Laura Smith
Forest and Climate Specialist
Areas of Focus
Forestry-related Natural Climate Solutions, and empowering First Nations communities.
Quote
I’m excited about helping build a program that’s going to make a difference against climate change. I find it very rewarding to bring together a lot of different perspectives and find solutions that work for everybody.
Biography
Laura has worked at Nature United since 2021. She is working to develop the foundations of the forestry program, including conserving old-growth forests, improving forest management, using fire to improve the health of the ecosystem, and identifying non-timber forest products.
She began her career with 14 years of working in forestry in British Columbia. She has worked for the BC Forest Service, the UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest and for a lumber producer. Her varied career has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of forestry from many different perspectives.
After that she worked on Parliament Hill on a variety of policy files, including the environment, Indigenous affairs, natural resources, and fisheries. During this time she became increasingly focused on climate change action and the importance of Indigenous involvement in land- and natural resource-based decision-making.
She grew up on Vancouver Island, and is excited to be back in the area for work and to spend more time with her family. She enjoys hiking and paddling, and is keen to explore more of the Island—especially Strathcona Provincial Park. Laura is also a committed volunteer for the local ground search and rescue team.