The photo is of me in Whitecourt Alberta standing in front of a slash
pile. 1995I believe in reforestation and feel that the cold, wet, hot, buggy stories made me who I am today.
Many of the areas that we plant are about to be ravished by weeds as a new ecosystem emerges from the devastation. Silviculture professionals ensure that water pathways, roads, and the tree farm are maintained. The clear cut is an investment; the unchecked natural cycle that many people promote is not natural at all and wastes all the infrastructure left behind. Since the natural cycle has already been disrupted, it would be a waste to not try to grow trees.
Most planters will tell you that untreated areas that have been selectively logged will not even need to be planted. Unfortunately selective logging is unfeasible for today’s economy.
I find that many of silvicultures detractors are the same people that do not like much of anything and promote nothing.
By far the worst parts of the day are the drive to and from the clear cut. I don't think that the number of flat tires, stuck vehicles, bad directions, and freaky drivers can be understated. While in the van you may decide to tape or lube your hands because your hands will be handling seedlings all day. Planters in northern BC and AB plant about 1200-2000 trees in 1 - 2 hectares of land. We try not to put them in rows. The best tree planters can eat a sandwich while they stuff their bags with trees, but they don't realize that pesticides cause severe problems later in life.
I have spent 9 spring - summers in the silviculture industry. I did a lot more than just plant trees; I cut them, seeded them, sorted them brushed them, and even ate one. All told I have planted more than 700,000 trees. Somehow I did not manage to totally evade all responsibility either; I have been a crew foreman and a quality checker as well.
Many people ask me to recommend some companies to work for. This is a difficult question that there is no answer too; I will plant for anyone for a few days and go from there. It is normal for a planter to jump around until they find a suitable crew.
Feel free to email me with questions about tree planting or brushing!