Silviculture: Training the Next Generation

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.
• How 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 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.
• 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.

0:00 – Intro: Why Silviculture Matters
Todd frames silviculture, healthier trees, and introduces the guests.

0:40 – Meet Dennis and Tina of D. Bedford Forestry Services
Background on their company and roles in Nova Scotia forestry.

1:36 – What Is Silviculture, Really?
Dennis explains tree planting, spacing, and pre-commercial thinning.

2:32 – Farming Trees vs. Letting Them Grow Wild
Why active management creates better wood and protects old growth.

3:40 – A Shrinking Workforce and Stagnant Rates
Dennis outlines economic pressures and the training gap.

5:06 – Can Silviculture Workers Earn a Living?
Discussion of piece rates, minimum wage, and rising costs.

6:20 – Rethinking Who to Hire: From Students to Teens
Pivot from university students to recruiting high school athletes.

7:56 – Building Careers, Not Just Summer Jobs
Creating long-term forestry paths and “boots on the ground” experience.

9:29 – Community Roots: Schools and Local Supporters
Forest Heights Community School, co‑op teachers, and Hughes Diesel.

11:08 – Removing Barriers: Gear, Wages, and Fit
Providing equipment, paying above minimum wage, and hiring for attitude.

13:12 – Retention Wins and The Power of Peer Groups
How 16–17-year-olds, teams, and healthy competition improve retention.

14:45 – Co‑op and O2 Programs Feeding the Pipeline
How high school co‑ops and guaranteed NSCC seats support forestry careers.

16:40 – Training Through Real Work on the Land
What “cutting” means, target spacing, and species selection.

18:10 – Practical Life Skills and Career Options
From mentor roles to other silviculture companies and tree planting.

20:00 – Can This Model Scale? Mentors and a Training Pathway
Vision for mentors, instructors, and silviculture as a recognized trade.

22:20 – Hitting the Wall on Subsidies and Supports
Why existing programs don’t fit 16-year-olds and their “new box” idea.

24:20 – Why They Keep Going: Hope in Forestry
Dennis’s outlook on silviculture, aging workers, and retirement realities.

25:30 – Silviculture, Wildfires, and Insects
How healthier, managed forests improve fire resilience and pest resistance.

27:00 – Biodiversity, Not Monoculture
Teaching species ID and maintaining diverse forests.

28:20 – Fire Buffers and Protecting Old Growth
Using silviculture strategically around old growth forests.

29:10 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
Thanks, optimism, and where to learn more about Forest Nova Scotia.

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