130-We Don't Know What We Don't Know with Carla Rhyant

Public forests hold a lot of value for people. Clean water, fresh air, organic food, rich ecosystems, recreation opportunities, and timber for our homes. Now, it is forest professionals job to manage the public resource for these values. Only, how do we know what the public values? Have we asked? This episode is about social license, and the idea of a forest profession that is forever moving forward to better protect the public interest.ResourcesAssociation of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP)Rocky Mountain Goat AllianceThe Myth of the Omnipotent ForesterHas the Myth of the Omnipotent Forester Become the Reality of the Impotent Forester?SponsorsWest FraserGreenLink Forestry Inc.Quotes33.06 - 33.11: “Our inherent nature is to read and seek information that supports our bias.” TakeawaysFor the people (13.00)Carla defines the role of the regulator as protecting the public interest by ensuring foresters are qualified and pursuing continuing competence. In forestry, forest professionals are responsible to apply the values of the public in their work. She highlights the importance of ongoing public consultation, communication and relationship building. The forestry industry (23.40)Carla talks about how the industry is different today, with increased interaction with the public and the earning of social licences since most of what forest professionals do has a significant public impact. She encourages those looking to enter the industry to make the most of their time at school, selecting electives wisely and conducting informational interviews with professionals in the field to shine a light on their blind spots in the profession. She also celebrates reading about different perspectives in the field to broaden one’s horizons and ignite creativity.“One of the core foundations of ethics is continuing competence” (36.10)Carla laments that forestry has been accused of being stuck to old ways, but she finds foresters to be open and receptive. It is essential to be abreast with up-to-date science and apply it to one’s work, as due diligence. In the Friday notices she sends to all AAFMP members, she includes links to new information and Matt’s podcast. Lifelong learning (55.33)The continuing competence program is defined by the AAFMP council and is regularly reviewed. The intent is to move away from hours-based programs to competence profiles, which can lead to career growth. Carla gives the example of the Forest Technologist Standards they developed, which include soft sciences and an Indigenous component. Being open (1.02.23)Carla believes curiosity forms a large part of successful competency training. When one approaches Indigenous consultation from a place of inquiry, it prevents missing the big pieces of the conversation. She shares how AAFMP revised their exam to better help entrants in the field. “Public interest is a moving target” (1.12.00)Carla believes in encouraging people to be a part of the process of this self-regulated profession and to volunteer for committees that help make it what it is. She explains how her work involves balancing the interests of the bulk of the people with protecting minorities and being fair to the fringes of the profession.