Yup, that's my Dad. He has over 40 years of experience managing forests in Alberta and was apart of a number of committees and boards that changed forest management for the better. We talked about what natural resource management was like in the 70's, how things have changed and where things might go. He has a wealth of knowledge that I think people can learn from. Topics discussed include old school forestry, being resourceful, Jack-of-all trades vs specialization, being self sufficient in the bush, the importance of bringing a compass, models vs. real world, growing trees, scientific approach in forestry, old growth forests, the problem with hemp.
#30-Invasive Fish with Britt Schmidt
Invasive species have always been a huge concern. Because they are not native they have no natural equalizer that can level off their populations when they start to get to big. This can sometimes result in a total takeover and a complete collapse of the natural species that have managed to maintain ecosystem balance for thousands of years. Prussian Carp are one such species that is very well adapted to taking over our river systems and has the potential to destroy the natural balance. They have been found in river systems in southern Alberta and the Alberta Conservation Association has begun research to understand these creatures.
#29-Bighorn Backcountry with Chris Smith
Alberta's wilderness is incredible to behold. It is a place where thousands of people come to hunt, fish, ATV, hike, camp, ski, canoe and much more. We want to make sure people can continue to build these wilderness values for themselves but also to ensure the environmental integrity of the area for future generations to build the same values. The Canadian Parks And Wilderness Society is an organization dedicated to protecting these wild areas. Chris came on to discuss CPAWS' recommendations to the government. CPAWS is far from the only interested group and many other organizations have an interest in what goes on. In this episode we discussed restrictions proposed and what making this area into a wildland provincial park would mean for recreation and industry in the area.
#28-Mountain Pine Beetle with Nadir Erbilgin
Mountain Pine Beetle has done a number on North American forests in the last decade. These tiny little insects carry a fungus that can choke out a full grown tree. With a terrifying reproduction rate and warmer winters these dirty little buggers have the potential to decimate our pine forests. Nadir Erbilgin came on to discuss these creatures and the risk.
#27-Women In Forestry (The Next Generation) with Danielle Kjosness
Women in forestry is a topic not widely discussed. In the past forestry was typically a male dominated industry. Luckily that seems to be less and less true with every passing year. With more women enrolling in forestry and environmental sciences programs now then seemingly ever before, hopefully we are approaching a semblance of equality. Danielle came on to discuss her experience going to school and starting work as a forester in recent years.
#26-Women In Forestry (The Veteran) with Bev Wilson
Women have not always been traditionally found in forest careers. Luckily that has changed and we are seeing more women in forestry and environmental sciences than ever before. Bev Wilson has nearly 40 years of experience in the forest sector and was able to speak to a lot of the changes she has seen and experienced over the years. With a Career as a Senior Resource Analyst for the province of Alberta she is very excited about how good data can help us be better stewards. We talked about how she got her start, some of the challenges along the way, her passion for forest resource data and Geographic Information systems(GIS), and much more.
#25-Trees Do It Too with Barb Thomas
Genetics is a topic that is widely misunderstood. Fear of creating non-natural, GMO organisms has people turned off of the topic. Forest Genetics is one of these misunderstood subjects. We talked seed zones, selective breeding, progeny sites, ethics of putting genetically altered trees on the land, climate change and how we can plan for it and a great deal more.
#24-FIRESTORM with Edward Struzik
Climate change, Chernobyl, asbestos, drought, fire. What do all these things have in common, they are all concerns that wildfire scientists and managers are keeping an eye on. Edward discuses these concerns in great detail in his book FIRESTORM, and he was kind enough to join me on the podcast to discuss it.
#23-Forest Fire Research with Ellen Whitman and Dan Thompson
Fire is both a destructive and rejuvenating force in the Boreal forest. It can consume vast areas of vegetation while, at the same time, making room and creating habitat for new growth. In this episode we discuss some of the research being done by Ellen and Dan in relation to forest fires. We discuss the Fire Weather Index and its variables, Fort McMurray and Slave Lake wildfires, burn severity, new growth and much more.
#22-Why Forestry with Derrick Kreger-Smith and Tony Wieranga
WARNING, do not go looking for factual information in this episode. Three Foresters sit down to discuss why they got into forestry and shoot the bull for over an hour. Tony is the owner of DamagedTimber Apparel and he also discussed his vision with his company and how it is giving back to the environmental community.
#21-Biodiversity and Forest Management with Ellen Macdonald
The maintenance of biodiversity is a crucial measurement in studying ecological balance and recovery post disturbance. From invertebrates, vascular plants, non-vascular plants, birds, small mammals, trees, the EMEND study has researched it all. Dr. Ellen Macdonald came on to discuss the immensity of this study and the opportunity and answers it may provide. Cutblocks are not the environmental devastation you may think they are.
#20-Climate Change and Canada's Forests with David Price
Our world is changing. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has started a chain reaction, permanently altering the worlds climate. Dr. David Price has spent a lifetime studying ecology and climate impacts and he came on to discuss the results of his research. Find out what changes you can expect to witness in our forests in decades to come.
#19-Forest Harvest and Regeneration with Vic Lieffers
Clearcuts, Monocrops, Deforestation, Environmental Damage. These are some of the descriptors one might find in popular culture concerning forest harvest. These are wildly misleading labels. Dr.Vic Lieffers has a lifetime of research on forest harvest and regeneration and he came on to help us all understand the truth about cutblocks and the regeneration process.
#18-The Forest is in Good Hands with Ryan Hee
Forest resources must be protected and managed using the best available science of the time. In order to hold forest practitioners to that commitment, and accountable to the public, a regulatory body was formed. The Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals is a newly formed regulatory body made of two previously independent ones. Ryan and I discussed the importance of accountable forest management and how that accountability is upheld.
#17-Conservation with Todd Zimmerling
Conservation is the sustainability of all species and habitat over time. This means we have to manage our forest ecosystems to ensure everything remains as sustainable as possible, not only select charismatic species. The Alberta Conservation Association helps with that. They provide a wide range of conservation services that help keep our province's natural resources around for generations.
#16-Fire and Water with Francois-Nicolas Robinne
Climate change has begun to demonstrate its impact on our lives and our planet. One such impact is on wildfire activity. Longer fire seasons mean a higher probability of catastrophic fires. These fires have a drastic effect on our water quality. As more frequent and larger fires occur, our water resources are put at risk. Francois and I discuss his research into this problem.
#15-Caribou Policy Pt2 with Tara Russell
#14-Caribou Policy Pt1 with Ray Hilts
#13- Archaeology and Forest Management with Kurtis Blaikie-Birkigt
#12-Q and A with Derrick Kreger-Smith
Question and answer time. Derrick has a list of questions he was asked a few years back from the internet and we try to give relevant answers. Questions from how we decide what to cut, whether or not cutblocks are detrimental to the ecosystem, pine beetle, to does a bear shit in the woods. Good stuff.