Applied Research and Innovation Projects

As a result of various stressors, including global climate change, wildlife adaptation and physiology is becoming an increasing concern. Understanding how wildlife respond to urban environments may help to mitigate wildlife conflict and bear mortality within the City of Prince George.

As requested by the BC Ministry of Forests, CNC is contributing to the mission of the Canada Wildfire partnership to undertake priority research in vegetation fire management. It is critical that forestry practitioners understand how to continuously steward forest ecosystems, within urban interfaces, to significantly lessen the likelihood of severe, out-of-control forest fires. CNC is engaged in a multi-year assessment of the wildfire hazard reduction treatment applied within the Pidherny Recreation Area in the City of Prince George.

Monitoring activities as part of this project are a collaboration between SERNbc, Mcleod Lake Indian Band (MLIB), and the Fisheries and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).

The aim of this research is to test a protocol for mycelial inoculation in wood chips. The results of this testing will inform the development of mycelial inoculation protocol that would be effective in lessening soil erosion, potentially improving rates of revegetation and promoting ecosystem resiliency as it relates to logging road activities.

This research aims to test the feasibility of tracking tree nursery assets using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. By monitoring assets, the research team will gain insights about the potential to integrate RFID tracking to optimize seedling management and transport.

This research examines temporary roadside ponds as a breeding habitat for amphibians, including the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas). Findings will inform about the relationships between artificial ponds created via forest practices, weather, and amphibian breeding behaviour.

This research aims to assess seedling growth response to wildfire impact. Findings of the research will inform reforestation and seedling regeneration in areas impacted by wildfires.