Grant: College and Community Innovation Program

The College of New Caledonia is collaborating with forest companies, government and academic researchers, and community partners to foster innovation in the forest sector in central British Columbia. The College's 12,500 hectare research forest, located near Prince George, BC, provides an ideal research facility for industry and researchers to collaboratively address a range of forest industry research needs including: 1) Forest operation and management solutions to improve environmental stewardship 2) Silviculture options to enhance forest industry adaptation to climate change 2) Remote sensing and mapping technology solutions to improve forest operations and planning College faculty and students are working with industry and partners on a range of research projects under these topics including: innovative forest harvesting techniques to protect riparian features, planting new tree species in central BC as an adaptation to climate change, and using LiDAR data to improve forest planning and operations. Outcomes from this research will support sustainable and enhanced innovation throughout the forestry sector, thus help forest companies address challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Students involved in research projects benefit through opportunities to further develop their innovation and technical skillsets while working directly with local companies on industry-led research.