 hectareparcels

• Most belong to one or moreof the following associations:BC Cattlemen, forage asso-ciations, farmers institutes,woodlot associations, value-added agriculture associa-tions, value-added woodassociations, organic produc-ers associations, first nations,and community forests

• Have diverse land use inter-ests, including forestry,agroforestry, agriculture, andsustainable land management

Economic Benefits fromNon-IndustrialPrivate Forest Land• Private non-industrial forest land produces

an average of 4.3 million cubic metres ofwood annually, generating up to $900million in forest product sales, 5,000 directand 9,500 indirect jobs, $275 million inpayroll, and $225 million in governmentrevenue.

• Unfortunately, most harvesting on theselands has been an opportunistic responseto increased constraints to harvesting onCrown land. Few provisions – even thoseas basic as replanting – have been made tosecure future timber supplies and futureyields are expected to decline sharply.This will result in loss of significant eco-nomic benefits to BC’s rural economy.

• However, experience in other jurisdictionsshows that offering forest management,business and marketing information tothese landowners will result in increasedfuture yields, higher wood quality, andmore entrepreneurial activity. This willalso result in protection of environmentalvalues.

Program ServicesTo Date• 380 landowners have been

visited by extension forestersor attended training

• 2500 landowners havereceived extension materialsand program information tohelp manage their (estimated)150,000 hectares

• 30,000 newsletters circulatedto landowners andstakeholders

• 34 people trained as MasterWoodland Managers

• Small Woodlands Librariesestablished in Prince Georgeand Nanaimo

• Pilot program services (1998-2000) delivered by provincialcoordinating agency

• Current services (2000 - topresent) delivered by Re-gional Delivery Agencies inPrince George, DawsonCreek, Chetwynd, Nanaimo,Courtenay and Kamloopswith provincial coordination

• Total program investment todate by delivery agencies is$1.8 million

• Demand for services contin-ues to grow

SMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSSMALL WOODLANDSPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPROGRAM OF BCPPPPProvincial Officerovincial Officerovincial Officerovincial Officerovincial Office

Box 2179Box 2179Box 2179Box 2179Box 2179Smithers, BC V0J 2N0Smithers, BC V0J 2N0Smithers, BC V0J 2N0Smithers, BC V0J 2N0Smithers, BC V0J 2N0TTTTToll Foll Foll Foll Foll Free: 1.877.847.1830ree: 1.877.847.1830ree: 1.877.847.1830ree: 1.877.847.1830ree: 1.877.847.1830e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail:e-mail: info@swp.bc.ca info@swp.bc.ca info@swp.bc.ca info@swp.bc.ca info@swp.bc.cawebsite:website:website:website:website: www www www www www.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca.swp.bc.ca

Small Woodlands Update4