But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation & heat wave moderation. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around our communities are growing in importance. Almost 60% of the land in British Columbia is forested – stewardship of these lands is no small feat. Forest ecosystems provide major economic, social & ecological benefits to communities, businesses & First Nations throughout British Columbia. But it is also about considering the interests of other resource users, while ensuring future generations can equally benefit from our forests. It involves assessing the health of forests with respect to insects and disease, planning revegetation strategies, and using technology to map and track forest inventories. Forestry practices must integrate field skills, scientific knowledge and technology in an ecological framework, to produce various goods and services. Management of forest resources in today’s world means managing forest ecosystems. The breadth of technical and field-based skills you acquire also relevant to many other natural resource sectors. Our programs unique focus natural areas in urban & interface environments provide you with skills in the management of trees, invasive species & soil resources.

You will learn skills and training in silviculture, forest inventory, forest engineering, fire & forest health management, and urban forestry. The program gives you a strong foundation in ecology, earth sciences, mapping, surveying & measurements. Centre for Applied Research & Innovation.

Gis certificate bcit