Five years in business

Redcedar Environmental turns five today.

We have grown so much in the last five years, not only in numbers, but also as professionals. We have dedicated a lot of energy towards learning new skills and acquiring new certifications.

I have been a Certified Arborist for a couple of years now. The skills and knowledge that come with that certification have allowed us to expand our scope of work to our clients, providing more cost-effective service than hiring of multiple companies for a single job. I have also found that a proper understanding of trees is necessary to determine impacts during instream or near-stream works, and to find creative solutions when development must occur near protected trees.

We have also spent a lot of time learning about wetlands. With land availability for development at a premium, developers are looking towards those lands that were previously ignored. In many cases these areas include wetlands that have important development (and ecological) implications. We are also finding that many agricultural areas are wetlands. While current practice seems to indicate existing uses may continue unhindered, changing land uses through infilling, draining, or building is not permitted. We follow the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation methodology. This is a science-based method that is consistent and repeatable, ensuring that the advice we provide for our clients is trust-worthy.

In the coming weeks a (lucky) member of our team will be taking an advanced ornithology course in Revelstoke to learn about new technologies to use for nesting bird surveys. With legislation to protect nesting birds becoming more rigourous, we feel that having a more objective methodology is in the best interests of our clients.

Over the last five years I have learned that continuing education means learning new and practical skills. I will continue to look for serious learning opprortunities at universities or reputable training centres. Education at Redcedar Environmental means significant personal progress.

Lately we have also become involved in two development projects. While this has nothing to do with environmental science, it does help us understand the difficulties that our clients face. Development is a complicated business. There is no substitute for personal experience in this industry.

I don't know what to expect in the next five years, but we have created a road map to ensure that we are well prepared to meet any new challenges that might arise.