Silviculture Surveyor Accreditation

CONTINUING STUDIES

Silviculture Surveyor Accreditation

Silviculture Surveyor Accreditation Silvicultural surveyors are experienced field practitioners.

They make use of silviculture prescriptions and other information to carry out the following tasks:

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 fiveday 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.

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Conduct or confirm the stratification of a survey unit

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Ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of data

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collection and mapping

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

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objectives set out in plans

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Make preliminary recommendations for

The silvicultural surveyor accreditation process:

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future treatment.

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Defines the role of a silvicultural surveyor

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

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Clearly defines performance expectations of silvicultural surveyors

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

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

www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies

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.

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.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION: UNBC Continuing Studies Tel: Fax: Toll free: Email: Web:

250-960-5980 250-960-5984 1-866-843-8061 cstudies@unbc.ca www.unbc.ca/continuingstudies

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