Our Team

The company’s staff includes professional foresters and ISA-certified arborists and technicians. Our expertise and experience enable the company to participate in a variety of challenging assignments and projects including forestry planning, insect surveys and monitoring, scientific research, and urban forest inventory, among others. Together, we provide innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions for managing private and public woodlands, urban forests, and forested landscapes.

David Puttock, PH.D., R.P.F.

President

David is a Registered Professional Forester with over 50 years of experience as a forest manager, educator, and forestry consultant. His academic qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Forestry (B.Sc.F.) (University of Toronto), an M.B.A. (York University), and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics (University of Guelph). David has authored numerous scientific articles and technical reports, and has presented several papers at international forestry conferences. He is a member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, Canadian Institute of Forestry, Forests Ontario, Ontario Woodlot Association and the Society of American Foresters. David’s licences and certifications include:

Registered Professional Forester #1123
Managed Forest Plan (MFTIP) Approver #003
Certified Ontario Tree Marker # TM-00323-L1
Butternut Health Assessor # 245

Christopher Gynan, M.SC.F., R.P.F., ISA Certified Arborist

Vice President, Operations

Chris is a Registered Professional Forester with over 25 years of experience as a forest manager and forestry consultant to woodlot owners, industry, government, and First Nations. His academic qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Forestry (B.Sc.F) and a Master of Science in Forestry (M.Sc.F) (University of Toronto). Chris often presents at local forestry conferences and workshops. Chris is a member of the Ontario Professional Forester Association and the International Society of Arboriculture. Chris’ certifications and licences include:

Registered Professional Forester #1797
MFTIP Plan Approver #227
ISA Certified Arborist ON-0614A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)
Butternut Health Assessor #086
Certified Ontario Tree Marker, level 2 certification #TM-00233-L1
Registered user of Quantified Tree Risk Assessment System #4403
Forestry and Landscape Pesticide Licence #70-05-53472

Ian D. Buchanan

Senior Management Ecologist - Government Liaison

Ian has over 35 years of natural resource management experience as a professional ecologist. His career includes 17 years as Manager of Natural Heritage and Forestry Regional Municipality of York, with responsibilities including developing the Urban Forestry program, delivering invasive species management, management of the York Regional Forest, and environmental restoration and education initiatives. Ian previously completed 18 years with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as an ecologist and Fish and Wildlife Management Lead. Ian has presented papers at many academic and international conferences and spoken at both the House of Commons Environment Committee and Senate on environmental matters. He is an Associate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, was Vice President and Director with the Ontario Forestry Association, was a Director with the Invasive Species Centre and is currently a Director on the board of Forests Ontario.

Helen Sereda, M.F.C., R.P.F., ISA Certified Arborist

Forester

Helen’s academic qualifications include a Masters of Forest Conservation (M.F.C.) (University of Toronto) and a B.A. in Geography (University of Ottawa). Helen has almost ten years of experience in the horticulture, plant management and landscaping business. She has specialized in forestry operations since achieving her Master’s degree. Helen routinely provides technical support for invasive species research projects, data collection and analysis, and tree inventories. Helen's certifications include:

Registered Professional Forester #2984
ISA Certified Arborist ON-1825A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)
Certified Ontario Tree Marker, level 1 certification

Kathleen Conners, ISA Certified Arborist

Senior Technologist

Kathleen is an ISA-certified arborist with a Diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology and an Urban Forestry certification (Sir Sandford Fleming College). She has over 10 years of experience in the natural resource sector with a thorough understanding of ecosystem assessment, protocols, and management. Kathleen has been a member of Silv-Econ Ltd. since 2015. She is highly experienced in forestry operations, tree preservation plans, street tree inventories, tree risk assessments, data collection and the preparation of reports and strategic planning documents. She also assists with a range of invasive species research projects, including monitoring for spongy moth and hemlock woolly adelgid. Kathleen is passionate about community involvement and volunteers with a variety of local organizations. Kathleen’s certifications and licenses include: