What we do
Confederation Natural Resources Centre (CNRC) provides education and training tailored for Northwestern Ontario. As well, we provide customized training for new operators, pre-screen prospective employees, and upgrade experienced operators.
What we offer
The CNRC is one of the few centres in North America with a state-of-the-art forestry equipment simulator. The high degree of realism is fully configurable to harvesting conditions and other variables. These skills are transferable to other equipment systems. The simulator software generates progress reports on operator strengths and weaknesses.
What you will gain
Forest equipment simulators bring the forest to the classroom with accurate simulation of the working environment and machine functions. Here you can build and acquire your skills safely, efficiently, responsibly, and at the fraction of the cost of “in woods” training.
This training helps develop familiarisation with the equipment through simulated virtual logging operations. This training helps reduce the level of initial on-site training the employer must provide. When the employee arrives they will be familiar with the controls and basic operations of the machine.
Please note all courses listed below are offered on an "as needed" basis. Click here for Additional Information.
Basic Orienteering: 3 Days
Participants will learn the basic skills for compass work, orienteering and map reading. Topics covered will include magnetic north, true north, sighting, declination and following a bearing/azimuth. Other topics will also include chaining, slope adjustment, pacing, basic photo/map interpretation, scale and determining azimuth lines.
Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS): 5 Days
Participants will become familiar with a Global Positioning System, and proceed from there to learn how to navigate with the GPS, creating waypoints and basic data collection. Participants will use the GPS in conjunction with the compass, maps and data collection techniques learned in the first course.
Prerequisite: None
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Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS): 5 Days
This course is for participants wishing to learn more about how digital geographic information is collected and managed. Course topics will include an introduction to the ESRI suite of products, how to display data, how to load in GPS data, and how to create a simple map.
Prerequisite: Introduction to GPS
Fire Behaviour & Prediction
A basic course designed to give participants an understanding of forest fire dynamics as well as the various systems and tools used in fire management. Topics include tools available to predict fire behaviour integrating factors such as, fuel types, weather, and topography.
Harvesting Equipment Safety Awareness and Operation
This course is intended for both new and experienced harvest equipment operators. Operators are brought up to date on safe practices while working in and around logging equipment. Using Forest Harvest Simulators, operating techniques on the various types of equipment are introduced. Basic preventive maintenance is also presented.
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Advanced Harvesting Equipment Operation
This course expands upon the Harvesting Equipment Safety Awareness and Operation Course by providing detailed operating techniques and equipment maintenance, together with additional instruction on the Forest Harvest Simulators, and actual “in seat” operating time on harvesting equipment.
Prerequisite: Harvesting Equipment Safety Awareness and Operation
Harvest Methods and Systems
This course is designed for timber harvesting operators and business owners. Course material presented will assist participants to not only optimize the efficiency of their operations, but also make them more competitive. Equipment owning and operating costs are also analyzed.
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Introduction to Forest Measurements: 3 Days
This course will introduce participants to the measurement of standing trees (diameter, height and age). Following the completion of this course, participants will have the basic skills and knowledge enabling them to assist (tallyman) an experienced forester or technician.
Prerequisite: Basic Orienteering Course
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Forest Soils and Ecosystem Classification: 3 Days
This course will focus on the Forest Ecosystem Classification for Northwestern Ontario and consists of two parts: Forest Soils and Forest Ecosystem Classification.
In Forest Soils, surficial geology, including glacial history, landforms and modes of deposition, will be reviewed. Participants will then examine the properties of soil including texture, moisture, depth, stoniness and organic matter.
In Forest Ecosystem Classification, participants will learn about Eco sites and how to classify them. Participants will explore the relationship between forest soils and the plant community.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Forest Measurements
Standard Forest Resource Inventory (FRI)
This course will outline cruising procedures and standards for Ontario Forest Resource Inventory (Revised Specifications, September 1996).
Prerequisite: Introduction to Forest Measurements and Forest Soils and Ecosystem Classification
Growth and Yield Permanent Sample Plots
This course will outline the procedures and standards for measuring Forest Growth and Yield Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) and / or Forest Growth and Yield Permanent Growth Plots (PGPs).
Prerequisite: Introduction to Forest Measurements Forest Soils and Ecosystem Classification
Brushsaw Safety Awareness: 1 Day
A one day Brushsaw Safety Awareness Training course that meets the requirements under the Ontario Labour Laws for use in the workplace outside of forestry industry conventional logging activities.
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Chainsaw Safety Awareness: 1 Day
A one day Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training course that meets the requirements under the Ontario Labour Laws for use in the workplace outside of forestry industry conventional logging activities.
Chainsaw Safety Awareness and Safe Handling: 3 Days
A two day Chainsaw Safety Awareness and Safe Handling Training course that meets the requirements under the Ontario Labour Laws for use in the workplace outside of forestry industry conventional cogging activities.
DAY ONE: This is presented in the classroom using, videos, overheads, information handouts and theory quizzes, emphasizing Chainsaw Safety Awareness and Safe Handling techniques. Proper notching, backcutting and felling techniques, as well as dealing with dangerous trees and dangerous situations in the Workplace are highlighted. At the end of the safety orientated classroom session, trainees are given a 20 question written test on which all participants are expected to achieve a mark of 75% or better.
DAY TWO and THREE: Conducted in the field with Trainees making presentations on a one-on-one basis with the Trainer, demonstrating Chain Saw Safe Handling, preparation of an Escape Route, assessing direction of fall, and the ability of safely lowering trees to the ground among other things. Assessment of their ability to determine direction of fall, proper notching, proper backcutting, the use of hingewood as well as the ability to identify dangerous situations and how to deal with them are all covered in the field exercise.
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Defensive Driving – Bush Road: 1 Day
This course provides instructions on bush road safe driving procedures, circle check, starting, and basic maintenance.
ATV Rider: 1 Day
This course provides instructions on ATV safe riding procedures, circle check, starting, and basic maintenance. A rider guide booklet is included.
This course is limited to 8 students maximum. Students must supply their own ATV.
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Additional Information
- Courses are based on a maximum of 10 students per class (unless otherwise noted).
- Course Location:
- Confederation Natural Resources Centre, Thunder Bay, ON.
- Remote course delivery is available.
For additional information and pricing, contact:
Confederation Natural Resources Centre
2400 Nipigon Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7C 4W1
E-Mail: naturalresourcescentre@confederationc.on.ca
Phone: (807) 475-6651
Fax: (807) 475-6636
Website: www.naturalresourcescentre.ca
*Other custom courses available upon request*
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1450 Nakina Drive, P.O. Box 398, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 4W1 [ 
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