{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Forestry Uncut","title":"Silviculture: Training the Next Generation","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1831,"description":"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?\nIn 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.\nDennis and Tina explain:\nWhat silviculture really is, from tree planting and spacing to pre‑commercial thinning.\nWhy “farming trees” is essential for forest health, fire resilience, and carbon capture.\nHow stagnant silviculture rates and rising costs make it hard for workers to earn a decent wage.\nTheir innovative model: providing all the gear, paying above minimum wage during training, and focusing on high school athletes and co‑op students.\nHow 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.\nWhy their teen crews are not just learning tree ID and spacing, but also work ethic, independence, and leadership.\nThey also discuss:\nThe barriers they’ve faced accessing government supports and subsidies, especially with 16‑year‑old workers.\nTheir vision for silviculture as a recognized trade, with clear training paths and mentorship.\nHow better silviculture practices can support biodiversity, protect old growth, and act as a buffer against wildfires and insect outbreaks.\nIf 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.\n0:00 – Intro: Why Silviculture Matters\nTodd frames silviculture, healthier trees, and introduces the guests.\n0:40 – Meet Dennis and Tina of D. Bedford Forestry Services\nBackground on their company and roles in Nova Scotia forestry.\n1:36 – What Is...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/mK1vTA2zNKQxOD9Ve4hB0ACafonFnFKBsY_LSwG2gzU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iOWRi/YjMxM2IwY2YwZjI3/ZjYwM2IzNzgzMGUx/ZDQ0ZC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}