The Galiano Conservancy Association’s Restoring the Balance (RTB) initiative has had an exceptional inaugural year. Within the broader project generously funded by the Gencon Foundation, the Stewardship of the Forest component of this initiative has made significant strides in strengthening local ecosystems and advancing reconciliation with local Indigenous peoples. RTB is an ambitious five-year initiative designed to build long-term ecological resilience through community-led ecological restoration and meaningful collaboration.
This fall, the Galiano Conservancy Association continued to advance its forest stewardship goals, taking major steps forward in forestry safety, professional training, and forest rehabilitation. The need for enhanced forestry training emerged through conversations with local Indigenous partners, who identified gaps in certification and safety credentials as key barriers to fully participating in forest restoration work. In response, RTB committed to creating and supporting capacity-building opportunities that directly address these needs.
We were proud to uphold that commitment by hosting the following training programs and workshops in 2025:
WDTA Forestry Module: Focus on Operational Safety in the Field
Imagine stepping into Galiano’s forests, equipped not just with tools but with crucial safety knowledge. In this hands-on training, participants learned to spot and manage danger trees. Whether felling timber or examining a soil pit, this module aimed to empower our local forest workers to stay safe and react confidently in real operational scenarios.
WDTA Parks and Recreation Module: Protecting Nature and People
Caring for public spaces means balancing safety with ecological stewardship. This module gave park managers and trail stewards practical strategies to assess risk and maintain habitats for local wildlife. The focus: safeguarding trail-goers while preserving the natural features that make our local parks and conservation areas truly special.
Industry Fallers Training Program: Building Local Expertise and Capacity for Forest Stewardship
During this rigorous 30-day Industry Fallers Training Program, two local participants trained intensively alongside BC Forest Safety Council-certified instructors. Completing this course means joining a network of professionals dedicated to safe, sustainable forestry, and it’s a milestone for the future of local land management.
Salish Sea Forest Restoration Workshop: Collaboration for Resilience
Restoration leaders from across the Salish Sea gathered for two immersive days with Tal Engel of Wolftree Integrative Forest Rehabilitation. This workshop overflowed with ideas: wildfire prevention, innovative restoration techniques, and best practices shared by passionate practitioners. The collaborative spirit ensures every step toward forest recovery benefits the entire coastal ecosystem.
Keith Erickson introduces participants to the Pebble Beach Reserve
Together, these initiatives reflect meaningful progress in building the skills and community leadership essential for long-term, effective forest stewardship. As we continue working toward healthier forests, we remain committed to reconciliation, public education, and supporting those who wish to be part of restoration efforts.
If you have questions, or if you own land in need of restoration, please reach out to Bobbi-Jo Basarab or Adam Huggins, Project Co-Coordinators, at rtb@galianoconservancy.ca. We would be happy to connect!
