The organization is non-hierarchical. A team approach ensures individuals take responsibility for their work and interact collaboratively with others. This model requires trust between the Board and the CEO, and between the CEO and the rest of the Team. The Board supports the staff; however, staff work autonomously from the Board. The Team has established a positive and healthy culture within the organization by working with respect, trust and responsibility.

Our Partners also contribute technical and administrative resources, enabling FORREX to minimize the need for a large administrative infrastructure. Clients are able to access our services, as well as provide services to FORREX, on an as-needed basis.

Operating Model — A Team Approach
FORREX team members are not centralized, but rather are strategically located throughout British Columbia in proximity to partners and clients in order to maintain relationships with them. Team members extend knowledge, facilitate collaborative research and extension projects and solve problems. FORREX’s organizational model allows for unlimited growth. The model is flexible and able to respond to new directives and challenges. The Board gives a high degree of latitude and responsibility to the staff to tap this unlimited potential. The staff values and respects that trust.

Kamloops - Head Office

Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC
Canada, V2C-3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3746 Fax: (250) 371-3997

Chris Hollstedt, Chief Executive Officer
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3929 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Chris.Hollstedt@forrex.org

Chris, the Partnership's founding CEO, is a Registered Professional Forester with over 20 years of experience in research, technology Chris is founding President and Chief Executive Officer of FORREX – a British Columbia based charitable organization dedicated to the development and application of knowledge to support sustainable ecosystems, economies, and communities. Ms. Hollstedt is passionate about working with resource sector partners to develop strategies that integrate knowledge into sound policies and practical applications. Throughout a career in forest resource management, technology development and research extension leadership she has established a foundation in extension and knowledge management. Ms. Hollstedt is author of a provincial research strategy, Sustainable Forest Management Network knowledge exchange strategy, and British Columbia Forest Extension Program business plan. She is editor in chief of the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management and leads several think tanks on resource management issues. She is past director of the Forestry Continuing Studies Network, the BC Coalition for the Implementation of the National Forest Strategy, and the Coalition of Forest Research Organizations. She is currently an ex officio member of the British Columbia Forest Science Board and participates on the member council of Sustainable Development Technology Canada. She is a member of the Association of BC Forest Professionals, Ontario Professional Foresters Association, the Canadian Society for Association Executives, the Institute for Society and Natural Resources, and the Canadian Institute of Forestry. Ms. Hollstedt holds an Honour’s BSc Forestry from Lakehead University. In addition to her commitment to FORREX, she is actively involved as mentor and volunteers for local community associations and enjoys quality time with her husband and three adult children.

Gord Austin, Information Products and Services Assistant
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3923 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Gord.Austin@forrex.org

Gord joined the FORREX team in July 2007 as the Information Products and Services Assistant. In this role, he oversees event planning, our image library, publication subscriptions, and distribution of information in print and electronic formats. With a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian history and theatre, Gord aims to build on a passionate interest in BC forest history by supporting collaborative projects in this area.

Satnam Brar, Website and Corporate Systems Practitioner
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3922 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Satnam.Brar@forrex.org

Satnam is the Website and Corporate Systems Practitioner for FORREX and holds an undergraduate degree in Computing Science from Thompson Rivers University and an Electronics Engineering diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. With Satnam's diverse background and experience, he works with the Information Products and Services team to maintain the FORREX corporate infrastructure as well as supporting the team in distributing their works through the various Internet-based technologies.

Shelley Church, Project Coordinator - Corporate Publications
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3998 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Shelley.Church@forrex.org

Shelley joined FORREX in February 2003 to work with the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management, FORREX Series, and other publications. She has an undergraduate degree in environmental geography from the University of British Columbia, and completed graduate work in forest ecology at Oregon State University. For the last 10 years, Shelley has worked as a forest ecologist with an emphasis on research, including forest ecology, forest entomology, forest pathology, and silviculture. At FORREX, Shelley co-ordinates journal papers and other publications from the submission stage through to detailed editing, as well as managing the newsletter LINK. She finds her background in natural resources and forestry a real asset in meeting the challenges of her editorial duties.

Pedro Lara Almuedo, Extension Specialist, Conservation Biology
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3955 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Pedro.LaraAlmuedo@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Pedro has a BS degree in Forest Engineering from the University of Cordoba (Spain) and a Master of Forest Conservation degree from the University of Toronto (Ontario). His most recent work experience includes: researcher, Canadian Forest Service-NoFC; climate change policy advisor, Andalusia Ministry of Environment, Spain; consultant, International Union for the Conservation of Nature-Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation; and Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park assistant director, Andalusia Ministry of Environment, Spain. His areas of expertise include: climate change policy design and implementation, integrated forest and natural resources sustainable management and stewardship, ecosystem restoration, management of fauna and flora species at risk and conservation programs, and operational protected areas conservation and management. Additionally, he holds professional status both in Spain (RPF) and BC (FIT).

Darcy Moshenko, Extension Specialist (FPInnovations/FORREX)
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3712 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Darcy.Moshenko@fpinnovations.ca

Darcy is an FPInnovations, Feric Division employee working with the FORREX team through a partnership agreement. He started his forestry career with Feric, and then moved to the Kootenays to become Fibre Procurement Co-ordinator for Crestbrook Forest Industries Ltd. (now, Tembec Industries Inc.). At Crestbrook/Tembec, Darcy also served as Bridge Supervisor, Special Projects Forester, and Environmental Stewardship Forester. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree from the University of British Columbia (1989), and is a Registered Professional Forester in British Columbia.

Sandra Ramunno, Office Manager
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3746 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Sandra.Ramunno@forrex.org

Sandra joined FORREX following 2 years of service with Forest Renewal BC. She provides administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and team, and assists the Finance & Human Resources Officer with accounting procedures and records. Sandra manages FORREX's filing system, and guides the staff in regular and accurate management of their project documentation. Her responsive, positive approach contributes to the smooth operation of the organization whether she's assisting a colleague, a FORREX partner or client, or the general public.

Julie Taylor Schooling, Corporate Publications Specialist
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3995 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Julie.Schooling@forrex.org

Julie has Bachelors degrees in both Science and Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto. As the Managing Editor of the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management, Julie has overseen the rapid growth of the journal from eight articles submitted per year to more than 50. Julie chairs the Natural Resource Communications Working Group and offers leadership support to the Information Products and Services cluster. With her 10 years experience in publications design and project management, Julie assists the FORREX team with special projects and co-ordinates production of the FORREX Annual Report. Julie is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of FORREX publications and providing FORREX’s clients with high-quality, accessible, relevant, and timely information.

Karyn Sutherland, Extensionist, Conservation Biology
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 828-4967 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Karyn.Sutherland@forrex.org

Karyn, a Registered Professional Biologist, brings a strong background in research gained from her work at the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Station and Pacific Forestry Centre. Karyn has also developed and implemented extension programs in the Prince George School District for BC Parks. In her role as Extensionist, she is an active member of the Ecosystem Management and Conservation Biology team.

Burnaby

Diane Boyd, Extension Specialist – Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology
c/o School of Resource and Environmental Management
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
Phone: (778) 782-8722 Fax: (778) 782-8735
Email: Diane.Boyd@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Diane joined the FORREX team in December 2008. She earned her MS and PhD in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, focusing on wolf ecology in the Rocky Mountains. Her large mammal interests include predator-prey relationships, endangered species management, population dynamics, habitat selection, dispersal, and genetic diversity. A critical part of her large carnivore work has been outreach and conflict resolution. Diane has published numerous articles on wolves, bears, cougars, coyotes, and their various prey species. Diane is an affiliate faculty member at Simon Fraser University and the University of Montana. Her extensive conservation background will help her in addressing the extension needs of FORREX clients and partners.

Ajit Krishnaswamy, Extension Specialist, Socio-economics
c/o School of Resource and Environmental Management
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6
Phone: (778) 782-8080 Fax: (778) 782-8735
Email: Ajit.Krishnaswamy@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Ajit provides extension services to help clients access research related to the human dimensions of natural resource management, including public participation, cultural diversity, community capacity-building, climate-change, socio-economic and cultural indicators, non-timber resources and valuation, and certification. Ajit has published several papers on community forestry, land use planning, and international forestry. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management. Prior to joining FORREX in 2006, Ajit was the Director of the National Community Forestry Center at the US-based National Network of Forest Practitioners. Ajit also was the Senior Researcher of the Institute for Culture and Ecology located at Portland, Oregon, and the Project Manager of the World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development at the International Institute of Sustainable Development in Winnipeg. Ajit worked for the Indian Forest Service in Bihar state for several years. He has a PhD in Forest Resources (Social Sciences) from the College of Forest Resources, University of Washington at Seattle.

Hazelton

Larry Joseph, Extension Specialist - Aboriginal Forestry and Indigenous Knowledge
c/o Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 842-6050 Fax: (250) 842-6050
Email: Larry.Joseph@forrex.org

Larry’s role with FORREX applies his expertise and specific interests in capacity building to support First Nations community-based approaches to natural resources management as well as the use of indigenous knowledge in managing natural resources and climate change. Following 20 years in the pulp and paper industry, Larry became the first Executive Director of the Office of the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs in 1992. Larry, a member of the Frog Clan, led Wet’suwet’en self-government negotiations. In 1993–1994, he helped to create Kyahwood Forest Products (JV), the largest secondary wood manufacturing plant in BC. Following completion of his BSc degree in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia, he served as a forester for the Gitxsan during reconciliation negotiations with the Governments of Canada and British Columbia in 1999–2000. From 2002 to 2004, he led a strategic assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of Gitxsan Territory. In 2005–2006, through the Assembly of First Nations, he represented the First Nations of Canada during United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change in Montreal and Bonn, Germany. He also served on the Renewable Energy Expert Committee (REEC) in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Presently, Larry is a Director of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada in the Aboriginal Peoples Chamber.

Kelowna

Kevin Bladon, Extension Specialist – Watershed Management
c/o UBC Okanagan
3333 University Way
Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7
Phone: (250) 807-9516 Fax: (250) 807-8004
Email: Kevin.Bladon@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

In partnership with UBC Okanagan, Kevin is responsible for identifying information needs and developing and co-ordinating extension programming and services related to sustainable watersheds. Kevin is also involved in conducting research and in synthesizing and integrating research results/knowledge into sound and practical approaches to solve complex watershed management challenges of resource managers. Prior to joining FORREX, Kevin worked at the University of Alberta as an Ecohydrologist on the Southern Rockies Watershed Project. This work gave him an extensive background in natural (wildfire and mountain pine beetle) and anthropogenic (conventional and salvage logging) disturbance impacts on water quantity, water quality, and aquatic ecology. He has also been employed as a natural resource consultant, working closely with various stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions to watershed management issues. Kevin has a PhD in ecohydrology from the University of Alberta, which addressed tree-water relations and microclimate change.

Kathie Swift, Extension Services Business Leader; Extension Specialist, Early Stand Dynamics
c/o 360-1855 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4N7
Phone: (250) 860-9663 Fax: (250) 860-0009
Email: Kathie.Swift@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Kathie is one of the founding extension specialists of the Partnership and continues to provide extension services in the area of forest resources dynamics. She brings to the Partnership a diversity of experiences in her over 20-year involvement in forestry – everything from conducting research to running forestry education programs in her local school district. With an avid interest in problem-solving, Kathie strives to put context around forest management issues so that the solutions developed are practical and effective in their application. One of the practical solutions developed from her extension program include the Stand Establishment Decision Aids, a series of brief practical summaries for practitioners designed to help them address various ecological limiting factors through the use of the latest science and innovations. Kathie also strives to build collaborations with forest management professionals, technical experts, and other members of the FORREX extension team so that forest dynamics issues are addressed in a team approach. Ms. Swift is currently registered with the Association of BC Professional Foresters as a Forester In Training and holds an Honour’s BSc Forestry from Lakehead University and an MSc from the University of British Columbia.

Nanaimo

Todd Redding, Extension Specialist, Watershed Management
c/o Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 713-1184 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Todd.Redding@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Todd is the Watershed Management Extension Specialist for the coastal region of British Columbia. Todd has a wide range of forestry-related hydrology and soil science experience in montane and boreal environments. Todd has worked as a research technician with the BC Ministry of Forests in Kamloops, assisting on projects in hydrology, soils, and geomorphology. Todd has an MSc in forest soils from Simon Fraser University, and is currently completing his PhD in forest hydrology at the University of Alberta. Todd is a Registered Professional Agrologist with background and interests in forest hydrology, soil science, and watershed management.

Penticton

Ellen Simmons, Extension Specialist - Aboriginal Forestry and Indigenous Knowledge
c/o En'owkin Centre
RR#2, Site 50, Comp 8
Penticton, BC, V2A 6J7
Phone: (250) 493-7181 Fax: (250) 493-5302
Email: Ellen.Simmons@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Ellen is based in Penticton at the En’owkin Center, an Indigenous cultural, educational, and creative arts institution. Prior to joining FORREX, her work experience included ecosystem restoration in the Northwest Territories and ongoing working relationships with members of the Dene Nation. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in forest management from the University of British Columbia and is a Forester-in-Training with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. She has recently started instructing biology at the En’owkin Centre with a strong emphasis on Indigenous Knowledge and Native Science. Ellen also represents the En’owkin Center on the Board of the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance.

Port Alberni

Ed Proteau, Extension Specialist (FPInnovations/FORREX)
3716 Bishop Crescent
Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7W4
Phone: (250) 724-6070 Fax: (604) 228-0999
Email: Ed.Proteau@fpinnovations.ca

Ed Proteau is an FPInnovations, Feric Division employee who is working with the FORREX team through a partnership agreement. Ed graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 1971 with a diploma in forest technology. He began a 31-year career with MacMillan Bloedel (now Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd.) in Kelsey Bay as a compassman. From there he transferred to Estevan Division, where as a Field Engineer he was involved in starting up many operations on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Later, at Franklin River Division, he served as Field Engineer and Area Engineer, and was involved with Stumpage Appraisal, Bridge Construction, Salvage, and Grade Supervision. Eventually Ed became Contract Supervisor where his duties included looking after all aspects of conventional, helicopter, and salvage logging. He also worked at capacity-building with First Nations.

Prince George

Albie Thomson, Extension Specialist (FPInnovations/FORREX)
c/o Room 204, Enhanced Forestry Lab, University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way
Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9
Phone: (250) 960-5869, Fax: (604) 228-0999
Email: Albie.Thomson@fpinnovations.ca

Albie is an FPInnovations, Feric Division employee working with the FORREX team through a partnership agreement. He started his forestry career with Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. in Princeton in 1973 after graduation from BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), and continued with a transfer to the Weyerhaeuser’s Lumby operation in 1990. He has 30 years of experience, including contractor supervision covering harvesting, road construction and maintenance, mechanical site prep, and log yard operations. As a member of the Weyerhaeuser Safety and EMS (Environmental Management System) teams, he helped develop these teams as well as train staff and contractors. Albie joined the FERIC/FORREX teams in January of 2003.

Alan Wiensczyk, Extension Specialist, Ecosystems and Stand Management
c/o Council of Forest Industries
c/o 400-1488 Fourth Ave.
Prince George, BC, V2L 4Y2
Phone: (250) 614-4354 Fax: (250) 564-3588
Email: Alan.Wiensczyk@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Alan has been with FORREX for over 9 years and brings a blend of research, extension, and operational experience to his program area. He has a Masters of Science degree in Silviculture from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario and is a Registered Professional Forester in BC. His most recent project has focussed on synthesis and extension of information on the mountain pine beetle infestation. This initiative culminated in a conference in Prince George in June 2008 to discuss key lessons learned about MPB. He is also involved with extension in the areas of silvicultural systems, growth and yield, and vegetation management. Among Alan’s other interests are ecosystem management concepts and application, remote sensing technology, and literature database development and management.

Summerland

Don Gayton, Extension Specialist - Dry Forest and Grassland Ecology
c/o Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 494-1858
Email: Don.Gayton@forrex.org
List of selected publications and presentations

Don Gayton works as an extension specialist in the area of dry forest and grassland ecology, and is based in Summerland. His work experience includes long-term vegetation monitoring, fire ecology, range management, and conservation biology. Don maintains a close watch on the scientific journals, and has published recent literature reviews on climate change impacts on biodiversity in BC, and on ecosystem trends in BC’s Southern Interior. Don received an undergraduate degree in Agronomy from Washington State University, and an MSc in Plant Ecology from the University of Saskatchewan. He is a member of the BC Institute of Agrologists. Don is recognized as an accomplished writer, winning the Canadian Science Writing Award and twice being shortlisted for the BC Book Awards. He is also the recipient of the Roberts-Pichette Award for excellence in ecological monitoring and research. Don was formerly a Range Management Specialist for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Victoria

Davide Cuzner, Extensionist - Forest Dynamics
c/o Canadian Forest Service - Pacific Forestry Centre
Room 392, 506 - West Burnside Road
Victoria, BC, V8Z 1M5
Phone: (250) 363-0688
Email: Davide.Cuzner@forrex.org

Davide is a Forestry Pupil with the Association of BC Forest Professionals with a Technical Engineering Degree in Structural & Chemical Engineering from Thorildsplan, Stockholm, Sweden. Davide has over 17 years of combined forest inventory, research, and planning experience focused on coastal ecosystem classification, growth & yield, timber supply review, wood properties, and end recovery analysis for the Ministry of Forests. Before joining FORREX, Davide ran a forest consultant business and worked on strategic and landscape-level planning, spatial timber economic analyses and research project development, forest policy review, and FRBC/FIA administration and delivery. His knowledge of coastal ecosystems has allowed Davide to participate in the development of the high-level strategic management objectives for the North Coast LRMP on behalf of major forest companies. Davide is currently pursuing his Masters in Forest Ecology on coastal ecosystem recovery and joins the FORREX team as an extensionist in the area of forest dynamics.

The Partnership

For more information on the Partnership, or information on how to become a partner, please contact:
Chris Hollstedt, Chief Executive Officer
Suite 702, 235 1st Avenue
Kamloops, BC, V2C 3J4
Phone: (250) 371-3929 Cell: (250) 319-2763 Fax: (250) 371-3997
Email: Chris.Hollstedt@forrex.org