In a changing climate, choosing the right species of tree to plant can save money and increase the likelihood our forests will thrive.
Research to help predict changing conditions such as the amount of soil moisture is key in the process of finding the right formula to turn a tiny sapling into a robust tree. The will of the College of New Caledonia to conduct that scientific study has captured the attention of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
For its first applied research project, CNC has received a two-year $198,250 innovation enhancement grant from the Council to be used by the college's natural resources and environmental technology (NRET) program.
"Tree species traditionally planted here may not thrive in the changed climate of the near future," said John Neumann, a CNC NRET instructor and team leader, in a prepared release. "Corresponding changes in soil moisture are anticipated, so a second aspect of the project will be to investigate the reliability of oak fern as an indicator of changes in soil moisture.
"We will extend our research findings to the wider landscape by using high-resolution LIDAR [Light Detection and Ranging] imaging, provided by the City of Prince George, to map terrain and infer soil moisture conditions."
Cathe Wishart, CNC's vice-president of community and student services said the project provides long-term support for scientific study by students and staff at the college's research forest to ensure continuity when others sources of research funding are not available.
"CNC faculty will have increased their knowledge on all aspects of assisted migration and will have refreshed their applied research skills," said Wishart. "Students in NRET and geography will have been exposed to the project through field trips, labs or lectures."
Pacific Regeneration Technologies (PRT) - Red Rock, Dunkley Lumber and the City of Prince George have teamed up for the project. Research will be conducted at CNC's research forest and at PRT-Red Rock.
Information gathered over the two-year of funding for the project will be used to help industry develop forest management strategies. Neumann says the project will help him expand his horizons as instructor.
"I know that personally. doing research adds a new and stimulating dimension to my work as an instructor at CNC," Neumann said. "It expands my knowledge base and helps me keep up with recent developments in my field of interest."
