Schedule

Presented by Dr Nicholas Coops & members of the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio University of British Columbia This workshop introduces the basic foundations of lidar technology and its applications in boreal forest research and management. Participants will explore the basic principles of laser scanning, sensor configurations, data acquisition strategies, and sources of uncertainty, with a focus on how lidar captures forest structure and biomass. Ground based, airborne and satellite LIDAR technologies and datasets will be presented. By grounding participants in the science and interpretation of lidar data, this session provides context for translating these rich structural measurements into meaningful ecological and forestry insights. It serves as a conceptual foundation for the subsequent hands-on Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data processing workshop.

Presented by Johanna San PedroInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis This workshop introduces Fire&Ice, an integrated modelling framework linking wildfire hazard, emissions, exposure, and health impacts across boreal regions. As wildfire regimes shift under climate change, decision-ready tools are needed to connect fire behaviour with demographic vulnerability and public health outcomes. Participants will explore the IIASA Fire&Ice workflow under SSP climate scenarios, focusing on the FLAM wildfire occurrence and spread model. Model outputs are translated into fire emissions and PM₂.₅ exposure to estimate health impacts and identify vulnerable populations and hotspots. The session supports improved preparedness, adaptation planning, and policy-relevant risk assessment in boreal fire management.

Presented by Karen Saunders (WWF-Canada), Dr. Jacqueline Dennett (Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, University of Alberta), Dr. Elly Knight (University of Alberta) This workshop explores approaches for identifying and assessing the condition of boreal forests using credible ecological indicators. Participants will review a suite of literature-based indicators used to evaluate forest integrity and degradation, and explore how these indicators can be applied using real-world data. Through collaborative exercises, attendees will work with examples such as landbird populations and forest structural metrics to assess forest condition and consider appropriate reference baselines. Group discussions will address challenges in indicator selection, data availability, and implementation. The session aims to advance collaboration, highlight knowledge gaps, and support the development of robust, science-based approaches for monitoring and managing boreal forest condition.

Presented by Nelson Thiffault & Susan Gordon Canadian Science Publishing Publishing is an essential part of the research process, but understanding where to start and how the system works can be daunting. Join Canadian Journal of Forest Research co-Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nelson Thiffault and Journal Development Specialist Dr. Susan Gordon for an interactive workshop exploring the nuances of publication. We’ll discuss choosing an appropriate journal for your research, preparing your manuscript, and navigating the submission process. We’ll also walk through the peer review process, including responding to reviewer comments and conducting a constructive peer review. Our goal is for you to leave the workshop confident in making informed publishing choices for your research.

Presented by Philip Chambers University of Eastern Finland This workshop explores the use of playful digital technologies to create inclusive tools enhancing equity in digital forest participation. Using a co-design approach and rapid prototyping (“vibe coding”), participants will develop apps and games tailored to a diversity of stakeholders, including elderly forest owners and Indigenous communities. Working in small groups, they will create tools aimed at addressing challenges to engaging with the boreal forest. Expected outcomes include accessible tools for elderly forest owners with limited digital literacy, community engagement platforms, citizen science apps to integrate indigenous knowledge, and educational games that promote intergenerational exchange of forest knowledge.

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Please note that lunch is not included on Monday

Presented by Liam K Irwin & members of the Integrated Remote Sensing StudioUniversity of British Columbia This intensive workshop provides a comprehensive guide to processing Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data for forest inventory. The workshop uses open source functions from the lidR package in R at the beginner level with an overview of lidar, data management basics, and the generation of Forest inventory products including raster (chm, dem, metrics) and vector (tree tops and crowns) datasets.

Presented by Göran HallsbyForest Agency Climate change is rapidly reshaping boreal forests, yet adaptation in forestry remains slow. This interactive workshop explores how to accelerate climate change adaptation efforts and strengthen resilience in boreal forest management. Participants will examine tools and strategies from research, agencies, and consulting, focusing on how knowledge of climate impacts can be effectively translated into management action. Following brief introductory presentations, roundtable discussions will address key challenges and opportunities across boreal regions. Outcomes will highlight successful approaches, monitoring practices, and lessons learned, and will be compiled into a workshop memo to support continued collaboration and practical adaptation across the boreal forestry community.

Presented by Stephen KullNatural Resources Canada This workshop introduces the Carbon Budget Model 4 (CBM4), the latest open-source forest ecosystem carbon modeling framework developed by the Canadian Forest Service. CBM4 integrates over 35 years of science, simulates stand- and landscape-level carbon dynamics, and aligns with UNFCCC and IPCC reporting requirements. Participants will learn about the model’s development, structure, and scientific foundations through presentations and a facilitated, hands-on session. Attendees will install and run CBM4 using demonstration scenarios and gain practical experience generating results. The workshop provides an introduction to this spatially explicit, next-generation model for forest carbon accounting, supporting research, operational management, and greenhouse gas reporting needs.

Presented by Osvaldo ValeriaCentre for Forest Research/Centre d’étude de la forêt This introductory workshop presents the fundamentals of Google Earth Engine (GEE) for ecological and forest management applications. Participants will explore the Code Editor environment, basic JavaScript logic, satellite image collections, spatial and temporal filtering, and vegetation indices such as NDVI. Applied examples will include species distribution modeling, habitat mapping, biomass estimation, and multi-temporal analyses for monitoring disturbances such as wildfire and insect outbreaks. The session introduces the capabilities of GEE and demonstrates how cloud-based geospatial analysis can support research and decision-making in boreal forest systems.

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