The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) welcomes a new Operations Manager to its team. Meet Travis Emsland, a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with over 20 years of work experience in the forestry sector.
Initially drawn to forestry because of the opportunities it presented to work outdoors and the variety of avenues to pursue within the sector, Travis began his career as a tree planter in northern Manitoba.
He attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, graduating in 2001 and obtained his RPF (Registered Professional Forester) status in Alberta two years later. From there on, Travis worked as a partner in a consulting firm in Slave Lake, Alberta where he specialized as a Silviculture Forester.
In June 2019, he was offered a position in British Columbia as a Stewardship Forester with the Ministry of Forests’ Rocky Mountain Resource District, which led him to relocate with his family to Cranbrook and obtain his British Columbia RPF designation a few months later. Travis worked exclusively from that point forward in the Wildfire Risk Reduction program until April of this year when he joined FESBC.
Travis will primarily provide strategic oversight for FESBC’s programs related to wildfire risk reduction.
“This role will include working with our project proponents and our colleagues at PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure that FESBC projects maximize the achievement of multiple benefits. Projects can be designed to not only reduce wildfire risk to communities, but at the same time also improve wildlife habitat, create recreational opportunities, reduce greenhouse gasses, manage for healthier resilient forests, and generate economic benefits for local people” he shared.
As he begins his journey with FESBC, Travis has found a deep sense of appreciation for the team’s support, as well as the diversity of backgrounds and experiences everyone brings to the table.
“My colleagues here at FESBC are wonderful people to work with. My favourite aspect of my job is the conversations I have with people who are looking to do unique things that will benefit all British Columbians. The field tours throughout the province to see FESBC funded projects are fantastic as well.”
He is looking forward to travelling throughout British Columbia and seeing first-hand how local people are making a difference, especially with respect to increasing fibre utilization with their projects and reducing wildfire risk to communities, taking action on climate change, and so much more, plus being involved with the FireSmart BC Committee.
During his free time, Travis enjoys staying active and hanging out with his partner, Lenore and their daughters Kennedy and Nicole. In the winter, he plays hockey, curls, and swims, and during the summer, he spends most of his time paddle-boarding, biking, or golfing. He really enjoys tackling woodworking projects in his backyard and would like to get into fly-fishing in the near future.
FESBC Executive Director Steve Kozuki said “With his extensive expertise around wildfire risk reduction and passion for forestry in general, Travis is set to make a positive impact on FESBC and contribute to the continued well-being of British Columbia’s forests and people. Welcome to FESBC, Travis!”