I am interested in quantifying and forecasting stand and forest dynamics, particularly with respect to uneven-aged and/or mixed species (complex) stands. I also have a long-running interest in designing sampling approaches for various natural resources applications. In the last few years, much of my sampling design work has focused on efficient methods of quantifying downed dead woody material (coarse woody debris). I have been active professionally throughout most of my university career. My professional work has taken place essentially on two fronts: (1) service to the province, via membership on several technical committees and individual or university-based contracts, and (2) service to the forestry profession through my membership on the governing council of the Association of BC Professional Foresters, Board of Examiners of the Association of BC Professional Foresters, as the BC representative on the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board, membership on the Forest Science and Technology Board of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, and work with two U.S./Canadian growth and yield co-operatives. I am particularly interested in forestry curriculum development and accreditation.
Projects
Validation of CrosBas/PipeQual (ForValueNet)
Dynamics of Interior Douglas-fir stands following pre-commercial thinning
ForestGALES_BC hybrid mechanistic model Empirical windthrow models Diagnostic frameworks for windthrow assessment Integration of windthrow risk into TASS/TIPSY Stand density management diagrams and windfirmness
Drag and mechanical properties of trees, acclimative growth
Instrumentation of trees in wind tunnels Tree-pulling experiments Response of trees to shading, shaking and staking Post-thinning acclimative growth patterns
Wind as a natural disturbance agent in forests
Disturbance and recovery in BC forests Disturbance and recovery following hurricanes in mangrove forests in Belize Windthrow and large woody debris inputs into riparian ecosystems
Windthrow management
Edge windfirming treatments Stanley Park 2006 windstorm, restoration and management plans
My researched is focused on: Climate change planning, outreach, and community engagement; visioning methods and visualization of climate change causes, impacts, and mitigation/adaptation; low-carbon future scenarios visualized in the CIRS’ BC Hydro Decision Theatre; community energy planning, renewables, and energy literacy; public perceptions, aesthetics and sustainability; social aspects of forestry.
Projects
Future visioning of local climate change scenarios with integrated geomatics/visualization systems. (2009-12) PI: Stephen R.J. Sheppard. (Yr 3 2011-12 $169,724)
Geomatics for Informed Decisions (GEOIDE)
Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
Awards
Peter Wall Distinguished Scholars In Residence (2009-10) 2009 Wildlife Habitat Canada Forest Stewardship Award (presented to CANFOR and scientists at UBC Faculty of Forestry for collaborative efforts to develop and implement a Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Framework in BC 2004 ASLA Merit Award 1984 ASLA Honor Award 1983 Spotlight Teaching Award (Sustainability Initiative, UBC, 2010-11) 2011 ICLEI Europe Book fo the Month Award for 2012Institute for Social Sustainability Research Fellow (University of Plymouth, UK, 2011-14) University Sustainability Initiative Research Fellow (University of BC, 2011-13)
