Tree ring scanner for fibre quality and CO2 uptake assessment

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The forest industry is vital to the communities served by CNC in central British Columbia, where it is the leading employer and the main economic driver. The forest industry is currently facing new opportunities from an increased demand for wood products, emerging bioenergy and carbon credit markets. The College is currently focusing on developing applied research capacity in forestry given the regional importance of the industry and the faculty expertise in our Natural Resources and Forestry Technology (NRFT) program. The procurement of the tree ring scanner/X-ray densitometer will increase delivery of applied research solutions to local and regional forestry companies by offering state-of-the-art analysis on wood fibre quality and carbon uptake. In addition, mapping series of discrete tree ring densities helps reconstruct past climate and predict effect of climate change and other natural disturbances on wood fibre quality and CO2 uptake by woody biomass.The use of the proposed equipment will: i) support enhanced teaching and learning models related to applied research and innovation at the College of New Caledonia, by engaging faculty and other staff in applied research activities, including continuing education and extension in collaboration with regional business and industry, and ii) support improved educational and employment outcomes for students by engaging them with applied research opportunities, with a focus on gaining industrial problem-solving experience.