Silviculture: Training the Next Generation

Written By Shana Lawrence

How do we attract, train, and retain a new silviculture workforce in a system where the pay rates and support programs haven’t kept up with rising costs?

In this episode of Forestry Uncut, host Todd Burgess speaks with Dennis Bedford and Tina McCauley of D. Bedford Forestry Services, a silviculture company based in Chester Grant, Nova Scotia. They share how they’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in the forestry sector: attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Dennis and Tina explain:

  • What silviculture really is, from tree planting and spacing to pre‑commercial thinning.

  • Why “farming trees” is essential for forest health, fire resilience, and carbon capture.

  • How stagnant silviculture rates and rising costs make it hard for workers to earn a decent wage.

Their innovative model: providing all the gear, paying above minimum wage during training, and focusing on high school athletes and co‑op students. Partnerships with Forest Heights Community School, the O2 program, and local supporters like Hughes Diesel in New Ross are creating a pipeline of motivated young workers.

Why their teen crews are not just learning tree ID and spacing, but also work ethic, independence, and leadership.

They also discuss:

The barriers they’ve faced in accessing government supports and subsidies, especially with 16‑year‑old workers. Their vision for silviculture as a recognized trade, with clear training paths and mentorship and how better silviculture practices can support biodiversity, protect old growth, and act as a buffer against wildfires and insect outbreaks.

If you care about the future of forestry, youth employment, or climate-resilient forests, this conversation offers a hopeful, ground-level view of what change can look like.

Host:

  • Todd Burgess: Forest Nova Scotia Executive Director

Guests:  

  • Dennis Bedford: Co-Founder of D.Bedford Forestry Services Inc.

  • Tina McCauley: Executive Lead of Engagement, Communications & Operations at D. Bedford Forestry

 

Forestry Uncut is produced by Podstarter. www.podstarter.io

Shana Lawrence
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