Justin Jackson

IFSS 2014, stands for the International Forestry Students Symposium 2014, and is the yearly gathering and AGM of IFSA, the International Forestry Students Association.

IFSA is a global network of students in forestry and forest sciences, uniting approximately 3,000 students from roughly 73 member associations from over 50 countries. It is a non-governmental, non for profit and non religious organization run entirely by students, for students. It encourages students to engage in regional and international meetings and explore ecological, cultural and operational differences in forest management.

Through their involvement with IFSA, students gain a broader educational experience and perspective on forestry at a local and international scale. IFSA also acts as a platform for students to participate in international decision making processes and international congresses, thanks to its partnership with major international forestry organizations.

The year 2014 was the first time in its 42-year existence that IFSS has taken place in western North America. It was hosted as a joint event by University of British Columbia,University of Northern British Columbia, and Thompson Rivers University.

The two-week long symposium toured B.C. and taught the participants about the ecological, economic and social values unique to the forests of our province. This symposium also provided an opportunity for many of the students to network and create meaningful connections with other students, local industry and academic institutions.

We had 106 total participants throughout the entire symposium, as well as nearly 25 volunteers and organizers who helped make the event possible. Most of the volunteers were students from the three universities who have spent the last two years organizing and planning.

IFSS 2014 was split into three main portions, each mainly organized by the university from that portion of the project. UBC organized the time on the south coast, UNBC organized central BC, and TRU organized  the central interior.

Because TRU has the Wells Gray Research and Education Centre, we thought it would be nice to travel to Wells Gray Provincial Park, set up camp and hike around some of the forests and natural features found with the park.

We split the group up into two camps, one staying at the TRU site, and the other staying at Wells Gray Guest Ranch.

Because of the background of the students, many of them are just as interested in the make up of the forests, from the grasses and forbs to the shrubs in the understory, as well as the kinds of trees found, and what type of climate these trees indicate. We were in three groups, and were able to see Ray Farm, Bailey Chutes (with salmon), Trevor Goward’s ponds, and the Trophy Mountains. The entire group was also able to visit the world famous Helmcken Falls.

Camping in tents and cabins gave the students a real Canadian experience, where we sit around campfires, talk and tell stories watch for shooting stars in the night sky above.

We had various faculty from TRU up to give the tours and talk about local issues, as well as the environment, and even had Sharon Neufeld help us out with an absolutely amazing pancake breakfast on the morning of Aug. 18.

Many of the students think of that as one of the highlights of the trip!

 

We were also welcomed by council member Fred Fortier of Simpcw First Nation, as well as his daughter and granddaughter.

 

Clearwater Times