As the Associate Dean of Research Forests and Community Outreach at UBC Forestry, Dominik Roeser leads with a vision for sustainable forest management in a rapidly changing world. With an extensive background in operational forestry and forest engineering, Dominik is at the forefront of innovation in forest practices. In this Q&A, he shares insights on his career path, the evolving landscape of forestry research, and the importance of National Forest Week in highlighting the significance of our forests.
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at UBC Forestry?
Dominik Roeser, Associate Professor in Forest Operations. I would say that my primary role is supporting students on their journey at UBC, both in the classroom and during our field schools. My teaching and research are focused on developing innovative forest operations solutions to enhance the management of British Columbia’s remarkable forests. In my new role as Associate Dean of Research Forests and Community Outreach, I have the opportunity to work alongside an outstanding team at our Alex Fraser and Malcolm Knapp research forests.
My primary responsibilities include strengthening the connections between the Faculty of Forestry and our research forests, and providing strategic direction for a range of exciting projects that will make the Faculty of Forestry an even better place to study and conduct research in the future. I am also focused on building stronger ties with communities and practitioners by improving communication between academia, professionals, and the broader public.
What are the main priorities for UBC’s research forests, and how do they align with current global challenges in forestry and conservation?
Our research forests enable us to fulfill our academic mission by providing UBC professors with opportunities to explore key topics such as watershed management, assisted migration, carbon management, and innovative approaches to silviculture, among others. These research endeavours are exciting and crucial in addressing the environmental and social challenges posed by a changing climate.
How do these forests balance the needs of scientific research, operations, education, and conservation in forest management?
This is where it gets tricky! Balancing all these different needs is one of our biggest challenges. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team that has found a good balance to meet the different expectations, whether from the public or the faculty. At UBC, we’re privileged to work in an environment where continuous learning is embedded in everything we do.
Over the past year, working with the people at our research forests, I’ve seen this philosophy exemplified in their work. I believe you always have to try your best, learn from your mistakes, and aim to do better next time. The large number of research projects, our diverse business ventures, and ongoing efforts to enhance conservation across both forests truly reflect this philosophy.
What new or ongoing projects within the forests are making the most significant impact on sustainable forestry practices?
There have been long-standing research projects on the impacts of logging on watersheds, which have significantly influenced current practices. As we face unprecedented challenges in the forest sector across BC, our research into silvicultural systems and innovative forest management approaches is providing valuable insights for future solutions.
One of the core challenges in forest management is the long rotation periods we work within. Today, we have a unique opportunity to test new harvesting methods and approaches, while also learning from trials established decades ago, offering a deeper understanding of sustainable forestry practices over time.
How do you collaborate with external partners, including government agencies and Indigenous communities, to enhance research outcomes?
Our motto is simple: we collaborate with anyone who is interested. The presence of our research forests enables us to forge strong partnerships with researchers from other universities, as well as with provincial and federal government agencies. Many of our research trials have been jointly established, and much of the work we do today would not be possible without the support of these partners. Additionally, we are committed to working closely with our Indigenous partners, fostering meaningful relationships where we can learn from one another and share knowledge.
What role do the research forests play in training the next generation of forestry professionals, and how do you envision expanding this in the future?
Our research forests are an integral part of the education for students in the Forest Resources Management and Forest Operations programs. Attending the fall field school at Alex Fraser and the spring field school at Malcolm Knapp has become a rite of passage for them. Over time, many other programs within our faculty have also started using these forests for day trips and field schools. It’s hard to imagine our faculty without these research forests, as they provide an invaluable hands-on learning component for students.
While many institutions around the world struggle to maintain field stations, our entrepreneurial spirit and constant drive to innovate have made our research forests global leaders. A great example of this is the Wild & Immersive educational programming for both kids and adults, which helps educate the next generation about the beauty and mysteries of the forest. We are working on several new and exciting projects at both research forests, with updates to follow in the coming months!
