Printer FriendlyA Message from Jim Snetsinger
Welcome to the site celebrating the accomplishments of a very high profile government service that will be 100 years old in 2012. Our story talks about, people, trees, work, and the rules under which we worked and continue to do so today.
About five years years ago, I became the 15th Chief Forester for the Province of British Columbia following a long line of dedicated professionals all of whom have been proud to serve the public in managing the magnificent forest resources found across this beautiful province. Was this was an historical moment? It certainly was for me. I had joined the ranks of a small group of foresters that have had the responsibility and distinction of overseeing the health, replenishment and development of our forests since the early 1900s.
Similarly, with the appointments of each staff member to their initial job in this organization and subsequent promotions through the ranks, they have contributed to our rich history. And yes, their eventual movement to industry, academia or positions with other governments in Canada and abroad contributed to global forest history. There, they have shared what they had learned with others just as we have welcomed staff trained from many other jurisdictions.
I tell you this because this website is encouraging past and present staff to tell their stories - their work, their trials and their successes – along with photos. We will also add information as the site grows that, we hope will add context to those stories – what precipitated some of the actions and what were their eventual outcomes. We will use documents from the past and present along with photographs of people places and things that have defined our work/service and contributions to the growth of BC across these 100 years.
For those who have worked for the Service in forest and range, I invite you to consider your stories and follow the advice found within this site to tell your story to the world. For others, we will appreciate your comments.
I hope you enjoy the site and visit it often or periodically to watch our history unfold from the point of view of employees – past, present, and future. Again, welcome.
