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Issue #104 ISSN 2563-0229 (Print)
ISSN 2563-0237 (Online)
Dec 2019
look for #105 Mar 2020
Ideas deadline Jan 15
Website:
fhabc.org
By Richard Dominy President’s Report………….…..Pg 1 International Forester Klassen. Pg 6, 7
Interior forestry student recollections Director Parminter update ……. Pg 10
Welcome to the Winter issue of the ………………..….…. pg 1, 8, 9, 10 Kamloops AGM report…….Pg 10, 12
newsletter. Forest History in Austria.......Pg 2 , 3 Forestry and Reconciliation ...... Pg 11
FHABC membership, masthead Pg 3 Oldest Vancouver Sawmill…… Pg 12
There are several great historical arti- BCFP Resource Planning…....Pg 4, 5 Upcoming Events………..….....Pg 12
cles by Gerry Burch, Mike Meagher,
Art Klassen!
NOTE: Directors recently approved
new membership fees, which are now By Mike Meagher RPF (ret.) Recollections from the 1950s by a young forestry
$20 per year; or, $50 for 3 years. student gaining experience in the fire-prone interior forests of BC.
The fee structure had not changed for
at least 10 years and costs have risen. As a kid from the West Kootenays, I
Becoming a new member or renew- was surprised and intrigued by the
ing? You can now join or renew either different landscapes revealed by our
by mail or email. Membership pay- 1948 move to Oliver: a lower-valley
ments are now being accepted elec- bottom tree line, open grassy areas, and
tronically via e-transfer or by mail; different trees and shrubs; not to
more details on page 3 or the website . mention cactus, scorpions and
rattlesnakes! I walked the hills to
Some AGM information is shown on absorb the different smells and plant
Page 12– a great tour of the Fire Cen- life to be able to embrace them as fully
tre was enjoyed the day before the as possible. Also, I found lots of trees
AGM by all attendees. bearing stem scars from the highly-
The Forest History Association Direc- vulnerable combination to wildfires. Rangers involved were, in order,
tors elected at the AGM in Kamloops Charlie Perrin and Emery Scott.
are listed on page 3. A great big wel- I spent my first two summers after high Charlie’s Assistant Ranger was J. B.
come to Sarah Giesbrecht and Claire school graduation, 1951 and ’52, with a “Jack” Cawston from the small
Williams. B.C. Forest Service (BCFS) Fire Similkameen River settlement of the
Suppression crew based in Penticton. same name where his father, “Ginty,”
Exciting news – we now have a Face- First-day introduction involved was the fire-season Patrolman. Jack
book “Group” presence; search Face- instruction into operating the portable later rose to the Directorship of the
book for the group “British Columbia radio and fire pump. Travel to a fire BCFS Ranger School at Green
Forest History”. This is the first step followed loading the tool box Timbers. Perhaps not by chance, four
in our longer-term plan to have a full containing pumps, axes, saws, water members of the 1951 Suppression
social media presence- Stay tuned for
upcoming news, and see some events backpacks, etc., and jumping into the Crew came from Cawston – a farming/
listed on page 12. pickup’s box and heading out. Also ranching area. All good workers.
yelling at the Cook to load the chest for
This is the last edition of the year, and our next meal. NB: NO Safety My first job under Charlie was to assist
on behalf of all of us to all of you and Committee, hard hats, glowing loading his horse for the trek up to a
yours, we wish you a most Joyous coveralls, goggles, fire-resistant local fire lookout in the company of
Christmas season and all our best mittens and NO seat belts; our future Clay Perry, a student in Oliver who
wishes for a happy and prosperous was in the hands of our positive later became a senior official with the
New Year. attitude. IWA. Crewmates Rob Hall and Gerald
(Continued on page 8)
Page 1, #104 Dec 2019
By Eric Andersen is a Squamish district councillor, an FHABC Director, former Newsletter editor, active article contributor,
and avid Facebook user who has spearheaded our appearance on social media with creation of our facebook page.
Learning about how forest history is dealt with in Europe can open ideas for us here in BC.
Forest History, or Forest Culture as it is more broadly signatories to “address the social and cultural dimensions
defined in Austria, is well featured in the 2020+ FOREST of sustainable forest management in national forest
STRATEGY (2018) forest policy framework for Austria. programmes and other relevant policies.”
Forest History is highlighted in 2 of 7 specific fields of These aspects were now, for the first time, precisely
action and in several strategic goals spelled out in this defined to include:
updated vision for Austrian forests. • Art (painting, literature, music, carving, etc.)
• Landscape (historical uses and management)
The Austrian context for protection and promotion of • Wood uses (wood architecture, etc.)
Forest Culture is a diverse mountain landscape, • Recreation (well-being, health, etc.)
predominantly small private forest ownership, economic • Sightseeing attractions and monuments
challenges for the rural economy, and a legal context • Tradition (folk art, songs, wildcrafting, etc.)
which necessitates emphasis on motivating voluntary
action on the part of forest owners and enterprises. This 2003 resolution became a tool with which to anchor
Forest History / Forest Culture firmly into forest policy:
Consistent themes behind support for Forest History in the “Forest Dialogue” and Austrian Forest Program
Austria are, as reflected in the 2020+ Strategy: (2006); Alpine Convention forest protocols; and,
• Selectively integrating history and culture into importantly for financial support, the EU Programme for
public awareness campaigns can stimulate greater Rural Development.
public interest in forests.
• Forestry expertise and experience of past Another critical initiative taken in 2003, jointly by the
generations should be preserved and passed on as Austrian Forest Association Forest History Technical
valuable for future development in sustainable forest Committee and the federal Ministry (today: Ministry of
management and ecosystem protection. Sustainability and Tourism), was the founding of a
• Many forest holdings can be considered cultural country-wide NETWORK FOREST-CULTURE
properties ideal for use in disseminating forest-cultural AUSTRIA.
knowledge. As economically sustainable enterprises
with a long tradition they are living proof of the The Network ties together diverse institutions and
usefulness of intensive forest management. stakeholders in Austria and serves also as a platform for
• Austria’s beautiful mountain forest landscapes are
international cooperation. Network tasks were to include:
• Collection and aggregation of data referring to
a cultural heritage providing a foundation for the
tourism and recreation industries vitally important to Forest History
• Collection of information about institutions dealing
its rural economy.
with Forest Culture
In 1991 a Forest History working group – today, • Setup of a Forest Culture related databank
Technical Committee – was formed within the Austrian • Introduction of the term Forest Culture in Austria
Forest Association, the umbrella group for seven state and in discussions on the European level
associations with a combined membership today of 4,400. • Strengthening the co-operation of forest enterprises
with tourism + Information about historical uses and
The Forest History Technical Committee’s goal is “to management of landscapes
address knowledge gaps, through analysis of socio- • Promotion of studies and research dealing with
economic and ecological conditions, in order to woodland history
understand the dynamic development processes that have • Consultation in the fields relating to Forest Culture
resulted in the forest conditions of today.” and project implementation
Inadequate working definitions and agreements Surveys and interviews identified over 500 actors
concerning cultural and social aspects of sustainable forest (museums, societies, enterprises, initiatives
management for policy and program development and individuals) engaged in producing and
purposes were seen to be needing attention. disseminating knowledge relating to Forest
History. Developing partnerships, improving
In 2003 the initiative was taken to put forward for public relations impact through coordination,
adoption by the Ministerial Conference on the Protection and promoting high technical standards
of Forests in Europe (now FOREST EUROPE) a “Vienna
Resolution No. 3”, which committed (Continued on page 3)
Page 2, #103 Sept 2019
Membership: New or lapsed member? FHABC Newsletter team:
$20.00 annually, or three years for $50.00 Editor: Dave Florence Reviewers: David Morgan , John
Parminter, Mike Meagher; Terry Simmons, Eric Andersen,
Richard Dominy, David Brownstein
To join, renew or correspond by mail: Issue #104 article contributors: Mike Meagher, Gerry
Forest History Association of B.C. Burch, Art Klassen, Francis Johnson, Scott Scholefield and Da-
1288 Santa Maria Place vid Brownstein,, Richard Dominy
Victoria BC, Canada V8Z 6S5 Submissions??: Yes, Please!
Print a membership form from the website, or provide email us at newsletter.editor@fhabc.org
equivalent information on paper, and mail, along with
your cheque made payable to “Forest History 2019/20 FHABC officers: Six Directors at large:
Association of BC”. No form is needed for renewals if President, Richard Dominy Eric Andersen
contact information has not changed. Vice Pres., Terry Simmons Sarah Giesbrecht
Secretary, Mike Meagher Claire Williams
To join, or renew by email & e-transfer: Treasurer, TBA (Pres. acting) Katherine Spencer
Webmaster: David Morgan
Email: info@fhabc.org Website: fhabc.org David Brownstein Dave Florence
Email your information to us at info@fhabc.org, and
arrange an electronic fund transfer of your dues with
Richard at: bc.forest.history.dominy@gmail.com
Continued from column 1 Austria Forest History
We require your email address for delivery of the Field (E.g., Archaeology, Music, Literature)
newsletter, notice of meetings, etc.; and we • Module 3 (May): From Knowledge to Practice
recommend you provide a phone number for short- • Module 4 (Oct.): Tourism Project Management +
notice contact. Sources of Funding Support
Finally, student projects are formally presented in Jan.-Feb.
BC Society Act regulations require that you also the following year. Graduates form an alumni association –
provide us with your complete mailing address, “FoCuS” (“Forestry and Cultural Service”).
including postal code.
Over the past two decades, Forest History / Forest Culture
Printed Newsletters has achieved a strong profile in Austria’s forest dialogue and
We invite members who want a printed version of the policy framework (Strategy 2020+), in platform and network
newsletter to make their own arrangements. Some development, and in forestry-tourism collaboration all of
prefer the 8.5”x11” version on a home printer; some which can be an inspiration for British Columbia and
prefer to take the tabloid 11”x17” version to Staples elsewhere.
or other sources of tabloid printing and make it
booklet-style. Some like black and white, some like REFERENCES:
colour. The choice is yours. http://www.forstverein.at/de/forstgeschichte/
https://www.bmnt.gv.at/english/forestry/Austriasforests/2020--
Austrian-Forest-Strategy-.html
(Continued from page 2) Austria Forest History https://foresteurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/heritage.pdf
would be ongoing priorities of the Network.
Participants in Forest + Culture Certificate Course in Austria
Among the most noteworthy accomplishments of the
Forest History Technical Committee and Ministry
partnership is the development of a FOREST +
CULTURE CERTIFICATE COURSE program.
First launched in 2007, this successful program
remains unique on the European scene today.
The course, with a target enrollment of 120
participants and hosted at Austria’s forestry training
centre, consists of four modules of one week in
duration arranged over a 2- year period, as follows:
• Module 1 (May): Forest History – Overview,
Research Skills
• Module 2 (Oct.): Our Partners in the Cultural
Page 3 #104 Dec 2019
By Gerry Burch Fascinating insights of logging decisions in the pre-Clayoquot Sound era. Second of a four-part
series of writing by Gerry Burch, whose bio can be found in the UBC Library Gerry Burch fond.
BC Forest Products formed a called to outline the area
Resources Planning Group in 1969. requested by the federal
To fully understand the need for this park staff for this new Park.
pioneering move by BC Forest It was held in Victoria with
Products, one needs to be informed representatives from the
about the rise of the environmental federal and provincial park
movement in BC, and particularly, departments, the B.C.
their campaigns against the larger Forest Service (represented
forest companies. by Ian Cameron, Chief
Forester), and the two
In the 1960's, the Federal National logging companies
and Historic Parks Branch was operating in the area; B.C.
investigating the establishment of a Forest Products Ltd. (represented by had established a logging camp on the
National Park on the west coast of myself as Assistant Chief Forester), south shore of Nitinat Lake.
Vancouver Island. They had plans to and MacMillan-Bloedel Ltd.
incorporate a block on the area (represented by John Hemmingsen, Narrow bundled booms had been built
between Tofino and Ucluelet, and Vice President Logging) by Cameron crews in the lake, towed
another block to include the scattered to the narrow passage, called the
islands at the mouth of Alberni Inlet The federal staff then presented their Nitinat Narrows, and in favorable
(often called the Effingham Group). plan, which included areas on the weather, one tug would push the
Arrangements were then made for an Tofino/Ucluelet peninsula, in which booms to sea, and a larger tug would
aerial visit by the Minister of Federal both companies had active operations; pick up the boom for towing to
Parks, Hon. Jean Chrétien. On this the Effingham Group, and a new third Victoria to Cameron's mill. In some
inspection, Chrétien noted the west block along the west coast one mile winter periods, this meant stowing the
coast from Bamfield to Port Renfrew wide between Bamfield and Port booms in the lake for weeks awaiting
had no industrial development, and Renfrew, with a huge bulge to include fair weather. But, it was soon
was told it was only used by hikers on all of Nitinat/Squalicum/Hobiton discovered that the lake was one of
a trail along the coast. Whereupon, he Lakes, hereafter, called the “Nitinat the worst teredo-infested areas on the
requested the Park staff to include this Triangle”, which became the first coast. So, with this new purchase,
strip in their new park planning. environmental conflict in our BCFP decided to proceed to develop
industry. After their presentation, I roads from Nitinat Lake to our
(Note What is now the West Coast remember the dead silence in the sawmill on Cowichan Lake. This
Trail was built around 1900 as a room. Then, Ian Cameron stated involved road construction, not only
“Lifeboat Trail”, to provide help for bluntly that the provincial government from the existing camp, but the need
shipwrecked sailors after their ship would never accept these boundaries, to construct a load-out, and spur road,
was wrecked along this coast, which and the meeting ended. to develop the Hobiton/Sprise Block,
was named “The Graveyard of the which was within the disputed area,
Pacific”. So, the government built a During the next few years for which there seemed no boundary
trail from Jordan River on the south to considerable discussion occurred resolution. The block to the north of
Estevan Lighthouse on the north. between all parties, resulting in a Nitinat Lake, between Hobiton and
Crossings were constructed over the negotiated reduction of the boundary Nitinat Lake, contained some of the
rivers, and a telephone land line in the Tofino/Ucluelet Block, but highest site forest lands in Canada,
constructed along the trail. Cabins allowing the companies to finish and with high volumes of cedar/
were built every 4-5 miles for shelter, harvesting activity of settings hemlock stands! So, we submitted a
food, and use of a telephone. included within this new boundary. plan for two cutblocks in this area
Patrolmen were hired to maintain the The Bamfield /Port Renfrew section with a road around the north and west
trail and line. Today, this trail area is was narrowed to one half mile sides of Nitinat Lake. Approval was
patrolled by the Federal Parks (approx.), with one bulge in M&B's granted by the BCFS, and in the
wardens. The only road access is to Carmanah Creek, south of Nitinat winter of 1968-69, BCFP started road
the ends of the trail, and contact along Lake. This left the controversial construction.
the route is through the lighthouse Nitinat Triangle area to be negotiated,
keepers.) which included much of BCFP's Tree In latter January 1969, I received a
Farm Licence #27, recently purchased call from John Stokes, Deputy
Eventually, in 1965, a meeting was from Cameron Lumber Co., which (Continued on page 5)
Page 4, #104 Dec 2019
(Continued from page 4) minister, Bob Williams, in the first throughout the settings, and, where
Minister, BCFS, requesting a stop to meeting concerning the Triangle, told possible, log trucks traveling these un
the road construction. He had a call me that the Park boundaries would be -graveled cat roads, and loading on
from the Minister, Ray Williston, that established soon, and would include site. In some instances, the soil
day, indicating that this issue had our TFL, but, that no compensation damage was substantial. Stan was
been debated in the Legislature that would occur. (Park boundaries were directed to examine the practice, and
day, and that the Minister was set in 1973. After some 20 years, a make recommendations. He stated
requesting our cooperation to cease settlement was agreed upon with the that it appeared that we should
operations in this area until the two companies by the Liberal suspend this practice, but, that we
eventual boundaries of this portion of government, involving allowable cuts, needed a soil specialist to determine
the Park could be resolved. BCFP land, timber volumes, and cash.) whether this new method was feasible
reluctantly agreed. or not. He brought forth the name of
Given this situation, what action did Bob Willington, a UBC professor and
It is important to mention that a we take? a Forest Hydrologist. I had never
groundswell of support for the heard of him, or his specialty. But, I
establishment of the Park was The company asked me to advise on a recommend to the company that we
building in the public, led by a solution to this public relations needed this skill to counter the
student, Rick Careless, of the new dilemma! After discussion with our criticism BCFP, and others in the
Sierra club on the University of small forestry staff, and others, the industry, were receiving. Soon, there
Victoria campus. Soon, the Minister only action I could recommend was was a demand for a Fish Biologist
was flooded by petitions to stop the appointment of an Environmental (Sally Spenser), a soils specialist ( Al
BCFP from harvesting within the Forester, who would report to me on Chatterton ), a Game Biologist (Dave
proposed new Park. So, we were action to be taken, or studies we could Lindsay),etc. So, the formation of the
invited to participate on radio, carry out, or support, to indicate that Resource Planning Group was
television, and press. Williston stated good stewardship was being carried established. Later, the value of such
that BCFP must respond to these out. In looking around for a bright, specialists was becoming recognized
claims, and that the boundary of the and interested, forester on my staff, I in the industry, and soon, other
new Park in this area must be resolved chose Ray Travers. He remained in companies were hiring specialists.
in the near future. He also further the position for about nine months, at M&B set up a similar group to the
stressed that this was becoming a which time he indicated that he felt he RPG, called LUPAT.
political issue, and some of our TFL needed to go back to university to
may be lost. However, he stated that obtain further education. The But, it is important to point out that
BCFP would be compensated, either company complied by paying him the RPG reputation was derived, not
by allowable cut elsewhere, second half salary for a year, but, after by setting up the group, but, by the
growth land, or cash. BCFP tried to completion, he elected to pursue other excellent studies and reports by its
enlist support from other opportunities. In that period, we members on controversial topics,
organizations: COFI, IWA, TLA, the developed a Forest Practices Guide, which proved to be sound, feasible,
cabinet and the public, but, no support the first one in the industry. Basically, and economic. Soon, divisional
was forthcoming. It was apparent the its purpose was for guidance to our managers were calling for assistance
coast industry was ill prepared for a logging staff. In many instances, the from the Group, to examine a new
large public relations battle, such as managers were confused as to proper proposal, or to recommend solutions
this. In the past, it was assumed the action to take to satisfy these new to problems. And, not only in the
government, as land owners, would public demands, and most involved logging divisions, but, in pulp and
fight these “battles”, not industry! In staff and money. Considerable sawmill operations also.
fact, the prevailing policy in the discussion was involved at the senior
industry at this time, as determined by level in the company as to the need There is no doubt that this reputation
the company presidents, led by H.R. for the company to proceed with this increased with the appointment of
MacMillan, was that industry and pioneering venture of a Guide and an leaders, such as Bob Willington, Al
their staff should not be involved in Environmental Forester. In the end, it Chatterton, and Dave Lindsay! Well
public discussion, or opinions, on was determined by a slim majority to done, RPG!!
forest policy! And, BCFP was being proceed .
criticized for our operations on all
fronts: clear-cutting, slash burning, Then, I appointed Stan Nichols to the
restriction of access, poor road position of Environmental Forester.
construction, lack of culverts, etc. The At this time, a new logging system
Social Credit government then was being carried out by all large
decided to call an election in 1972, companies on the coast, called Access
which they lost. The new NDP forest Logging. It involved cat roads
Page 5 #104 Dec 2019
By Art Klassen. This autographical piece was written circa 2014 as part of the “International BC Foresters” series
initiated by George Nagel and introduced in Issue #103. More of this series will appear in future issues.
Art Klassen Graduate of BCIT great place to start a family . . . plus
Forest Technology 1968; the fishing up and down the B.C. coast It was in this new position as Forest
Graduate of UBC BSF 1976; was second to none. Manager that the benefits of a good
RPF 1209 inventory, accurate maps, operational
I left Weldwood in 1982 to take on a planning, and efficient organizational
Back when I was still young, decisions forest engineering position with structure came together in a win-win
were made in pursuit of dreams, not Guyana Timbers limited through the situation that we now refer to as
practicalities. So the decision to join consulting firm of C.D. Schultz and “reduced impact logging”, but more on
CUSO and go off to ‘bongo bongo’ Co. Ltd. This fairly remote jungle that later.
land for peanuts when there were four posting was a great learning
well-paying job postings for every experience but a rather challenging A two-year contract in Guyana was
forestry graduate, was considered by hardship posting, particularly with two followed serendipitously and
my BCIT classmates as an act preschool children and very limited unexpectedly with an offer from the
bordering on lunacy! That decision food or other supplies available that Bhutan Logging Corporation which
took me to Tanzania where for the next are normally associated with bringing had received a World Bank grant to
three years I lived the dream as up small children, even in the most assist it in salvaging a massive bark
“Conservator of Forests” in the frugal of scenarios. beetle outbreak in the countries high
Ngorongoro Conservation Authority. elevation spruce forests. The logging
That was 1968. Leaving Weldwood for a one-year corporation was preparing its first clear
contract in Guyana marked the cut for the country’s only plywood
My BCIT forestry diploma served me beginning of a long period of factory, as predicted in the 5-year plan
well for those three idyllic years, but it alternating between international work prepared during my first assignment in
also became apparent that further and work in the B.C. forestry sector. the country!
education would open more doors. On the international scene, the first
Consequently, on completion of my assignment was with the FAO to With credibility restored, the tasks and
CUSO assignment, followed by five prepare a 5-year development plan for scope of the new contract expanded
months of backpacking through India a forest concession area in the foothills steadily to include road and bridge
and all points West to Europe, it was of the Himalayas, Kingdom of Bhutan. construction, forest engineering for
back to school at the UBC Faculty of After miles of trekking, hundreds of skyline logging, management
Forestry. With graduation in 1976 leeches, and an examination of planning, and silvicultural research.
came an offer to join Charnell & exhaustive computer printouts while
Associates and ultimately a two-year sequestered in a wooden hut in the rain Bhutan has one of the worlds most
posting in Iran as Area Engineer with and fog, I came to the conclusion that intact cultures and an incredibile
the ‘sustainable wood supply’ would biodiversity ranging from tropical
what is arguably the largest
be exhausted in 5 years and that Dipterocarps at 50 meters elevation to
international forestry project ever to be
clearcutting would have to start to pure fir forests merging into alpine
awarded to a Canadian forestry
sustain the country’s first plywood rhododendron vegetation at 4,000
consulting company.
factory. Needless to say none of FAO, meters.
In these final two pre-Komeni years, UNDP, or the Bhutan Forest
This very satisfying three and a half
Iran was a great place to work; the Department were particularly
year posting ended by choice to enroll
culture, the people, the history, and the impressed with this conclusion and I
our two sons in the final three years of
natural environment of the Elburz returned to B.C. fully expecting to
the B.C. high school system. What
Mountains, all stand out in my have all ties with said organizations
followed was an exciting nine years
memory making this a truly permanently severed.
running a small but successful forest
memorable experience. In all my years
I resumed work in B.C. but not for consulting company out of our home in
of international work, the Iranians
long. Guyana came calling with an Cobble Hill. With clients around the
stand out as the most hospidable of all
offer to run the country’s entire province, this provided the long
cultures.
largest forest concession. This time, missed opportunity to really explore
Iran was followed by three solid years living conditions were substantially what I still consider one of the most
of good forest engineering experience improved and to make things even beautiful corners of the world. But it
with Weldwood of Canada contract sweeter, almost all of my original staff also set the stage for the next overseas
division based in Campbell River. A had joined the new company. (Continued on page 7)
Page 6 #104 Dec 2019
(Continued from page 6) Two and a half year Red Meranti.
adventure as we began picking up Check out the article “Can We Harvest This in 23 Years?” posted in the
TFF 2011 newsletter downloadable from www.tffindonesia.org
short-term consultancies during the
winter months in Indonesia.
By the end of 1999, with my two sons
graduating from high school, a change
was on the cards and in January 2000,
I accepted the challenge of
establishing a training program in SE
Asia, based in Indonesia. The concept
was to stimulate improved forest
management of tropical rain forests of
SE Asia by demonstrating and training
a ‘reduced impact logging’
management strategy. The lessons
learned as Forest Manager in Guyana
proved invaluable and ensured that the
development of a credible training
program was grounded in reality.
Twelve plus years later, our Indonesia
program keeps expanding and now
includes chain-of-custody, legality accepted by Canadian University Services South East Asia Pacific Region of the Tropical
verification, and certification support Overseas (CUSO) and served a two year Forest Foundation (TFF).
facilitation. Reduced impact logging assignment as a volunteer in Tanzania where Art was very well respected within TFF
has become an institution and remains he was able to apply his training in the forests and throughout the tropical forestry
of BC to the montane forests of Ngorongoro community. He was recognized as an
the TFF-Indonesia’s main calling card. Crater. Upon his return from Africa, Art authority in all facets of sustainable tropical
decided to enroll at UBC's Faculty of Forestry forest management and was largely
Retirement seems to be receding into and graduated in 1975. The early years of responsible for pioneering much of the work
the indefinite future as our program Art's professional career consisted of on reduced logging impact and forest
activities continue to expand and our alternating periods of working overseas in certification in Indonesia.
successes in sustainable forest countries such as Iran, Guyana and Bhutan, He was a reliable contact for an ABCFP
and working for major BC coastal forest project in Indonesia that invested in
management and certification keep companies such as Weldwood of Canada. Two rehabilitation and reforestation of mangrove
growing. Looking back on my mixed sons, Andrew and Patrick were born to Art forests following the Tsunami of December
career, there are no regrets. Following and his wife, Jan, while they were living in 2004 that affected major areas of Aceh
that dream, whatever it was, clearly Campbell River. province, killed more than 200,000 people,
changed the course of my life, but in a But Art always seemed drawn to the and wiped out many coastal communities.
challenge and adventure of overseas life and Art was remarried in Indonesia, to Susi,
good way. My B.C. forestry eduation he eventually settled in Jakarta, Indonesia, and raised three daughters. He loved to
has served me well over the years. where he became regional director for the garden and scuba-dive, and continued to
travel, including at least two trips per year
To find out more about what I’m back to North America.
doing, visit our Indonesia website Art was a passionate, but practical
www.tff-indonesia.org or check out forester and had a deep understanding and
knowledge of the ecosystems within which he
our organization’s parent site worked and played. He had a unique ability to
www.tropicalforestfoundation.org. convey much of that understanding to others
and he will be sadly missed by all those whose
lives he touched.
Art passed away in Jakarta after a
From “In valiant battle with cancer. He was planning to
retire to B.C. in 2019.
Memoriam” Page 26, The Tropical Forest Foundation –
BC Forest Professional Jan-Feb 2019 Indonesia wrote a tribute to Art Klassen. It
can be read at www.tff-
Arthur Wolfgang Klassen RPF #1209 Indonesia.org.
October 1, 1946 – November 1, 2018
Submitted by David
Art was born in East Germany and his family Woodgate, RPF(Ret)
moved to Abbotsford when he was very young.
Following high school he attended BCIT to
attain forest technologist certification. He was
Page 7 #104 Dec 2019
(Continued from page 1) “Leaving a Mark”lower section unknown to me. time the Fire Office in Kamloops
Arbeiter from Oliver made that fruit- Communication protocols were not District HQ decided to assemble a
growing area the second “majority” in the best at those times. team of available workers, plus a cook
the camp. and helper, who greeted us at the end
1952 opened with an aerial tour of the of the day with a very welcome meal.
A few fires that year, none threatening area to cover: from the USA border to Back at our Penticton camp to clean
or difficult. Not commonplace in that north of Peachland, east to the and repair tools pre the next callout,
noted hot/dry area, though Coastal Monashee Mountains and west to the swim in the Creek and eat a full meal
forests were closed by the dry border of Manning Provincial Park. pre bed.
summer, bringing another crewman Our wings were attached to a pre-
east looking for work. Since most World War 2 Junkers float plane. A At the end of the summer, Jack
fires developed late in the day, we did good choice, since its cruising speed Cawston asked me re my future career
respect the potential high risk by was slow enough to study the terrain plans. To that point I had none, apart
resting 2 hours after lunch before for water bodies (when backpack from enjoying biology and nature, to
resuming our chores. One memorable pumps – “piss cans” – needed which Jack’s “Why not Forestry?”
fire-chasing day we descended to our refilling), and reliable roads. question generated some thought.
trucks in the near-black light guided However, take-off was memorable Having been boarded some months
by the flashlight of assistant Ranger when we were taxiing to ascend over with a Game Ranger, I had considered
Ole Kettelson. Supper delayed – not a minor ripple on the calm Okanagan wildlife management, but learned job
for the first time. Lake surface: one wing was rock positions were pretty limited. I
steady while the other developed a not considered Jack’s suggestion, and
My background in the Nelson area, -entirely-minor shimmy that resulted decided it seemed to fit, even though
well supplied with steep country that in a 3-foot diversion from horizontal! requiring a second year in Arts and
encouraged agility, nearly caused a Not a regular feature when I flew in Science to collect the necessary
fatality while on a fire above other chariots! Not everyone on the Physics credit (not a favourite from
Penticton. The post-glacial term of crew shared this honour. I had been my High School exposure). Credit to
Lake Penticton left a landscape of named Strawboss (i/c the second a good Lecturer for making it clearer
steep slopes below benches of sandy crew) after only one summer of than previously and I was accepted
soil and rounded rocks due to outflow experience! That surprised me then into UBC’s Forestry Faculty.
from lateral creeks and visible along and does still. Probably due to my
both sides of Okanagan Lake. I was June availability from UBC vs. local [Small pebbles into a stream can
used to navigating in such terrain, so boys still in school. generate meaningful waves.]
worked alone from my crew stamping
out small hot spots on a steep section My most-memorable fire developed NB: Similar conditions existed in the
when I dislodged a round stone. No in 1952 on the east side of Okanagan same general Squally Point area in
problem, it would stop against a tree Lake among the scattered ponderosa 2003 when a sudden strong south
BUT: each time it did it rolled slowly pines and Douglas-firs occupying post wind arrived and drove a small
around the tree and continued further -glacial benches and cracks in the lightning-strike that had been
downward, gaining speed until it bedrock south of Squally Point and smoldering for some days into
disappeared over the last obstacle, north of the road system. The fire was housing areas that had been built to
followed shortly by a “HEY!” from a spotted late in the afternoon, meaning satisfy the recent urge to live among
locally-drafted fire crewman below. It a hurried “load-up” and drive to
had broken off an aspen tree next to Peachland where Assistant Ranger
him! He had been working on the Bill Sanderson met us with his boat to
ferry us to a suitable landing spot. By
near-dark we had dug a guard along
the west (downhill) side, but the main
burn was still alive above us. A
descent to a safe area near the Lake –
and a dinner of canned beans and
water before bedding on a
groundsheet under a tree. Later, a
noise woke me to see the effect of a
strong wind from the south: fire
crowning in the trees and progressing
north at an impressive rate. Fought it
all the next day – too far from the
Lake to make the “Piss cans” useful;
shovels work anywhere, during which (Continued on page 9)
Page 8, #103 Sept 2019
a “chain” along that compass setting,
(Continued from page 8) “Leaving a Mark” Valley and a quick lesson on the
nature – in this case ponderosa pine then using an Abney to determine the influence of slope and aspect to the
and Douglas-fir and sagebrush stands land’s slope and compensate its effect sun on forest composition. The north-
– a highly-flammable combination! A on true horizontal distance – all to side (south aspect) forest was mainly
local resident raised in Oliver establish and document the Py and F, with some aspen and small
immediately felled all the pines and boundaries of the sale application. maples, while the northern aspect of
other trees to save his home, unlike Finding the Surveyor’s boundary the south-side stands was reflected in
most of those whose possessions points could be an adventure. The western larch (Lx), white pine (Pw),
were consumed, resulting in the loss corner points were usually defined by and cedar (C), plus a rare F, and even
of 239 homes! That “Okanagan a metal pin in the ground, with two rarer Py. Larch bark was nearly as
Mountain Fire” lasted for nearly 2 “reference trees” in close proximity thick as was Douglas-fir’s, but the
months, consumed 25, 910 hectares*, blazed on the side toward the pin – others were a real gift to blazers.
drove 33,000 people out as refugees the blaze usually displayed a written Farther east, where the Monashees
and caused $200 million in damages! or carved description of compass pushed up the east-bound Oceanic
Due to it, and after a public inquiry to
bearing and distance to the pin tree. If air, now somewhat supplemented by
explore the causes and recommend suitable trees were not available, the evaporation en route, the forests were
solutions to reduce risk of future pin might be under a rock mound. identical to those I knew as a kid in
disasters, many changes were Then we worked as a 4-man crew Nelson: more-complex due to more
declared to zoning and building walking one on each side of the 2 on broadleaved species and more
standards to reduce risk and the compass-chain combination to wildlife species.
susceptibility to housefires to achieverecord all mature trees for their
lower home-insurance rates. potential as a marketable log. For Lessons could develop while engaged
each tree the info was: species, DBH, in other work. One late-summer trail-
estimate of height, apparent flaws clearing week in the dry mountains
(cracks, deformities, signs of rot, east of Penticton involved camping
etc.). For ponderosa pines (“Py”) we without tents – “no need” due to the
used the US Forest Service’s “Keen’s “reliable weather”. My sleeping bag
Classification for Ponderosa Pines” and I were comfy on a ground sheet
to ensure a standard evaluation of under a large and protective Douglas-
each tree. Our main job was to select fir – after a thorough sweep for
trees to represent about 50% of the rattlesnake nests (or footprints). One
loggable volume, based on DBH of night my dreams were elevated to
Hindsight is always clearer. all mature trees, then mark about half overdrive by a mysterious sound. My
of them for felling. That action suspicions re bears created a scene of
My sixth summer in the drylands involved cutting through the bark of a a bear following his nose to our food
entailed a move for summer work on selected tree near the base to create a cache – suspended in a secure bag
a BCFS Marking Crew based again in level surface into which we left a over a branch - above any reach. But,
Penticton. Crew chief was Garnet the more I listened to the “bear”,
“F S” imprint mark to assure the
Grimaldi, whose long career with the which I had never heard in action
Royal approval via the F S’ “broad
“FS” is memorialized in the “Garnet before, the more I matched even my
arrow” (between the “F” and “S”.
Fire” of 1994. It reached 5500 feverish standard when the sound
Blazes were cut into the bark on 2
hectares* and 3593 registered began high overhead as a slight
sides of the selected tree to assist in
evacuees. Not as stunning as the rustle, then a series of gentle clicks/
locating it, hence “Marking Crew”.
Okanagan Mountain Fire, but very clips until a slight pause ended in a
disturbing to the victims. soft “clunk” near my head. In the dim
One lesson learned quickly was the
early-dawn light I could see a few
correlation between bark thickness
Our job was to document the more “Bears” (Douglas-fir cones)
and the species’ typical habitat: the
potential tree harvest on a proposed lying on the groundsheet near my
drier the locale and common habitats
Timber Sale filed by a local logger or head. Squirrels were cutting and
the thicker the bark. MANY more
sawmill on Crown Forest land in the dropping the mature cones to be
calories and sweat spent in hacking
area as far north as Vernon, east to saved as winter’s food, often to be
through the Py and Douglas-fir (F)
the Rock Creek area, south to the US stored on large
bark than on any other species. The
border and west to Manning Park. mounds, rather than
easiest blazing was in a young
Each sale had been defined by digging them
Lodgepole pine (Pl) stand that
reference to established lot individually, where
contained mature Py and F worth
boundaries established years prior by many could be lost to
logging. Later sales in the Coldstream
a Land Surveyor. New skills competitors of fuzzy
Valley east of Vernon saw our axes at
required: reading a compass, pulling memories. Evidently,
play in sales on opposite sides of the
Page 9 #104 Dec 2019
(Continued from page 9) “Leaving a Mark” were told that they could run uphill flashlights then!), learning to set a
squirrels have a remarkable talent for better than we AND climb trees better. bearing and follow a compass,
determining cone maturity. Don One day in a valley west of recognize species by their bark and
Pigott, a commercial seed collector, Summerland we spooked a bear general shapes, how to minimize the
told me he made a good living via located below us and between us and effort involved in blazing most
locating and collecting from caches of the truck. Two quick decisions: bear efficiently, effects of land steepness
many coniferous species. That insight headed up, we down. Quick wade and exposure on habitats and adapted
came to life years later when I was through the creek and all was well. I species, were all useful experiences
involved in collecting cones of have wondered since if momma bears that “left a mark” in my brain during
targeted species in designated areas tutor their cubs. I can recommend they my career in forestry.
for BCFS planting programs on the do.
Coast. *NB: My thanks for the assistance of John
In summary: these summers and Parminter for supplying info re the Okanagan
Other lessons, such as avoid wearing engagements with crew mates, nights Lake fire of 2003 and and Dave Florence for
the photo and info re the
blue to discourage mosquitos, were returning in the dark, escaping a Junkers airplane (with the
taken quickly to heart. Re bears: we crown fire at night (no need for energetic wing).
Some notes by Mike Meagher from the Sat- tial uses well and makes reference to the est affected is regenerating with a mix-
urday afternoon session of the AGM held in impact of mountain pine beetle at that ture of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in
Kamloops Sep 27-29, a presentation on: time. Other sources refer to beetle- mixed stands with a lower proportion of
caused mortality in Py stands in the Py than in the past.
“The Impact of the Mountain Pine 1930s. A crew of local professionals and volun-
Beetle on the local Ponderosa pine teers is pursuing actions to generate such
populations.” The current beetle invasion began in stands by: thinning stands to open the
Presented by Alan Vyse, RPF (Ret.), Re- 2006, having been built up to epidemic canopies to boost tree growth, igniting
search Forester, former- status by feasting on local lodgepole light fires to reduce the risk of stand loss
ly with the BC Ministry pine. By 2008 the beetle had killed large by reducing flammable undergrowth and
of Forests, and now a numbers the of Py populations a far dry shrub and tree debris, and by salvage
Forestry lecturer and south as the Kelowna and Merritt areas. logging. This can increase site diversity
Research Associate at Mortality of large stems was 70 – 90%. in species and ground cover.
Thompson Rivers Uni- No direct control was possible on such a
versity. scale. Planting of Py beyond the natural range,
using seed sources
Prior to his address, A major impact was felt by the pygmy recommended by
Alan recommended the nuthatch, an obligate seed feeder on Py, Marie Vance, a
classic 1918 descriptive work on BC for- with seed comprising 80% of their winter Kalamalka Forestry
ests: “The Forests of British Columbia” feed. Also, the big pines and other large Centre scientist, is
by Whitford and Craig. It described Pon- trees provide nest and shelter cavities for underway.
derosa pine’s (Py) distribution and poten- birds and other animals. Much of the for-
Members will recall that, apart from his many newsletter
pieces, John has authored or co-authored several of our other
By David Brownstein publication projects. These include histories of the Inventory
Program, the Research Branch, and biographies of Thomas
Our deep thanks to John Parminter for 35 G. Wright and Frederick Davison Mulholland.
years of FHABC Directorship.
Perhaps less widely known, are the countless inquiries that
At the recent AGM, John Parminter retired John has fielded, and the warm, friendly correspondence that
from his Director position, which he had he has sustained, helping others with their forest history-
held without interruption since May 1984. related work. John continues that volunteerism by monitor-
John was present at the FHABC’s birth as ing the FHABC email account each day.
a co-founding member. He also edited the
newsletter from March 1981 to May 2008 We look forward to seeing more of John’s articles and com-
(a simultaneous 27 years of service). In ments as a newsletter reviewer in the future, as well as up-
parallel, John did a stint as a Board Mem- dates to the online BC Forest History bibliography that he
ber of the BC Forest Museum Association maintains on our website.
in Duncan, 2001-2006.
From all of us: thank you, John Parminter
Page 10, #103 Sept 2019By Francis Johnson, Scott Scholefield and David Brownstein.
Francis Johnson, RPF, is a Hereditary Chief of Esk'et, and a Planning Forester at Alkali Resource Management Ltd. He lives in Esk'temc
(aka Alkali Lake) in the Secwepemc nation. Based in Williams Lake, Scott Scholefield, MSc, RPF, is Managing Partner at
Colorz HUB Enterprises Inc., and the co-founder of an Indigenous non-profit organization to be incorporated in December 2019.
David Brownstein does freelance archival work under the banner of Klahanie Research Ltd. He lives in Vancouver.
While history might be about past
events, its telling is always rooted in Esk'temc, or Alkali Lake
the present. This is because our shared
stories inform how we ought to inter-
act with one another, and perhaps
more importantly, what we ought to
do next. What is the relationship be-
tween forest history and reconcilia-
tion?
The goal of reconciliation is the on-
going act of restoring estranged peo-
ple to friendship. However, many first the absence of treaties, space and re- age FHABC member help to build a
peoples feel that there never was true sources for self-determination and self shared story and thus find solutions
friendship. Rather, they believe that -government must be created for those together?
their ancestors extended goodwill to Indigenous groups that desire it.
help settlers survive cold winters in FHABC members already love histo-
unknown lands. In some Secwepemc How might forest history help? All ry, so, learn which traditional territo-
(Shuswap) communities there are ref- too often, history has excluded the ries you are in, and the pre-contact
erences to the ‘Original Ones’: settlers perspectives of first peoples. Indige- histories of that place. Understand
with whom the Secwepemc had a nous oral histories, span the Creator’s what languages are spoken there and
good relationship and shared stories. unveiling of the cosmos through to how to pronounce greetings and origi-
However, with subsequent waves of the stories of every living creature and nal place names. Include some of this
immigration, the introduction of the every aspect of nature, as interpreted information in your next newsletter
reserve system and residential by various traditions. For example, for submission.
schools, those good relationships were the Secwepemc people, animals were
broken. often used as both antagonist and pro- Participate in a KAIROS blanket ex-
tagonist. Coyote was known as a ercise
This recognized, reconciliation is not trickster and often filled the former
about blame or guilt. It is about learn- role. The stories were told to teach Collaborate to plan your own local
ing from the past and ensuring that it lessons or morals and could also be event using Reconciliation Canada’s
does not repeat. Many colonial insti- used to mark major historic events toolkits.
tutions and laws are still intact op- such as creation stories, geological
pressing the original peoples. Further, events, wars and peace treaties. Indig- Reach out with respect by calling a
for many First Nations it’s about hav- enous histories of the forest, if valued, Band office. They may be aware of
ing their existing Aboriginal Rights considered and understood, can com- public events where you can learn
and Title on the land recognized, and plement newcomer forest histories about traditions, culture, and witness a
restitution. To have traditional laws in and science by strengthening our rela- ceremony or an event. Ask how to
self-determination on the land, they tionship, not unlike a braided rope. approach others and what special pro-
first need a returned land base. tocols may be required.
If only a new story can be woven to-
To use the Supreme Court’s words: gether, in a good way on a new path Be open and willing to listen with
“Put simply, Canada’s Aboriginal together, perhaps our histories can grace and empathy. Invest in the time
peoples were here when Europeans help to “rewrite the story’s ending.” to meet someone, make friends when
came, and were never conquered.” Every generation gets one chance to given the opportunity. Listen, listen,
That means that we must “reconcile rewrite the ending of what has hap- listen.
pre-existing Aboriginal sovereignty pened before. But, how can the aver-
with assumed Crown sovereignty.”
Readers may also be interested in the piece:
With respect to Indigenous Peoples, Advancing Reconciliation in the Forest Sector: An
this means that all Canadians have a Interview with K’axwsumala’galis
responsibility to honour treaties, and (Chief Bob Joseph) which appears on pages 26/27 in
the obligations that they represent. In the Sep/Oct issue of the BC Forest Professional
Magazine. (Download here)
Page 11 #104 Dec 2019Member Jim Stephen of Delta writes with a correction. In Issue 103,
David Brownstein observed that the Canadian White Pine Sawmill
“was one of the oldest mills on the West Coast, and the last operating
sawmill in the city of Vancouver, closing in 1999/2000". Jim reminds
us, however, that the White Pine mill wasn't the last operating
Vancouver sawmill.
Nov 2: Heritage BC Workshop in
In fact, Terminal Forest Products still Squamish
operates its Mainland Sawmill in
Vancouver, at Yukon St & Kent Ave. Jim
thinks that this might be the last operating Jan 16-18 Annual TLA Convention &
sawmill in Vancouver, but if you have Trade show Vancouver BC
other info, then do write and let us know! Feb 5-7 ABC Professional Foresters
Nanaimo (FHABC book presentation)
Jim continues, “The nearby Western Forest Products Vancouver
Sawmill stopped operating in 2005. The WFP Silvertree mill by the May 7-9 Heritage BC Conference:
south foot of Fraser street stopped operating in 2002.” Jim worked in The Culture of Heritage: Place and Space
those WFP mill offices for a brief time when Doman & WFP went Chilliwack,
through restructuring.
June 5-7 British Columbia Historical Fed-
David B had copied the incorrect info from a Museum of Vancouver eration Conference in Surrey, BC
object description. Thanks to Jim’s note, the Museum has now “Back to the Future: Celebrating
corrected their metadata. Heritage in the 21st century”
And, as per the original article, we are still in search of the meaning
for the mill mark “R2638”. Do you know what it means?
Eric Andersen has led the launching of the
B.C. FOREST HISTORY GROUP Facebook page - More of the Burch and International series’
This Facebook forum represents an exten- - something from Eric and David B.—they
sion of our ongoing activities in present- never miss an issue
ing and discussing B.C. forest history. - a book report—submissions encouraged
“We wish to gather people with diverse relationships to the forest, - Your Story? Contact us at
from those who have forests as a profession or livelihood to re- newsletter.editor@fhabc.org
searchers and the interested public. We expect to see photographs,
stories, and discussions relating to the history of forest manage-
ment and forest industries of British Columbia. News items re- WebLinks: if you are reading the online
versions of our newsletters in your
garding publications, exhibits, tours and facilities presenting for-
browser, don’t forget that you can click
est history are welcome.”
the under-lined text to go to relevant info
on the web.
September 27th - 29th, 2019
The AGM weekend began with a tour
of the Kamloops Fire Centre on Friday
afternoon, followed by dinner at the
Brownstone restaurant. The AGM was
held Saturday morning, and the after-
noon session was a presentation de-
scribed on page 10. In addition to the Bruce Jensen of BC
new board election (see the list of Wildfire Service gave
an overview of the
Directors on page 3); decisions were Kamloops Fire Centre
made regarding social media, member operations Friday af-
ternoon
dues and newsletter distribution.
Page 12 #104 Dec 2019You can also read
