Shows
Shaye GanamAspen Dudzic is with the communications department with the Alberta Forest Products AssociationWe need to rethink forest management, even in our national parks
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2025-08-0510 min
Forestry TalksA New Era of Climate Solutions with Craig WernerIn this episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic sits down with Craig Werner, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), to discuss the exciting intersection of climate innovation and forestry. Since 2009, ERA has invested over $1 billion into technologies that improve environmental performance while boosting Alberta’s economy—including $70 million into forestry-related projects alone.From turning forest residuals into hydrogen, to upgrading pulp mills for greater efficiency and lower emissions, Craig walks us through some of the most groundbreaking work being done in Alberta. Learn how ERA’s strategy, including its brand-new interactive project map, i...
2025-06-2636 minForestry TalksWhy Canada Should Build More with Wood with Rick JefferyCanada has the most sustainably certified forests in the world, yet we still rely heavily on exports instead of building more with our own wood. In this episode, Aspen Dudzic speaks with Rick Jeffery, President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council, to explore why that needs to change—and how it can.Rick shares insights from his 40-year career in forestry, discusses innovation in Canadian forest products, and highlights the climate, economic, and social benefits of increasing domestic wood use. They unpack building codes, hybrid construction, biophilic design, and how Alberta can lead with a “Build with...
2025-05-1535 minForestry TalksUnlocking Opportunities for Canadian Wood with Bruce St. JohnTrade is top of mind for everyone right now, and market diversification is a key part of those conversations. In this episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic is joined by Bruce St. John, President of Canada Wood, to dive into the decades-long efforts to diversify Canada’s forest product exports. Bruce shares fascinating insights into how countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam are integrating Canadian wood into their industries—not just for construction, but for everything from seismic-resistant buildings to high-end furniture. We also explore how Alberta plays a crucial role in securing international demand and why e...
2025-02-2737 minForestry TalksAlberta Trade, Forest Products, and Sustainable Solutions with Jason KripsIn this episode, host Aspen Dudzic sits down with Jason Krips, President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association, to discuss Alberta's forestry sector as a solution to key challenges. They explore wildfire mitigation strategies, the province’s role in international trade, and the importance of showcasing Alberta’s sustainable forestry practices to global markets. Jason shares key insights from recent trade missions and outlines the vision for Alberta to become North America's top jurisdiction for forest products.The Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is a non-profit association that has been the voice of the sustainable fore...
2025-01-3025 minForestry TalksInside Education: Bridging Classrooms and Forests with Kathryn WagnerIn this episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic sits down with Kathryn Wagner, Executive Director of Inside Education, to explore the transformative power of environmental and forestry education. Kathryn shares her journey from high school teacher to leading Inside Education, an organization at the forefront of natural resource education in Alberta. Together, they discuss the impact of field trips, teacher professional development, and initiatives like the Forestry Futures Alliance. Discover how these programs inspire students and teachers alike to engage with Alberta’s forests, nurture sustainable practices, and envision a future where environmental stewardship thrives.The Al...
2024-12-1728 minForestry TalksBuilding an Inclusive Future: A Live Panel Discussion on EDI in ForestryIn this special panel episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic moderates an engaging panel discussion recorded at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel during the Annual General Meeting and Conference. Aspen is joined by Wendy Crosina of Weyerhaeuser, Sithara Fernando of Northwest College, and Robin McCullough of Brinkman Reforestation to explore equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in Canada’s forest sector.The panel discusses the work of the Forestry Together Alliance, a collaborative effort to build a more inclusive industry, spark vital conversations, and share best practices. From creating safer, more diverse workplaces to leveraging leadership buy-in an...
2024-12-1230 minForestry TalksEconomic Reconciliation and Sustainable Forestry with John DesjarlaisIn this episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic sits down with John Desjarlais, Executive Director of the Indigenous Resource Network, to explore the vital role of Indigenous leadership in the forestry sector. They discuss economic reconciliation, the competitive advantage of Indigenous partnerships, and how shared values between Indigenous communities and industry are shaping a sustainable future. The Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is a non-profit association that has been the voice of the sustainable forest industry in Alberta since 1942. Alberta's forest industry supports over 31,500 jobs and generates $5.8 billion in provincial GDP.
2024-12-0327 minForestry TalksDe-risking Innovation with Cal DakinIn this episode of Forestry Talks, Aspen Dudzic interviews Cal Dakin, the Director of Innovation and Woodlands at Mercer Peace River, who discusses insights on how innovation is changing the forestry industry. Cal talks about how his role involves collaborating with specialists to develop new ideas and bring them to life. He also shares the importance of planning and having a clear pathway to implementation for any innovation project. The pair dispel the common misconception that the forestry industry is technologically backward and discusses how the industry is embracing exciting new developments. Tune in to this informative episode to...
2024-01-0526 minForestry TalksNavigating the Flames with Minister Todd LoewenJoin us for a captivating start to Season 3 of Forestry Talks as we gather industry leaders for our Annual General Meeting at the stunning Jasper Park Lodge. In this episode, our special guest, Honourable Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, sheds light on his journey and experiences since assuming the role of Minister amid Alberta's challenging wildfire season.In the compelling discussion with our host, Aspen Dudzic, Minister Loewen delves into the significance of active forest management, emphasizing its role in the well-being of our communities, economy, resources, and the overall forest landscape. They also explore the...
2023-11-0123 minForestry TalksRising Temperatures, Rising Flames with Dr. Mike FlanniganWelcome to another episode of Forestry Talks. This episode dives into Alberta's wildfire landscape with our guest, Dr. Mike Flannigan. Dr. Flannigan, a Professor at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, joins us to share his insights on the 2023 wildfire season with our host, Aspen Dudzic.In this discussion, Dr. Flannigan and Aspen explore the many factors contributing to Alberta's wildfire dynamics. From the causes to the hazards and the role of education in wildfire prevention, they dive into all things fire. One of the key focal points in this episode is the impact o...
2023-10-1629 minForestry TalksSeedling to Structure with Andre LemaWelcome to episode five of Forestry Talks, your go-to podcast powered by the Alberta Forest Products Association. In this episode, our guest, Andre Lema, Manager of Business Development at Western Archrib, sits down with our host, Aspen Dudzic, to discuss the world of mass timber and glulam products.This episode delves into how Western Archrib's cutting-edge products are reshaping the construction landscape and ushering in a new era of sustainability and carbon-conscious building practices. As the pair unravel the capabilities of mass timber, Andre Lema shares his connection to the forest and the art of building with...
2023-10-0527 minForestry TalksBranching Out in Genomics with Erin TessierWelcome to another episode of Forestry Talks, the podcast brought to you by the Alberta Forest Products Association. In this episode guest Erin Tessier, Director of Communications & Partnerships at Genome Alberta, joins host, Aspen Dudzic, to talk about the world of genomics and the exciting innovation that can help create strong and healthy forests for the future.Throughout the episode, Erin talks about the role artificial intelligence plays in genomics and the many ways that genomics can help tackle challenges like climate change resiliency, pest infestation and so much more. Don't miss out on...
2023-08-3120 minForestry TalksGrowing a Strong Community with Mayor Jackie ClaytonGrande Prairie is a unique community for a few reasons, but did you know that the City of Grande Prairie is home to 4 different mills that belong to some of the biggest forest product companies in the world? Mayor Jackie Clayton from the City of Grande Prairie joins host Aspen Dudzic to explore what it's like to be mayor of one of Alberta's biggest forestry communities, what makes Grande Prairie an awesome place to live, and what the Community Rail Advocacy Alliance is all about.The Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is a non-profit association that has...
2023-07-2817 minForestry TalksThe Science of Growing Forests with Dr. Amanda SchoonmakerJoin host Aspen Dudzic in the latest episode of the Forestry Talks podcast, presented by the Alberta Forest Products Association, as she welcomes Dr. Amanda Schoonmaker, Research Chair for Colleges at the Centre for Boreal Research NAIT.Together, they delve into Dr. Schoonmaker's research on promoting tree growth in the diverse boreal forest. Their conversation covers key topics such as forest ecology, reforestation, and land reclamation. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the important research that drives forest management practices.The Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is a non-profit...
2023-06-2841 minForestry TalksForest from the Trees with Jason FisherWelcome to season two of Forestry Talks powered by the Alberta Forest Products Association! Our first episode back host, Aspen Dudzic sits down with Jason Fisher, who is the Partner of Advisory Services at Meyers Norris Penny (MNP). In this episode, the pair delve deep into the multifaceted relationships between forestry and the personal connection each and every one of us has with nature. This insightful interview will give you a deeper understanding of the importance of working forests as a means to build partnerships with Indigenous communities, maintain our natural resources, mitigate climate change, and s...
2023-06-0824 minForestry TalksSparking Passion in Forestry with Aly BrooksIn this episode, our guest Aly Brooks, a second-year Forest Technology student from NAIT, joins host Aspen Dudzic for the last podcast filmed at last year's AGM & Conference. Aly digs into her passion for being outdoors, which drove her decision to join the forestry program at NAIT. Tune in to hear Aly dive into what she has learned in her studies, some of the surprising forestry roles she has learned about, and how programs such as Work Wild and the Junior Forest Rangers have influenced her to explore the many opportunities in the sector. The Alb...
2023-02-2410 minForestry TalksFireside Chat with the CEO — Looking Back and Looking AheadWe hope for this to be the first in a series of interviews where AFPA President and CEO, Jason Krips, and Host, Aspen Dudzic, sit down to discuss what's happened in Alberta's forest industry lately and what opportunities and challenges are on the horizon. In this episode, Jason dives into his journey as AFPA CEO for the last two and a half years and shares some of the fun that comes with stepping into a new role at the start of a global pandemic. He also remarks on some of the cool things he's learned about forestry i...
2022-12-2032 min
Forestry TalksThe Future of Forestry and Some Big Surprises with Minister Nate HornerThe Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development, Nate Horner, joins AFPA's Director of Communications, Aspen Dudzic, to discuss his vision for the future of Alberta's forest sector and some of the big surprises he's had learning about the forestry sector in his new role.The Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) is a non-profit association that has been the voice of the sustainable forest industry in Alberta since 1942. Alberta's forest industry supports over 31,500 jobs and generates $5.8 billion in provincial GDP. Join us as we connect with industry leaders and discuss topics like sustainability...
2022-10-0516 min