British Columbia’s Master Logger Program

1. British Columbia’sMaster Logger Program

2. In the beginning ... • Two years ago there was discussion that there really wasn’t any training on the “why” behind Code requirements. • The new Results Based Code will reduce the role of legislation, • Other avenues are needed to address forest stewardship. Master Logger Program

3. The initial vision was … A program that would: • Create 25,000 knowledgeable and empowered loggers • Empower loggers to assist in meeting forest stewardship objectives • Be totally voluntary • Include strong incentives Master Logger Program

4. Acceptance • Feasibility study in BC found 77% of loggers and logging supervisors in favour of the initiative • Reviewed other jurisdictions, and found benefits including: • fewer water quality issues • improved marketability • reduced need for future regulation Master Logger Program

5. Potential benefits • By training 90,000 forestry workers, Sweden was able to reduce and simplify (1994) its legislation and maintain Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). • By embedding environmental stewardship and principles into the forest industry culture, the Master Logger program could provide a level playing field to the industry by raising under-performers to the same level of commitment as exemplary performers Master Logger Program

6. Results Based Code • In order for a results-based code to be successful in the long term, licensees must ensure their operations meet high environmental standards. • One of the most effective ways of ensuring that high environmental standards are met is to ensure loggers are aware of the fundamentals of forest stewardship. Master Logger Program

7. Incentives: The program would: • Enable immediate decisions on the ground • Reduce equipment downtime and moves • Improve protection of soil productivity, water quality, etc. • Provide evidence of due diligence Master Logger Program

8. It would gives the logger perspective The program would answer questions such as: • What stewardship means to the logger as a contractor, parent and community member • How a logger can make a positive difference for the environment • What is the role of the logger in forest stewardship? Master Logger Program

9. A collective vision of what could be ... • After discussion with other agencies, it was clear that forest stewardship was only one aspect of the many other skills that a logger might use. For example: Master Logger Program

10. Master Logger Program • So the idea of bringing all the pieces in to a single program was born. • For lack of a better term, right now we’re calling it the master logger program. Master Logger Program

11. Where to start? Much of the program already exist: • Fire suppression • Occupational First Aid • Management Systems • WHIMIS • Chainsaw safety and operation • etc Master Logger Program

12. Forest Stewardship Module • Forest Practices Branch felt that Forest Stewardship training was the key gap. • Forest Stewardship is: • Water Management • Biodiversity • Hardwoods • Culturally Modified Trees • Soil Protection • Leave Tree Retention Principles • Wind Firmness Design Master Logger Program

13. Working together • We have no intention of replacing existing training, in fact if a group or licensee is building something or starting to build something then we would work with them. • Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) • Woodlands Operations Learning Foundation (WOLF) • Kamloops TSA - Certification co-ordination Master Logger Program

14. Benefits • Puts BC in a leadership role. • Strengthens sustainable forest management. • Enhanced marketing opportunities. • Sends a powerful message, through a convincing messenger. • Provides a new standard for forest workers in British Columbia. Master Logger Program

15. Benefits (continued) • Lower costs through increased productivity. • Supports the requirements of Certification. • Builds greater understanding. • Improves communication. • Gives the forest worker additional pride in what he/she is doing. Master Logger Program

16. Benefits (continued) • Improves the public’s understanding. • If a mill closes, welders, pipe-fitters, accountants, foresters, technicians ... are able to show new employers their qualifications, but a logger has nothing. In future, they would be able to show that they are a Master Logger. • Facilitates a successful Results-based Code and one plan approval. Master Logger Program

17. Linkages Certification ISO, CSA FSC, SFI Results Based Code Sustainable Forest Management Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission (ITAC) Secondary School Apprenticeship Program (SSAP) Career Technical Centre Program (CTC) Master Logger Program Criteria & Indicators Communication and Marketing Master Logger Program

18. Certification • ISO/CSA requires that all personnel … have received appropriate training. • A SFI Qualified Logging Professional is "a person whose training and experience qualifies him or her to engage in the business of harvesting ...”. • FSC requires that managers provide opportunities for employees to upgrade their skills in order to facilitate advancement ... Master Logger Program

19. Adaptability • Due to operation types, roles of the worker, location and other factors, training can be tailored to local conditions. • Government funding currently available for development costs of stewardship module • Industry may elect to develop other private sector initiatives that meet the same objectives, to work together on the Master Logger Program, or no action. Master Logger Program

20. Advantages: • Voluntary program • Licensees may tailor to their specific circumstances • Available for pilot spring 2002. • Looking to partnerships and outside funding to defray costs Master Logger Program