The world is experiencing wildlife population declines and species extinctions at a staggering rate, and forest practices are often seen as a contributor to this tragic scenario. Along with a growing biological urgency to implement conservation actions for wildlife, we are also in a time of significant change in the forest sector, where modernized forest policy, co-management with Indigenous partners, and sustainable forest certification programs are all calling for stronger stewardship of non-timber values. However, as wildfires burn and operational constraints accumulate, the timber harvesting land base and the wildlife it supports are under increasing pressure. As forest professionals and land stewards, we have a challenging but important role to play in ensuring the conservation of wildlife on the shared lands on which we operate.

This session will explore the collaborative research and practical management tools (at both the landscape and site level) being implemented in the forest sector to address the factors limiting species-at-risk, through a case-study of one of the most elusive critters known to frequent forested lands in British Columbia: fisher (Pekania pennanti). We will demonstrate that by aligning forest practices with the conservation requirements of species-at-risk and their habitats, we can ensure the survival and thriving of wildlife in the increasingly complex climate of the working forest. Importantly, we will show how innovative practices are most effective through meaningful collaboration between forest professionals, applied biology professionals, First Nations, and communities. With representation from experts in research, consulting, government, industry, and Indigenous community-based projects, this session will truly showcase the intricate bridging between worlds of professional biology and professional forestry.

Learning Objectives

Participants in this session will:

1. Gain an understanding of the role of the forest professional in creating positive outcomes for wildlife.
2. Learn how a proactive approach to wildlife stewardship results in a tangible benefit for the forest sector with the best outcomes for wildlife populations.
3. Gain an understanding of the value of partnerships and collaboration in supporting Indigenous community priorities in regard to both the species conservation and forestry.
4. Learn all-things fisher, from basic life requirements, ecology, and conservation status; how a fisher approaches landscape features and disturbances (at both micro- and macro- scales), such as wildfire and harvest; and management tools and stewardship options for fisher, including landscape-level planning tools (e.g. the Habitat Extension Tool), long-term planning through forest landscape plans, fisher-friendly forest stewardship plans and harvest prescriptions, and the elements of effective research and monitoring programs.
5. Be introduced to network connections and collaboration opportunities with professional biologists and researchers, so you as a forest professional can advance wildlife stewardship in the forest sector.

Target Audience

• Professionals engaged in research, community engagement, and First Nations partnerships.
• Professionals interested in building connections and expanding their network outside the practice of professional forestry (i.e. connecting with and learning from researchers and professional biologists).
• Professionals who bridge the RPF/RFT and RPBio/RBT practices.
• Foresters with scopes focusing on planning and/or practices.
• Professionals engaged in certification: Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) & Environmental Management System (EMS) program champions.
• Anyone who thinks a fisher is the most intriguing forest critter we have in BC.

Moderator

• Sydney Goward, MSc, RPF, Planning Officer, BC Timber Sales - Chinook, Ministry of Forests