Brittany VanderWall, CF

Experience

• 

  Michigan Technological University

  Apr 2013 - Apr 2014

  Research Assistant (Thesis work)

  Sugar maple vertical and temporal gradient study• Sampled field data- Created a data sampling design to for sugar maple leaf sampling on a sugar maple dominated stand.• Data analyzing and processing- Sole responsibility of data entry and processing. Took samples to the lab to be dried and weighed, also cataloged all data.• Presentation of study- Created a poster presentation for the Ecosystem Science Center informal conference.• Preparation of thesis- Synthesized data into a senior research thesis to be used in a manuscript for publishing. Manuscript published in Tree Physiology May of 2016. Show less

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  Presque Isle Conservation District

  Oct 2014 - Aug 2022

  District Forester

  • Interface with legislators to elevate community development projects and municipality partnerships with the Conservation District.• Facilitate regional partner collaboration to create opportunities for shared learning and project development.• Deliver one-on-one technical forestry assistance for non-industrial private forest landowners.• Design, plan and facilitate ecological seminars, workshops and field days to foster landowner stewardship and active engagement.• Cultivate strong partnerships with private forestry sector professionals to streamline landowner implementation of proposed forest management activities.• Maintain landowner database to schedule follow-ups, keep track of landowner management activities and provide regular customer service.• Support landowner familiarity with enrollment in cost-share programs where relevant to applicable land goals. Show less

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  American Forest Foundation

  Aug 2022 - now

  Senior Forestry Manager, Midwest Family Forest Carbon Program

  - Lead the technical assistance strategy for landowners interested in the Family Forest Carbon Program in the Midwest region. Working with the Regional Team, Central Supply Operations Team, landowners, and foresters - strategically improving program delivery will provide landowners with positive outcomes- Establish and update standard operating procedures for efficiently scheduling forester visits, coordinated follow-up and feedback from consultants- Ideate and implement strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing cost of forester assistance during the landowner acquisition stage- Supervise a team of FFCP foresters in landowner engagement best practices, including onboarding and active support and troubleshooting- Oversee day-to-day assignments for on-staff foresters in the Midwest- Develop and maintain key external partnerships, including consulting foresters and others that play a role in delivering technical assistance to landowners- Steward a small portfolio of landowners, including conducting initial phone calls, conducting visits, submitting data, and keeping track of follow-up steps using an online Customer Relationship Management tool- Providing assistance with management plans for staff and consulting foresters and reviewing management plans to ensure they meet FFCP template standards.- Collaborating with the Engagement Steward, contribute to an enhanced value proposition for landowners enrolling in FFCP by developing and piloting a post-enrollment relationship with on-staff foresters.- Collaborate with the FFCP team, partners, and landowners to ensure a positive landowner experience and seek ways to streamline and improve the program for landowners. Ensure that good processes create a positive experience and excellent stewardship of landowners involved in the Family Forest Carbon Program. Show less