the silvicultural surveyor accreditation process · 5 the silvicultural surveyor accreditation...

F O R E S T P R A C T I C E S

The Silvicultural SurveyorAccreditation Process

Ministry of ForestsForest Practices Branch

Background

In the 1980s a silvicultural surveyor certification andtraining process was developed for British Columbiawith the goal of ensuring quality silvicultural surveys.However, surveyors and survey contractors weredissatisfied with the process of certification and withthe structure of training (an intense five-day coursewith exam). In 1995, the certification process changedto an accreditation process.

In an effort to meet the changing demands onsurveyors and to deal with the recognizedshortcomings of the old certification and trainingprocess, a fresh approach was sought.

The silvicultural surveyoraccreditation process

Through a consultative process with Forest Servicestaff, industrial foresters and survey contractorsthroughout the province, the Ministry of Forests hasdeveloped the silvicultural survey accreditationprocess. Rather than provide a mix of training andevaluation as in the old certification course, thisaccreditation process separates these two functions.

The silvicultural surveyor accreditation process:

• defines the role of a silvicultural surveyor

• eliminates prerequisites for the accreditation examin favour of a self-screening process

• clearly defines performance expectations ofsilvicultural surveyors

• separates the accreditation exam from training sothat individuals can design their training to suittheir specific needs.

The role of a silvicultural surveyor

Silvicultural surveyors are experienced field practi-tioners. They make use of silviculture prescriptionsand other information to carry out the following tasks:

• conduct or confirm the stratification of a survey unit

• ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of datacollection and mapping

• confirm and identify additional critical site factorsthat may influence the attainment of managementobjectives set out in plans

• make preliminary recommendations forfuture treatment.

Although some silvicultural surveyors will be capableof making detailed final prescriptions, this is not theirintended role. It is the responsibility of the forestmanager in charge to ensure that detailed prescriptionsare done by someone with the appropriate level ofexpertise, and are signed and sealed by a registeredprofessional forester (RPF).

The silvicultural surveyor accreditation process willensure that successful candidates have achieved a highstandard of competency. It will also provide a pathwayfor entry into the workforce as a survey technician.

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Career planningFitting silvicultural surveyor traininginto a forestry career plan

It is important to consider how silvicultural surveyoraccreditation fits with an individual’s forestry careerplan. The following representation shows somepossible career paths.

Prerequisites for the accreditation exam

The Silvicultural Surveyor Accreditation Processillustrates what is expected in order to pass the exam(see the attached list of performance expectations forthe current year). Using this information, surveyorsmust decide if they have progressed sufficiently intheir training to register for the exam.

To pass the examination for silvicultural surveyoraccreditation, a person will need to meet a range ofperformance expectations under specific conditions.The criteria for success in each performanceexpectation have been defined.

Examples of performance expectations include:

• The ability to describe the conceptual basis for strati-fication. This could be accomplished during a writtenindoor examination that the examiner would use tojudge the participant’s understanding of the concept.

• The ability to recognize signs and symptoms ofdamage to young stands and identify the source as amajor pest species group (e.g., rusts, root disease) oras another causal factor such as frost and snow. Thiscould be accomplished in a field or writtenclassroom exercise using slides, lab specimens orfield examples. The participant would be expectedto answer 80 percent of the examiner’s checklist.

It will be up to the individual candidate to assess theirown knowledge and skill level prior to registering forthe accreditation exam. It is expected that mostexperienced surveyors will be able to meet theseperformance expectations.

Performance expectationsWhat does it take to be asilvicultural surveyor?

How does one acquire the necessary training?To ensure that individuals have sufficient opportunitiesto acquire the needed skills and knowledge requiredfor accreditation, the Ministry of Forests is currentlyworking to provide training modules that individualswill be able to access from the Ministry of Forests website. Depending on interest, these training modules willalso be available through educational resources such ascolleges, universities, SIBC1, FCSN2 and privateconsultants on a course basis. These modules will bedesigned to help participants meet the performanceexpectations for a silvicultural surveyor.

Possible technical forestry career paths

grade 12comprehension level

work experience andon-the-job training

university or collegeeducation

junior technician/data collector

MoF trainingmodules

Silvicultural SurveyAccreditation

work experience andon-the-job training

Accredited SilviculturalSurveyor

(senior technician level)

Further advancement via Silviculture Institute of British Columbiaprograms for senior technicians or the Association of

British Columbia Professional Foresters (ABCPF)Pupil Programs or other specialized training.

1 Silviculture Institute of British Columbia2 Forestry Continuing Studies Network

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example, is where a site has been poorly stratified withfailure to identify a small area with moist compaction-prone soils within a larger mesic area with loamy soils.This error could affect future management and siteproductivity. When a major weakness is found, thecandidate surveyor will be required to rewrite theexam, following further training.

Each time a candidate takes the exam, an exam fee willbe charged to cover all examination costs.

Dates and locations of the exams will be advertisedthrough the Ministry of Forests web site as well as theFCSN and other forestry-related associations.

Accreditation is not a guaranteeThe accreditation process will not guarantee the qualityof a silvicultural surveyor’s work. It is the employer’sresponsibility to ensure that a silvicultural surveyorhas sufficient local knowledge and successful pastexperiences to undertake a project.

The knowledge and skills required to meet theperformance expectations do not have to be acquiredthrough Ministry of Forests training courses. Theserequirements may come from a combination of thefollowing sources:

• formal education (college, university, SIBC)

• informal on-the-job training

• on-the-job experience (some will be necessary)

• short courses (offered through variouseducational facilities).

Accreditation training modulesThe Ministry of Forests training modules for silvicul-tural surveyors will consist of the following: soils;biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification; basic silvicul-tural surveys; forest health for silvicultural surveyors;vegetation management; multi-storey silviculturesurveys; how to determine site index; and standtreatment recommendations.

Accreditation exams

Accreditation exams will be offered at the beginningand the end of the field season, in the spring and fall ofeach year, depending on interest.

The accreditation exams will include a one-day writtenexamination, focusing on field-based case studies.Appropriate reference materials will be used and slidesand/or video footage may be used to clarify case studyissues. The second day of the exam will include acomplete silvicultural survey conducted in the field.The exams will be marked based on the performanceexpectations.

The examination process will test the performance ofsurveyors. If major weaknesses in a surveyor’s skill areidentified, the examiner will suggest training toaddress these weaknesses. A major weakness, for

Timing of training and exams in thesilvicultural surveyor accreditation process

AccreditationExam

MoF TrainingModules

AccreditationExam

Timing may varybetween regions.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Candidates will be expected to meetall performance expectation requirements.

Questions and answers

Will there be any prerequisites for a candidateto register for the accreditation exam:

No…It is your choice. You will have toreview all of the performance standardsand determine if you can meet therequirements.

If I take the exam often enough won’t Ieventually get a feel for the questions andbe able to pass?

Perhaps, however, it is unlikely that youwill register unless you are truly preparedsince the exam fee will be substantial.

If I am currently a “certified surveyor” do Ineed to go through this accreditation process?

No…Those whose certificates have notexpired on or before December 31, 1994will not be required to take this exam.

If I have been accredited, will I have to go through a re-accreditation process in a few years?

No…Emphasis will be placed on individualsremaining active in surveys.

Will junior data collectors require any sort of accreditationor prerequisites?

It is likely that survey contracts will state that all datacollectors must demonstrate a working knowledge ofthe biogeoclimatic classification and basic surveystraining modules.

When will a survey contract specify the involvement of anaccredited silvicultural surveyor?…Will you need anaccredited surveyor for a cone or seedbed survey?

Silviculture contracts will specify the involvement ofan accredited surveyor whenever critical site factorsmust be checked or assessed. If the survey is onlyintended for raw data collection, an accreditedsurveyor may not be necessary.

Will the accredited surveyor have to sign each survey and takeon responsibility for the survey and the recommendations?

No…Accreditation ensures performance expectationsare met and does not imply professional standardsand ethics. An RPF will sign and seal the prescriptionand MLSIS Form C associated with the survey andbecome ultimately responsible for the survey andthe prescription.

Will an accredited surveyor who moves to a new forestregion have to be accredited in that forest region?

No…Once accredited, the accreditation will applythroughout the province even though the exam contentwill address regional and local issues. However, mostsurvey contracts will require a working knowledge oflocal management issues.

Why was the name of the process changed from certificationto accreditation?

Accreditation implies attainment of a trainingstandard. Certification implies a guarantee. It was feltthat accreditation was a more accurate term since theprocess ensures competency of surveyors but does notguarantee their work.

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The Silvicultural Surveyor Accreditation Program

1999 Performance Expectations

PO# Performance objectives Conditions Criteria for success

1. Understand current legal require-ments as they relate to silviculturesurveys and how to stay current.

2. Describe the role of the silviculturesurvey in forest management.

3. Understand the limitations andapplicability of silviculture surveysampling methods.

4. List the reasons (criteria) forstratification, and describe whygood stratification is important fora silviculture survey.

5. Choose the survey, timing of thesurvey, the type of data to collectand the sampling method to effec-tively address on-site critical factors.

6. Understand the applicability ofsurvey methodologies for standscontaining unusual stand structures.

7. Apply multi-storey survey concepts.

8. Photo-stratify a sample unitidentifying all potential strata whichshould be ground checked.

9. Ground-check photo-stratificationbased on both environmental andinterpretative features.

10. Understand the purpose of thewalkthrough.

11. Establish the parameters of thesilviculture survey and record themon MOF field form FS 657.

Written and field examination.

Written examination.






Field examination.

Field examination.


Field examination.

Written: 75% accuracy.

Field: acceptable in the judgement ofthe examiner.

To match 75% of the answer key.


Written: To match 75% of the answerkey.

Field: Acceptable in the judgement ofthe examiner.

Written and Field: To effectivelyfacilitate the achievement of the standmanagement objectives and standardsin the judgement of the examiner.

Demonstrate an acceptable level ofunderstanding in the judgement of theexaminer.


The strata boundaries mustreasonably agree with a previouslystratified photo in the judgement ofthe examiner.

To match examiner’s previouslycompleted survey, or must not havethe potential to negatively impactfuture forest management and siteproductivity.


Appropriately complete 90% of thekey elements of the form in thejudgement of the examiner.

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Field examination.


Field examination and case study.

Field examination.


Case study and field examination.

Field examination.

Layout and distribution must be toprovincial standard. Completed onstratified map only.

Written: Match 75% of the answer key.

Field: Using the appropriate method,correctly identify Site Index.

Field: To an accuracy of three timesout of four with distinct soil types.Participants will be given a latitude of20% either side of the determined %sand, silt and clay content.

Case Study: Major implications formanagement must be properlyexplained in the judgement of theexaminer.

Must consistently fall within plus orminus 15% of the determined CFcontent.

Major implications for managementmust be properly explained in thejudgement of the examiner.

To match 75% of the answer key oractual classification.

Within a reasonable range to bedetermined by the examiner on a site-by-site basis.

To an accuracy of 100%.

12. Design plot layout with anappropriate plot distributionon a field map.

13. Choose an appropriate method tobe used to determine site index forthe stand and correctly identifysite index.

14. Identify the texture of a mineral soilsample and explain its implicationsfor management.

15. Identify the % coarse fragments in asample soil horizon and explain itsimplications for management.

16. Identify the major humus form(mor, moder or mull) of a soilsample and explain its implicationsfor management.

17. Identify critical factors and explainhow they affect the establishment,growth and development of thefuture stand and the achievement ofstand objectives. This will includesite limiting factors and manage-ment limiting factors such as:• frost• soil conservation hazards

and sensitivities• soil nutrients• soil moisture• soil temperature• forest health agents• non-timber management issue

18. Confirm and verify the appropriatesubzone and variant. Providerationale for decision.

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19. Confirm and verify the appropriatesite series or site series complex.Provide rationale for decision.

20. Stratify and map a forest unit intovarious site series or site seriescomplexes based on ecologicalcharacteristics.

21. Construct a basic field map that issuitable for the unit and the survey,properly identifying strataboundaries, strata labels, openingnumber (or C.P. and block), and scale.

22. Survey to the standards set out inSPs (including older ones) andprovide recommendations foramendments where appropriate.

23. Collect and record data on MOFfield form FS 657 and 658.

24. Identify commercial seedlingsand/or mature trees of thecommercial species found in theregion.

25. Summarize data on MOF formsFS 659 and 1138A.

26. Use information from data analysison FS 659 and 1138A to makeappropriate administrativerecommendations (i.e., establishmore plots, label as NSR, FG, etc.).

Field examination.

Field examination.

Field examination.

Written, case study and fieldexamination.

Field examination.

Field examination.


Field examination.

The site series must be classifiedwithin one site series of the actual.

The stratification must agree with theexaminer’s previously completedsurvey, or to the satisfaction of theexaminer, must not have the potentialto negatively impact future forestmanagement and site productivity.

Must contain all of the four keyelements.

Accuracy per the examiner’s judge-ment of an acceptable basic field map.

Within a reasonable range to bedetermined by the examiner on a site-by-site basis.

Appropriately complete 90% of thekey elements of the forms.

• ± 2 years for trees ≤ 20 years old.• ± 10 years for trees > 20 years old.

Appropriately complete 90% of thekey elements of the forms.

Per the following standards:• calculations of averages (per ha)

should be within 10% ofexaminers results.

• species composition percentagesfor the inventory componentshould be within 20% of theexaminer’s results.

• significant regional forest healthdamage agents (those that havemanagement implications) mustbe identified, with the incidence ofeach agent and other pertinentdata within a reasonable range forthe site based on the judgement ofthe examiner.


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27. Compile the information from asurvey and consistently transfer thisinformation to maps and forms.Construct silviculture andinventory labels.

28. Describe the uses and importance ofsilviculture and inventory labels toforest management decisions.

29. Recognize and explain the Ministryof Forest map symbols.

30. Identify forest health damage, alongwith the major regional pest species(biotic and abiotic).

31. Describe potential impacts of majorregional forest health damageagents on the future stand.

32. Identify the autecologicalcharacteristics and growth rates ofnon-crop vegetation that could posea potential threat to crop-treesurvival and/or performance.

33. Identify broad treatment options(e.g., mechanical site prep,prescribed burning) that can beused for control of non-cropvegetation and provide justificationfor the choice.

34. Recommend appropriate plantingoptions, including seedling stocktypes for a variety of reforestationscenarios and provide justificationfor your choice.

35. Recommend treatment options toaddress other management issues(i.e., forest health, biodiversity),with appropriate and thoroughjustification.





Written and case study.

Case study and field.


Written, case study and field.


Achieve 80% accuracy.



Achieve 80% accuracy.

Successfully demonstrate an under-standing of the potential impacts inthe examiner’s judgement.

Field: Successfully demonstrate anunderstanding of the potential threatsposed by non-crop species, in theexaminer’s judgement.

Select an option, or set of alternativeoptions with justification, which, inthe judgement of the examiner, is/arereasonable and effective in achievingobjectives.




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Recommended references

The following references are useful to silviculturesurveyors in British Columbia:

Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act

Silviculture Practices Regulation

Operational Planning Regulation

Ministry of Forests, Forest Cover Map Legend,available with every Forest Cover map purchased.

Forest Practices Code Guidebooks

Provincial Seedling Stock Type Selection and OrderingGuidelines. Ministry of Forests. Forestry DivisionServices.

A Field Guide for Site Identification and Interpretation.Ministry of Forests (copies available for each region).

Field Guide to Forest Damage in British Columbia.Ministry of Forests.

All publications are available through the Ministry ofFinance and Corporate Relations, Queens Printer:

Greater Victoria (250) 387-6409

Vancouver (604) 660-0981

Outside Victoria 1-800-663-6105

More information

For more information about the Silviculture SurveysAccreditation Process contact:

Tania JohnsonSilviculture Surveys Program AdministratorMinistry of ForestsForest Practices Branch1st Floor, 1450 Government StreetVictoria, BC V8W 9C2

Tel: (250) 356-2094Fax: (250) 387-1467

or visit our web site at:http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/hfp.htm

FS 63 99/09

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