The Forest History Program Interview Series

Insight into the evolution of forestry in Alberta.

The Forest History Program has conducted some 33 interviews in the course of producing its series of books and reports. These people played important roles in the development of forest management in Alberta.

Now, for the first time ever, the interviews are being made public. Each interviewee tells their story in their own words, giving insight into their philosophies on forest management and the historic events they helped shape.

Between 1997 and 2000, the Forest History Program conducted 33 interviews with various people who played important roles in, or were connected otherwise with the development of the remarkable forest management operation at the Hinton Forest of Weldwood of Canada. These were background information that would be used in a series of books and reports that would follow, all initiated by one book project linked to Weldwood’s 40th anniversary celebrations in Hinton in 1997. Some of these interviews are posted to the fRI Research website for general reading, others are available only with permission for research purposes.  All interviews were professionally edited to  improve clarity but preserve content.

Dr. Peter Murphy has also conducted other interviews that predate theForest History Program. Some of these are presented as part of the Forest History Program Interview Series, with permission from Dr. Murphy, because they are too important to be left out.

Amelia Spanach Interview: Spanach Lumber Company
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Peter Murphy's 1999 interview of Amelia Spanach for the Forest History Program.
Judd Groat on horseback
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Part of the Forest History Program Interview Series.
Kenneth Hall Interview: Resident Manager
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Part of the Forest History Program Interview Series
Fred McDougal Interview: Director of Forestry and Alberta Deputy Minister
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Part of the Forest History Program Interview Series.
Jack Wright Interview: Chief Forester
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Part of the Forest History Program Interview Series
Ray Ranger Interview: Land Use Department Head
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Part of the Forest History Program Interview Series.
Jim Clark Interview: Woodlands Manager
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Jim Clark worked in Alberta as assistant chief forester, assistant woodlands manager, and eventually woodlands manager, until his retirement in 1985.
Reg Loomis Interview: Natural Forest Management
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Reg Loomis was one of the first professional foresters to work for the Alberta Forest Service, and the most profoundly influential.
Hugh Lougheed Interview: Management Forester
Scientific Publications | Interviews
Hugh Lougheed, at the time of this interview, was the Management Forester for Weldwood of Canada’s Hinton operation.
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Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy
Researcher & Author
Bob Udell
Bob Udell
Forest History Program Lead