Forestry Talks

Diving into Alberta’s Watershed with Dr. Uldis Silins

In this episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic sits down with Dr. Uldis Silins, Professor of Forest Hydrology at the University of Alberta, for a fascinating conversation about one of the most important and often underappreciated parts of forest management: water. Dr. Silins shares how Alberta’s forests play a critical role in storing, filtering, and delivering water across the province, and why disturbances like wildfire, harvesting, and recreation can all influence watershed health in very different ways. From mountain headwaters to downstream communities, this episode explores how complex water systems really are and why long-term research matters. Aspen and Dr. Silins also dig into the lasting effects of wildfire on streams, sediment and aquatic ecosystems, the role of best management practices in forestry, and how Alberta’s geology creates very different watershed responses than other regions like Colorado. It’s a thoughtful, science-driven look at how forests, fire, and water are deeply connected in Alberta. 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, innovation, partnerships,  nature-based climate solutions, and more. Don't forget to follow us on social media @albertaforests and @loveabforests to join the conversation.

Fighting Fire, Fuelling Trade with Minister Todd Loewen

In this special Forestry Talks episode, recorded on-site at AFPA’s 83rd AGM in Jasper, host Aspen Dudzic welcomes back Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks, the Honourable Todd Loewen. Together, they get into a wide-ranging conversation covering wildfire mitigation, trade advocacy with the U.S. and Asia, the economic impact of tariffs and duties, and Alberta’s growing role in sustainable forestry leadership. From helicopter tours with Premier Danielle Smith to international trade missions in Japan and South Korea, Minister Loewen offers personal insights, policy updates, and his hopes for the future of forestry in Alberta.  It's a candid, thoughtful, and passionate look at how the province is protecting communities, supporting rural jobs, and telling Alberta’s story to the world. 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, innovation, partnerships,  nature-based climate solutions, and more. Don't forget to follow us on social media @albertaforests and @loveabforests to join the conversation.

Endless Opportunities for Forestry with Premier Danielle Smith

In this special episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic is joined by Alberta’s Premier, the Honourable Danielle Smith — the first sitting Premier to attend the Alberta Forest Products Association AGM in over a decade. The two dive into the big-picture view of Alberta’s forestry industry, including its growing importance to Indigenous and rural communities, the economic impact across the province, and the case for managing wildfire risk through active forest management. Premier Smith also shares her candid thoughts on U.S. trade tensions, new international markets, and how Alberta is positioning itself as a global leader in forest product manufacturing. From softwood lumber disputes to innovation in biofuels and international trade missions — this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Alberta’s forest 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.  Join us as we connect with industry leaders and discuss topics like sustainability, innovation, partnerships,  nature-based climate solutions, and more. Don't forget to follow us on social media @albertaforests and @loveabforests to join the conversation.

A New Era of Climate Solutions with Craig Werner

In 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, is shaping the province’s future. Whether you’re in the forestry sector or just curious about how Alberta is tackling climate challenges, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of optimism. 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, innovation, partnerships,  nature-based climate solutions, and more. Don't forget to follow us on social media @albertaforests and @loveabforests to join the conversation.

Sawdust to Sustainability with Gordon Murray

You might associate wood pellets with backyard barbecues, but their real potential lies in shaping a sustainable energy future. In this episode, Aspen speaks with Gord Murray, Executive Director of the Wood Pellet Association of Canada, about how Canada’s wood pellet industry is helping reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable forest management, and leading the bioeconomy. Gord shares the incredible journey of how the industry evolved, misconceptions about pellet production, and what lies ahead—from powering cities to producing biochar and enabling carbon capture technologies.   Check out WPAC: https://pellet.org/ 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, innovation, partnerships,  nature-based climate solutions, and more. Don't forget to follow us on social media @albertaforests and @loveabforests to join the conversation.