When: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | 5-9 PM
Where: Forest Sciences Centre – FSC 1005
Intermediate and senior Co-op students will showcase their recent work terms through presentations, while junior students will display their projects through posters, offering valuable insight and networking opportunities.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate three faculty members on receiving the 2024 Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC) Awards in the following categories:
Dr. Suzanne Simard is being honored for her groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems, particularly mycorrhizal networks. She is known for developing the Mother Tree Project and establishing the Mother Tree Network. Her work has reshaped forest management and conservation, and she engages the public through a best-selling memoir and popular TED Talks. Dr. Simard also advocates for Indigenous communities, gender equity, and mentors future foresters.
The Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made innovative and outstanding achievements in forestry research in Canada.
Dr. Chris Gaston’s research focuses on markets and economics, specifically in developing new products and markets for Canadian wood products in North America and internationally. This includes primary and secondary wood products, with applications in construction, renovation, and industry, as well as engagement with Indigenous communities, small-medium enterprises, and emerging engineered wood products.
The Canadian Forestry Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made unique and outstanding achievements in the field of forestry.
Dr. Intu Boedhihartono has a multidisciplinary background in Anthropology, Fine Arts, Cinematography, and Natural Sciences, with a Doctorate in Ethnology & Visual Anthropology from the University of Paris 7. Her research focuses on indigenous peoples and local communities, emphasizing traditional knowledge and sustainable natural resource management. Intu uses visual and participatory methods to engage diverse stakeholders, aiming to balance conservation with cultural and economic development.
The International Forestry Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made unique and outstanding contributions or achievements in international forestry and encourages excellence and cooperation in international forestry.
As the Associate Dean of Research Forests and Community Outreach at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, 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.
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 & Environmental Stewardship and our research forests, and providing strategic direction for a range of exciting projects that will make the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is proud to announce the launch of a Dual Master’s in Green Business, a unique program jointly offered through UBC and the University of Helsinki designed to equip early career professionals interested in green business practices with the skills needed to lead in the growing bioeconomy.
In partnership with the University of Helsinki, the program merges the complementary expertise of two world-leading natural resources academic institutions, joining UBC’s strengths in forestry and resource management with Finnish expertise in sustainable practices to offer students an unparalleled educational experience.
Covering topics ranging from green energy production, bioplastics, novel construction materials, and bio-textiles, this innovative program addresses the pressing global need for sustainable resource management experts in various sectors.
“We are shaping the next generation of leaders who can transform natural resources into sustainable solutions, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship,” emphasizes Jorma Neuvonen, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Assistant Dean in Professional Education and International Collaboration.
For their first year, Dual Master’s in Green Business students will study in UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Master of Forestry (MF) program in Vancouver, BC, gaining a foundational understanding of bioproducts, production processes, and the economic frameworks surrounding the bioeconomy. In their second year, students will study at the University of Helsinki, deepening their knowledge of local bioproducts business models and structures, along with marketing initiatives and sales management.
This dual-degree program not only allows students to earn an MF from UBC and a Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry from the University of Helsinki in only two years, students also receive invaluable international experience.
“The cross-cultural element of this educational experience enhances students’ perspectives, preparing them to address global challenges in sustainability in their future careers,” states Lotta Paakinaho, Marketing Specialist with the University of Helsinki.
Emphasizing the sustainable use of natural resources, the Dual Master’s in Green Business curriculum prepares graduates to meet the growing global demand for sustainable goods and energy sources that minimize the environmental impacts. Students will develop critical skills in project management, strategic thinking, and community engagement, among others, to position them for leadership roles in the green business landscape.
In Canada, the bioeconomy is rapidly expanding, with forecasts indicating a need for 65,000 additional workers by 2029. The Dual Master’s in Green Business is perfectly timed to meet the demand for bioeconomy innovators — both in Canada and across the globe — who have the knowledge and training to leverage natural resources sustainably.
Registration for the Dual Master’s in Green Business opens in October 2024. Interested candidates must first participate in an applicant information session before applying. This session is an opportunity for both prospective students and program leaders to engage meaningfully before candidates launch into the formal application process.
For more information and to register for an informational interview, please visit: forestry.ubc.ca/future-students/graduate/dual-masters-in-green-business/how-to-apply
Hey! I’m Jon, a 5th year BSc. Natural Resources Conservation (Science and Management) student here at the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship. I can tell you, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship has no shortage of culture or stoke. From the first day you walk through the doors of the FSC (Forest Sciences Centre), you’ll meet some of the friendliest, goofiest, (and smartest!) people you’ll ever meet. I’ve got no shortage of good times and stories of what happens at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
Here’s my bucket list of 10 things you should do during your time at the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
Ok, classic – you’re probably thinking, what is this guy talking about? Don’t worry – IYKYK. Soil is not dirt – just remember that. For real though, whether you like it or not, you’ll be digging a soil pit with your soon-to-be friends by the time you leave. I think I’ve dug at least 2 soil pits during my time here. (Just don’t forget to cover them back up or you’ll be creating some unwanted hazards in Pacific Spirit Park!)
Long days (studying of course) – you’ll definitely be needing a nap. Whether you stayed in the wet lab until 11 pm trying to memorize all the tree species ID or you barely showed up to your 8 am, we’ve all been there. With all the time you’ll be spending with your Forestry friends in the student-exclusive lounge dubbed the ‘Treehouse’ – there will be naps taken.
And after all, with such a beautiful building, why not enjoy it?
Yes, we’ve got a Tim Horton’s in our building – No, it’s not good news for your wallet. Forgot your breakfast? Catching a quick lunch? You’ll have a go-to Tims order before you know it. 4 years of Farmer’s Wraps and Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps later, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
Cozy cafe with a cabin-like feel? You better bet your Forestry friends will be there. Less than a 5-minute walk away from the FSC, Bean Around the World is right in the Old Barn ready to serve your downtime between classes. More often than not, you’ll probably find a friend or two thinking the same.
Hosted by the Forestry Undergraduate Society, Undercut is a classic fall event gathering friends and friends-to-be together. So grab a beer, have some food and have a good time!
FUS events are a great way to get to know your fellow Forestry friends. Run by students, for students.
A re-born Forestry tradition. It’s time to get Spruced Up! The only time you’ll see you and your forestry friends with something a tad classier than a flannel is going to be at the one and only, Spruced Up. Bring your best button-up shirt and get ready to get classy!
Having hosted Trivia for this event, I can tell you – it’s a good, wholesome event and another great excuse to hangout with some of your closest forestry friends.
A legendary tradition. The late Dr. John Worrall’s tradition, this is a must-go event (19+). Hosted at the end of the year, Coconut might just be what sets us apart. You and a hundred of your friends at UBC Farm enjoying some BBQ, yard games, campfires, and of course, good drinks. Rumour has it, our very own Dean Rob Kozak used to play with his band at Coconut!
Our legendary weekly undergrad newsletter, there’s always something to do on the weekly Forestry Digest. From run clubs to trivia nights, make sure you’re signed up!
Ok, I may be biased on this one – but there is some fun to be had with some of your friends (and soon-to-be friends) on run days. Having started the club as a way to invite others on group runs, it has become an awesome opportunity to meet new people while moving! Make sure to join the club on Strava!
Our Faculty’s newest tradition, we’re always keeping our #TinyMicTuesdays on Instagram fresh and interesting. See the green phone around? We might just be asking you the question of the week!
Looking for an ultimate UBC bucket list? Check out Raunaq’s Bucket List!
September 16-20 is National Postdoc Appreciation Week. To celebrate, we are profiling several UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship postdoctoral researchers. Read about them below!
I have been privileged to be a postdoctoral fellow in the FRESH lab since October 2023, where I have many wonderful learning and growth opportunities. With a background in operations research and Industrial Engineering, I am leveraging my skills to address real-world problems. During my postdoc, I was very fortunate to contribute to the climate change mitigation efforts by leading a project with Environment Climate Change Canada to build a decision support prototype to improve harvesting decisions affecting carbon sequestration. I had the chance to present my research to the academic community at a conference. I won a prize in the David Martell Student Paper competition at the annual Canadian Operations Research Society conference. Also, I was involved in writing and preparing research proposals to appropriately utilize forest-based biomass. Currently, I am working on developing decision-support tools for transportation planning in the forest sector.
In addition to research, I have had a great experience in mentoring students. I am advising master students in the FRESH lab regarding their research, providing them guidance and helping them with data analysis and optimization models. Moreover, I am honoured to be a session instructor to teach a 3rd-year course in the WOOD science department. In this role, I am sharing my knowledge with undergraduate students in an interactive manner and familiarizing them with research fundamentals. These mentorship and teaching experiences have strengthened my knowledge and confidence.
Overall, I am positive about my postdoc journey and appreciate the opportunity to grow and learn new skills.
My postdoc is a partnership with the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS), which was initially established by Secwépemc Nation communities to coordinate land-based recovery efforts across the 2017 Elephant Hill wildfire. I’m incredibly grateful to the SRSS for their support, which has enabled me to build on my work and relationships developed during my PhD. My current research focusses on supporting Secwépemc communities in monitoring the impacts of wildfires and other disturbances in their territories and identifying opportunities for reintroducing fire and restoring ecological and cultural values.
As both a social scientist and ecologist, what I love most about this work is getting to spend time out on the land with our community partners and diverse collaborators, from government agencies to the private sector, learning about shared concerns and priorities for managing these fire-affected and fire-adapted territories while also passing on my love of plants and the wonders of fire ecology to our eager summer field assistants.
This past summer, our UBC field crew had the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of projects with our community partners: from co-designing a monitoring program to evaluate the success of proposed ecosystem restoration burns, and assessing ecosystem recovery 7 years after the Elephant Hill wildfire, to analyzing the impacts of cattle grazing on native grasslands, and documenting the work of community ‘territorial patrol’ (guardians). Now, I’m celebrating #NPDAW in the Kootenays, participating in a prescribed fire burning exchange to learn how to apply good fire to the land for the benefit of both people and more-than-human nature – something we need more of in BC if we truly are going to learn to coexist with wildfire!
I am passionate about sustainability and tackling climate-related challenges. Nature offers many intriguing raw materials that hold great potential for everyday use. However, a significant challenge is that the inherent properties of these materials are not always well-suited for advanced applications. To work towards addressing this, I joined Professor Emily Cranston’s lab, where I am applying my background in chemistry to modify and enhance the properties of natural materials such as cellulose and pulp. My work aims to make biomaterials more suitable for innovative and impactful applications, and in the process bridge the gap between natural resources and their practical uses.
I have had the opportunity to work on two exciting research themes. First, I focused on developing water-based chemistry to modify the properties of innovative polysaccharide particles created by our industry partner. These particles are being explored as sustainable fillers for rubber composites, with the potential to replace traditional oil-based materials. By enhancing the properties of these polysaccharide particles, we aim to create a more environmentally friendly alternative that can degrade after use, thereby significantly reducing the environmental impact of rubber products.
I have also been involved in the Energy Reduction in Mechanical Pulping (ERMP) research program. This program brings together diverse teams to advance the use of lower-grade mechanical pulp in specialized products. My role has involved chemically modifying mechanical pulp to enhance its properties, making it suitable for applications such as tissue paper. This work supports the broader goal of improving the efficiency and sustainability of pulp processing while expanding the potential uses of mechanical pulp.
In addition to my research work, I have been fortunate to engage in mentorship and teaching, which I find very rewarding. One highlight was serving as a lecturer for the Bio-based Renewable Materials and Energy – Forestry Summer Institute 2024. During those two weeks, I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring and teaching the students. This role provided me with the chance to interact closely with them, guiding their learning experiences and witnessing their enthusiasm for the subject. The opportunity to contribute to their education and see their growth firsthand was both fulfilling and inspiring.
My research is about the relationships between human health and forests.
I am currently supporting Li̓l̓wat First Nation community-led research to create the Li̓l̓wat Cultural Re-Connection Classroom. This community-based initiative is a moveable classroom that is a land-based queer-friendly and gender inclusive space. This space is envisioned to be a place where Li̓l̓wat people can come together to engage in topics related to cultural revitalization and land stewardship and take part in traditional medicine harvest and processing and other culturally based activities that promote health and wellness. I am also working with Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures to start long-term monitoring on the impacts of cultural burning on traditional foods and medicines.
With our collaborative research, I seek to untangle and inspect the many ways that settler-colonial land management continues to constrain Li̓lwatúl livelihoods and relationships with the land. This work was done with the intention of supporting the restoration of land-based health practices led by Indigenous peoples.
Dr. Elaheh Ghasemi is a postdoctoral researcher at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, specializing in forest management and environmental sustainability. Her research explores the intersection of forestry, climate change, and ecosystem conservation, particularly the impacts of forest management practices on biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Dr. Ghasemi has received several awards recognizing her contributions to sustainable forestry and environmental science, including the prestigious André Hoffman Fellowship for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects that emphasize sustainable forest practices in the face of global environmental challenges. Her work integrates advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), to improve forest monitoring and conservation efforts.
At UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, her project aims to explore nature-based decarbonization opportunities for the mining and forest sectors in Canada. This interdisciplinary research will develop an open modeling framework to assess carbon capture in forests near mining sector industrial assets, potentially reducing emissions and fostering sustainable land use. The project also seeks to engage First Nations communities, offering economic and cultural benefits while supporting global carbon reduction commitments. By bridging gaps between forest management and mining operations, this initiative will contribute to innovative, sustainable solutions for the bioeconomy.
When: September 14, 2024 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Where: Malcolm Knapp Research Forest – Maple Ridge
Cost: $20 + gst per person
Limited spaces available
Since 1949, the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest has been the site of over 1,000 research projects spanning various topics and studies. Embark on a journey through the forest to explore some of these projects and their findings. Topics include:
The tour is facilitated by MKRF’s manager, Hélène Marcoux, Registered Professional Forester. Participants will meet at the forest’s front gate and be taken on a guided tour in the research forest van, visiting locations rarely seen by the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
Forest Technician Northern Interior Forest Operations – Forsite
I have been working on doing Individual Tree Inventory (ITI) most of the time during my work term. In this job, I have to measure every tree’s DBH, height, age and record any defects on the tree. I have learned a lot during my time here, from defining defects on trees to using vertex to measure tree height (as referenced in the photo).
Being a part of the program has guided me to a new world other than studying in school by giving me access to hands-on experience, something that is just as important as reading about it in our textbooks. During my work term, everything in the forest rationalized with what I learned which has provided me with much understanding and ability to retain information. As a result, I have found a future career through the Forestry Co-op Program.
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship congratulates Dr. Minghao Li and Dr. Felix Wiesner on their Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) Award.
Awarded Project Title: Developing Laminated Engineered Wood Products using Recycled Wood
Minghao’s research focuses on high-performance engineered wood products, connection systems, and multi-storey timber and timber-steel hybrid structures. He is particularly interested in developing innovative timber building solutions using experimental, analytical, and numerical methods.
Awarded Project Title: Establishing the Fire Resilience and Wood Ignition Safety Evaluation (FIREWISE) Laboratory
Wiesner is a fire safety engineering expert specializing in the fire performance of timber buildings. He has significant experience with large-scale fire tests to evaluate fire dynamics and structural response in engineered timber structures. His research also explores fire safety’s role in the durability and service life of wood products.
The CFI-JELF awards are a component of government investments in grants, scholarships, and programs designed to continuously support Canada’s research ecosystem. JELF funding enables universities to more effectively recruit and retain top researchers by providing them with state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and facilities essential for groundbreaking discoveries that benefit Canadians.
‘We can feel our ancestors’: one First Nation’s fight to save Canada’s old forests
Forestry professor Dr. Suzanne Simard commented on the value of old trees in a forest ecosystem.
The Guardian, Yahoo (Canada), Aol
Doing more with less: how Canada’s forestry sector is making the most of a valuable resource
Forestry professor Dr. Harry Nelson commented on Canada’s forest sector and the need for a collaborative approach from stakeholders to help address climate change.
The Walrus
BC Conservatives announce their forestry plans
Forestry lecturer Dr. Peter Wood commented on the B.C. Conservative’s forestry plans and the need for change in policies.
CKNW Mornings with Simi
Wildfires are spreading fast in Canada — we must strengthen forests for the future
Forestry researchers Drs. Nicholas C. Coops, Lori Daniels, Christopher Mulverhill, Kira M. Hoffman, and Amy R. Wotherspoon co-wrote that a study on efforts to improve the resilience of forests must be grounded in data and led by Indigenous Peoples.
Nature
Logging giant Canfor considers sale of more northern B.C. assets
Forestry professor Dr. Harry Nelson commented on the changing northern B.C. forestry industry.
CBC News via Yahoo (Canada), Yahoo (Australia), Yahoo (New Zealand), Yahoo (Malaysia)
Lake drained over century ago could see comeback after recent flooding: ‘We have a one-in-a-100-years’ chance to reconcile what happened’
UBC forestry scientists, members of the Sumas First Nation and other partners co-authored a study which recommended allowing B.C.’s Sumas Prairie to revert to a lake.
Yahoo News
UBC News Coverage
Canada’s wildfire season ranks among worst but less severe than feared
Forestry postdoctoral fellow Dr. Kira Hoffman commented on Canada’s wildfire season in 2024, which was slightly less severe than the year before.
Reuters via Global News, CTV News, Daily Mail, The Print, Globe and Mail
‘Sustainable’ logging operations are clear-cutting Canada’s climate-fighting forests
Forestry lecturer Peter Wood commented on Reuter’s investigation of sustainable logging operations.
Reuters via E News (Malaysia), MalayMail, Malay Tribune
Are BC’s forests running out of trees?
Forestry professor emeritus Dr. Gary Bull commented on B.C.’s sustainable forest management.
The Tyee
Wildfires are spreading fast in Canada — we must strengthen forests for the future
As wildfires become more frequent and severe, efforts to improve the resilience of forests must be grounded in data and led by Indigenous Peoples.
Nature
Overheated – a Quirks & Quarks special about urban heat
Forestry professor Dr. Melissa McHale explained how cities hold the key to climate adaptation and build resilient ecosystems through collective action.
CBC-Quirks and Quarks (44:08 mark)
The impact of 2024 wildfires on B.C. wildlife
Forestry professor Dr. Peter Arcese explained the impact of the 2024 wildfire on B.C. wildfire and ecology.
CBC The Early Edition
Cities are overheating. How do we cool them down?
Forestry professor Dr. Melissa McHale commented on increasing urban heat island effect, when cities are warmer than the surrounding environment.
CBC Radio