The research objectives for this proposed Mitacs project are to identify the forested Tribal Lands in the US that hold the most promise for participating in the developing regional US and Canadian offset markets. The partner organization is Offsetters Clean Technology, a BC based company with expertise in carbon management and advisory services in Canada. […]

A common problem in aircraft cabinetry is deterioration of high gloss finishes, giving an "orange-peel look", which is attributed to some kind of dimensional instability. This can be related to the veneer, the varnish, their interactions and how they evolve over time and in different environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) to which the aircraft cabinetry […]

An increasing number of Aboriginal communities are seeking a fair share of benefits from the economic development of forest lands and resources. Yet participation remains low, and initiatives to increase the participation of Aboriginals in the forest sector have had limited contributions to improving the economic and social well-being of Aboriginal peoples and communities. This […]

The proposed project seeks to develop biocomposite technology and products for the auto manufacturing industries. Eight graduate students under the supervision of Dr. Mohini Sain, will work on manufacturing processes, mechanical characterization and development of molds for various types of bio-composites which have direct application in auto-industries and can act as substitute for fossil fuel […]

The Nuxalk First Nations is being empowered by the provincial government to take more control over its socio and economic affairs. One critical part of the transitioning is to manage their forest resources through a community forest license. The Nuxalk Development Corporation will be an active participant in their economic future, particularly in the area […]

Biochar is charcoal that is used as a soil amendment to increase plant productivity and as a means of keeping carbon out of the atmosphere. Although a number of voluntary carbon standards allow for soil carbon projects to generate carbon offsets, no protocol has been developed for biochar. The overall objective of this research project […]

This project will assess the potential for using unmerchantable wood as feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioenergy. Large tracts of forests within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest (GLSL) consist of low quality pine- mixed woods that could supply feedstock if the unmerchantable wood were recovered in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. We will […]

Business transformation involves firms changing their business models to pursue new opportunities. The ambitions of transformation are to  enhance a firm’s competitiveness. Transformation is risky— literature highlights that transformation efforts often fail; reasons include firms not having the sufficient competencies or enough capital to carry the changes through. As Canadian forest sector firms look to […]

Many Aboriginal peoples want to participate in economic development on their territories. They want to be treated with respect and have their cultural heritage recognized. They also want to ensure that resource development on their territories is safe, healthy and does not degrade the natural environment. There are business and IT solutions that exist that […]

Tamarack is deemed as an underutilized species. Recently York North Veneer Products Inc. (YNVP) received an inquiry on use of Tamarack veneer as sheathing materials in construction of light frame walls in Japanese market with an aim to replace Russian larch and Douglas-fir veneer. To meet this demand, YNVP working with UNB's Wood Science and […]

Bunch and burn operations is a common tool for controlling the spread of mountain pine beetle in Alberta and involves felling and piling of infested pine trees and subsequently, burning the log decks to eradicate the beetles. Current practices mandate the complete burn of the bark, whereas past studies and government standards have shown that […]

New forest law in Quebec implemented since early this year requires the forest management companies to put ecosystem-based management in the center of their forest management strategies by designing the forest management activities to resemble closely the natural disturbances (e. g., clear cutting to emulate stand replacing disturbances and partial cutting for secondary disturbances). Partial […]