Funding for Silviculture Surveyor Training, Workshops, & Post-Secondary Micro-credentials

Grant Summary:

Project Title: Funding for Silviculture Surveyor Training, Workshops, & Post-Secondary Micro-credentials

Recipient: Sarah Jane Lynch

Region(s): North Coast & Nechako

Awarded Amount: $12,175

Project Period: 2025-26

Description: The individual has an interest in understanding current challenges and gaps for innovative silviculture in BC and contributing to a collaborative solution. Grant funding will support the individual to gain a deeper understanding of silviculture in BC through attendance at conferences, workshops, field tours and micro-certifications offered by the UBC Faculty of Forestry. The funding will enhance the grantee’s ability to work independently as an accredited surveyor and provide expertise to research projects, forestry businesses and/or governments.

Halfway Reporting:

The following is based on halfway reporting by the grantee.

August 5, 2025

Group photo of the attendees of the 5 Day Advanced Silviculture Survey Course (Photo by Hillary Wallis)

I have been using the grant money to further my education and training for my work. I have taken Co-management of Natural Resources through UBC to help better my understanding and knowledge of working with Indigenous communities. This course was very beneficial as I learned a lot about Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples and the conflicts over resources. Through the beginning of the course I learned how to hold space for people to tell their story and to express themselves without dismissing their views or opinions. I gained an understanding for how to hold a conversation where people can share their ideas and build together instead of criticizing each other. The course instructor would have weekly zoom sessions where all the participants could reflect and discuss the week’s lessons. I read a lot about Canadian history and the ongoing injustices towards Indigenous peoples that are still occurring. I completed this course and received four certificates for the four modules.

I attended the Silviculture Accreditation Exam in April, and was very pleased with passing the exam. I decided to take the 5 Day Advanced Silviculture Survey course as I was nervous about taking the exam without having a refresher on the legal aspects of surveying. I was very glad that I did take this course as I learned a lot and found that it was very beneficial to me for my work as well as for the accreditation exam. I took my course and exam with John Wallis in Sorrento, BC and learned a lot about survey aspects in BC that are outside of the areas I
generally survey. John was a great instructor and went into detail about the silviculture survey manual as well the ground surveys themselves. I intend to take more courses with John next year as I felt it greatly improved my work as a surveyor as well as my knowledge. I intend to take Reforestation Recommendations, Introduction to Soil Disturbance, Multi-story and Layered Surveys, and Forest Health for Silviculture Surveyors through John Wallis.

I am excited at the opportunity to take these courses and learn more about the current work I do. The course I am most excited to take is Forest Health Management, as I have spent a lot of my summer learning more about Forest Health and have noticed its impact more significantly over the years due to our droughts.

FINAL Report:

The following is based on final reporting by the grantee.

February 16, 2026

The SIP grant played a transformative role in advancing my career and education while I was actively working, allowing me to pursue professional growth without interrupting my employment. Balancing work responsibilities with academic and career development can be financially and logistically challenging. Receiving grant support eased that burden by reducing the financial stress associated with materials, certification fees, travel, and related expenses. This support enabled me to focus more intentionally on learning, skill development, and applying new knowledge directly to my job.

Through the SIP grant, I was able to enroll in courses and training programs that strengthened both my technical competencies and leadership abilities. One significant opportunity was completing an intensive five-day silviculture course. This course deepened my understanding of forest ecology, stand dynamics, regeneration systems, and sustainable forest management practices. The hands-on and classroom components enhanced my technical knowledge and strengthened my ability to conduct accurate field assessments.

Following the course, I was also able to take the exam to become an accredited silviculture surveyor. Preparing for and successfully completing this examination marked an important professional milestone. Achieving accreditation not only validated my skills and knowledge but also expanded my qualifications and credibility within the forestry sector. The SIP grant made it possible to pursue both the training and certification without placing financial strain on my personal resources.

Continuing my education while working allowed me to immediately integrate new concepts into real-world forestry operations. Rather than postponing my professional development due to cost constraints, the SIP grant created a pathway for steady and sustainable progress. Ultimately, the SIP grant served as both a catalyst and a bridge—supporting my educational advancement while strengthening my career trajectory. It empowered me to enhance my expertise, increase my confidence, and position myself for long-term growth and leadership opportunities in the field of silviculture.