The SFI Standard (s. 13.1) states  that certified ogranizations require appropriate training of personnel and contractors so that they are competent to fulfill their responsibilities under the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

Further, the SFI Standard (s. 13.1.5) requires that program participants have written agreements for use of qualified logging professionals.

The SFI FM Standard also requires (Performance Measure 13.2) SFI Implementation Committees to establish criteria and identify delivery mechanisms for training that allows individuals to 1) Attain Qualified Logging Professional status in Central Canada and 2) Maintain their QLP status in Central Canada through continuing education (at least every 2 years).

What is a Qualified Logging Professional?

The SFI 2022 standard defines a qualified logging professional as follows:

"A person with specialized skills in timber harvesting who has successfully completed wood producer training programs and continued education requirements recognized by SFI Implementation Committees as meeting the spirit and intent of performance measure under Objective 13 in the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

a) Each crew must include a qualified logging professional who (1) has completed the SFI Implementation Committee approved wood producer training program; (2) is an owner of, employee of, or contracted by the wood producer (3) has direct responsibility and is on-site regularly to consistently carry out the roles and responsibilities of the qualified logging professional under the SFI 2022 Standard(s) (e.g., safety, protection of soils, streams and other water bodies).

b) To be considered a qualified logging professional, an individual must complete the required training appropriate to their level of responsibility (e.g., owner, supervisor, employee) within the specified time period required by their SFI Implementation Committee.  SFI Implementation Committees have the flexibility to require different training requirements for owners of logging businesses versus training requirements for other employees (e.g., supervisors).  Once classified as a qualified logging professional, the individual must complete the required SFI Implementation Committee maintenance training within the prescribed time period to retain their status as a qualified logging professional."

What does that mean?

The Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee has established training criteria and training delivery mechanisms for continuing education courses and tools. One or more of these shall be taken by qualified logging professionals at least once ever two years to maintain their status. This training and awareness gives due consideration to topics listed in the SFI Standard Performance Measure 13.2.2. The following training criteria and delivery mechanisms are approved and supported by CCSIC member participants.

A Qualified Logging Professional (QLP) meets the following training requirements:

1. Legal Requirements: The individual must have all of the training that is legally required (Ontario/Manitoba). Loggers and Logging Contractors are expected to know what training is legally required.  Some examples could include Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operator Common Core (Ontario) and The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

2. SFI Awareness & Best Practices: The individual must have training and awareness of the principles of sustainable forest management certification, the SFI Standard and Best Management Practices (BMPs) applicable to their operation. 

3. Continuing Education: The individual must have CE training at least every 2 years (encouraged every year) and demonstrate a growing awareness that supports past training, safety and principles of sustainable forestry.

The CCSIC has developed the following delivery mechanisms which serve to further define mandatory minimum training requirements for Qualified Logging Professionals:

1.CCSIC Training Program. The CCSIC has developed a series of mandatory CCSIC Training Modules (Courses) for use as training aids focused on SFI Awareness and Best Practices.

Module 1 - SFI Awareness
Module 2 - Qualified Logging Professional
Module 3 - Species at Risk, Invasive Species, Conservation Values, Old Growth
Module 4 - Harvest
Module 5 - Access
Module 6 - Reforestation & Aesthetics
Module 7 - Dangerous Goods
Module 8 - Legal

2.CCSIC Approved Training Program. The CCSIC respects that members may choose to customize their own Training Program (Modules / Courses / CE) that meet CCSIC QLP criteria by building on all or part, of the mandatory CCSIC Training.  Members have an opportunity to have their own training program reviewed and “approved in writing as equivalent” by the CCSIC Inconsistent Practices Coordinators. For more information contact your local CCSIC member.

3.CCSIC Continuing Education(CE). The CCSIC progressively develops CE Training Modules (Classroom) and CE Training Bulletins (Tailgate) available on the CCSIC – CE Tool Box (Website) as aids for topical SFM field oriented course work. The CCSIC believes the field is often the best classroom.  Accordingly, the CCSIC recognizes participants CE Training Programs that are achieved from a variety of delivery mechanisms: oral or written in the form of  presentations; seminars; workshops; tailgate sessions; face to face meetings or online, etc. A QLP should consult with their supervisor and/or use their own professional judgment maintain or upgrade their personal competency and meet continuing education requirements of their respective training.

How can you get the required training?

The CCSIC and/or individual member companies periodically offer training opportunities to assist loggers and contractors in meeting these requirements.  Further, CCSIC has developed a series of training modules for use as training aids.  For additional information regarding required training and to better determine your training requirements, contact CCSIC or visit our Resources page for links to other agencies.

On-Line Training Modules  NORCAT Training Documentation

What is a Qualified Resource Professional?

The SFI 2022 standard defines a qualified logging professional as follows:

"A person who by training and experience can make forest management recommendations.  Examples include foresters, soil scientists, hydrologists, forest engineers, forest ecologists, fishery and wildlife biologists or technically trained specialists in such fields."

The CCSIC and its participants encourage landowners and their contractors conducting operations to utilize the services of qualified resource professionals in applying the principles of sustainable forest management.
 
What does that mean?

In Ontario, the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) is responsible for the regulation of the practice of professional forestry and to govern its members in accordance with the Ontario Professional Foresters Act, 2000.  The OPFA is committed to actively contributing to the sustainability of Ontario's forests by assuring the highest professional standards of practice in forestry.  The OPFA website is a good source of information for landowners and contractors seeking qualified resource professionals.

What is the difference between a Qualified Logging Professional and a Qualified Resource Professional?

A qualified resource professional specializes in forest and natural resource management.  He/She would be able to help a landowner develop management strategies and/or specific harvest and renewal prescriptions for their woodlot.  A qualified logging professional is more likely to be an experienced supervisor/equipment operator. He/She would be able to implement the harvest and/or renewal prescriptions developed by the qualified resource professional.