In recognition of National Forest Week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Hélène Marcoux, Manager of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, to gain insight into the complexities of managing this invaluable UBC resource. Hélène’s expertise in forest management, combined with her passion for advancing research and education, has been pivotal in shaping the forest’s future. In this conversation, Hélène reflects on her experiences, the challenges of balancing ecological integrity with research needs, and the forest’s vital role in education and community engagement.
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role within the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
My name is Hélène Marcoux – I’m a registered professional forester and UBC Forestry MSc grad ’13 – I’m a forest ecologist, silviculturist and a nerd when it comes to plants and soils. My primary role includes overseeing the entire 5100-ha Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) operations – including the relationships, the finances, the land and our academic mission. More specifically, I provide oversight to four different businesses operating at the MKRF: log sales, a sawmill producing custom-finished timber products, rental of the Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre, and education and outdoor programs provided by the Wild and Immersive.
What are the main challenges you face in managing the forest?
The challenge is making sure that everything we do in this research forest is sustainable now and for generations to come – and by sustainable, I’m speaking to all environmental, economic, social and operational considerations. But sometimes the challenge is finding ways to accommodate a new 30-ha experimental research project – or more mundane day-to-day things, like clearing snow up to Loon Lake at 4 am. On other days, it’s scratching my head to come up with low-cost solutions to another complex problem. Whatever it is, it’s always interesting and diverse!
How do you balance the conservation goals with the operational needs of the forest?
Managing the research forests involves more than just fulfilling UBC’s mandate—it’s about genuine care and stewardship of land. Our team feels a deep sense of duty and loyalty to this forest. To me, humans are part of the land, and that stewardship is about implementing management activities that support ecosystem resilience. This forest is the first place in the Lower Mainland where logging trucks leave a forest and travel through a growing community of residents. Logging and log sales are an integral part of our revenue streams but are also, in many cases, in support of research or educational activities – and vital to our sawmilling operation.
Could you share a recent research project at Malcolm Knapp Research Forest that excites you?
Ohhh, it’s hard to answer this! I love the work that Dr. David Montwé is doing, looking at coastal Douglas-fir genotypes that exhibit greater drought tolerance in a changing climate – and the recent publication by Dr. Deb Wertman and colleagues who were the first ones to describe filamentous fungi (Neonectria bordenii) found at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest – which appears to be a mutualistic buddy of alder bark beetle (Alniphagus aspericollis). I love exciting discoveries!
How can the public get more involved in supporting sustainable forestry and conservation efforts?
The most important work taking place in our province is reconciliation with First Nations – and the shift towards forest business partnerships and redistribution of forest tenures. All Canadians and British Columbians should prioritize their own cultural education on this front – as this is the basis of a more sustainable forestry sector. On another front, I think foresters need to do a better job of providing opportunities for the public to learn. The public has concerns – and they are legitimate. However, there’s a lot of science and research that underpins current policies and practices – and so little of this is communicated or shared with the public – especially to folks living in large cities.
So to the public, I’d say find opportunities to learn about forestry, open your minds and consider how wood is part of your life – and most importantly, get out in the forest! There are a lot of polarized debates in the media that do not reflect the breadth of tradeoffs and values that are being considered in forest management. The reality with forests is that trees grow slowly and massive landscape-level changes can occur with a single spark or an insect the size of a grain of rice. It’s complex!
Can you tell us about some of the field schools and youth programs offered at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, and how they inspire the next generation of foresters?
Teaching is one of the best parts of our jobs – we offer opportunities for all ages to learn between UBC Faculty of Forestry field schools for our undergraduate students and professional masters programs, Wild & Immersive public programs – and internship programs for high school and university students. A big part of what we do as the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is supporting Faculty of Forestry field schools. We currently host nine field schools each year – along with many other field trips. Students stay overnight at the forest at Loon Lake Lodge for 3-9 days and immerse themselves in learning in the forest. Since 2019, Wild and Immersive has hosted over 3500 participants per year – forest school programs primarily targeting 5-12-year-old kids and preschool and teen leadership opportunities. For the adults from the community – come join our public tours and opportunities to learn and have fun in the forest.
How can people get more involved in supporting sustainable forestry and conservation efforts during National Forests Week and year-round?
Look for local events! But don’t limit yourself to National Forest Week – there are 365 days per year to get out in the woods!
Support our Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Renewal Project
