Features
Spotlight on excellence: Peter Flett

In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Peter Flett, operations manager at Nk’Mip Forestry and West Boundary Community Forest in Midway, B.C.

Peter’s journey toward forestry had some detours. With a bachelor’s degree in human kinetics from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Peter realized he was meant to work outdoors and be surrounded by nature. He enrolled in the natural resource science program at Thompson Rivers University, before joining UBC’s master’s program in sustainable forest management. After graduation, Peter worked at Vaagen Fibre Canada, where he was able to dive into a wide array of forestry roles, from project management, planning, operational supervision and silviculture to building relationships and partnerships with the local community.

Today, Peter is operations manager for the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) forestry department, Nk’Mip Forestry and West Boundary Community Forest (WBCF). He works with First Nation Band members and local citizens before and during project planning to incorporate the values of the area and address potential concerns up front. He makes sure forest practices adhere to a foundation of sustainable forest management by balancing ecological, social, cultural and economic values.

The 30-year-old RPF is also a director for the Phoenix Interpretive Forest Society and a member of the B.C. Community Forest Association Old Growth Working Group.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Britanny Guimond.