UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship would like to congratulate Dr. Feng Jiang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Wood Science, on being the recipient of the UBC Killam Faculty Research Prize in the Sciences and Applied Sciences category.
About Feng’s Research
Feng’s research program is dedicated to converting abundant biomass into functional biomaterials using cost-effective and energy-efficient methods, with the aim of providing alternative material sources for society. This process involves streamlining the isolation of bio-based nanomaterials, enhancing their functionality through comprehensive surface modifications, and constructing high-performance hierarchical structures. Feng’s research plays a large role in expanding applications in energy and environmental sectors, contributing to sustainability efforts.
About Killam Faculty Research Prizes
Up to ten prizes of $5,000 each will be awarded to full-time tenure-stream faculty in recognition of outstanding research and scholarly contributions
Shannon’s research focuses on the interconnected themes of conservation and social-ecological change, exploring the diverse ways in which individuals learn, value, and interact with the non-human environment. Her research and teaching interests lie in human behavioural, institutional, and policy elements of managing social-ecological systems (SES) in a rapidly changing world. As an interdisciplinary social scientist, Shannon’s work plays a key role in advancing knowledge about society and natural societies within the forestry sector, providing insights for meaningful and ethically addressing societal challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. As an award-winning teacher and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, she is also training the next generation of forestry researchers.
About the UBC Killam Accelerator Research Fellowship
Every year, six UBC Killam Accelerator Research Fellowships are provided from the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies established through a bequest from the late Dorothy J. Killam. These annual fellowships are intended to support exceptional early career researchers (within 15 years of PhD) across all disciplines who have the potential for significant impact in their field of scholarship and are ready to launch the next stage of their career.
Ken Byrne and his group of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students in the Masters of Sustainable Forest Management program took a recent trip to Squamish, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the world of forestry from the perspective of some local experts. Leaving UBC bright and early at 7 a.m., the students geared up for a full day of exploration of forest management practices and wildfire risk reduction treatments in the region.
The day kicked off with a much-needed caffeine boost at Starbucks in Squamish, where the group met with their local guide for the day. Stirling Angus is the lead forestry management consultant at SJA Forestry and he gave everyone a run down of the day, and directions to the first site. In a convoy of trucks, the group ventured up Highway 99 to the north end of Squamish where they turned left for a beautiful drive into the Squamish Valley.
Tour of Block 10 on Squamish Nation Land
Block 10 is about 12kms past the Cheakamus River Bridge on Squamish Nations Land. As students donned hard hats and boots, they were warmly greeted by Earl Lewis who manages the land and the forest there. After a safety briefing, Earl led the group on a hike through the forest stopping at points of interest and to talk about the selective logging techniques he uses to manage the land. The students also got to try licorice fern, a small fern growing out of the moss of a large douglas fir whose roots tasted like licorice.
Earl’s family has a long history of managing these forests sustainably, employing selective logging techniques passed down through generations. Still covered in snow in some parts, a real highlight was seeing the abundance of wolf tracks on the route. Earl said they’d been particularly active in the area recently, showing a tangible connection to the thriving ecosystem Earl works to preserve.
Paradise Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction Treatment Area
After a morning of immersive learning in the forest, the group paused for a scenic lunch break along the rocky banks of the Cheakamus River. Following lunch, the expedition continued to Paradise Valley to the Paradise Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction Treatment area. MSFM alumnus and RPF with the Ministry of Forests, Pauline Flottat took the group on a tour of the forest where she showed the techniques and practices they use to help mitigate wildfire risk in the area. Forest debris was cleared and trees under about 12 metres were taken down to limit ground fuels that could be at risk of catching fire. With the debris cleared, they collect viable wood into small piles for the local community to use as firewood, and any other materials are responsibly burned.
West Barr Log Sort
Continuing their journey along Highway 99, the group arrived at the West Barr log sort, set against the stunning backdrop of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. With another safety briefing, they were guided through the operations by Barry Simpson and his team, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of log sorting and processing. They also learned about the timber market and some of the challenges the industry is facing.
From sustainable forest management practices to proactive wildfire risk reduction measures, the day had provided a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in forestry stewardship. The field trip to Squamish had been an eye-opening journey, underscoring the vital importance of thoughtful forest management in preserving these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.
On behalf of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, congratulations to Vanessa Jones, Alice Li, Harry Seely, and Lukas Olson on being the 2024 3MT winners!
12th Annual Forestry Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
13 Forestry Graduate students took part in the 12th Annual Forestry Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Heat. Nicholas Coops was the Moderator and Feng Jiang, Janette Bulkan and Thomas Booker were the 3MT judges. Thank you to all participants for presenting their research and congratulations to our 2024 Forestry 3MT Competition winners who advanced to the UBC Semi-Finals.
The Master of International Forestry (MIF) program at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship spent a week in Tofino to take their learning to new heights.
“The trip was amazing and incredibly insightful,” Katarzyna Longina Przystupa said, a current MIF student. “Seeing how B.C. Forestry issues can be connected to international environmental problems was especially eye-opening. My favourite part was meeting local Indigenous leaders and learning in the field.”
The trip was an opportunity for students in the program to learn from the land and several guest speakers around Tofino.
MIF students during a visit to Cathedral Grove.
The students, led by Peter Wood and Terry Sunderland, boarded the ferry early Monday morning headed for the island. A colourful, Community Action bus awaited them in Nanaimo, ready for what the week had in store.
Exploring old growth on Vancouver Island
Along the way to Tofino, the cohort stopped in Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. They experienced some of the oldest and tallest trees in Canada. The park preserves an internationally significant representative example of Douglas fir old-growth forest within the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone.
Once settled in, the cohort started Tuesday morning with short boat trip to Meares Island, a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park. On the island, they hiked the Big Tree Trail. The old-growth forest consists of spruce, hemlock, and western cedar trees that are more than 1,000 years old. The island is a key part of Tofino’s past, present and future, which students learned more about throughout the week.
Tofino’s international connection
In January 2000, with the support of local First Nations, communities, and the federal and provincial governments, Clayoquot Sound was designated as the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region (CSUBR).
Colin Robinson, a program coordinator with Clayoquot Biosphere Trust was the group’s first speaker of the week. Robinson spoke about CBT’s mission to assist the Biosphere Region community. He explained how it connects to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which students have studied throughout the program.
Understanding municipal politics
On day three, the cohort had a round table with Tofino’s Mayor, Dan Law. They discussed the ongoing challenges that the municipality faces as a resort town and being on a peninsula.
Mayor Law explained the impacts the cost of living, the lack of facilities and housing options, and climate change have on residents and the town’s tourism industry.
Learning from the region’s First Nations
Tla-o-qui-aht Natural Resources Manager, Saya Masso, delivered a powerful talk about the centuries of history of the land and peoples. He shared stories from his nation from as far back as the 1700s. The history lesson led to how the First Nations Tribal Park, Wanačas Hiłhuuʔis, was designated following the logging blockade on Meares Island in 1984. Now, all of Tofino’s drinking water comes from the island’s watersheds.
Saya Masso explained that “high tides should float all boats,” referencing how the nations do not benefit from the thriving tourism industry. This belief is why they have created a Tribal Park allies program in Tofino to help with the upkeep of the land. The optional fee for tourism businesses to charge acknowledges and supports the traditional land that they operate on.
Ross Reid speaks to MIF students about salmon and forest restoration.
Tyson Alteo was the next speaker to capture the cohort’s attention. Atleo, the Natural Climate Solutions Program Director for Nature United and a hereditary chief-in-line of the Ahousaht Nation spoke about advocating for his nation at different levels. He explained the risks that the land is still under without proper protection and the work they are doing to permanently protect it.
“We are looking to students and future generations to recognize and understand historical situations,” Atleo told MIF students. “We need you to go forward in your work, be critical and be active allies.”
Reid led students through a site to see the work they are doing to restore the forest and salmon habitats. He spoke passionately, showing the differences between old growth, second growth and restoration growth within the forest.
Enjoying life on the island
MIF students look for wildlife at Chesterman Beach in Tofino.
The trip also provided students with an opportunity to further connect with their cohort. Each night, students cooked dinner in small groups for their classmates. After dinner, games of cards and pool brought out students’ competitive sides.
You can’t take a trip to the coast without seeing the famous beaches. With the sun shining, MIF students spent an entire afternoon at Chesterman Beach. During lowtide, they explored tide pools where they found starfish, anemones and more sealife. Some even braved the chilly water for a cold plunge before a high-stakes game of tag took over the beach.
Along the way back to the mainland, the program made two stops. The first was at Canoe Creek, where a short walk led them to a giant cedar tree. MIF students created a human chain to give it a hug before getting back on the road. Lunch was enjoyed at the famous Coomb’s Market. Unfortunately, the goats were not on the roof to greet the cohort.
A short drive from there led the group back to the ferry terminal. They headed back to Vancouver, where trip came to an end.
The Master of International Forestry program is an intensive, 10-month, course-based master’s program. It provides the knowledge, skills, and tools required to address the challenges of global forest and natural resources management.
A pair of mountain goats camera trapped walking along a hiking trail near Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Canada. Photo credit: Madeleine Wrazej, Parks Canada & UBC WildCo
Plant-eating animals more active, carnivores more cautious around humans
One of the largest studies on wildlife activity — involving more than 220 researchers, 163 mammal species and 5,000 camera traps worldwide — reveals that wild animals react differently to humans depending on where the animals live and what they eat.
Bigger herbivores — plant-eating animals like deer or moose — tend to become more active when humans are around, while meat-eaters like wolves or wolverines tend to be less active, preferring to avoid risky encounters.
Urban animals like deer or raccoons may become more active around people, as they get used to human presence and find food like garbage or plants, which they can access at night. But animals living farther from cities and other developed areas are more wary of encountering people.
Wildlife during the pandemic ‘anthropause’
The new study, a collaboration across researchers from 161 institutions, used data from before and during the COVID-19 lockdowns to examine wildlife behaviour amid changing human activity levels.
“COVID-19 mobility restrictions gave researchers a truly unique opportunity to study how animals responded when the number of people sharing their landscape changed drastically over a relatively short period,” said lead author Dr. Cole Burton, an associate professor of forest resources management at UBC and Canada Research Chair in Terrestrial Mammal Conservation.
“And contrary to the popular narratives that emerged around that time, we did not see an overall pattern of ‘wildlife running free’ while humans sheltered in place. Rather, we saw great variation in activity patterns of people and wildlife, with the most striking trends being that animal responses depended on landscape conditions and their position in the food chain.”
In Canada, researchers monitoring areas such as Banff and Pacific Rim national parks, Cathedral, Golden Ears and South Chilcotin Mountains provincial parks, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor in B.C. found that carnivores like wolverines, wolves and cougars were generally less active when human activity was higher.
In several of these parks, and in cities such as Edmonton, large herbivores often increased their activity but became more nocturnal with the presence of more humans. Large carnivores were notably absent from the most human-dominated landscapes.
A coyote warily investigating a camera trap in Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, British Columbia, Canada. Photo credit: Dr. Cole Burton, UBC WildCo
Preventing conflict through smart conservation measures
These findings highlight the importance of measures to minimize any detrimental effects of human disturbance on wildlife, including reducing overlaps that might lead to conflict.
“In remote areas with limited human infrastructure, the effects of our actual presence on wildlife may be particularly strong. To give wild animals the space they need, we may consider setting aside protected areas or movement corridors free of human activity, or consider seasonal restrictions, like temporary closures of campsites or hiking trails during migratory or breeding seasons,” said study co-author and UBC biologist Dr. Kaitlyn Gaynor.
She added that strategies must also fit specific species and locations. In more remote areas, keeping human activity low will be necessary to protect sensitive species. In areas where people and animals overlap more, such as cities, nighttime is an important refuge for wildlife, and keeping it that way can help species survive. Efforts may focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict after dark, such as more secure storage of trash bins to reduce the number of animals getting into human food sources, or use of road mitigation measures to reduce vehicle collisions.
The findings are particularly useful amid the surge in global travel and outdoor recreation post-pandemic, Dr. Burton added.
“Understanding how wildlife respond to human activity in various contexts helps us develop effective conservation plans that have local and global impact. For that reason, we are working to improve wildlife monitoring systems using tools like the camera traps that made it possible to observe animal behaviours during the pandemic.”
Career Opportunity: to join a diverse team of professionals who enjoy their jobs and the outdoors. We recognize the importance of teamwork in these challenging and rewarding positions, while enjoying a balance of work with personal life.
Sidley Mountain Forestry Consultants Ltd. is an established resource management and forest development company providing full phase Forest Development services with a focus on Safety, Quality and Productivity for over 27 years. Our base of operations is located between Osoyoos and Rock Creek, B.C. in the beautiful Boundary/South Okanagan. We provide services in a variety of geographic locations within our region, so our staff have the flexibility of choosing to live and work in one of many local communities. We are looking for Forest Development staff with a variety of training and experience. Individuals with a strong commitment to safety, quality work and efficiency in all work activities. The required position skill sets include:
More more information about the position and how to apply please see the link below.
The Ministry of Environment takes a team-based approach to protecting Saskatchewan’s environment for the well-being of the province, its people and its future. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Forest Service Branch, is currently seeking a proactive, selfdirected, analytical individual with a background in silviculture and field surveys to fill the role of Silviculture Assistant headquartered in Prince Albert.
For more information about the job posting and how to apply please see the link below.
The UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) will be hosting the 2025 Open House and Industry Night event on Thursday, March 13, 2025. This is an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about the education, training, research, and industry assistance programs that take place at our facility. The event will feature presentations from Wood Products (WP) students, and industry alumni. In addition to the presentations, the CAWP will be conducting demonstrations of their state-of-the-art equipment including the Kuka Robot Cell, Hundegger Robot Drive, Homag 5-axis CNC, and SimSpray VR training simulator. Industry is encouraged to attend this event to network with our WP students.
On behalf of UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Grenz, Veronica Lo, and Dr. Juliet Lu for receiving SSHRC Insight Development Grants.
JenniferGrenz (Forest Resources Management / Faculty of Land and Food Systems) Re-Storying Restoration by Applying an Indigenous Food Systems Lens to the Reclamation, Revitalization, and Recovery of Ecosystems
VeronicaLo (Forest & Conservation Sciences) Safeguarding what and for whom? Community perceptions of social safeguards in forest landscape restoration
JulietLu (Forest Resources Management) Supplying Sustainable Rubber: China and the Rise of Emerging Market Sustainability Initiatives
About SSHRC Insight Development Grants:
Insight Development Grants support research in its early stages and enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and ideas. The research being funded includes projects that will, among other things, identify systemic barriers for people of colour entering the field of psychology, improve institutional land acknowledgments, and promote well-being in the digital world. View the full release.
