Stewards of the Land: Aaron Froc

Good forestry starts long before work begins on the ground. It starts with time getting to know the landbase, careful planning, and considering how today’s decisions will shape forests for the generations to come.

That approach is what Aaron Froc enjoys most about his work. As Project Lead with Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group (IPSG), Aaron supports a wide range of initiatives delivered through Siya Forestry across Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) territory. His work includes developing permits for cublocks and restoration projects, preparing site plans and wildfire risk reduction prescriptions. All of which is only possible by partnering alongside clients, industry leaders, and the rest of the Siya Forestry team to help ensure that the projects are consistent with OIB values.

Aaron’s path into forestry began with a love for the outdoors. After working in provincial and municipal parks, he graduated from British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Forest and Natural Area Management program in 2020. He spent two years with a forestry company on B.C.’s coast before relocating to the South Okanagan and joining IPSG. Today, he continues working toward his professional designation with Forest Professionals BC while expanding his experience through the Siya Forestry partnership.

Working alongside the OIB has provided a new perspective to the way Aaron thinks about forest managment. “I’ve come to appreciate the care and attention that the Osoyoos Indian Band has for their traditional territory and the way they go above and beyond the minimum standards in order to protect and manage their values,” he added. “With their direction and guidance, I am able to work with confidence and know that the choices I make in the field are respecting those values.”

Working within the OIB’s  perspective has reinforced the importance of looking beyond trees as only a lumber resource  and instead thinking about the bigger picture. “Managing forests needs to look at more than just the timber because nothing in nature exists in isolation,” Aaron explained. “Everything is connected. When we focus on restoration and long-term forest health, we begin creating more resilient forests that will continue to provide opportunities for generations to come.”

One project Aaron is especially proud to have contributed to is the wildfire risk reduction work along the Mount Baldy corridor. The project focused on developing a prescription to reduce forest fuels, such as dry wood, brush, and other materials that can easily catch fire, while maintaining wildlife habitat values and improving safety for people living, working, and travelling through the area.

“It has been exciting to see portions of of the prescription receive treatment and hear positive feedback from the Mount Baldy community,” he shared. “Knowing the work I do is making a real, positive difference for the community has been incredibly rewarding.”

Aaron also hopes people have a better understanding of what forestry involves behind the scenes. “There is a lot of care, thought, and attention to detail that goes into every project,” he said. “Every area is it’s own puzzle, and it can take months of planning, consultation, and field work before a project is ready to move forward.”

For Aaron, one of the most rewarding parts of forestry is continuing to learn while working alongside people who share the same commitment to responsible land management.

Through his work with Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group and Siya Forestry, Aaron continues to help shape forests that will support communities, wildlife, and future generations.