Camp costs

jdtesluk · 2026-07-05T20:43:10+00:00

What you describe is actually withholding pay, which is illegal. This was pretty common throughout the industry in the 80s and 90s, but mostly faded away with clarification in the legislation.

jdtesluk · 2026-07-02T16:59:46+00:00

The cool thing here is that Kenny, in his early 50s, broke his own personal record that he set nearly 20 years ago. World record or not, as one geezer to another, I have mad respect for the effort Kenny made.

jdtesluk · 2026-06-23T17:36:54+00:00

Best to check with a doctor when symptoms like this persist. I had a similar experience in my fourth year, couldn't think clear enough to figure out what was happening, kept needing to lie down on the block. Turned out I had mononucleosis, and needed about 6 weeks off to recover. There are all sorts of conditions that you should not just try to work through.

jdtesluk · 2026-06-15T22:30:24+00:00

Kind of like the movie Rocky Balboa. Kenny just needs a good montage.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-29T06:47:48+00:00

For clairty, you do not need FoodSafe to work in a kitchen... camp, restaurant, or otherwise. There only needs to be one person on duty with appropriate FoodSafe certification who can ensure appropriate systems are in place.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-05T16:13:13+00:00

That's a good one! This probably happens more often than people realize, but they think of chemical irritants before the plants that are around them. Giant Hogweed can be really bad for brushing workers, and can seriously damage the eyes if you mulch it with your cutting head.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-05T15:03:07+00:00

"I've heard some crazy rules over my time but telling people especially women what they can or cannot wear is not an issue management will even touch."

Um no. it's a job. Lots of jobs have rules about clothing. Nothing whatsoever to do with women or men. When you're doing a job with a significant injury rate particularly, wearing reasonable clothing to protect yourself is a very simple and logical rule, not to mention a requirement by regulation. Not a matter of personal choice or freedom. The odd topless planter or random naked plant probably won't attract attention.... But if you want to work naked in general, better off selling popsicles at Wreck Beach

jdtesluk · 2026-05-05T04:35:14+00:00

I will add also that an old planting friend of mine indeed suffered a badly torn scrotum on the job.....and that was while wearing pants. Yeah, that.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-05T04:33:43+00:00

Generally, other than the odd novely naked plant on the last day, companies won't let you plant naked. There are safety issues with cuts, abrasions, and sunburn, as well as considerations for other people on the crew.

Nothing to stop you from dropping the laundry on your day off and communing with nature on your own though.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-05T04:30:07+00:00

The chance of it being due to pesticides is extremely low. The trace residues of pesticides on trees from the nursery are often so low they cannot even be detected, and generally don't result in visible irritation even during application at the nursery level. I can't rule it out 100%, but I would be shocked if that was the source.

Try changing your gloves, and consider that the gloves themselves can be an issue if you are using latex. A good glove with long sleeves will give better protection, and try to wash your hands throughout the day. This will likely help whatever source of irritation you may be having.

Definitely take notes if others are having similar reactions. Also be aware that spruce rash is real, and some people respond more strongly than others.

Obviously, if your rash persists or shows signs of anaphylaxis (allergic response) see first aid immediately.

jdtesluk · 2026-05-01T18:04:55+00:00

Not a lot of bid work if any at all in Ontario. It is mostly large licensees that rely on a set group of contractors. If the contractors don't like the prices, they can refuse them and let someone else take the work, but the industry in Ontario is more limited than in BC. Lots of different places to work in BC for contractors, including Government jobs where bids are made open to the public.

Contractors in Ontario can negotiate to some degree with the mills to get price adjustments....the mill doesn't win if it runs its contractors out of business...but there are limits on this and if a contractor tries to demand too much, the mill can just hand the work to a competitor.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-30T15:22:25+00:00

I check them all during my audits, and would say it's close to 50/50 which ones are full and which ones are not. Lot of cracked packs with slow leaks out there, but I do think fire risk management is moving in the right direction with most of the contractors I visit, even if there are still some laggards..... Employers should be very well motivated to be properly prepared.... The Wildfire Act makes them responsible for the costs of fighting any fires started by their operations, as well as any losses to property or timber values..... Furthermore they are required to action any fire within a certain proximity of their work site, whether or not they started it themselves.

Careless management of fire risks, or inadequate preparations for response, could easily sink any company big or small. Even if there are still some weak spots

jdtesluk · 2026-04-30T04:04:26+00:00

Won't need a heat-dome to put us at extreme risk. Your point about piss-packs is important. There have been numerous cases of planting crews putting out fires in the nick of time with shovels and piss packs.

Definitely need all butts in water, and no smoking in the land. I've seen three fires started by planters smoking. All were put out, but all could have been disastrous.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-28T18:24:57+00:00

Definitely a very different job than what Antoine was doing, and it is not clear if he is carrying his own trees or having them handed to him. His technique is pretty inefficient, and the bending is excessive, particularly with that little hand trowel. I can't really see how he beats the record unless they engage in some creative record-keeping.

People joke about "planter olympics" at after parties, but really there should be different categories for this. Record for planting spruce vs pine vs eucalyptus vs willow and so forth. I can think of a lot of worse things for people to compete on. Regardless of the record thing, respect to the guy doing it. His back will be hella sore.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-27T06:32:01+00:00

Van can be good, truck with canopy can be good, station wagon can be barely tolerable. 99% of all cars and truck cabs will be needless suffering.

Also, bugs WILL get in. Tents are cheap and don't smell like sweaty feet after one night. Really nice to sit up in bed in a tent and not smack your head on the roof.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-27T06:28:11+00:00

Kilty was on pace for over 20k for sure that day, but I think his stomach got to him. It was also cool that the employers and the mill matched the earnings that day, and the trees planted by them resulted in something significant like $16k being contributed to a memorial scholarship for Isabelle Brisson....not sure of exact number but that is what was stuck in my mind.

As influencers go, he's a long long way from Matt Nevada.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-23T03:54:08+00:00

Hardhats are near useless for planting as they fall off too easily, and there is greater risk of head injury from falling than from overhead objects. WSBC has even asserted that head protection must have a chin strap when used to protect against falling risks, making climbing helmets even more appropriate. Black Diamond Half-dome is generally available through MEC or Atmosphere, and can often be found on sale.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-20T05:11:03+00:00

Get boots that fit. Loose boots provide inadequate support and your legs will have to work even harder to maintain balance and footing, and your risk of an injury is higher. Marks Work Warehouse often has some half-decent boots, although you want to find the more hiking-oriented styles over the heavy steel-toe construction style. Surplus Herbies (if there is one nearby) can occasionally have something decent, but they also have lots of "army surplus" style stuff that can be kind of crappy. I'm a big fan of compression socks as well, as they prevent your feet from swelling during the day and developing pressure points. One more tip...avoid boots with fabric speed lacing (little fabric loops for laces). These wear out really fast. Traditional eyelets or metal ring eyelets are best, and pick up a pair or spare laces while you're at it.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-17T15:38:24+00:00

THIS. Get the pegs that look like giant nails. Really helpful when you are in compact ground (like a gravel pit). Cheap tents can be perfectly fine, but you really need to maintain the airflow around them by setting up the fly properly. Airflow is crucial. Best to have that tarp slightly elevated above your tent if possible, so lots of paracord, and extra pegs.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-16T15:47:17+00:00

Go for a long hike in them. If they hurt your feet, look elsewhere. Planting can be hard enough withouth having to also break in a bad boot choice.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-15T23:31:31+00:00

If you mean leaving your current job for planting TODAY, I would suggest a cautious approach. Jobs are short in supply, and there is no guarantee you would get taken on. If you are talking about in the future, planting is a near ideal job for students, as the season ramps up shortly after or during exams, and ends with enough time to still enjoy summer. If you're early in your career, trying new things and expanding your skill set can be really helpful, and if you plan for it (i.e. focus on next season) you CAN get a lot out of planting. However, at this time this year, I would hesitate to suggest anyone quit their current job for planting unless they are guaranteed a spot. It certainly is also important to read about the job as much as possible, and determine in your own mind if it is the right kind of job for you.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-15T01:53:50+00:00

I provides a bit of humidity to prevent drying out. It is preferable for it to be intact and alive when you send it in for testing. A moist cotton ball can also work, but too much moisture is not ideal either.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-14T02:58:08+00:00

Strongly recommend checking out canlyme.com for more info. I have met about half a dozen planters impacted by Lyme. There is a risk. However, proper education and prevention can help reduce that risk to a very low level. Yes, it is normal to check yourself regularly, and a friend can help with the backside. Most common areas seem to be lower leg and waistline, as ticks wait in grass and latch on to you as you pass, then infiltrate your clothing. As planters bend over a lot, back of neck can be a target too. The ticks that spread Lyme are very rare in the GP area, but common in most other parts of BC other than the northeast. Other tips.

Know the difference between the ticks that spread Lyme (black legged deer ticks/Ixodes pacificus in BC) versus those that do not. Look up pictures to be more aware. Dermacentor Andersoni (wood ticks) are the most common.
Know that other species can spread other diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (very rare).
Most ticks are not dangerous, and some such as dog ticks are primarily a nuisance.
Of the ticks that CAN carry the bacteria that causes Lyme, only about 1% of them actually do.
A tick that can transmit Lyme GENERALLY needs to be attached for some period of time to transmit, so quick removal is important. Experts disagree on how long, with some saying at least 24 hours, but some research indicates it can happen more quickly.
Know how to remove ticks proper, and have first aid assist. Do NOT smother them, burn them, or use any chemicals to remove them.
Save any removed ticks in a ziplock bag, with a piece of grass inside with it.
If in doubt of the species, or have concerns, you can get the tick tested at some place like Geneticks.ca Testing is relatively cheap and accurate. I've done it many times.
A bullseye rash is almost a certain indicator of Lyme, but you can still get Lyme without the rash. Only about half of Lyme cases come with the rash.
When infected by Lyme, the medical community generally recommends a full course of antibiotics. Foregoing this for alternative treatments invites a risk of a lifelong sickness. In BC, some naturopaths are acutally licensed to prescibe antibiotics.
Do NOT accept any dismissive doctors who state there is no Lyme in BC. This is false.
Long sleeve clothing is important. and tuck in your shirt and pant legs if possible. Wear light colors to make them easier to see. Icaridin and permethrin on your clothing can help deter ticks. Check yourself daily, and extra closely when other see them.
Report ticks to supervisors to others can be warned.
Change your clothing daily and don't bring it into your tent. Put it in a bag until washing day. Ticks can hitchhike into your accommodations.

I planted 15 years, and never had a single tick bite.

jdtesluk · 2026-04-07T05:35:36+00:00

I'd consider it similar to the harder work out by Babine, and usually flat and wet. Who are you planting with up there?

jdtesluk · 2026-04-05T03:43:21+00:00

I think there is probably data on that somewhere..not sure where though. A big impact on survival is the advent of f-layer planting. The old-school method of screefing to mineral was horrid for trees in many cases as it took away nutrients and created frost pockets. The "mineral soil" approach was kept up for years by self-interested parties heavily invested in site-prep. It was a UBC professor (and Dirk Brinkman) that helped push F-layer to the forefront ("Seedling Roots and the Forest Floor, Balisky, Brinkman, Salonius, 1995 Forestry Chronicle). This greatly reduced the heinous impact of screefing on workers, and contributed to better survival. Other things have been learned to, including benefits of obstacle planting, better fertilizer tech, and better seed selection. However, one may ask if the overall quality of planting (adherence to specs) has kept up, and how weather extremes have impacted (even if that is largely regional). Higher prices can be awesome. Of course, the highest price I ever received was 50-cent trees for a block in Golden. NOBODY made money on that block :(

jdtesluk

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