Growing up in Vancouver, Bruce Blackwell …started off at UBC studying biology. That changed when he had an opportunity to fight forest fires in the summer. “I got exposed to fires and forestry and said to myself, ‘this is what I need to do’”. He moved over to Forestry and completed a BSF in 1984.  …Eventually Bruce got a job at UBC preparing wood and soil samples for research. That small project grew to become the basis of Bruce’s Master’s research. His thesis on the effects of prescribed fire on soils, vegetation and fuels was the foundation of his professional career. …Bruce has built a thriving consulting business with a focus on integrated forestry and environmental consulting services. Today the North Vancouver-based company … is the premier resource for fire and fuel management expertise in British Columbia. [BA Blackwell and Associates is a sponsor of the Tree Frog News]