Developments in Forest Operations and Wood Science Workshops
Mark your calendar and join us for the speaker series on Wednesday March 25, 2026 from 5pm to 6pm.
- Developments in Forest Operations on Steep and Challenging Terrain - Dzhamal Amishev
- Wood Science Research in NRM - Dr. Matthew Leitch
How to join?
- In person: at Room BB 1075, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay campus
- Via Zoom: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/97570799178?pwd=iMoTxkg8raLyIlQYi6DSimWWhXePng.1
Meeting ID: 975 7079 9178
Passcode: 230312
Summary of the presentations
Developments in Forest Operations on Steep and Challenging Terrain – Dr. Dzhamal Amishev
Steep, challenging terrain poses significant operational, safety, and environmental challenges for modern forestry. This presentation will explore recent advancements in winch-assisted harvesting, automation, and precision forestry technologies that enable and enhance mechanization in forest operations, thus improving safety and efficiency in these difficult landscapes. Examples from North America, New Zealand and beyond will illustrate how these technologies are being implemented, with a focus on their practical applications, industry adoption, and policy implications. By integrating cutting-edge solutions, we can improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enhance worker safety in steep-slope forestry.
Wood Science Research in NRM Dr. Matthew Leitch
Wood Science represents an area of science that works to better utilize our forest resources. At NRM, wood science has been working particularly on wood quality, inherent wood properties, biomass for energy and heat, and product development based on the measurement of properties. The Lakehead University Wood Science and Testing Facility does research based on grants and contracts as well as fee-for-service work for the industry and general public. We have been able to create maps displaying wood properties (mechanical and physical) at the tree level and landscape level. The maps present the internal properties from pith to bark displayed as lumber grades at the individual tree level and as polygons on the landscape displaying the main lumber grade for that polygon. LUWSTF has also been involved in thermal testing and the properties of woody materials for boilers, cogenerators, and other burning systems, including full fuel specifications. The labs also conduct work with portable mills and have several portable milling pieces of equipment. LUWSTF also conducts consultancy work for a variety of companies using the equipment in the labs and the capacity of the labs and workers in this lab.
About NRM - CIF Speaker Series
In celebration of Lakehead University’s 60th anniversary, the Faculty of Natural Resources Management (NRM) and the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) are hosting a monthly speaker series from January to April 2026. Each session highlights research and discussions on forestry and environmental stewardship. Participants are welcome to attend either in person or online.