CONTINUING STUDIES

Silviculture Surveyor Accreditation

REGISTRATION

Registration for the Canadian Risk Management Certification courses is on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Continuing Studies to register online, by phone, by fax, by mail or in person.

www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies

Silviculture Surveyor Accreditation

Silvicultural surveyors are experienced field practitioners. They make use of silviculture prescriptions and other information to carry out the following tasks:

Conduct or confirm the strati-fication of a survey unit

Ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of data

collection and mapping

Confirm and identify additional critical site factors that may influence the attainment of management

objectives set out in plans

Make preliminary recom-mendations for

future treatment.

In the 1980s a silvicultural surveyor certification and training process was developed for British Columbia with the goal of ensuring quality silvicultural surveys. However, surveyors and survey contractors were dissatisfied with the process of certification and with the structure of training (an intense five-day course with exam). In 1995, the certification process changed to an accreditation process.In an effort to meet the changing demands on surveyors and to deal with the recognized shortcomings of the old certification and training process, a fresh approach was sought.

Through a consultative process with Forest Service staff, industrial foresters and survey contractors throughout the province, the Ministry of Forests has developed the silvicultural survey accreditation process. Rather than provide a mix of training and evaluation as in the old certification course, this accreditation process separates these two functions.

The silvicultural surveyor accreditation process:

Defines the role of a silvicultural surveyor

Eliminates prerequisites for the accreditation exam in favour of a self-screening process

Clearly defines performance expecta-tions of silvicultural surveyors

Separates the accreditation exam from training so that individuals can design their training to suit their specific needs.

250-960-5980 or 1-866-843-8061

XSIL 020 Five-Day Silviculture Surveyor Training

This five day combination classroom and field program is designed to assist individuals preparing for the upcoming survey field season. The course is also suitable for those who require an extensive review prior to writing the Silviculture Survey Accreditation Examination. An experienced Silviculture Survey instructor/ examiner will lead each session.

Day 1 - Classroom: Survey principles; Opening file review ; The silviculture prescription; Survey parameters; Stratification; Sampling methodologies; The FS 657. Day 2 - Field: Ecological classification; Critical site factors; Basic soil classification; Plot data collection; The FS 658. Day 3 - Field: Site Index; Forest health data collection; Multi-storey field procedures. Day 4 - Classroom: Data summary; The FS 659; Statistical calculations; Report preparation. Day 5 - Classroom: Treatment recommendations; What to expect on the exam.

Note: Participants have the option of registering for the entire five day program or registering for one or more selected days. The course tuition varies based on the number of days selected.

XSIL 022 Silviculture Surveyor Acreditation Exam

The two day exam is regional in nature and includes written questions, case studies and field exercises. The accreditation exams will include a one-day written examination, focusing on field-based case studies. Appropriate reference materials will be used and slides and/or video footage may be used to clarify case study issues. The second day of the exam will include a complete silvicultural survey conducted in the field. The exams will be marked based on the performance expectations. The exam is open-book, however, no sharing of materials or equipment is permitted.

Requirements: To successfully challenge the exam, applicants must know current procedures for survey design, stratification and development of survey parameters, soils and ecosystem classification, site diagnosis, stocking standards, and field cards (FS 657, 658, 659, 922, 810, 1138). Applicants must have knowledge in the various types of surveys (stocking, plantability, and free growing), forest health, vegetation management, contract administration and the use of a framework to make effective stand treatment recommendations. Individuals requiring a review or more training prior to writing the exam can take advantage of one of the many silviculture training packages available.

UNBC Continuing StudiesTel: 250-960-5980Fax: 250-960-5984Toll free: 1-866-843-8061 Email: cstudies@unbc.caWeb: www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies

University of Northern British Columbia3333 University WayPrince George, British ColumbiaCanada V2N 4Z9

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