Research Forest

A Foundation for New Learning and Research

The CNC Research Forest provides a foundation for applied research, innovation and educational opportunities for students studying natural resource management. 

View the New Draft Management Plan (2023 - 2028)

Take a look at the latest draft of the management plan. The Management Plan is available for review until April 30, 2023. For comments and feedback contact the CNC Research Forest Manager, Carl Pollard.

CNCRF_ManPlan#4_FINALPUBLIC_FULL V3 
  • Harvesting W2017
  • Grizzly Bear
  • Unit I hemlock forest
  • Devils Club and Research Assistant
  • Spruce - balsam canopy
  • Research Forest assistants
  • E-1 Plantation
  • NRFT Forest Health Tour 2017
  • B-1 Winter Harvest
  • Cow Moose

Research Forest Facts

  • Founded in 2009
  • Covers 12,500 hectares
  • Includes 12 separate forested areas
  • Includes 8 distinct ecological subzones
  • Over 70 research projects completed or underway
  • Over 200 students have directly benefited from Research Forest operations
  • Over 3 million dollars in direct funding to the CNC natural resource and forest technology program and to support natural resource research involving CNC staff and students.

In reviewing CNC educational offerings, MacLean's Magazine favorably recognized the unique opportunity afforded CNC's Natural Resource and Forest Technology students, who have regular access to the Research Forest and who participate in valuable, industry-relevant research.

Working Forest

The CNC Research Forest is a dynamic land base that supports regular harvesting and forestry activities with the expectation that the operations are economically and environmentally sustainable.

The ongoing forestry operations are the result of a successful, long-term partnership between CNC and Dunkley Lumber Ltd. Not only does this provide for regular forestry demonstration opportunities, it also provides important funding to stabilize and continually enhance the CNC Natural Resources and Forest Technology program.

Revenues generated are managed by the CNC Research Forest Society, which provides independent oversight for ongoing forestry activities, applied research and innovation, educational services, and other projects approved by the Society.

Forest Health Checking

Opportunities

For Students

CNC's Natural Resources and Forestry Technology (NRFT) program is a 2-year, full-time diploma program. Students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to hands-on projects in the CNC Research Forest. 

For Industry Partners

Contact Applied Research and Innovation to learn more about CNC partnership opportunities.

Acknowledgements

The CNC Research Forest is dependent on the territories of the McLeod Lake Indian Band, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Nazko First Nation, West Moberly First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, and Doig River First Nation. CNC is grateful for the continued First Nations’ cooperation and sharing of territorial resources.

The initiation of the CNC Research Forest is the result of the dedication of a coalition of partners that was led by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the forest Industry represented by the Council of Forest Industries. The founding partners include the Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals, Canadian Forest Products Ltd., the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Central Interior Logging Association, Council on Northern Interior Forest Employment Relations, the Consulting Foresters of British Columbia, the Prince George Truckers Association, Spectrum Resources Group and the University of Northern British Columbia.