Speaker – Future Forests

Erik Pikkilla is a Forest and Watershed Ecologist.  Some people call him a Forest Encyclopedia. From the 1980s “New Forestry” to the New Forest Act in the current seas of Clearcut Old Growth Forests Eric asks:

Can we put Ecology Front & Center into Forestry and Create a Forestry For the 21^st Century?

Can we move the needle positively for Ecological, Social, Cultural, and Economic Benefits?

Can we reduce the costs of Wildfires, Flooding, Evacuations, Post Fire Restoration, Demolition/Rebuilding, Insurance and Businesses?

Eric believes that by Restoring and Increasing the Resiliency of BC’s Forests and Watersheds, Practicing Ecological Forest Management, and Learning from First Nations while Protecting and Studying Old Growth Forests, we can Create a Forestry for the 21^st Century.

Erik Piikkilla:  has performed nearly every on-the-ground Woods Jobs.  He worked for the BC Ministry of Forests for 13 years including 3 years on the Wet, Wet West Coast of Vancouver Island. He was trained in Forestry and Forest Ecology at BCIT, Finland, and the University of Washington by some of the best Forest Ecologists. He has lived and been involved in the Cowichan Valley with Forest and Watershed Issues for the past 12 years. Most recently he has been involved with teaching University level ecology and forestry courses in Campbell River, Prince Rupert, and at UVic.