Leaders in Forestry: Daniel Persson

Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent, CCR

Roots of a forestry leader

Daniel’s path into forestry was almost inevitable. Raised in a town where nearly everyone was involved in the industry, he was introduced to the work at an early age.

“I started out planting trees, brush cutting, and doing small forestry tasks when I was young,” he recalls. “At 14, I was probably chasing frogs more than working, but it gave me a deep respect for the forest.”

That early exposure shaped Daniel's approach to forestry. Instead of seeing trees purely as economic assets, he grew to understand their role in ecosystem balance, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. This perspective stayed with him as he advanced in his career, eventually bringing him to Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), where he now serves as Forestry Superintendent.

“CCR isn’t like other forestry companies,” Daniel explains. “We don’t just extract value from the land—we create it. When we finish a project, the forest is in better shape than when we started.”

At CCR, Daniel plays a critical role in shaping wildfire risk reduction strategies and pioneering innovative fibre utilization projects.

“We take on the hardest jobs, the ones nobody else wants,” he says. “It’s risky, but we believe in what we’re doing.”

Lessons from the Forest

For Daniel, the forest has always been a teacher. Growing up in a remote Swedish town where forestry was the way of life, he quickly learned that trees aren’t just a resource; they’re a responsibility. Over the years, Daniel has gained invaluable lessons, but one stands out above the rest: “Forests need us as much as we need them.”

In his experience, there’s a common misconception that leaving forests untouched is the best way to protect them. But like a garden, forests need tending. Without proper management, they become overgrown, unhealthy, and prone to disasters like wildfires or insect infestations.

“You can’t feed your family by setting everything aside,” Daniel says. “Forestry isn’t just about harvesting trees; it’s about ensuring forests continue to thrive for generations.”

Insights from a forestry leader

Q: Did you ever imagine forestry would be such a critical part of climate action and community resilience?

Daniel: Absolutely. If you manage forests properly, you see benefits that trickle down to the community, the environment, and even the economy.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about sustainable forestry?

Daniel: That forest conservation alone isn’t the solution. Forests are living systems. They need care, not just protection.

Q: If you had to pick one CCR value that resonates most with you, which would it be?

Stewardship | Collaboration | Sustainability | Resilience

Daniel: Definitely Resilience. The Chilcotin region has faced beetle epidemics, wildfires, and economic challenges—but we persist. Forestry is about the long game.

Q: Where do you see opportunities for the future of forestry, and what role do you think CCR will play in shaping that future?

Daniel: Forestry in BC has been very impulsive and improvised. At CCR, we’re shifting the focus to long-term landscape health, not just treating forests project-to-project. CCR is leading a shift from impulsive, short-term forestry to strategic, longer-term landscape-level management. Our focus is on creating flourishing environments rather than extracting one-time value. We aim to manage entire caretaker areas with long-term objectives that consider ecological, economic, and community needs. This approach sets CCR apart as a pioneer in shaping forestry’s future in the Chilcotin. The industry and government need clear direction, and CCR is actively filling that leadership gap.

Q: Biggest lesson you’ve learned from wildfire risk reduction initiatives?

Daniel: Wildfire risk reduction taught me that even dead forests have value. You just have to look at them differently. Biomass, pulp, fuel, etc., there’s always something to be gained if you’re willing to innovate. These initiatives have expanded CCR’s understanding of forest potential, revealing untapped ecological and economic benefits. More importantly, they’ve reinforced the importance of proactive treatment over reactive disaster response. The experience has deepened our expertise, shaping CCR into a leader in wildfire risk reduction.