Dynamic Reforestation / Planter resources

Frequently asked questions

How to get here

Bus - Williams Lake is serviced by Greyhound, with buses arriving 3 times/day. The Greyhound station is close to a number of motels.

Fly - You can fly direct to Williams Lake from Vancouver South Terminal on Pacific Coastal Airlines. Flights start at $115, book 14 days in advance for the best rate. Prince George and Kamloops are a 3 hour bus ride away but offer more options for flights. Check individual airlines (WestJet, Air Canada, etc) for more info.

Pick-up - Please let us know at least 3 days in advance of your arrival to ensure there is someone to meet you at the airport or bus depot. There is no pick up between 10pm 7am please plan accordingly.

Where can I find more info on Employment Standards and regulations for treeplanters?

Where can I find information on WorkSafeBC?

Information about injuries, and claims
BC Employment Standards

How do I figure out what rights I have as a tree planter?

Tree planting is governed by the same legislation as other forms of employment. As a planter there are several acts, regulations, and codes that apply to you.

A smart tree planter knows what their rights and responsibilities are and what their employer can be expected to provide. Click on the links below to educate yourself!

How can I be sure a potential employer will provide a safe work environment?

When applying to a company have a list of questions to assess how the company manages the comfort and safety of their planters. Ask about their safety program, accident record, type of equipment they use and, supervisor experience.

For more information click here

Pre-season training

Are you fit to plant?

Many planters, coming off of long months of sitting at a desk studying or riding the couch all winter, waste the first few weeks of the season by arriving unfit and unprepared.

Downtime from being out of shape or developing injuries which can nag you throughout the season can be avoided by getting active pre-season. Dr. Delia Roberts, in conjunction with Selkirk College, developed the 8 week Fit to Plant training program.
Click here to view the Fit to Plant training program.

This is a PLANTER-SPECIFIC program that is proven to increase productivity by 12.5% and reduce injuries by 40%.

This means:

Without the program, a planter might put in 1000 trees/day which, on 15 cent land equals $150
Using the plan, a planter could put in 1250 trees on that same day which equals $187.50
Over the course of that first shift (4 days) the trained planter makes $150 more!
Over the course of the season, the trained planter can earn as much as $2250 more than the untrained planter.
Plus, with 40% fewer injuries, the trained planter has less downtime resulting in MORE MONEY!

To be ready for our mid-April start you need to begin the program in late February.

Nutrition

Heathy body = healthy paycheque

Having a profitable season depends on many factors: choosing an organized company who offers a lengthy season, your own motivation, and your ability to go hard every day you are working. In other words: your health.

Your body is one of the most important tools for making great money while tree planting. Just as you wouldn't go out into the bush with a rubber shovel or boots with no laces, you should not go out into the bush with an out-of-shape body or tendons and ligaments that are not primed and ready for the tough work ahead.

To give you the edge this season we assembled the latest information on health, training, and eating right to help you have your best season ever.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is a critical component of maintaining high energy and endurance for both the long days and the entire season. Nutrition plays an important role in rebuilding after the beating your body takes from a particularly strenuous day or shift. It aids in muscle repair, strengthening immunity, meeting increased vitamin and mineral needs, and providing energy.

Follow the links below for specific information:

Muscles and joints

Incredible demands are placed on your bones, muscles, and joints from carrying heavy loads, climbing up and down your piece and climbing through the slash. Use the following resources to learn how it all works:

Of course, none of these resources can replace the expertise of a physician. These resourses are intended for educational purposes not self-diagnosis. For medical advice see a doctor!

Holistic care

Alternative medicine offers very practical and potent remedies for many of the aches and pains that planting can bring on. Whatever route you choose, educate yourself before deciding on treatment; just because it is natural does not always mean it is right for you.

Got another alternative remedy that works for you? Let us know!

Safety - hazard identification

We work hard to provide a safe work environment for our crews. To ensure you are prepared for working in the great outdoors we provide training in identifying common hazards while tree planting.

Common hazards such as:

Bears and wildlife
Repetitive stress injury
Dangerous driving
Unsafe working conditions
Forest fires
Extreme weather

Safety - our commitment

At Dynamic no work we do is worth getting hurt for.

Our workers should always have the right to refuse unsafe work
Any safety concerns can be brought up either at regular safety meetings or in private with any foreman, supervisor, or owner
All employees will be fully trained before starting work and always have the ability to ask for further training if required
We believe in continual improvement in our safety program and in our work practices

Our equipment

Crews are given comprehensive training and provided excellent leadership
We equip our people with the proper tools to bring everyone home safe at the end of the day
High quality, reliable equipment keeps people safe and minimizes downtime
We use newer F350 trucks as our crew vehicles
Our vehicles, trailers, and ATVs are regularly inspected for deficiencies
We have regular maintenance schedules for all equipment
Our camp trailers and facilities all meet or exceed current regulations
Our water systems meet or exceed current public health regulations and are monitored daily
Vehicles are equipped with radios for safe road travel and emergency communications
There is a satellite phone in every remote bush camp for emergency use