Training

BCT continues to invest in our volunteers and staff, to ensure they are trained and current on all aspects of Operational needs. The following training courses were attended by staff and volunteers.

Chainsaw Training

Chainsaw Course was conducted by Hayes Safety Training Inc. Nine volunteers and two members of staff were trained and qualified to intermediate level 3. The Woodland Trainers Association (WTA) in co-operation with chainsaw and other manufacturers, vegetation management companies and several exploration companies has developed this program in response to needs identified by government agencies and industry associations. The Department of Labour – Occupational Health and Safety Division, Alberta Forest Products Association, Parks Canada, private and public agencies, and equipment suppliers and trainers contributed to the development and evolution of the program. Our objective is to develop proficient chainsaw operators who demonstrate a positive attitude toward safety, environmental stewardship, and professional care and diligence in their work. The program emphasizes instructional excellence, high standards of proficiency, safe work practices, modern and well-maintained equipment, personal fitness and, above all, adherence to local Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Regulations pertaining to the chainsaw professions.

The purpose of these courses is to increase and improve operators’ knowledge and skills. Proper training is essential to ensure safety and improve productivity. Many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred since the inception of the chainsaw. With continuous proper training, supervision and saw-maintenance, there should be an elimination of these incidents. On completion of these courses, operators will have the skills and knowledge to develop safe work habits, thereby greatly reducing the risks associated with chainsaw operations.

Bear Safety Training

Canadian Bear Safety Authority (CBSA) conducted Bear Safety Training on 17 July 2024. Two courses were conducted, 17 volunteers and two members of staff were trained and certified.

The course was conducted by John Clarke, a retired Fish and Wildlife Officer from Southern Alberta. Last year he decided to start a business teaching Bear Safety Training to Industry workers and the public who spend a lot of their time in areas where predators frequent. Over the past 1.5 years he taught his course to several staff on the TECK mines, City of Abbotsford, and other organizations.

His course is like no other. His career as an officer for 34 years, holding positions as a Predator Response Team Leader, Regional Problem Specialist, and a Government K9 handler of Karelian Bear dogs has allowed him to create a course that,” turns fear into confidence”.

Canadian Bear Safety Authority’s course objective is to create a muscle memory response when encountering a threat. Also creating leadership and team building skills within the student.

www.canadianbearsafetyauthority.com

Trail Days

In the past month (since June 20), we’ve had 17 trails days that focused on upgrading the tread and drainage on West Crystal Singletrack and Snowy Shortcut from winter-only routes to an all-season standard. We have completed 1 kilometre of new tread, or about half of both of those trails. In addition, we have done maintenance work on Braggin Rights, East Telephone, Long Distance, Boundary Ridge, Ranger Summit, Bobcat, Sugar Daddy, and Snagmore. And crews have cleared over 30 downed trees from various trails.

On July 25th we conducted a Group trail day with 24 army cadets and 4 adult staff from all over Canada and the UK. It was a multi-objective trail day:

  1. Remove rocks from East Sundog hill to improve the safety of that trail for mowing and ski grooming.
  2. Move rocks to Boundary Horse and use them to raise the tread in a couple of low-wet areas.
  3. Widen a narrow part of East Sundog by removing mineral soil from a side bank and adding organic material to low spots.

The cadets worked very hard and were educated along the way of what and why they were doing the trail work. Overall, this was a great success and the BCT team look forward to seeing another group on Aug 3rd.

First Aid Training

Standard First Aid (SFA) Training and CPR C course will be conducted on 29/30 Jul 24 by Kaylin Nolan, Apollo First Aid and Safety Training.

This is a Comprehensive two-day course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home. Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.

Summer Machinery Update

The Bobcat UTV was converted into summer use by removing the track systems and installing wheels. The machine continues to prove its utility. New training and safety measures were enacted on Kubota tractor use. The rotary mower was scrapped due to irreparable damage from the prior mowing season and a new flail mower was purchased. The offset flail mower used for TCT maintenance had significant structural repair completed. Investigations into the suitability of the MTT tracked vehicle were completed and a purchase order was signed.The MTT is expected to be a game changer for AST maintenance and grooming. Regular annual maintenance work continues on the winter equipment.