Culturally Modified Tree Inventory Training

Identification and Recording

What is a competency challenge

Competency challenge is a process that enables a person to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities about a subject. Throughout the process the person is evaluated compared to a predetermined set of standards of achievement. At the end of the process a decision using a pass/fail rating will be awarded. This process does not include any training or coaching.

In the case of Culturally Modified Tree Inventory Training the competency challenge confirms a person’s ability to identify, record and date CMTs and understand the value, protocols and regulations that are involved when conducting CMT inventories. It will also verify a person’s ability to conduct a CMT inventory and complete key components of the B.C. Archaeological Site Inventory Form (Level II CMT Site Recording Form).

Who should take the culturally modified tree inventory competency challenge

Anyone who believes that they have adequate knowledge about identifying and recording culturally modified tress (CMTs) AND appropriate experience working as an inventory crew member AND appropriate experience in completing the B.C. Archaeological Site Inventory Form (Level II CMT Site Recording Form). Also the person should feel capable of meeting all course objectives listed on the following pages.

Note: Anyone considering taking the competency challenge must have successfully completed the RIC–Resource Inventory Skills Training or possess equivalent demonstrated skills (navigating and surveying skills).

What is the process and passing standard

The challenge process takes 1-day to complete and consists of the two components described below:

Course objectives:

• 4 Define CMTs and cultural heritage values.
• Recognize the difference between archaeological and traditional use sites.
• Recognize the difference between historic and pre-contact sites.
• Identify First Nations concerns relating to CMTs.
• Identify First Nations uses of CMT information.
• Describe some uses of CMTs and CMT sites.
• Identify who field assistants are responsible to and why.
• Acknowledge the need to recognize other people’s values and ethics.
• Identify ethical protocols and legal requirements to follow when human burial remains are found.
• Identify BC government legislation and policies that affect the management of cultural heritage resources, including CMTs.
• Recognize that there may be differences between the BC government and First Nations’ views of aboriginal rights.
• Describe CMT classifications and typologies.
• Identify CMT types in the field.
• Distinguish cultural tree modification from natural tress modifications
• Know what to do about uncertain modifications.
• Complete CMT survey transects.
• Follow survey methodology.
• Complete Level I CMT Recording Forms.
• Complete Archaeology Branch Standard Recording Form for Level II CMT recording.
• Photograph CMTs to report quality standards.
• Map CMT survey transects.
• Complete CMT survey transects.
• Map individual CMTs and CMT sites.
• Recognize archaeological potential of landscapes.
• Recognize other archaeological site types and artifacts.
• Locate archaeological sites relative to other mapped features.
• Distinguish between natural and cultural materials.
• Explain key concepts in dendrochronology.
• Correctly collect disc, wedge and increment core samples.
• Explain what happens to the CMT information collected.

What equipment is needed

Each person is expected to supply the following personal equipment/supplies:

• Field note book with waterproof paper
  
• Pencil and pen
  
• Culturally Modified Trees of British Columbia, A Handbook for the Identification and Recording of Culturally Modified Trees, Ministry of Forests
  
• Appropriate bush clothing
  
• Work boots (caulk boots on coast)
  
• Rain gear
  
• Backpack or field vest (if available)
  
• Whistle
  
• Lunch & snacks
  
• Water bottle
  
• Bear spray (optional)
  
• Insect repellant (optional)
  
• Sun screen (optional)