A Williams Lake forest professional has taken the helm of the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals.
Mauro Calabrese who was acclaimed as president of the 70th council of the ABCFP last week says he started helping with the local network 5 to 6 years ago.
“And then I was encouraged to become a Council member. I’ve had great support from my employer, West Fraser and also support of my wife as I have four young kids. It does require some extra travel.”
Calabrese’s first experience in forestry came as a heli-attack firefighter.
He has been the planning superintendent in Williams Lake for West Fraser for the past two years where he supervises a team of eight forest professionals and GIS technicians.
He says ABCFP’s mandate is to ensure that BC’s forests are in good hands and that the Association is always trying to ensure that their members are behaving in ethical manners and upholding the public interest of being good stewards of the environment.
He says the forest industry in the Interior especially has been going through some challenges with declining annual allowable cuts which will be difficult for members and communities.
Calabrese takes over as President from Christoper Stagg of Prince George.