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	Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research
Back to C-FIR main page.	DIRECTOR'S ANNUAL REPORTS (2001 - 2002) (2002 - 2003) (2003-2004) (2004-2006)

1. Introduction

This report is the fourth in a series of annual/biannual reports which describes the range of activities in which C-FIR has been involved over the past two years (January 2004 - December 2006), and provides a look to the future. While this report cannot properly encapsulate all of the diverse activities in which C-FIR and its members have been engaged, it is designed to provide a broad overview of the Centre.

2. The Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research

Construction of C-FIR was essentially completed in the fall of 2001. The Centre currently occupies in excess of 1000 m², on the University of Winnipeg campus with most facilities concentrated on the 4th floor of Centennial Hall. C-FIR’s facilities have been designed to support the research activities of the current membership as well as to anticipate, to the greatest degree possible, future directions and growth. C-FIR facilities include a number of offices and research rooms for faculty and student researchers, two dry laboratories, two wet laboratories, a geomatics facility, a dendrochronology laboratory, a stable isotope laboratory, a library/data centre, a boardroom, project room, and a controlled environment facility. Funding remaining from the initial CFI application continues to be used to acquire additional infrastructure on an as-required basis.

C-FIR’s membership currently numbers close to 25 University of Winnipeg personnel, and includes both faculty and staff. C-FIR also has an additional complement of external members (over 10 at this time) from a number of institutions and organizations. C-FIR members are drawn from a number of disciplines which reflect the Centre’s mandate to promote interdisciplinary research. Current C-FIR membership includes researchers from the following departments at the University of Winnipeg: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Education, Environmental Studies, Geography, Menno Simons College, Philosophy, and Sociology. C-FIR expertise is also augmented by researchers from a number of external public and private sector organizations, companies, NGOs, and other academic institutions. Over the past year a number of new members were welcomed to C-FIR. C-FIR’s current membership roster is provided in Appendix A. The new members that were welcomed into C-FIR in 2004-2006 provide expertise in crucial areas, greatly expanding the research capacity of the Centre in these crucial areas. Areas of expertise provided by the new members include public participation in forest-related environmental issues, microbiology, forest ecology, mammal physiology, and analytical chemistry.

3. Research Excellence

C-FIR was established primarily as a research centre designed to promote interdisciplinary research in sustainable forest management and associated areas such as climate change. C-FIR is arguably the University of Winnipeg’s most active, dynamic, and successful research venture.

The 2004 – 2006 period also saw a number of new members brought into C-FIR, who provide expertise in strategic areas and strengthening of linkages with external organizations. These include:

Ms. Rachel Boone (a former C-FIR student researcher) of KBM Forestry Consultants Inc. Ms. Boone is housed in C-FIR and is part of a strategic partnership developed with KBM, which is designed to further enhance research partnership opportunities with the private sector.
Dr. Patricia Fitzpatrick is a recent hiring in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Fitzpatrick’s areas of interest and expertise relate to public participation in environmental issues, and she brings complementary expertise to existing C-FIR capabilities in this area.
Dr. Martin Girardin (a former C-FIR student researcher) is a Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service in Ste. Foy, Quebec. Dr. Girardin is an important link in our involvement in a network of forest health-climate change researchers located across Canada.
Dr. Doug Goltz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Goltz’s expertise in analytical chemistry brings important new capabilities to C-FIR’s capacity in environmental analysis.
Dr. Paul Holloway is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Holloway’s expertise in microbiology brings important new capabilities to C-FIR in relating genetics to larger-scale forest characteristics.
Dr. Andy Park, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. His expertise in forest ecology fills a vital gap in the Centre’s range of expertise.
Dr. Craig Willis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Willis’s expertise is in small mammal physiology and he brings this underrepresented capacity and expertise to C-FIR.

The 2004 - 2006 period saw a number of new and ongoing initiatives. Some of the more notable initiatives include:

• C-FIR researchers continue to garner research funding from a wide variety of sources. Current research funding is on the order of $300,000/year. A list of ongoing projects is provided in Appendix B. A major new initiative begun in 2003 was renewed in 2006: C-FIR was successful in its second application to NSERC’s Major Facilities Access (MFA) grants program on behalf of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). This three-year program was funded at $231,000 for 2003 – 2006, and our application for renewed funding was approved at $239,940 for an additional three years: 2006 – 2009. This funding will assist CNSC in being able to continue to support C-FIR researchers and their field programs in the area.

• The University of Winnipeg’s first Canada Research Chair, in Tree Ring Research was awarded to Dr. Jacques Tardif in 2003. Dr. Tardif is one of the original members of C-FIR and one of the Centre’s most successful and prolific researchers. His application for renewed support is currently pending.

• Our roster of outstanding researchers was augmented in 2004 by the University of Winnipeg’s first Industrial Research Chair, in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. Dr. Danny Blair, of the Department of Geography was awarded this position in early 2004. This initial three year position was established with substantial funding from Manitoba Hydro and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC). It augments our already strong team, a number of who have been honoured with the Erica and Arnold Rogers Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship in recent years.

• A large component of C-FIR’s research involves studying the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors (fires, harvesting, insects, pollution, climate change) on forest health and regeneration. Forest health and associated paleoclimatic impacts are assessed through the application of numerous analytical techniques such as tree-ring analysis, stable isotope analysis, and mensuration. Analysis of seedbanks also allows for assessing the impacts of disturbances and climate change on forest health and succession.

• C-FIR is involved in a wide-ranging study of woodland caribou and elk habitat, largely through the efforts of Mr. Doug Schindler from Manitoba Conservation, currently on leave to C-FIR from his parent organization. The East Side Woodland Caribou Management Committee is involved in a number of interrelated sub-projects.

• C-FIR researchers are continuing their work with the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and the Canadian Space Agency to develop a next generation remote sensing satellite for Canada which will be capable of monitoring forest health and changes in forest cover associated with climate change.

• C-FIR researchers are very active in publication of their research results. C-FIR researchers produce a large number of publications in the peer-reviewed literature as well as technical publications. These are augmented by numerous presentations at academic/scientific conferences. A list of recent publications is provided in Appendix C.

The range of research which C-FIR members undertake are extremely diverse. Recent and ongoing projects include:

• a study of the economic impacts of climate change on forestry-based prairie communities

• surface-process hydrologic studies dealing with river systems entering large lakes in central Canada (Red River, Slave River)

• development of caribou habitat base maps and habitat protection strategies

• assessment of public values for forested landscapes and associated issues in environmental ethics

• development of values analysis and public participation protocols for forest management

• studies of relict tree communities

• effects of different forest management practices on plant and animal biodiversity and on forest stand and ecosystem structure

• fire history reconstruction from tree ring studies

• assessment of climatic variability from tree ring studies and stable isotope analysis of tree rings, soils and water

• development of synoptic climatology of hydroclimate variability for the Canadian interior

• development and expansion of a network of precipitation collection stations across central Canada for analysis of isotopic variations in precipitation

• dynamics of disjunct tree populations from tree ring analysis

• development of new growth and yield assessment techniques

• effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on succession and regeneration

• forest growth response to climate change

• assessment of factors contributing to tree seedling mortality

• arthropod diversity analysis for assessment of forest biodiversity, climate change, and forest decline

• effects of insecticides on target and non-target species and forest structure

• improved methods of insect and disease protection for urban forests

• analysis of human skeletal remains recovered from boreal forest locations and associated work on past health, lifeways, and diet

Further details on the research interests and activities of C-FIR members can be found on their respective personal web pages (accessible through the University of Winnipeg web site: GOTOBUTTON BM_1_ http://www.uwinnipeg.ca). Additional information on C-FIR is also available through the C-FIR web site ( GOTOBUTTON BM_2_ http://cfir.uwinnipeg.ca).

C-FIR researchers are also active in research projects with external collaborators and clients, and can also initiate projects through a variety of mechanisms. As an example, students enrolled in the Department of Geography’s Advanced Geographic Information Systems course regularly undertake projects for external clients in forest-related areas such as forest succession and caribou habitat mapping. Honours students in Biology and Geography often undertake 4th year thesis projects in association with C-FIR researchers. Recent projects undertaken through this mechanism include an assessment of pine marten habitats and reforestation strategies for red pine plantations in the Whiteshell region.

C-FIR’s funding base is broad and diverse, which enables the Centre to weather changes in funding levels associated with any one particular funding organization. The breadth of funding sources also reflects the broad diversity of C-FIR research projects. An important indicator of C-FIR’s regional and national importance is that the diversity and number of agencies that fund C-FIR researchers continues to expand. Over the past few years, C-FIR researchers have received or continue to receive research funding from the following organizations:

• Alberta Forest Service

• Canada Research Chair Program

• Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

• Canadian Forest Service

• Canadian Space Agency

• Canadian Wildlife Service – Environment Canada

• Churchill Northern Studies Centre

• City of Winnipeg Community Incentives Grants Program

• City of Winnipeg - Forestry Branch

• Dow Agri Sciences and Dow Canada Inc.

• Environment Canada Climate Change Action Fund

• Global Forest

• Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd.

• Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund

• Manitoba Conservation - Conservation Ecosystem Based Management Pilot Program

• Manitoba Conservation - Forestry Branch

• Manitoba Conservation - Manitoba Conservation Data Centre

• Manitoba Conservation - Wildlife Branch

• Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism

• Manitoba Hydro, various programs including the Forest Enhancement Program and Environmental Impact Program

• Manitoba Model Forest

• Manitoba Orchid Society

• Manitoba Sustainable Development Fund

• Manitoba Urban Green Team

• Natural Resources Canada, including the Canadian National Climate Change and Adaptations Fund

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

• Northern Scientific Training Program

• Pinawa Economic Development Committee

• Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC)

• Saskatchewan Forest Centre

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

• Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

• Tembec Canada Inc. (Pine Falls Paper Co.)

• Tolko Manitoba

• University of Manitoba

• University of Winnipeg

• World Wildlife Fund

4. Teaching Excellence

Although C-FIR is not directly mandated to undertake teaching, C-FIR researchers play a large role in teaching. C-FIR is most closely linked to our teaching programs in Forest Ecology, and Forest Policy and Management. These two 4-year streams are housed within the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Winnipeg. Both streams continue to enjoy strong enrolments, and it is anticipated that some of our current instructional gaps will be addressed in the coming year, so that the viability and vitality of the program can be maintained. The two programs of study include courses in forest ecology and biology, forest values and values assessment, forest policy and planning, forestry, conservation, recreation and wildlife management, forest economics, forest health, principles of silviculture, forest measurement, growth and yield, aboriginal forestry opportunities, multiple resource use, and two intensive field-oriented courses.

Teaching and research involving forest-based issues are inextricably linked within C-FIR. At any one time, C-FIR researchers employ between 15 and 20 undergraduate students in a variety of capacities. In addition, C-FIR researchers supervise a large number of graduate students, generally between 10 and 15 Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral Fellows at any one time, as well as supervising a number of undergraduate honours theses. This supervision is augmented by the active participation of C-FIR researchers in graduate teaching at other institutions, primarily at the University of Manitoba. A large number of our undergraduate researchers go on to graduate studies at schools throughout Canada and beyond.

C-FIR is justifiably proud of the close coupling it has developed between research and education. This provides unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in forest-related research at an early stage in their careers. In addition, the relationships C-FIR has forged with non-academic organizations provide extensive employment opportunities for students during the summer months, and greatly facilitate their employment prospects upon graduation.

Classroom instruction is also augmented by field schools. The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management programs currently offer a Forest Field Skills Camp in August in partnership with the University College of the North (Keewatin Community College) in The Pas (normally taken at the end of the first year), as well as a Forest Field Course (normally taken at the end of the second year).

The University of Winnipeg continues to provide the first forestry-related scholarship established at the University of Winnipeg. The Alice Chambers Scholarship in Forest Ecology was established with funding from Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government.

5. Public Education and Outreach and Community Service

C-FIR researchers are constantly engaged in a large number of outreach and extracurricular educational activities. It is well beyond the scope of this report to describe these activities in detail. C-FIR researchers are constantly in demand for speaking engagements, media interviews, and public lectures. These activities further serve to solidify the position of C-FIR and the University of Winnipeg as the premier forest research and education enterprise in the prairies. As an example, C-FIR Researchers were central participants and organizers of various Quest conferences held at the University of Winnipeg over the past two years.

• Canadian Association of Foresters

• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

• Canon Envirothon

• Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources; Advisory Committee, Winter Roads and Climate Change Research Project

• Centre for Rupert’s Land Studies

• Climate Change Connection

• Coalition to Save the Elms

• East Side Planning Process

• Ecological Society of America

• International Association of Wood Anatomists

• Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists

• Manitoba Eco-Network

• Manitoba Educational Geographic Information Systems Consortium (MEGIC)

• Manitoba Forestry Association Incorporated

• Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program

• Manitoba Model Forest Board of Directors

• Manitoba Model Forest Local Level Participation Advisory Committee

• Manitoba Model Forest Sustainable Forest Stewardship Advisory Committee

• Manitoba Naturalists Society

• Manitoba Round Table on Sustainable Development

• Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs

• National Aboriginal Forestry Association

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada

• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada

• Society for Applied Anthropology in Manitoba (SAAM)

• Stakeholder and Technical Advisory Committees for Louisiana Pacific and Tembec

• Sunset (Sustainable University Now, Sustainable Earth Tomorrow)

• Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

• Tree Ring Society

• T.R.E.E. (Time to Respect Earth’s Ecosystem). Peter Miller of C-FIR is Vice-President of this group.

• Wabanong Nakaygum Okimawin (WNO) - formerly East Side First Nations Council. Peter Miller of C-FIR is one of four non-Aboriginal members and also a member of the Planning Coordination Committee since fall 2004. Previous to this he was a member of the East Side Round Table for Land Use Planning, which was replaced by WNO in 2004.

These affiliations allow C-FIR researchers to be intimately aware of the issues and activities facing sustainable forest stewardship in the province and to influence forest policy and planning.

Many of the education and public outreach programs which C-FIR members undertake are linked to C-FIR Research programs. Ongoing education and public outreach initiatives include:

· Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba (PPARFM). C-FIR was a sponsor of the recent PPARFM forum entitled Tourism in Parks and Protected Areas: Opportunities and Challenges for the 21st Century, which was held in Winnipeg, MB, October 26-27, 2006. In addition to C-FIR’s sponsorship, a number of C-FIR researchers made presentations at this forum. Dr. Jacques Tardif of C-FIR was a member of the Steering Committee for this forum.

· Manitoba Educational Geographic Information Systems Consortium (MEGIC). MEGIC was organized by Dr. Ed Cloutis of C-FIR in 1998 to enable Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions to acquire a province-wide post secondary GIS software license. The consortium continues to function with Dr. Cloutis serving as Treasurer of the consortium.

· Health Canada Foodborne and Waterborne Contaminants Network. Dr. Ed Cloutis of C-FIR has been a member of this network since 2001.

· City of Winnipeg Climate Change Action Plan. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR is an Invited Advisor to this program which is designed to provide advice to the Mayor’s office on reconstitution of the Civic Environment Committee.

· 1^st Annual Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR was a member of the conference organizing committee and served as a session chair; the symposium was held in Winnipeg, MB in November 2004.

· Centre for Rupert’s Land Studies. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR is a Board member for this advisory group; the Centre is housed at the University of Winnipeg.

· Canon Envirothon. A number of C-FIR researchers have assisted in organization and judging of this annual event.

· First Nations – Winter Roads Project. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR is a member of the Advisory Council for this federally-funded project, which is administered through the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER).

· Manitoba Youth Stewardship in Environmental Sciences. Dr. Jacques Tardif of C-FIR was a judge of projects at this recent event held at Oak Hammock Marsh, near Winnipeg, MB in the spring of 2006.

· Manitoba Climate Change Action Plan Steering Committee. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR is an invited member of this committee, since 2006 (invited by the Climate and Green Initiatives Branch of the Province of Manitoba).

· Climate Studies Institute. Dr. Danny Blair of C-FIR is Director of this Institute, housed within the University of Winnipeg’s Global College, since 2005.

· Resource Conservation Manitoba Policy Committee, Peter Miller of C-FIR is an active member of this policy committee.

· Manitoba Naturalists Society Environmental Action Committee, Peter Miller of C-FIR is an active member of this policy committee.

· Eastern Manitoba Woodland Caribou Research and Management Project. Peter Miller of C-FIR is an active member of this policy committee. Mr. Doug Schindler of C-FIR is director and coordinator of this activity.

· Conference Planning Committee, 2004 Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR was a participant at this conference, held in Winnipeg, MB.

· Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR chaired a session and plenary at this symposium held in Winnipeg in November 2004. He also served as a member of the Conference Planning Committee.

· Is the True North Strong and Free? How Climate Change Could Impact Governance and Sovereignty in the North. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR chaired two sessions at this QuestNorth conference held in Winnipeg in November 2005.

· Manitoba Association of Plant Biologist (MAPB) Dr. Jacques Tardif of C-FIR served as chair of the awards committee for MAPB in 2004 – 2005.

· Manitoba Eco_Network. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR is an ongoing member of the steering committee of the Manitoba Eco-Network. Peter Miller of C-FIR presented a talk entitled “Wuskwatim as a Window on the Manitoba Hydro System” at a members' forum of the Manitoba Eco-Network in Winnipeg on April 3, 2004.

· Canadian Eco-Network Environmental Planning and Assessment Caucus. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR is an ongoing member of the Public Participation Committee of this organization.

· 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology. Dr. Jacques Tardif of C-FIR led an international group of students and researchers on a week-long field trip in Mongolia as part of this conference (June 2006). He also served as a panellist on a plenary session at this conference.

· Canadian Association of Geographers Resources and Environmental Study Group. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR is currently chair of this group.

· COPSE Environmental Studies Articulation Committee. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR is a continuing member of this committee.

· 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology. Dr. Jacques Tardif of C-FIR has served as a member of the Academic Committee for this international conference since 2004.

· Student field trips. Dr. Bill Buhay of C-FIR co-organized and led a student field trip to Grand Forks and Devil’s Lake, ND to inspect flood related damages and the Devil’s Lake diversion project.

· SUNSET forum. Dr. Bill Buhay of C-FIR participated as a panelist for a discussion and debate on Peak Oil and Gas for the Sustainable University Now, Sustainable Earth Tomorrow (SUNSET) Forums for Action Speaker Series (January 27, 2006) at the University of Winnipeg. The SUNSET group is housed in C-FIR.

· Using Inuit Knowledge in the Management, Research and Monitoring of National Parks. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR was a participant in the aforementioned workshop which resulted in a report to Parks Canada, October 29, 2004, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.

· Building a Database with QSR NVivo. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR was a facilitator of the QSR NVivo workshop, February 9, 2005, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.

· Toward a Conceptual Framework for Partnerships in the White Feather Forest Initiative. Dr. Alan Diduck was a participant in this workshop held on March 7, 2005 at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.

· Doing Social Network Analysis with QSR NVivo. Dr. Alan Diduck of C-FIR was a co-facilitator of this aforementioned workshop held on April 12, 2005 at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.

· Quest North: The Circumpolar Reality Global Citizens Respond. Dr. Bill Buhay of C-FIR was an organizer and participant in the March 2005 Quest North conference held at the University of Winnipeg.

· Visiting teachers. C-FIR researchers helped organize and run a geography field trip for Virginia geography teachers (course administered through Virginia Tech) in 2004, and 2005.

• The Manitoba Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (MNIP). This endeavour, managed by Drs. Bill Buhay and Danny Blair, has established a network of stations to gather precipitation samples across the prairies in support of climate change research. This program engages teachers and students across the prairies to be active participants in climate change research. Funding for this initiative has been secured from a number of sources, and the network is undergoing constant and sustained expansion.

• Climate Change Connection. Climate Change Connection, designed as a public outreach and educational endeavour for Manitoba, is closely linked with C-FIR. Dr. Danny Blair is the organization’s Co-Chair, and C-FIR is providing space and logistical support for the organization’s Public Education and Outreach Coordinator.

• Outdoor urban/sustainable forestry “classroom”. In 2003, C-FIR, in partnership with Laura Secord Public School in Winnipeg, succeeded in securing funding and technical support from the Evergreen Foundation’s Learning Grounds program (one of only five schools in Winnipeg to be accepted into the program) which enabled the school to design an outdoor “living classroom” focussed on educational activities in urban forestry and sustainable forest management. In 2003-2004 C-FIR acquired funding through the Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, the City of Winnipeg Community Incentives Grants program, and the Manitoba Urban Green Team program to construct these innovative outdoor “classrooms” and associated curricular materials. The outdoor classroom is fully operational and extensively used by K-6 students at the school. Final construction of the site is planned for 2007.

• East Side Planning Process. The province of Manitoba recently established a formal land use planning round table for the east side of Lake Winnipeg. C-FIR researchers are actively participating in this venture in a variety of capacities. C-FIR researchers led a study of the social aspects of sustainable forest management and planning in this area.

• Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Research Coordinator. Annual funding has been secured from both the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative since 2003 to support the position of the Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Coordinator. In the past, the Coordinator has organized a series of workshops, conferences, and seminars related to climate change, and has significantly raised the profile of C-FIR in this area across Canada.

• Joint Master’s Program in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. As one component of our increasing involvement in climate change research, we are in discussion with the University of Regina, PARC, and the University of Lethbridge on establishing a joint Master’s program in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. This program, with support from PARC, would enable University of Winnipeg undergraduate students to complete a joint Master’s program with the Universities of Regina and Lethbridge. PARC would provide the funding required for students to distribute their time among these three institutions. Dr. Danny Blair, the new Research Professor in Climate Change will be actively involved in the development and delivery of this program. He will also provide expertise complementary to parallel chairs planned or established at the Universities of Regina and Lethbridge.

• Plantwatch North. This initiative, managed by Ms. Kim Monson, is designed to manage the gathering of information related to plant blooming dates across northern Canada. These long-term phenological records provide valuable information on the health and vitality of ecosystems in Canada's northern regions as well as assessing incipient effects of climate change. This program engages citizen scientists, teachers, students, and researchers across the north to be actively involved in climate change research. All data collected is shared with the Government of Canada's Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN-North) and Plantwatch Canada. Plantwatch North is funded by the Northern Ecosystem Initiative.

• Public Utility Board. Peter Miller of C-FIR has been actively involved in various Cost-of-Service interventions with the Public Utility Board involving Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas. He has also led interventions into environmental issues surrounding the Wuskwatim Dam and transmission lines.

• Prairie Pulp and Paper Company. Peter Miller of C-FIR is a member of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) reviewing Research and Development for Prairie Pulp and Paper Company.

• Forest industry advisory committees. Peter Miller of C-FIR is a member of Tembec’s Sustainable Forest Management Advisory Committee, Tembec’s Regional Advisory Committee, and Louisiana Pacific’s Stakeholders Advisory Committee.

• Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Peter Miller of C-FIR was a participant on a panel on future directions for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Manitoba, held on September 17, 2005 in Winnipeg, MB.

• Sustainable Communities: Linking Education to Action Youth Forum and Teacher Workshop. Peter Miller of C-FIR led a workshop on “Energy: The Hidden Waste” at this forum held on Feb. 15, 2005 in Winnipeg, MB.

6. Current Status - Summary

The 2004-2006 period was a time of growth and expansion for C-FIR. A number of research programs came on stream during this period, and the number of undergraduate and graduate students involved in C-FIR research projects increased. The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams continue to exhibit strong enrolments.

The 2004-2006 period was characterized by an expansion and strengthening of both the educational and research activities of the Centre, the excellence of which was recognized through the granting of a number of new awards and research grants and contracts.

7. Forecast - The Coming Year

Strong continued growth is envisioned in the educational and research activities of C-FIR in the coming year (2006-2007). It is projected that the levels of research funding and external contract work (to support C-FIR operations) will continue to grow in the coming year. Our increasing activities in the area of climate change are expected to provide increased levels of research funding in the coming year and our incipient international efforts should lead to some interesting collaborations and opportunities.

We believe that the Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams will continue to be oversubscribed, and C-FIR will continue to work to meet the demand for the program. The most pressing need identified for the coming year is to hire a wildlife biologist. In the case of the forest ecologist, such expertise is central to ensuring that C-FIR can fulfill its core research mandate in forest management as well as continue to provide high quality instruction in forest ecology. The upcoming year will also present challenges in terms of integrating the various incipient climate change initiatives discussed above within both C-FIR and the Environmental Studies program.

We anticipate that 2007 will see C-FIR complete its acquisition of critical research infrastructure. Projected expenditures include the purchase of equipment designed to greatly enhance our capacity for analysis of non-tree elements of forested environments. Specific anticipated purchases include: (1) an elemental analyser for analysis of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur in both organic and inorganic samples; (2) an X-ray diffractometer for analysis of mineral components in soils; and (3) a field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for determination of elemental abundances in soil samples.

In summary, the upcoming year presents many more opportunities than challenges. The main challenge facing the Centre is to ensure that the projected growth is properly managed, that the multitude of opportunities available to us are properly exploited, and that the Centre continue to serve as the premier forest research centre in central Canada.

Appendix B - C-FIR Projects (New and Ongoing: 2004 - 2006)

Title: University of Winnipeg Mass Spectrometer Laboratory

Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro

Investigator(s): Bill Buhay

Title: Sharing Our Success

Funder(s): Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education

Investigator(s): George Fulford

Title: Language acquisition and use among children who speak Cree and English

Funder(s): SSHRC Northern Development, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth

Investigator(s): George Fulford

Title: Effect of regional climate warming on forest management in boreal forest ecosystems using butterflies as indicators of phenological change and shifts of species

Funder(s): Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations Directorate, Natural Resources Canada

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood, Danny Blair

Title: Public involvement in forest management and land use planning on Manitoba’s east side

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): John Sinclair, Peter Miller

Title: Public values, views and participation in managing Manitoba’s mountain forest section

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Peter Miller, Judith Harris, Doreen Smith, John Sinclair

Title: A dendroecological answer to major research gaps

Funder(s): NSERC

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Conceptual three cohort model applied to the boreal plain ecoregion of Manitoba using recent forest, NCE‑SFMN

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Supporting the SUNSET project in the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the University of Winnipeg

Funder(s): University of Winnipeg Work Study Program

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck

Title: Charting the new territory of adaptive co-management: collaborating, learning and adapting through complexity

Funder(s): SSHRC

Investigator(s): Ryan Plummer, Alan Diduck

Title: Transformations des politiques publiques forestières au Canada

Funder(s): SSHRC

Investigator(s): Guy Chiasson, Alan Diduck

Title: The roles of the public, private and civic sectors in sustainable environmental management: a search for balance

Funder(s): University of Winnipeg

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck

Title: Responding to complexity, uncertainty, and conflict: case studies of social learning in resource and environmental management

Funder(s): Human Resources Development Canada

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck

Title: Supporting the SUNSET project in the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the University of Winnipeg

Funder(s): University of Winnipeg Erica and Arnold Rogers Teaching and Learning Fund

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck, Bill Buhay

Title: Supporting the SUNSET project in the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan for the University of Winnipeg

Funder(s): University of Winnipeg, President’s Innovative Projects Fund

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck, Bill Buhay

Title: Responding to complexity, uncertainty, and conflict: case studies of social learning in resource and environmental management

Funder(s): SSHRC

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck, Bruce Mitchell

Title: The roles of the public, private and civic sectors in sustainable environmental management: a search for balance

Funder(s): Canadian International Development Agency / Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

Investigator(s): John Sinclair, R.B. Singh, Alan Diduck

Title: Cooperative learning for integrated forest management: building a C&I framework for the Whitefeather Forest Initiative, Northwestern Ontario

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Iain Davidson-Hunt, Alan Diduck

Title: A 1000-year reconstruction of southern Manitoba droughts

Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro

Investigator(s): Bill Buhay

Title: Present and past hydro-ecology of the Slave Delta, NWT

Funder(s): University of Winnipeg

Investigator(s): Bill Buhay

Title: Manitoba Hydro Climate Change Research Professor

Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro, Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative

Investigator(s): Danny Blair

Title: Maintenance of a unique SFM/urban forestry educational program

Funder(s): City of Winnipeg Community Incentives Grants Program

Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Coordinator

Funder(s): Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund

Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Danny Blair

Title: Development of a Unique Sustainable Forest Management / Urban Forestry Facility

Funder(s): City of Winnipeg Community Incentive Grants Program

Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: Churchill Northern Studies Centre research support enhancement

Funder(s): NSERC Major Facilities Access Grants Program

Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Richard Staniforth, Jacques Tardif, Richard Westwood, Peter Kershaw, Ian Stirling, David Knudsen, Paul Hebert, Peter Kevan, Robert Jefferies, Erica Nol

Title: Responding to complexity, uncertainty, and conflict: Case studies of social learning in resource and environmental management

Funder(s): SSHRC

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck, Bruce Mitchell (University of Waterloo)

Title: The role of the public, private and civic sectors in sustainable environmental management: A search for balance

Funder(s): Canadian International Development Agency / Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

Investigator(s): John Sinclair (University of Manitoba), Alan Diduck, R.B. Singh (University of Delhi)

Title: Unpacking social learning in social-ecological systems

Funder(s): Government of Manitoba Career Focus Program

Investigator(s): Alan Diduck

Title: Public values, views and participation in managing Manitoba’s mountain forest section

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Peter Miller, Judith Harris, Doreen Smith, John Sinclair (University of Manitoba)

Title: Public involvement in forest management and land use planning on Manitoba’s east side

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Peter Miller, John Sinclair (University of Manitoba).

Title: Study of vegetation succession along the Churchill River estuary

Funder(s): Northern Science Training Program, Churchill Northern Studies Centre Northern Research Fund, University of Winnipeg

Investigator(s): Richard Staniforth

Title: Dynamics of tamarack-black spruce stands and climate response of disjunct tree populations in the Canadian boreal ecozones

Funder(s): NSERC

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Tree-ring research: Understanding past and present climate change and its effects on boreal forest disturbances and dynamics in central Canada

Funder(s): Canada Research Chair

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Conceptual three cohort model applied to the boreal plain ecoregion of Manitoba using recent forest data

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Development of a future fire scenario for the central and eastern boreal forest

Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif, M. Flannigan

Title: Dendroecology of Dryas integrifolia and tree growth at the tree-line in Manitoba

Funder(s): Churchill Northern Studies Centre Northern Research Fund

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Dendroecology of Dryas integrifolia and tree growth at the tree-line in Manitoba

Funder(s): Northern Scientific Training Program

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Dendrochronological reconstruction of forest tent caterpillar outbreaks in western Manitoba

Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program

Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Influence of forest harvesting on arthropod diversity in black spruce ecosystems

Funder(s): NSERC, Canadian Forest Service, SSHRC, Tembec, Manitoba Conservation

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: Determinants of ecosystem biodiversity of forest arthropods in managed aspen ecosystems

Funder(s): Manitoba Model Forest, LP Forest Resources

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: The effects of MIMIC (tebufenozide) forest biochemical insecticide on non-target organisms in the boreal forest

Funder(s): Dow Agri Science, Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Hydro

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: The use of arthropods as indicators of climate change in Manitoba forests

Funder(s): Natural Resources Canada - Climate Adaptation Research Program

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood, Danny Blair

Title: Forest decline assessment in the Bird’s Hill area, Manitoba

Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro

Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Note: Principal investigator(s) denoted in italics; C-FIR researchers denoted in bold type.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Appendix C (C-FIR Publications (2004 - 2006)

Book Chapters:

Berkes, F., R. Huebert, H. Fast, M. Manseau, and A.P. Diduck. eds. (2005). Breaking Ice: Renewable Resource and Ocean Management in the Canadian North. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary Press.

Blair, D. (2006). The Climate of Manitoba. In The Encyclopedia of Manitoba (University of Manitoba Press) (accepted).

Diduck, A.P., N. Bankes, D. Clark, and D. Armitage. (2005). Unpacking social learning in social-ecological systems: case studies of polar bear and narwhal management in northern Canada. In Breaking Ice: Renewable Resource and Ocean Management in the Canadian North, edited by F. Berkes, R. Huebert, H. Fast, M. Manseau, and A.P. Diduck. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 269-290.

Diduck, A.P., J. Moyer, E. Briscoe (2005). A social learning analysis of recent flood management initiatives in the Red River basin, Canada: systemic impediments to double-loop learning. In Sustaining Our Futures: Reflections on Environment, Economy and Society, edited by D. Shrubsole and N. Watson. Waterloo, ON: Department of Geography Publication Series No. 60, University of Waterloo, 127-164.

Huebert, R., Manseau, M., and A.P. Diduck. (2005). Conclusion: integration, innovation, and participation. In Breaking Ice: Renewable Resource and Ocean Management in the Canadian North, edited by F. Berkes, R. Huebert, H. Fast, M. Manseau, and A.P. Diduck. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 363-372.

Sinclair, A.J., and A.P. Diduck. (2005). Public participation in Canadian environmental assessment: enduring challenges and future directions. In Environmental Impact Assessment: Participation and Practice, edited by K.S. Hanna. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 53-74.

Peer-Reviewed Articles:

Boone, R. and R. Westwood (2006). Impact of emissions from a coal fired generating station on forest health parameters of temperate deciduous forests. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. Online First DOI: 10.1007. June: 1-22.

Buhay, W. M., B. B. Wolfe, A. Schwalb and S. Timsic (2006). A Multi-Isotope Record of Paleohydrology and Paleotemperature During the Deglacial-Holocene Transition from the Varved Sediments of Deep Lake, Minnesota. Journal of Paleolimnology (in review).

Buhay, W. M.,S. Simpson, H. Thorleifson, M. Lewis, J. King, A. Telka, P. Wilkinson, J. Babb, S. Timsic and D. Bailey (2006). A 1000-Year Record of Dry Conditions in the Eastern Canadian Prairies Reconstructed Through Oxygen and Carbon Isotope Measurements on Lake Sediment Organics. Quaternary Research (in review).

Epp, B. and Tardif, J. (2004). Effects of dwarf mistletoe on jack pine growth in Manitoba. Canadian Field Naturalist 118: 595-601.

Girardin, M.P. and Tardif, J. (2005). Sensitivity of tree growth to the atmospheric vertical profile in the Boreal Plains of Manitoba. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 35: 48-64.

Girardin, M.P., Berglund, E., Tardif, J., and Monson, K. (2005). Radial growth of tamarack (Larix laricina) in the Churchill area (Manitoba) in relation to climate and larch sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii) herbivory. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 37: 206-217.

Girardin, M.P., Bergeron, Y., Tardif, J.C., Flannigan, M.D., Gauthier, S., and Mudelsee, M. (2006). A 229-year dendroclimatic-inferred record of forest fire activity for the Boreal Shield of Canada. International Journal of Wildland Fire 15: 375-388.

Girardin, M.P., Tardif, J.C., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2006). Synoptic scale atmospheric circulation and summer drought variability of the past three centuries, boreal Canada. Journal of Climate 19: 1922-1947.

Gutierrez, E., Ribas, M. Planells, O., Camarero, J.J. and Tardif, J. (2003). Resposta dels arbres i dels boscos al canvi climatic. Treballs de la SCB 54: 85-100.

Kemball, K., J. G. G. Wang and A. R. Westwood (2006). Are mineral soils exposed by wildfire better seedbeds for conifer regeneration? Canadian Journal of Forest Research 36: 1943-1950.

LaFrance, K., and R. Westwood (2006). An assessment of tree banding techniques to capture cankerworm defoliators of elm and ash trees in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Journal of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. 32(1): on-line article.

McGurk, B., A.J. Sinclair, and A.P. Diduck. (2006). “An assessment of forest management stakeholder advisory committees: case studies from Manitoba, Canada”. Society and Natural Resources 19(9): 809-826.

Miller, P., Weiss, S., Taylor, A. and McCulloch, M. (2006). Bringing ecological economics into the regulatory process: the Manitoba experience. International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment 2, Nos. 2/3: 135-147.

Price-Henderson, J. R., A.R. Westwood and T. Galloway (2006). An assessment of the effectiveness of the mosquito magnate Pro for suppression of nuisance mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 22(3): 401-407.

Romolo, L.A., T.D. Prowse, D. Blair, B.R. Bonsal, P. Marsh, and L.W. Martz (2006). The Synoptic Controls on Hydrology in the Upper Reaches of the Peace River Basin. Part II: Snow ablation. Hydrological Processes (refereed, accepted)

Romolo, L.A., T.D. Prowse, D. Blair, B.R. Bonsal, P. Marsh, and L.W. Martz (2006). The Synoptic Controls on Hydrology in the Upper Reaches of the Peace River Basin. Part I: Snow Accumulation. Hydrological Processes (refereed, accepted)

Ryan, K., N.J. Holliday and A.R. Westwood (2005). First Canadian record of Chlaenius platyderus Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin. 59(4): 414-415.

Simpson, S.L., L.H. Thorleifson, C.F.M. Lewis, J.W. King and W.M. Buhay (2006). Last millennium sedimentation in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba: a partial record of Red River floods. Geological Society of America Bulletin (in preparation).

Sutton, A. and J. Tardif, J. (2005). Distribution and anatomical characteristics of white rings in Populus tremuloides, International Association of Wood Anatomists Journal 26 (2): 221-238

Tardif, J., and Conciatori, F. (2006). A comparison of ring width and event year chronologies derived from white oak (Quercus alba) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra), southwestern Quebec, Canada. Dendrochronologia 23(3): 133-138.

Tardif, J., Conciatori, F., Nantel, P. & Gagnon, D. (2006). Radial growth and climate responses of white oak (Quercus alba) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) at the northern distribution limit of white oak in Quebec, Canada. Journal of Biogeography 33: 1657-1669.

White, C., Tardif, J. C., Adkins, A. and Staniforth, R. (2005). Functional diversity of microbial communities in the mixed boreal plain forest of central Canada. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 37 (7): 1359-1372

Yang, Z., J. Teller, M. Boyd, H. Kling and W.M. Buhay (2006). Post-Glacial History of West Hawk Lake, A Meteorite Impact Crater, Manitoba, Canada: A Multi-Proxy Approach. Geological Society of America Bulletin (in preparation).

Conference Presentations/Papers/Abstracts/Proceedings:

Au, R. and Tardif, J. (2005). Dendroecology of the dwarf shrub Dryas integrifolia M. Vahl. near Churchill, Manitoba and a closer look at a natural bonsai. Second Annual Churchill Research Symposium. Friday, 09 December 2005, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Health Studies Complex, Room 141, Brandon University, Brandon, MB.

Bates, L. and R. Westwood (2006). Influence of prescribed burning and grazing on Dakota skipper, Hesperia dacotae habitat in south eastern Manitoba. 62^st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB.

Berg, S., and D. Blair (2006). The Effects of the 1877-78 El Niño on the Canadian Western Interior. Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Thunder Bay, Ontario, June 2006.

Blair, D. (2004). Manitoba: Climate Change Central. Annual Meeting of the Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists, Winnipeg, MB, November 2004.

Blair, D. (2005). Coping with Global Warming. Keynote address, presented at the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (MEMO) Disaster Management Conference, Winnipeg, MB, March 2005.

Blair, D. (2005). Manitoba: Climate Change Central. Briefing to visiting scientists from Iceland, at the request of Manitoba Transportation & Government Services, Winnipeg, MB, February 10, 2005.

Blair, D. (2005). A Strategy to Address Hydroclimate Variability and Uncertainty in the Western Interior. Second International Water Conference, Winnipeg, MB, April 6-7, 2005.

Blair, D., W.M. Buhay and J. Gibson (2004). ISOSTORM: A High-Resolution Volunteer Network To Characterize the Isotopic Composition Of Event-Based Precipitation Across North America. Presented at the Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, San Francisco, CA, December 2004.

Buhay, W.M. (2004) A 1000-year Reconstruction of Southern Manitoba Droughts. Annual meeting of the Prairie Division, Canadian Associated of Geographers, St. Peter’s College, Muenster, SK, October 1-2, 2004.

Buhay, W.M. (2004) Dendrochronology of Tree-Rings from the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories. Annual meeting of the Prairie Division, Canadian Associated of Geographers, St. Peter’s College, Muenster, SK, October 1-2, 2004.

Buhay, W.M. (2004). Droughts in the Red River Basin Reconstructed Through Sediment Organic Carbon Isotope Measurements. Proceedings: Canadian Prairie Drought Workshop, May 27-28, 2004, Calgary, AB.

Buhay, W.M. (2005). The Bristlecone Pines of Methuselah Grave: A Living History. University of Winnipeg Geography Department Public Lecture, Nov. 9, 2005.

Buhay, W.M. (June 2006). Future research directions and challenges in stable isotope dendrochronology. The 7^th International Conference on Dendrochronology, Beijing, China, June 2006.

Buhay, W.M. and Hiebert, W. (2005). The Bristlecone Pines of Methuselah Grove: A Dendroforensic reconstruction of Dr. Edmund Schulman’s recovered field map. The Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers (PCAG), Winnipeg MB.

Buhay, W.M., Rempel, M., Reynolds, J., Jarvis, S., Tardif, J., Bailey, D. and Blair, D. (2005). Carbon and oxygen isotope dendrohydroclimatology of the Slave River Delta, NWT. The 6^thInternational Symposium on Applied Geochemistry, Prague Cz.

Buhay, W.M., Timsic, S., Rempel, M., Blair, D., and Bailey, D. (June 2006). An investigation into correlations between atmospheric teleconnections and tree-ring cellulose isotopic compositions from the Slave River Delta, NWT, Canada. The 7^th International Conference on Dendrochronology, Beijing, China, June 2006.

Buhay, W.M., Timsic, S., Rempel, M., Blair, D. and D. Bailey (2006). An investigation into correlations between atmospheric teleconnections and tree-ring cellulose isotopic compositions from the Slave River Delta, NWT, Canada. Presented at the 7^th International Conference on Dendrochronology, Beijing, China, June 2006.

Davidson-Hunt, I., A.P. Diduck, and T. Richards (2006). “Exploring social networks in NVivo: the story of a wild duet in Winnipeg”. Nsight: the QSR Newsletter, No. 28, January 2006.

Diduck, A.P., and A.J. Sinclair (2006). Civic engagement, hydro development and local sustainability: case studies from Chamoli District, Uttaranchal, India. Canadian Association of Geographers, May 29-June 2, 2006, Thunder Bay, ON.

Diduck, A.P., and A.J. Sinclair (2006). “Public involvement in environmental assessment: case studies of hydro development in Chamoli District, Uttaranchal, India”. Canadian Association of Geographers, Environment and Resources Study Group Newsletter, February 2006.

Diduck, A.P., Briscoe, E., and B. Mitchell (2006). After the storm: a case study of community-based social learning in flood management. In Proceedings for the 59^th Annual Conference of the Canadian Water Resources Association, Toronto, Canada, June 4-7, 2006, Ottawa: Canadian Water Resources Association.

Diduck, A.P., Briscoe, B., and B. Mitchell (2006). Community-based social learning in flood management: a Canadian case study. In Proceedings of the International Disaster Reduction Conference, IDRC Davos 2006, Davos, Switzerland, August 27-September 1, 2006, Volume 2, Extended Abstracts A-R, edited by W.J. Ammann, J. Haig, C. Huovinen and M. Stocker, Davos: Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, 142-144.

Diduck, A.P., Briscoe, E., and B. Mitchell (2006). Community-based social learning in flood management: a Canadian case study. International Disaster Reduction Conference, August 27-September 1, 2006, Davos, Switzerland.

Diduck, A.P., Briscoe, E., and B. Mitchell (2006). After the storm: a case study of community-based social learning in flood management. Canadian Water Resources Association, June 4-7, 2006, Toronto.

Epp, B., Tardif, J. and De Grandpré, L. (2005). Forest dynamics in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest. Manitoba. SFMN group meeting in the North Shore, Quebec, August 12th to 16th 2005.

Epp, B, Tardif, J.C., and De Grandpré, L. (2006). Forest Dynamics, and the Application of a Natural Disturbance-Based Management Model in Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Manitoba, Canada. New challenges in management of boreal forests. 13th Conference of the International Boreal Forest Research Association (IBFRA), 28-30 August 2006, Umeå, Sweden.

Epp, B, Tardif, J.C., and De Grandpre, L. (2006). Forest Dynamics, and the Application of a Natural Disturbance-Based Management Model in Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Manitoba. Sustaining Canada's forests: building momentum, 20-22 June 2006, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Friesen, C. and R. Westwood (2006). Community and environmental variables - pollination success in the endangered western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara). 2006 Entomological Society of Canada and Quebec Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec.

Friesen, C. and R. Westwood (2006). Community and environmental variables and the relationship to pollinator visitation in the endangered western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara). 62nd Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Fulford, G. (2005) Language Shift in Northern Manitoba. Roundtable workshop at Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network Conference, June 27, 2005, Toronto, Ontario.

Fulford, G. (2005). Cree and English Language Mastery. Shawane Dagosiwin Aboriginal Education Conference, June 4, 2005, Winnipeg, MB.

Fulford, G. (2006). The Acquisition of Cree as a Second Language among Preschool and Early School-Aged Children in Thompson Manitoba. Multimedia presentation at the Second Annual Shawane Dagosiwin Conference, June 1 2006, Winnipeg, MB.

Fulford, G. (2006). Approaches to Cree Language Instruction for Aboriginal Children. Aboriginal Literacy Panel (Chair, Helen Raham), Canadian Ministers of Education Conference, November 24, 2005, Toronto, Ontario.

Fulford, G. (2005). Cree/English Language Mastery among Preschoolers in Thompson, Manitoba. Multimedia presentation at the Algonquian Conference, October 21, 2005, Ottawa, Ontario.

Girardin, M.P. Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2004). Summer drought variability and synoptic scale atmospheric circulation of the past three centuries, boreal Canada. North American Drought Monitor: Forest Indicators Workshop. Northern Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service (Natural Resources Canada), Edmonton, Alberta. January 17, 2005.

Girardin, M.P. Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2004). Summer Drought Variability and Atmospheric Circulation of the Past Three Centuries on the Boreal Shield and Boreal Plains of Canada. Manitoba Association of Plant Botanists. 6th Annual Science Meeting. Carolyn Sifton Theatre, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba. November 20, 2004.

Girardin, M.P., Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2005). Synoptic scale atmospheric circulation and summer drought variability of the past three centuries, Boreal Canada. Ecological Society of America 90th Annual Meeting, August 7-12, Montreal, Quebec. (peer-reviewed)

Girardin, M.P., Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2005). Synoptic scale atmospheric circulation and fire weather conditions of the past three centuries, Boreal Canada. The Canadian Quaternary Association Annual Meeting, June 5-8, Winnipeg, Manitoba. (peer-reviewed)

Girardin, M.P., Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2005). Synoptic scale atmospheric circulation and fire weather conditions of the past three centuries, Boreal Canada. The Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting, May 31-June 04, London, Ontario.

Girardin, M.P., Tardif, J., Flannigan, M.D., and Bergeron, Y. (2006). Annual area burned of the past 200 years in the Province of Ontario and Boreal Shield forests. Sustaining Canada's Forests: Building Momentum, 20-22 June 2006, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Girardin, M.P., Raulier, F., Bernier, P.Y. and Tardif, J.C. (2006). Impacts of climate change on radial growth of eight boreal tree species growing in the Boreal Plains of Manitoba, Canada. 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology: Cultural Diversity, Environmental Variability, June 11-17, 2006, Beijing, China.

Hastings, K., and D. Blair (2006). Linking Winter Mean Temperature Anomalies and Precipitation to Synoptics of the Western Interior of North America, 1951-2004. Presented at Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Thunder Bay, Ontario, June 2006.

Hastings, K., Blair, D. and J. Babb (2005). Observed trends in the winter thermal climate of the Canadian Prairies, 1970-2005. Presented at Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Winnipeg, MB, September 2005.

Huang, J., Bergeron, Y., Denneler, B. and Tardif, J. (2006). Dendroclimatological analyses of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) along a latitudinal gradient in western Quebec, Canada. 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology: Cultural Diversity, Environmental Variability, June 11-17, 2006, Beijing, China.

Kemball, K.J., Wang, G.G., and A. R. Westwood (2005). Are mineral soils exposed by wildfire better seedbeds for conifer regeneration? Ecological Society of America (ESA) 90th Annual Meeting. August 6-12, Montreal, Canada.

Ko Heinrichs, D., Tardif, J., and Bergeron, Y. (2005). Intra-annual xylem development in seven boreal tree species. Poster # 120, Ecological Society of America 90th Annual Meeting, August 7-12, Montreal, Quebec. (peer-reviewed)

Meiklejohn, C. (2006). Walking a tightrope: issues in Manitoba burial repatriation. Paper delivered to the Society for Applied Anthropology in Manitoba, Winnipeg, October 2006.

Morden, C.-J., and A.R. Westwood (2005). Potential reintroduction of the threatened Dakota Skipper, Hesperia dacotae, into southern Manitoba. 61^st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Petrash, D., Scott, G., Buhay, W.M., Bailey, D., Timsic, S. and Reynolds, J. (2005). Soil Ecology and Biogeography of the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. Women in Science, Information + Inspiration, University of Winnipeg.

Reynolds, J., W. M. Buhay, D. Blair, & D. Bailey (2004). Dendrochronology of Tree-Rings from the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories. Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Muenster, SK, October 2004.

Ryan, K., and A. R. Westwood (2004). Effect of forest management on the ecological diversity of carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests. 60^th Annual Entomological Society of Manitoba Conference. Winnipeg, MB.

Ryan, K., and A. R. Westwood (2004). Effect of forest management on the ecological diversity of carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forests. Annual Entomological Society of Canada Meeting and Conference. Charlottetown, PEI.

Ryan, K., A.R. Westwood and N.J. Holliday (2005). Chronosequence studies as predictors of successional change: a test using carabid beetle assemblages in managed and natural jack pine forests in southeastern Manitoba. 61^st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB.

Sinclair, A.J., Diduck, A.P., Pratap, D., Singh, R.B., and M. Panwar (2005). Public involvement in hydel development in Chamoli District, Uttaranchal, India. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Applied Research Project Final Reporting and Dissemination Workshop on Environmental Management in Mountain Regions, December 8, 2005, Dehradun, India.

Sinclair, A.J., Singh, R.B., Diduck, A.P., and M. Panwar (2005). Project overview: the roles of the public, private and civic sectors in sustainable environmental management. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Applied Research Project Dissemination Workshop on the Role of Public-Private Cooperation in the Management of Estuaries in Kerela, India, October 27-29, 2005, Cochin, India.

Sinclair, A.J., Diduck, A.P., Pratap, D., Singh, R.B., and M. Panwar (2005). Public involvement in hydro development in Chamoli District, Uttaranchal, India. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Applied Research Project Dissemination Workshop on the Role of Public-Private Cooperation in the Management of Estuaries in Kerala, India, October 27-29, 2005, Cochin, India.

Sinclair, A.J., Singh, R.B., Diduck, A.P., and M. Panwar (2005). Project overview. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Applied Research Project Dissemination Workshop on The Roles of the Public, Private and Civic Sectors in Sustainable Environmental Management: A Search for Balance, October 14-15, 2005, Dehradun, India.

Sinclair, A.J., Diduck, A.P., Pratap, D., Singh, R.B., and M. Panwar (2005). Public involvement in hydro development in Chamoli District, Uttaranchal, India. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Applied Research Project Dissemination Workshop on The Roles of the Public, Private and Civic Sectors in Sustainable Environmental Management: A Search for Balance, October 14-15, 2005, Dehradun, India.

Smith, D. L. (2005). Gender Differences and Similarities in Environmental Values: The Case in Manitoba. Paper presented at the Gender and Canadian Values in the 21st Century Conference, Aug. 12-14, 2005; Brandon University, Brandon, MB.

Smith, D. L. (2005). Gender and Environmental Values: An Interdisciplinary Analysis." Paper presented at the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, July 15-22, 2005, University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece.

Smith, D., Miller, P., Harris, J., and R Fenton (2006). Values in Forest Management. Paper published in Simard, Noel (ed.) National Ethics Symposium Proceedings 2004 Values and Ethics in the Public Sector: How to Serve the Public Interest? Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Saint Paul University Ethics Centre, Saint Paul University.

Snyder, M., S. Timsic, D. Blair and E. Robinson (2005). The impact of the Winnipeg urban environment on lightning activity. Presented at Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Winnipeg, MB, September 2005.

Sutton, A. and Tardif, J. (2005). Tree-ring reconstruction of forest tent caterpillar outbreaks in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Manitoba. Poster # 131, Ecological Society of America 90th Annual Meeting, August 7-12, Montreal, Quebec. (peer-reviewed)

Tardif, J. (2004) Tree Stories from the Duck Mountain, Manitoba: What can we learn about tree rings? Seminar in Plant Sciences, University of Manitoba, September 30^th, Carolyn Sifton Lecture Theatre, Agriculture Building, University of Manitoba.

Tardif, J. (2004). Climate and the northern limit of distribution of white oak in eastern Canada. Manitoba Association of Plant Botanists. 6th Annual Science Meeting. Carolyn Sifton Theatre, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba. November 20, 2004.

Tardif, J. (2005). Natural disturbance dynamics in the boreal plains of central Canada. Ecological Society of America 90th Annual Meeting, August 7-12, Montreal, Quebec. (peer-reviewed)

Tardif, J. (2005). An overview of tree-ring research at the University of Winnipeg, Central Canada. Tree-Ring Talk Seminar Series, LTRR, March 9, 2005.

Tardif, J. (2005). Natural disturbance dynamics in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, western Manitoba. Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum of Manitoba (PPARFM), Parks and Protected Areas: Dynamic Landscapes or Museums, Peer-Reviewed Research Posters 4th Annual Forum, September 29 & 30, 2005, Holiday Inn South Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Tardif, J. (2006). Natural Disturbance Dynamics in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Western Manitoba. Sustaining Canada's forests: Building Momentum, 20-22 June 2006, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Tardif, J. and Conciatori, F. (2006). Climate influence on tree rings and vessel features in northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba) growing at the northern distribution limit of white oak, southeastern Quebec, Canada. 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology: Cultural Diversity, Environmental Variability, June 11-17, 2006, Beijing, China.

Tardif, J. and Sutton, A. (2005). Tree-Ring Reconstruction of Forest Tent Caterpillar (FTC) Outbreaks in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Manitoba, SFMN group meeting in the North Shore, Quebec, August 12th to 16th 2005.

Tardif, J., Conciatori, F. and Leavitt, S. (2006). Radial growth, δ13C and climate in Picea glauca growing near Churchill, north central Canada. 7th International Conference on Dendrochronology: Cultural Diversity, Environmental Variability, June 11-17, 2006, Beijing, China.

Thompson, A., and R. Westwood (2004). Survey of Winnipeg street catch basins for West Nile virus mosquito vectors. 60^th Annual Entomological Society of Manitoba Conference. Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

Thomson, A.L., and A.R. Westwood (2005). An evaluation of sampling methods for mosquito larvae and pupae found in street catch basins. 61^st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Timsic, S., M. Wilcox, D. Blair, R. Westwood, and K. Ryan (2004). Looking for the Climate Change Signal in the Instrumental Record from Southeastern Manitoba. Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Muenster, SK, October 2004.

Timsic, S., Buhay, W.M., Reynolds, J., Blair, D., Bailey, D. and Mann, P. (2005). Teleconnection Signals in the Oxygen and Carbon Isotopes of Tree-Rings from the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. Women in Science, Information + Inspiration, University of Winnipeg.

Timsic, S., B. Buhay, D. Blair and D. Bailey (2005). Climate and Teleconnection Signals from Slave River Delta Tree-Ring Isotopes. Presented at Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Winnipeg, MB, September 2005.

Timsic, S., Buhay, W.M., Blair, D., Reynolds, J. and Bailey, D. (2005). Climate and Teleconnection signals from Slave River Delta Tree-Ring isotopes. The Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers (PCAG), Winnipeg MB.

Westwood, R. (2004). Insect/pollinator relationships for the endangered western prairie fringed orchid. Meeting of the North American Native Orchid Society.

Westwood, A.R. (2005). How critical is the insect/pollinator relationship to the long term survival of the endangered Western Prairie Fringed Orchid in Manitoba. 4^th Annual North America Native Orchid Conference.

Westwood, R. and D. Blair (2006). SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Effect of regional climate warming in boreal forest ecosystems using butterflies as indicators of phenological change and shifts in species geographic range. 62^st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Manitoba. Winnipeg, MB.

Technical Reports:

Fulford, G. (2005) E kakwe nisitōtamāk nisitōtamāwin ‘Making the Connection: Learning and Understanding through Language’ Final Report of the Language Mastery Project. 118pp. (including appendices) Available at http://www.thompson.ca/dbs/sbo/files%5CFinalReport.pdf.

Meiklejohn, C. and D. C. Merrett (2006). Human Remains, Mystery Lake, Threepoint Lake, Wapisu Lake, Wuskwatim Lake, 2003 & 2004 [GjLp-7, GkLr-11, GkLs-20, GlLk-3]. Report to the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch. 21 pp..

Meiklejohn, C. and D. C. Merrett (2006). The People of GjLp-7, the Dancing Eagle Site, Wuskwatim Lake, Manitoba. Report to the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch. 62 pp.

Westwood, R. and Blair, D. (2006). Effect of regional warming on forest pest management in boreal forest ecosystems using butterflies as indicators of phonological change and shifts of species geographic range. Technical Report to the NRC-Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Directorate Project A726. August 30 2006.

Westwood, A.R. (2005). SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Effect of regional climate warming on forest management in boreal forest ecosystems using butterflies as indicators of phenological change and shifts of species geographic range. Report to National Climate Change and Adaptations Program

Westwood, A.R. (2005). Influence of Forest Harvesting on Arthropod Biodiversity in Aspen Dominated Mixed Wood Forest Ecosystems. Report to Louisiana Pacific Canada Inc.

Workshops, Seminars, Panels, Invited Lectures:

Blair, D. (2004). Global Warming: A Northern Perspective. Presented to Macarthur Foundation delegation (incl. Lloyd Axworthy, David Anderson), Churchill, MB, August 26, 2004. (invited presentation).

Blair, D. (2004). Global Warming Science: Coping with Uncertainty. Presented to Friends of the Field Station, Winnipeg, April 22, 2004. (invited presentation).

Blair, D. 2004. Fundamentals of Weather. Presented to Red River College Greenspace Management Program, April 2, 2004. (invited presentation).

Blair, D. 2004. Hits and Myths about Global Warming. Presented to Rotary Club of Winnipeg West, Winnipeg, January 29, 2004. (invited presentation).

Blair, D. (2005). Climate Change in Manitoba: The Need for Adaptation. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association, Winnipeg, MB, November 10, 2005 (David Suzuki was another presenter) (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2005). Climate Change in Manitoba. Presented to the Brandon and Area Environmental Council, Brandon, MB, October 30, 2005. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Global Warming Gets Hot (presented a video I made). Presented to Canon Envirothon 2006 participants, Winnipeg, MB, July 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Climate Change in Manitoba: A Review. Presented to Canon Envirothon 2006 Oral Examination Judges (training session), Winnipeg, MB, July 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Climate Change in Manitoba: A Primer. Presented to Red River Flood stakeholders in a workshop held by Rob Stewart, PhD Candidate, University of Manitoba, St. Adolphe, MB, June 16, 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Manitoba’s Future Climate. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Manitoba Municipal Administrator’s Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 2, 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Climate Change in Manitoba: A Hazard in the Making. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Manitoba Forestry Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 27, 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Climate Change on the Canadian Prairies. Presented at the E-Bird Canada NSERC/ESF/NSF Workshop: Individual Variation, Vancouver, BC, March 16, 2006. (invited lecture).

Blair, D. (2006). Climate Change and Its Potential Impact in Manitoba. Presented to the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM), Winnipeg, MB, January 25, 2006. (invited lecture).

Buhay, W.M. (2004). Carbon and oxygen isotope inferred floods and droughts and sediment accumulation rate in the Red River basin (AD 900 to 1999). Invited lecture: The Freshwater Institute (FWI), March 2004, Winnipeg, MB.

Buhay, W.M. (2006). A 1000-year flood and drought history of the lower Red River basin, Manitoba, Canada. Invited lecture, Peking University, June 2006, Beijing China.

Buhay, W.M. (2006). The peaking of oil and gas supplies? Institute of Urban Studies (IUS), The University of Winnipeg: When Energy Demand Exceeds Supply: Impacts on Transportation and Cities (invited lecture), April 2006, Winnipeg, MB.

Diduck. A.P. (2004) Using Inuit Knowledge in the Management, Research and Monitoring of National Parks: A Report of a Research Project by Parks Canada, October 29, 2004, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. (invited participant/speaker)

Fulford, G. (2005) Preventing Aboriginal language loss. Keynote Speaker, Annual General Meeting of the Society of Applied Anthropology in Manitoba, October 1, 2005, Winnipeg, MB.

Miller, P. (2004). Reflections of a Philosopher-Citizen: Whither the Ivory Tower? Invited paper presented June 1, 2004 at a symposium on Philosophy in the 21^st Century: Predictions and Prescriptions held at the Annual Congress of the Canadian Philosophical Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Miller, P., S. Weiss, A. Taylor, and M. McCulloch (2005). Bringing Ecological Economics into the Regulatory Process: The Manitoba Experience. Presented at Windows of Opportunities for Advancing Ecological Economics: The 6th Biennial Conference of the Canadian Society for Ecological Economics, October 27-29, 2005, York University, Toronto, Ontario.

Smith, D., P. Miller, and J. Harris (2004). Evolution of Values and Norms in Forest Management: Conceptual and Stratified Analysis. Paper presented September 25, 2004, at a Symposium on Values, Ethics, and the Public Sector: How to Serve the Public Interest held at St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario.

Smith, D., P. Miller, J. Harris, and R. Fenton (2005). Gender Differences in Environmental Values: The Case in Manitoba. Presented at the Gender and Canadian Values in the 21^st Century Conference, August 12-14, 2005, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba.

Tardif, J. (2006). An overview of tree-ring research at the University of Winnipeg, Central Canada. Northwest University, Xian, China, June 27, 2006 (invited lecture).

Tardif, J. (2006). An overview of tree-ring research at the University of Winnipeg, Central Canada. Talk given at Bogd Mountain near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia during the field week that took place from June 3-10, 2006.

Other publications:

Blair, D., Greenwood, D. and J. Hanesiak (2006). Global Threat: Awash in evidence, global warming deniers continue to deceive the public. Winnipeg Free Press, May 16, 2006.

Miller, P. (2006) Manitoba’s Golden Goose; in the Eco-Journal, December, 2006.

Miller, P. (2006) A dam shame: Province is squandering its hydro wealth by charging below-market rates. Op-ed in the Winnipeg Free Press, November 26, 2006.

Executive Summary (2003- 2004)

The 2003 - 2004 period saw the initiation of a number of new and exciting activities under the aegis of C-FIR. These included a number of outreach and public education activities, such as: the establishment of an urban forest/sustainable forest outdoor classroom at a public school in Winnipeg; development of an economic model of the impacts of climate change on forestry-based prairie communities; and participation in a documentary film on woodland caribou, and completion of C-FIR's website, located at http://cfir.uwinnipeg.ca.

C-FIR continues to remain active in all of the major forest and land use/climate change initiatives in Manitoba, including those involving the provincial government, the forest industry, the Manitoba Model Forest, the East Side Land Use Planning Process, and Climate Change Connection. Important linkages were strengthened through the acquisition of a major NSERC Major Facilities Access grant to support the operations of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. C-FIR also continues to provide ongoing support for the province's Climate Change Connection, and the Manitoba-PARC climate change research coordinator.
Research activity and associated funding continues to grow; C-FIR researchers acquire external research funding support on the order of $300,000/year. C-FIR researchers continue to publish their research results in a number of venues including the peer-reviewed literature and technical publications. C-FIR was also instrumental in the successful establishment of a new Industrial Research Chair in Climate Impacts and Adaptation at the University of Winnipeg, which will be held by Dr. Danny Blair, a member of C-FIR. C-FIR researchers continue to employ a large number of graduate students (10-15 at any one time) and undergraduate students (15-20 at any one time). The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams within the Environmental Studies program, which are strongly supported and staffed by C-FIR researchers, continue to enjoy strong enrollments.

The coming year will be a period of continued growth and activity in terms of membership (with new hirings in areas central to C-FIR's mandate expected), new multidisciplinary initiatives in areas such as climate change, and continued growth in terms of research funding, student hirings, publications, and educational and public outreach activities. We look forward to further strengthening the Centre so that it can continue to serve as a thriving and stimulating interdisciplinary research and education enterprise for years to come.

1. Introduction

This report is the third in a series of annual reports which describes the range of activities in which C-FIR has been involved over the past year (April 2003 - March 20004), and provides a look to the future. While this report cannot properly encapsulate all of the diverse activities in which C-FIR and its members have been engaged, it is designed to provide a broad overview of the Centre.

2. The Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research

Construction of C-FIR was essentially completed in the fall of 2001. The Centre currently occupies in excess of 1000 m2, on the University of Winnipeg campus with most facilities concentrated on the 4th floor of Centennial Hall. C-FIR's facilities have been designed to support the research activities of the current membership as well as to anticipate, to the greatest degree possible, future directions and growth. C-FIR facilities include a number of offices and research rooms for faculty and student researchers, two dry laboratories, two wet laboratories, a geomatics facility, a dendrochronology laboratory, a stale isotope laboratory, a library/data centre, a boardroom, project room, and a controlled environment facility.

C-FIR's membership currently numbers close to 20 University of Winnipeg personnel, and includes both faculty and staff. C-FIR also has an additional complement of external members (over 10 at this time) from a number of institutions and organizations. C-FIR members are drawn from a number of disciplines which reflect the Centre's mandate to promote interdisciplinary research. Current C-FIR membership includes researchers from the following departments at the University of Winnipeg: Anthropology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Menno Simons College, Philosophy, and Sociology. C-FIR expertise is also augmented by researchers from a number of external public and private sector organizations, companies, NGOs, and other academic institutions. Over the past year a number of new members were welcomed to C-FIR. C-FIR's current membership roster is provided in Appendix A.

3. Research Excellence

C-FIR was established primarily as a research centre designed to promote interdisciplinary research in sustainable forest management and associated areas such as climate change. C-FIR is arguably the University of Winnipeg's most active, dynamic, and successful research venture. The 2003 - 2004 period saw a number of new and ongoing initiatives. Some of the more notable initiatives include:

   ●   C-FIR researchers continue to garner research funding from a wide variety of sources. Current research funding is on the order of $300,000/year. A list of ongoing projects is provided in Appendix B. A major new initiative was initiated in 2003: C-FIR was successful in its application to NSERC's Major Facilities Access (MFA) grants program on behalf of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). This three-year program (funded at $231,000) will assist CNSC in being able to continue to support C-FIR researchers and their field programs in the area.

   ●   In 2003 the University of Winnipeg's first Canada Research Chair, in Tree Ring Research was awarded to Dr. Jacques Tardif. Dr. Tardif is one of the original members of C-FIR and one of the Centre's most successful and prolific researchers.

   ●   Our roster of outstanding researchers was augmented this year by the University of Winnipeg's first Industrial Research Chair, in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. Dr. Danny Blair, of the Department of Geography was awarded this position in early 2004. This initial three year position was established with substantial funding from Manitoba Hydro and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC). It augments our already strong team, a number of whom have been honoured with the Erica and Arnold Rogers Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship in recent years.

   ●   A large component of C-FIR's research involves studying the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors (fires, harvesting, insects, pollution, climate change) on forest health and regeneration. Forest health and associated paleoclimatic impacts are assessed through the application of numerous analytical techniques such as tree-ring analysis, stable isotope analysis, and mensuration. Analysis of seedbanks also allows for assessing the impacts of disturbances and climate change on forest health and succession.

   ●   C-FIR is involved in a wide-ranging study of woodland caribou and elk habitat, largely through the efforts of Mr. Doug Schindler from Manitoba Conservation, currently on leave to C-FIR from his parent organization. The Caribou Data Analysis Project includes a number of interrelated sub-projects and also led to the recent completion of a documentary film on woodland caribou (Shadows of the Forest: Managing Woodland Caribou) which features a number of C-FIR personnel.

   ●   In partnership with the Saskatchewan Forest Centre and Geospatial-Timberline, C-FIR is involved in a study of the expected impacts of climate change on tree species in the prairies, as well as investigating which species would be most suitable for reforestation under different climate change regimes.

   ●   C-FIR researchers are working with the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and the Canadian Space Agency to develop a next generation remote sensing satellite for Canada which will be capable of monitoring forest health and changes in forest cover associated with climate change.

   ●   C-FIR researchers are very active in publication of their research results. C-FIR researchers produce a large number of publications in the peer-reviewed literature as well as technical publications. These are augmented by numerous presentations at academic/scientific conferences. A list of recent publications is provided in Appendix C.

The range of research which C-FIR members undertake are extremely diverse. Recent and ongoing projects include:

   ●   a study of the economic impacts of climate change on forestry-based prairie communities
   ●   development of caribou habitat base maps and habitat protection strategies
   ●   assessment of public values for forested landscapes and associated issues in environmental ethics
   ●   development of values analysis and public participation protocols for forest management
   ●   studies of relict tree communities
   ●   effects of different forest management practices on plant and animal biodiversity and on forest stand and ecosystem structure
   ●   fire history reconstruction from tree ring studies
   ●   assessment of climatic variability from tree ring studies and stable isotope analysis of tree rings, soils and water
   ●   development of synoptic climatology of hydroclimate variability for the Canadian interior
   ●   development and expansion of a network of precipitation collection stations across central Canada for analysis of isotopic variations in precipitation
   ●   dynamics of disjunct tree populations from tree ring analysis
   ●   development of new growth and yield assessment techniques
   ●   effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on succession and regeneration
   ●   forest growth response to climate change
   ●   assessment of factors contributing to tree seedling mortality
   ●   arthropod diversity analysis for assessment of forest biodiversity, climate change, and forest decline
   ●   effects of insecticides on target and non-target species and forest structure
   ●   improved methods of insect and disease protection for urban forests
   ●   analysis of human skeletal remains recovered from boreal forest locations and associated work on past health, lifeways, and diet

Further details on the research interests and activities of C-FIR members can be found on their respective personal web pages (accessible through the University of Winnipeg web site: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca).

C-FIR researchers are also active in research projects with external collaborators and clients, and can also initiate projects through a variety of mechanisms. As an example, students enrolled in the Department of Geography's Advanced Geographic Information Systems course regularly undertake projects for external clients in forest-related areas such as forest succession and caribou habitat mapping. Honours students in Biology and Geography often undertake 4th year thesis projects in association with C-FIR researchers.

C-FIR's funding base is broad and diverse, which enables the Centre to weather changes in funding levels associated with any one particular funding organization. The breadth of funding sources also reflects the broad diversity of C-FIR research projects. Over the past few years, C-FIR researchers received research funding from the following organizations:

   ●   Alberta Forest Service
   ●   Canada Research Chair Program
   ●   Canada Centre for Remote Sensing
   ●   Canadian Forest Service
   ●   Canadian Space Agency
   ●   Churchill Northern Studies Centre
   ●   City of Winnipeg Community Incentives Grants Program
   ●   City of Winnipeg - Forestry Branch
   ●   Dow Agri Sciences
   ●   Environment Canada Climate Change Action Fund
   ●   Global Forest
   ●   Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd.
   ●   Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund
   ●   Manitoba Conservation - Conservation Ecosystem Based Management Pilot Program
   ●   Manitoba Conservation - Forestry Branch
   ●   Manitoba Conservation - Manitoba Conservation Data Centre
   ●   Manitoba Conservation - Wildlife Branch
   ●   Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism
   ●   Manitoba Hydro, including Forest Enhancement Program
   ●   Manitoba Model Forest
   ●   Manitoba Urban Green Team
   ●   Natural Resources Canada
   ●   Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
   ●   Northern Scientific Training Program
   ●   Pinawa Economic Development Committee
   ●   Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC)
   ●   Saskatchewan Forest Centre
   ●   Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
   ●   Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence
   ●   Tembec Inc. (Pine Falls Paper Co.)
   ●   Tolko Manitoba
   ●   University of Manitoba
   ●   University of Winnipeg

4. Teaching Excellence

Although C-FIR is not directly mandated to undertake teaching, C-FIR researchers play a large role in teaching. C-FIR is most closely linked to our teaching programs in Forest Ecology, and Forest Policy and Management. These two 4-year streams are housed within the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Winnipeg. Both streams continue to enjoy strong enrollments (nearly 30 majors), and it is anticipated that some of our current instructional gaps will be addressed in the coming year, so that the viability and vitality of the program can be maintained. The two programs of study include courses in forest ecology and biology, forest values and values assessment, forest policy and planning, forestry, conservation, recreation and wildlife management, forest economics, forest health, principles of silviculture, forest measurement, growth and yield, aboriginal forestry opportunities, multiple resource use, and two intensive field-oriented courses.

Teaching and research involving forest-based issues are inextricably linked within C-FIR. At any one time, C-FIR researchers employ between 15 and 20 undergraduate students in a variety of capacities. In addition, C-FIR researchers supervise a large number of graduate students, generally between 10 and 15 Master's, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral Fellows at any one time. This supervision is augmented by the active participation of C-FIR researchers in graduate teaching at other institutions, primarily at the University of Manitoba. A large number of our undergraduate researchers go on to graduate studies at schools throughout Canada and beyond.

Over the past two years, three students working in C-FIR were awarded NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships: Ms. Rachel Boone, Mr. Kevin Kembal and Ms. Kathleen Ryan. All three continue to work with C-FIR researchers and these awards recognize their outstanding academic achievements. A number of undergraduate students working with C-FIR researchers have also been awarded NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Assistantships (USRAs) this year.

C-FIR personnel are also in discussions with colleagues from Red River College and Winnipeg Technical College. These discussions centre on establishing joint programs in areas such as geographic information systems, surveying, and global positioning, in order to augment University of Winnipeg offerings in these areas, allowing C-FIR to produce more highly qualified personnel.

The University of Winnipeg continues to provide the first forestry-related scholarship established at the University of Winnipeg. The Alice Chambers Scholarship in Forest Ecology was established with funding from Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government.

5. Public Education and Outreach

C-FIR researchers are constantly engaged in a large number of outreach and extracurricular educational activities. It is well beyond the scope of this report to describe these activities in detail. C-FIR researchers are constantly in demand for speaking engagements, media interviews, and public lectures. These activities further serve to solidify the position of C-FIR and the University of Winnipeg as the premier forest research and education enterprise in the prairie provinces.

C-FIR researchers are involved in almost every significant forest-related organization in Manitoba. This stems from the shared interest in sustainable forest stewardship and the diversity of backgrounds of the C-FIR members. C-FIR researchers are also involved in a number of national and international organizations. C-FIR members currently serve on, or are members of, the following organizations:

   ●   Canadian Association of Foresters
   ●   Centre for Rupert's Land Studies
   ●   Climate Change Connection
   ●   Coalition to Save the Elms
   ●   East Side Planning Process
   ●   Ecological Society of America
   ●   International Association of Wood Anatomists
   ●   Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists
   ●   Manitoba Eco-Network
   ●   Manitoba Forestry Association Incorporated
   ●   Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program
   ●   Manitoba Model Forest Board of Directors
   ●   Manitoba Model Forest Local Level Participation Advisory Committee
   ●   Manitoba Model Forest Sustainable Forest Stewardship Advisory Committee
   ●   Manitoba Naturalists Society
   ●   Manitoba Round Table on Sustainable Development
   ●   National Aboriginal Forestry Association
   ●   Stakeholder and Technical Advisory Committees for Louisiana Pacific and Tembec
   ●   Tree Ring Society
   ●   T.R.E.E. (Time to Respect Earth's Ecosystem)

These affiliations allow C-FIR researchers to be intimately aware of the issues and activities facing sustainable forest stewardship in the province and to influence forest policy and planning.

Many of the education and public outreach programs which C-FIR members undertake are linked to C-FIR Research programs. Ongoing education and public outreach initiatives include:

   ●   The Manitoba Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (MNIP). This endeavour, managed by Drs. Bill Buhay and Danny Blair, is establishing a network of stations to gather precipitation samples across the prairies in support of climate change research. This program engages teachers and students across the prairies to be active participants in climate change research. Funding for this initiative has been secured from a number of sources, and the network is undergoing constant and sustained expansion.

   ●   Climate Change Connection. Climate Change Connection, designed as a public outreach and educational endeavour for Manitoba, is closely linked with C-FIR. Dr. Danny Blair is the organization's Co-Chair, and C-FIR is providing space and logistical support for the organization's Public Education and Outreach Coordinator.

   ●   Outdoor urban/sustainable forestry "classroom". In 2003, C-FIR, in partnership with Laura Secord Public School in Winnipeg, succeeded in securing funding and technical support from the Evergreen Foundation's Learning Grounds program (one of only five schools in Winnipeg to be accepted into the program) which enabled the school to design an outdoor "living classroom" focussed on educational activities in urban forestry and sustainable forest management. In 2003-2004 C-FIR acquired funding through the Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, the City of Winnipeg Community Incentives Grants program, and the Manitoba Urban Green Team program to construct these innovative outdoor "classrooms" and associated curricular materials. The outdoor classroom is fully operational and extensively used by K-6 students at the school.

   ●   Jalisco State, Mexico. C-FIR is engaged in ongoing multilateral discussions with government personnel from Manitoba and Jalisco State in Mexico to undertake a variety of joint research and development projects involving reforestation and land use management in Jalisco state. The long term goal, from the perspective of C-FIR, is to establish bilateral education and research opportunities with educational and governmental organizations in Mexico in forest management. It is envisioned that C-FIR will play a large role in a major reforestation and sustainable land use campaign in the state that is being developed for funding support from international organizations such as CIDA, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. The goal is to enable C-FIR researchers to participate in this effort and to develop bilateral student exchange programs with universities in the state.

   ●   East Side Planning Process. The province of Manitoba recently established a formal land use planning round table for the east side of Lake Winnipeg. C-FIR researchers are actively participating in this venture in a variety of capacities. C-FIR researchers led a study of the social aspects of sustainable forest management and planning in this area.

   ●   Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Research Coordinator. Funding was secured from both the Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund and the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative in 2003 to continue the position of the Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Coordinator. Mr. Chuck Mrena is fulfilling this role, and is housed within C-FIR, which is providing all the necessary logistical support. Mr. Mrena augments our research capabilities in this area and is assisting C-FIR in increasing our level of research funding in this area. The Coordinator has organized a series of workshops, conferences, and seminars related to climate change, and has significantly raised the profile of C-FIR in this area across Canada.

   ●   Joint Master's Program in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. As one component of our increasing involvement in climate change research, we are in discussion with the University of Regina, PARC, and the University of Lethbridge on establishing a joint Master's program in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. This program, with support from PARC, would enable University of Winnipeg undergraduate students to complete a joint Master's program with the Universities of Regina and Lethbridge. PARC would provide the funding required for students to distribute their time among these three institutions. Dr. Danny Blair, the new Research Professor in Climate Change will be actively involved in the development and delivery of this program. He will also provide expertise complementary to parallel chairs planned or established at the Universities of Regina and Lethbridge.

   ●   Plantwatch North. This initiative, managed by Ms. Kim Monson, is designed to manage the gathering of information related to plant blooming dates across northern Canada. These long-term phenological records provide valuable information on the health and vitality of ecosystems in Canada's northern regions as well as assessing incipient effects of climate change. This program engages citizen scientists, teachers, students, and researchers across the north to be actively involved in climate change research. All data collected is shared with the Government of Canada's Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN-North) and Plantwatch Canada. Plantwatch North is funded by the Northern Ecosystem Initiative.

   ●   Manitoba Hydro/NGO Consultations. From 1999 to the end of 2002, Manitoba Hydro and individuals representing various environmental interests, including First Nations, met periodically for presentations and discussions on Manitoba Hydro's planning and operations. Peter Miller coordinated the environmental participation for the last three years.

   ●   Public Utilities Board Intervention. In 2003 Manitoba's Public Utilities Board reviewed Manitoba Hydro's rates and other matters. Peter Miller led an intervention by two NGOs, Time to Respect Earth's Ecosystems (TREE) and Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) to examine how hydroelectric rates bear on conservation incentives.

   ●   Clean Environment Commission intervention. In 2003-2004 Manitoba's Clean Environment Commission reviewed the Wuskwatim Dam and Transmission project proposed by Manitoba Hydro and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Peter Miller led an intervention to examine whether an accelerated Demand Side Management (DSM) program could provide an alternative to Wuskwatim.

On May 10, 2004, C-FIR hosted a visit by the Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface. Mr. Simard was given a tour of C-FIR and provided with an overview of C-FIR research and public education and outreach activities.

6. Current Status - Summary

The 2003-2004 period was a time of growth and expansion for C-FIR. A number of research programs came on stream during this period, and the number of undergraduate and graduate students involved in C-FIR research projects increased. The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams continue to exhibit strong enrollments.

The 2003-2004 period was characterized by an expansion and strengthening of both the educational and research activities of the Centre, the excellence of which was recognized through the granting of a number of new awards and research grants and contracts.

7. Forecast - The Coming Year

Strong continued growth is envisioned in the educational and research activities of C-FIR in the coming year (2004-2005). It is projected that the levels of research funding and external contract work (to support C-FIR operations) will continue to grow in the coming year. Our increasing activities in the area of climate change are expected to provide increased levels of research funding in the coming year and our incipient international efforts should lead to some interesting collaborations and opportunities.
We believe that the Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams will continue to be oversubscribed, and C-FIR will continue to work to meet the demand for the program. The most pressing need identified for the coming year is to hire both a forest ecologist and a wildlife biologist (the former position was approved and successfully filled in mid-2004). In the case of the forest ecologist, such expertise is central to ensuring that C-FIR can fulfill its core research mandate in forest management as well as continue to provide high quality instruction in forest ecology. A number of our partners have expressed concern over the ongoing absence of a full-time forest ecologist (which has now been alleviated). In the case of a wildlife biologist, this position has been defined both internally and by our partners as a high priority area which also has substantial associated external funding opportunities. There are a number of options being explored to realize this. The upcoming year will also present challenges in terms of integrating the various incipient climate change initiatives discussed above within both C-FIR and the Environmental Studies program.

2. Management Committee:
Danny Blair
Persis Clarkson
Judith Harris
Richard Westwood

The membership of C-FIR as of March 31, 2004 is as follows:
Name, Affiliation, Member, Category

Dr. Pat Badertscher MB Culture, Heritage and Citizenship Adjunct
Dr. Danny Blair University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Geography
Dr. Rod Bollman University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Biology (retired)
Mr. Howard Bowe University of Winnipeg Associate Department of Anthropology
Dr. Bill Buhay University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Geography
Dr. Persis Clarkson University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Anthropology
Dr. Edward Cloutis University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Geography
Dr. Alan Diduck University of Winnipeg Regular Environmental Studies
Ms. Fiona Donald Tolko Manitoba Partner
Dr. George Fulford University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Anthropology
Dr. Judith Harris University of Winnipeg Regular International Development Studies
Dr. Mark Johnston Saskatchewan Environment Adjunct
Mr. Vince Keenan Tembec (Pine Falls Paper Co.) Partner
Ms. Anke Kirch University of Winnipeg Associate Department of Geography Environmental Studies
Ms. Jennifer Lidgett Tembec (Pine Falls Paper Co.) Partner
Dr. Chris Meiklejohn University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Anthropology
Ms. Jackie Mikolash University of Winnipeg Adjunct Library
Dr. Peter Miller University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Philosophy (Senior Scholar)
Ms. Kim Monson University of Winnipeg Associate Department of Geography
Dr. Brian Rice University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Religious Studies
Dr. Richard Staniforth University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Biology
Mr. Doug Schindler Manitoba Conservation Associate
Dr. Geoff Scott University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Geography
Mr. Peter Sigurdson Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. Partner
Mr. Chris Smith Tolko (now Ducks Unlimited) Partner
Dr. David Smith Brandon University Adjunct Department of Botany
Dr. Doreen Smith University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Sociology
Dr. Claudio Stasolla University of Manitoba Regular Department of Biology
Dr. Jacques Tardif University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Biology/Environmental Studies
Dr. Sandra Tomsons University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Philosophy
Mr. Mike Waldram Manitoba Model Forest Partner
Dr. Richard Westwood University of Winnipeg Regular Department of Biology/Environmental Studies

Research and Education Liaison Council:

Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. - Mr. Barry Waito
Pine Falls Paper Co. - Mr. Vince Keenan
Manitoba Hydro - Mr. Wade Munro
Manitoba Conservation - Mr. John Dojack
Churchill Northern Studies Centre - Mr. Michael Goodyear
Manitoba Model Forest - Mr. Mike Waldram

Appendix B - C-FIR Projects (New and Ongoing: 2003 - 2004)

Title: PARC-Manitoba Hydro Climate Change Research Professor
Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro, Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative
Investigator(s): Danny Blair

Title: Maintenance of a Unique SFM/Urban Forestry Educational Program
Funder(s): Manitoba Community Learning and Youth Programs, Urban Green Team
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: HERO Utility Development and Related Activities
Funder(s): Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Canadian Space Agency
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Coordinator
Funder(s): Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, Manitoba Climate Change Action Fund
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Danny Blair

Title: Development of a Unique Sustainable Forest Management / Urban Forestry Facility
Funder(s): City of Winnipeg Community Incentive Grants Program, Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: Climate change implications in the boreal forest fringe and surrounding agricultural areas: Options and recommendations for suitable forest establishment and maintenance.
Funder(s): Climate Change Action Fund
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Angus Carr (Saskatchewan Forest Centre / Geospatial Timberline)

Title: Churchill Northern Studies Centre Research Support Enhancement.
Funder(s): NSERC Major Facilities Access Grants Program
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Richard Staniforth, Jacques Tardif, Richard Westwood, Peter Kershaw, Ian Stirling, David Knudsen, Paul Hebert, Peter Kevan, Robert Jefferies, Erica Nol

Title: Socio-economic model of climate change impacts on Manitoba forests.
Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis

Title: Feasibility of developing a Centre of Excellence for the role of carbon sequestration in climate change in Pinawa.
Funder(s): Pinawa Economic Development Committee
Investigator(s): Edward Cloutis, Rick Penner (Emerge Technologies)

Title: Responding to complexity, uncertainty, and conflict: Case studies of social learning in resource and environmental management.
Funder(s): SSHRC
Investigator(s): Alan Diduck, Bruce Mitchell (University of Waterloo)

Title: The role of the public, private and civic sectors in sustainable environmental management: A search for balance.
Funder(s): Canadian International Development Agency / Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
Investigator(s): John Sinclair (University of Manitoba), Alan Diduck, R.B. Singh (University of Delhi)

Title: Unpacking social learning in social-ecological systems.
Funder(s): Government of Manitoba Career Focus Program
Investigator(s): Alan Diduck

Title: Public values, views and participation in managing Manitoba's mountain forest section.
Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence
Investigator(s): Peter Miller, Judith Harris, Doreen Smith, John Sinclair (University of Manitoba)

Title: Public involvement in forest management and land use planning on Manitoba's east side.
Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence
Investigator(s): Peter Miller, John Sinclair (University of Manitoba).

Title: Study of vegetation succession along the Churchill River estuary.
Funder(s): Northern Science Training Program, Churchill Northern Studies Centre Northern Research Fund, University of Winnipeg
Investigator(s): Richard Staniforth

Title: Dynamics of tamarack-black spruce stands and climate response of disjunct tree populations in the Canadian boreal ecozones.
Funder(s): NSERC
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Tree-ring research: Understanding past and present climate change and its effects on boreal forest disturbances and dynamics in central Canada.
Funder(s): Canada Research Chair
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: A dendroecological answer to major research gaps.
Funder(s): NSERC
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Conceptual three cohort model applied to the boreal plain ecoregion of Manitoba using recent forest data.
Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Development of a future fire scenario for the central and eastern boreal forest.
Funder(s): Sustainable Forest Management Network of Centres of Excellence
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif, M. Flannigan

Title: Dendroecology of Dryas integrifolia and tree growth at the tree-line in Manitoba.
Funder(s): Churchill Northern Studies Centre Northern Research Fund
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Dendroecology of Dryas integrifolia and tree growth at the tree-line in Manitoba.
Funder(s): Northern Scientific Training Program
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Dendrochronological reconstruction of forest tent caterpillar outbreaks in western Manitoba.
Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program
Investigator(s): Jacques Tardif

Title: Influence of forest harvesting on arthropod diversity in black spruce ecosystems.
Funder(s): NSERC, Canadian Forest Service, SSHRC, Tembec, Manitoba Conservation
Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: Determinants of ecosystem biodiversity of forest arthropods in managed aspen ecosystems.
Funder(s): Manitoba Model Forest, LP Forest Resources
Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: The effects of MIMIC (tebufenozide) forest biochemical insecticide on non-target organisms in the boreal forest.
Funder(s): Dow Agri Science, Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Hydro
Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

Title: The use of arthropods as indicators of climate change in Manitoba forests.
Funder(s): Natural Resources Canada - Climate Adaptation Research Program
Investigator(s): Richard Westwood, Danny Blair

Title: Forest decline assessment in the Bird's Hill area, Manitoba.
Funder(s): Manitoba Hydro
Investigator(s): Richard Westwood

++++++++++++++++++
Note: Principal investigator(s) denoted in italics; C-FIR researchers denoted in bold type.

Appendix C - C-FIR Publications (2003 - 2004)

Books:

Cloutis, E.A. (Editor) (2004) Hyperspectral Remote Sensing. Manual of Remote Sensing 3rd Edition; in preparation; American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

Miller, P., and L. Westra (Editors) (2002) Just Ecological Integrity: The Ethics of Maintaining Planetary Life. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield. 348 pages.

Book Chapter:

Westra, L., P. Miller, J. Karr, W. Rees, and R. E. Ulanowicz. (2003) "La Integridad Ecologica y Las Metas del Proyecto de Integridad Global." In Teresa Kwiatowska, ed. Los Caminos de la Etica Ambiental II. Plaza y Valdez, Pub. Mexico.

Peer-Reviewed Articles:

Boone, R., J. Tardif, and R. Westwood (2004) Radial growth of oak and aspen near a coal-fired station, Manitoba, Canada. Tree-Ring Research, 60(1), 45-58.

Chiin, S., G.G. Wang, and J. Tardif (2004) Dendroclimatic analysis of white spruce at its southern limit of distribution in the Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada. Tree-Ring Research, 60(1), 31-44.

Diduck, A.P. (2004) Incorporating participatory approaches and social learning; in Resource and Environmental Management in Canada: Addressing Conflict and Uncertainty (B. Mitchell, editor); Oxford University Press, pp. 497-527.

Diduck, A.P., and B. Mitchell (2003a) "Curing" affected communities and publics; research note in monograph Environmental Impact Assessment: Practical Solutions to Recurrent Problems, by D.P. Lawrence; Wiley and Sons, NY, pp. 268-269.

Diduck, A.P., and B. Mitchell (2003b) Learning, public involvement and environmental assessment: A Canadian case study; Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 5(3), 339-364.

Gibson, J.J., T.W.D. Edwards, N.A. St. Amour, W.M. Buhay, P. McEachern, B.B. Wolfe, and D.L. Peters (2004) Progress in isotope tracer hydrology in Canada; Hydrological Processes, in press.

Girardin, M.P., J. Tardif, M.D. Flannigan, and Y. Bergeron (2004a) Multicentury reconstruction of the Canadian Drought Code from eastern Canada and its relationship with paleoclimatic indices of atmospheric circulation. Climate Dynamics, 23 (2), 99-115.

Girardin, M.P., J. Tardif, M.D. Flannigan, B.M. Wotton, and Y. Bergeron (2004b) Trends and periodicities in the Canadian Drought Code and their relationships with atmospheric circulation for the southern Canadian boreal forest. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 34, 103-109.

Jones, B., J. Tardif, and R. Westwood (2004) Weekly xylem production in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) in response to artificial defoliation; Canadian Journal of Botany, 82, 590-597.

Scott, G.A.J., and G.M.J. Scott (2003) Growth form adaptations by conifers in an anthropogenically stressed environment, Flin Flon, Manitoba - Preliminary observations; Prairie Perspectives, 6, 76-88.

Sinclair, A.J., A.P. Diduck, T. Morris-Oswald, and M. Olzyck (2003) Public involvement in flood management in the Red River basin: An assessment of a recent initiative; Canadian Water Resources Journal, 28(3), 461-480.

Westwood, A.R., and C.L. Borkowsky (2004) Sphinx moth pollinators for the endangered western prairie fringed orchid, Platanthera praeclara in Manitoba, Canada; Journal of the Lepidopterists Society, 58, 13-20.

Conference Presentations/Papers/Abstracts:

Blair, D. (2003a) Evidence of climate change; presented at Airships to the Arctic Symposium II; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, October 23, 2003.

Blair, D. (2003b) Evidence of climate change; in Moving Beyond the Roads: Airships to the Arctic Symposium II Proceedings (B.E. Prentice, J. Winograd, A. Phillips, and B. Harrison, Eds.), University of Manitoba Transport Institute, pp. 32-39.

Blair, D., B. Buhay, and H. Robinson (2003) MNIP: A school-based network to study the synoptic controls on precipitation isotopes; presented at Annual Meeting of the Prairie Division of the Canadian Association of Geographers; Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, September 2003.

Brownlee, K., B. Hewitt, D. White, C. Meiklejohn, P. Badertscher, C. Willmott, L. Larcombe, and R.D. Hoppa (2003) Four historical burials from early 19th century Manitoba; presented at 2003 Canadian Archaeological Association Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Diduck, A.P., N. Bankes, D. Clarke, and D. Armitage (2003) Unpacking social learning in social-ecological systems: Case studies of polar bear and narwhal management in northern Canada; presented at 2003 Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Conference and Meeting, Victoria, BC, Canada, May 27 - June 1, 2003.

Epp, B., J. Tardif, and F. Conciatori (2004) A light ring chronology for jack pine, and its relationship to climate in the Duck Mountain region of Manitoba; CBA/ABC & MAPB Annual Meeting, June 26 - 30, 2004, Winnipeg, MB.

Girardin, M.P., and J. Tardif (2003) Sensitivity of the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest to atmospheric circulation changes. Manitoba Sustainable Forest Management Network Meeting; November 28, 2003, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB.

Girardin, M.P., and J. Tardif (2004a) Relationships between tree growth and the atmospheric vertical profile in the boreal plains of Manitoba; Conference on Tree-Rings and Climate: Sharpening the Focus, April 6-9, 2004, Tucson, AZ.

Girardin, M.P., and J. Tardif (2004b) Relationships between tree growth and the atmospheric vertical profile in the boreal plains of Manitoba; International Boreal Forest Research Association 12th Annual Scientific Conference - Climate Disturbance Interactions in Boreal Forest Ecosystems; May 3-6, 2004, Fairbanks Princesse River Lodge, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Girardin, M.P., J. Tardif, M.D. Flannigan, and Y. Bergeron (2004a) Caractère non-stationnaire et cyclique du climat de l'est canadien au cours des trois cent dernières années et son impact sur la forêt boréale mixte; Deuxième Colloque conjoint CRBF / GREFi - La forêt sous tous ses aspects; Mars 10-11, 2004, Pavillon La Laurentienne, Université Laval, Québec, Québec.

Girardin, M., J. Tardif, M. Flannigan, and Y. Bergeron (2004b) Climate, drought and tree growth from Central to Eastern Canada. SFMN Natural Disturbance Based Management Workshop, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2004, Swan River, MB.

Jarvis, S., W.M. Buhay, D. Blair, J. Tardif, and D. Bailey (2004) Dendroclimatology of the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. Presented at the Joint Assembly of the Canadian Geophysical Union and American Geophysical Union, Montreal, Quebec, May, 2004. Eos, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union; AGU. 85 (17), Joint Assembly Supplement, Abstract H51D-05.

Merrett, D.C., T. Garlie, C. Meiklejohn, L. Larcombe, B.M. Rothschild, and B.A. Waddell (2003) Treponemal infection from an early Manitoba boreal forest population (ca. 2000 BP): Evidence from the Whaley Cairn; presented at 30th Meeting of the Paleopathology Association, Tempe, Arizona, USA, April 2003.

Miller, P. (2003) Valuing the Earth: The Earth Charter and ecological integrity; presented to the International Society for Environmental Ethics, at meeting of the American Philosophical Association; April 25, 2002, Chicago, IL.

Miller, P. (2004) Reflections of a philosopher-citizen: Whither the ivory tower?; Invited paper presented June 1, 2004 at a symposium on Philosophy in the 21st Century: Predictions and Prescriptions, held at the annual congress of the Canadian Philosophical Association, Winnipeg, MB.

Smith, D., P. Miller, J. Harris, and R. Fenton (2003a) Emerging challenge of values elicitation and utilization in forest planning and management; refereed paper presented at Great Lakes Forest Alliance 2nd Annual Forest Management Summit, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, June 10, 2003 (abstract published in conference proceedings volume).

Smith, D., P. Miller, J. Harris, and R. Fenton (2003b) The emerging challenge of values elicitation and utilization in forest planning and management; paper presented at the Second Annual Sustainable Forest Management Summit: Meeting Emerging Ecological, Economic, and Social Challenges; June 9-11, 2003; Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

Smith, D., P. Miller, J. Harris, and R. Fenton (2003c) Taking account of values in forest management; refereed paper presented at XII World Forest Congress, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, September 21-28, 2003.

Smith, D., P. Miller, and J. Harris (2004) Evolution of values and norms in forest management: Conceptual and stratified analysis; paper accepted for presentation September 25, 2004, at a Symposium on Values, Ethics, and the Public Sector: How to Serve the Public Interest; St. Paul University, Ottawa, ON.

Sutton, A., and J. Tardif (2003) Outbreak history of the forest tent caterpillar. Manitoba Sustainable Forest Management Network Meeting; November 28, 2003, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB.

Sutton, A., and J. Tardif (2004a) Distribution and anatomical characteristics of white rings in Populus tremuloides Michx.; CBA/ABC & MAPB Annual Meeting, June 26 - 30, 2004, Winnipeg, MB.

Sutton, A., and J. Tardif (2004b) Forest tent caterpillar outbreaks in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest. SFMN Natural Disturbance Based Management Workshop; Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2004. Swan River, MB.

Tardif, J. (2003) Fire history in the Duck Mountain. Manitoba Sustainable Forest Management Network Meeting; November 28, 2003, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB.

Tardif, J. (2004) Disturbance dynamics and climate in the Duck Mountains, Manitoba; SFMN Natural Disturbance Based Management Workshop, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2004, Swan River, Manitoba.

Tardif, J. C., B. Epp, and F. Conciatori (2004) A light ring chronology for jack pine, and its relationship to climate in the Duck Mountain region of Manitoba; Tree Rings and Climate: Sharpening the Focus; April 6-9, 2004, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Technical Reports:

Boone, R., and R. Westwood (2003) A Forest Health Study of Bur Oak and Trembling Aspen Stands Near the Manitoba Hydro Selkirk Generating Station, Selkirk, Manitoba; report to Manitoba Hydro, 169 pp.

Capar, L., and R. Westwood (2004) Effect of Disturbance Type (Fire and Harvesting) on the Ecological Diversity of Arthropods in Black Spruce Forests in the Pine Falls (Tembec) Forest Management License Area, Manitoba; report to Tembec, 103 pp.

Cloutis, E., D. Blair, and I Hanuta (2003a) Establishment of a Manitoba-PARC Climate Change Coordinator; Final report to Manitoba Climate Change Branch, 53 pp.

Cloutis, E., H. Kerr, and I. Whitaker (2003b) Development of a Unique SFM/Urban Forestry Education Program; report to Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, October 2003, 110 pp.

Cloutis, E., J. Vermeulen, A. Broughton, and I. Whitaker (2004) Assessment of Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change on Forestry-Dependent Communities in Manitoba; report to Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program, March 2004, 94 pp.

Flannigan, M., M.P. Girardin, J. Tardif, and Y. Bergeron (2003) Climate and Fire Relationships in the Central and Eastern Canadian Boreal Forest. Project Reports 2003/2004. October 10, 2003. Project report for the Sustainable Forest Management Network. 9 pages.

Girardin, M.P., and J. Tardif (2004) Sensitivity of Tree Growth to the Atmospheric Vertical Profile in the Boreal Plains of Manitoba. Project Reports 2003/2004. March 26, 2004. Final project report for the Sustainable Forest Management Network. 16 pages.

Meiklejohn, C., and D.C. Merrett (2004) Human Remains, Valley River, Manitoba [EiMg-3]; report to Manitoba Historical Resources Branch, 2004, 21 pp.

Penner, R., A. Swain, A. Kirch, E. Cloutis, and R. Van Caeseele (2003) Study to Determine the Feasibility of Developing a "Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Research and Technology Centre" in Pinawa; Technical Report to the Local Government District of Pinawa; February 2003, 106 pp.

Tardif, J. (2004) Fire history in the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Western Manitoba. Project Reports 2003/2004. March 31, 2004. Final project report for the Sustainable Forest Management Network. 30 pages.

Workshops, Seminars, Panels:

Miller, P. (2004) Wuskwatim as a window on the Manitoba Hydro system; presented at a Members' Forum of the Manitoba Eco-network; April 3, 2004; Winnipeg, MB.

The Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR) has a long history; its roots can be traced back to at least 1994. However only in the 1998-2000 window did events transpire to allow the dream to be realized.

The 2001-2002 period saw a number of important activities being completed, including:

The 2002 - 2003 period saw consolidation of the Centre’s activities and the realization of a number of significant follow-on activities and achievements. These included:

Given these achievements, the 2003-2004 year promises to be a period of more opportunities for C-FIR and continued growth.

This report is the first in what will be a series of annual reports describing the range of activities in which C-FIR has been involved over the past 2 years, as well as a look to the future. This report cannot properly encapsulate all of the diverse activities in which C-FIR and C-FIR members have been engaged, but is designed to provide a broad overview and direction to further information.

As this represents the first two of C-FIR’s annual reports, some background concerning C-FIR is in order. The genesis of C-FIR can be traced back to at least 1994. In that year the Manitoba Model Forest established a Research Chair in Forest Ecology at the University of Winnipeg, within the Department of Biology. This was accomplished through the tireless efforts of Dr. Rod Bollman, Chair of the Department of Biology at the time. Dr. Geoff Wang was appointed to fill this Chair, and he has been at the University of Winnipeg since that time.

In 1998-1999 the confluence of a number of factors led to the realization that a viable Centre in forest-related research could be realized. In that time period the federal government established the Canada Foundation for Innovation, a funding program designed to assist post-secondary institutions in enhancing their research infrastructure.

Also at this time, a request by the Department of Biology and the Environmental/Urban Studies program to hire a faculty member in forest ecology was also approved. In the course of the selection process, the committee identified two very strong candidates, Drs. Richard Westwood and Jacques Tardif. It became apparent that if we were able to hire both candidates, we would be in a strong position to essentially "jump start" a forest ecology teaching program, and fully capitalize on the funding available from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support the research of these individuals. In a bold decision by the Vice President, Academic, Dr. George Tomlinson, permission was granted to hire both of these individuals. Their arrival in the program coincided with a funding application cycle for the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

A coalition of researchers interested in forest-related research was established. In the initial phases, researchers from the Departments of Anthropology, Biology, Economics, Philosophy, Sociology, the Environmental Studies Program, and Menno Simons College. This group was augmented by researchers from a number of external organizations including Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd., Pine Falls paper Company, Manitoba Conservation, Tolko Manitoba Inc., Saskatchewan Environment, the Manitoba Model Forest, and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Citizenship.

Construction of C-FIR began in earnest in the summer of 2000. Additional construction was undertaken in the summer of 2001 and the Centre is now essentially complete.

Concurrent with construction and establishment of C-FIR, a companion educational program was also established. At present, students interested in forest-related education can obtain 4-year B.Sc. degrees in either Forest Policy and Management, or Forest Ecology. This program is described more fully below.

From its inception, C-FIR was designed to facilitate interdisciplinary forest-related research. Consequently, C-FIR has strong representation from a wide variety of departments representing both the sciences and humanities. The original submission to the Canada Foundation for Innovation reflected this focus on interdisciplinarity.

C-FIR is dedicated to the development of interdisciplinary research, education, and training in the areas of forestry, forest ecosystems, forest values and the human uses of forests. The intent is to assist all forest stakeholders to reach the goals of ecosystems-based forest management. C-FIR will focus on understanding the evolution of today’s forests, the current conditions of the region’s forests, the values of the public and special interest stakeholders for the forest, and using past and present information to assist in understanding future changes and impacts to the region’s forests. The components of this mandate include:

An organizational structure for C-FIR was established in parallel with the Centre’s fundraising efforts. C-FIR is currently headed by a Director, Dr. Edward Cloutis, who is appointed half time to this position. Dr. Cloutis became Director in the summer of 2001, and served as Interim Director for a year prior to this. The Director reports to the Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies.

The Director of C-FIR is assisted in his tasks by an Internal Management Committee comprised of four University of Winnipeg faculty members drawn from various departments, and designed to represent the interdisciplinary nature of the program.

External organizations and individuals participate in C-FIR through a Research and Education Liaison Council (RELC). RELC is designed to provide a conduit between C-FIR and the non-academic community in order to facilitate the exchange of information and to assist C-FIR in being responsive to the views and needs of the external community. The RELC has met on a number of occasions over the past year with the Director of C-FIR in order to facilitate this information exchange. Input from RELC has been instrumental in helping C-FIR to modify its educational programs to be more responsive to the needs of the external community.

At present RELC consists of individuals from the various organizations which provided funding to establish C-FIR. These include:

An important mandate of C-FIR is to develop strong linkages between the Centre’s research activities and teaching at the University of Winnipeg. Consequently, C-FIR’s organizational structure includes an Academic Liaison; this position is currently held by Dr. Richard Westwood of the Department of Biology and the Environmental Studies program. After a period of uncertainty, the Environmental Studies program hired a new full-time Director, Dr. Alan Diduck. Efforts are currently underway to review and revamp (where necessary) the educational offerings of the Environmental Studies program.

Participation in C-FIR is available via membership. There are various categories of membership which are designed to reflect the primacy of research and the desire to be as inclusive as possible. The membership categories include:

The management structure, member categories and other procedural items are detailed in the C-FIR Management Plan and Structure.

As mentioned, construction of C-FIR was essentially completed in the fall of 2001. The Centre currently occupies in excess of 1000 m², with most facilities concentrated on the 4th floor of Centennial Hall of the University of Winnipeg campus.

C-FIR’s facilities were designed to support the research activities of the current membership as well as to try to anticipate, to the greatest degree possible, future directions and growth. C-FIR facilities include a number of offices and research rooms for faculty and student researchers, two dry labs, two wet labs, a geomatics facility, a dendrochronology laboratory, a stale isotope laboratory, a library/data centre, a boardroom, project room, and a controlled environment facility.

Approximately half of the cash funding secured for the Centre ($1.5M in total funding, as detailed in the Financial section) was dedicated to construction of the facility. The remaining funding was used for the purchase of research equipment and furnishings for the Centre.

C-FIR’s facilities are available for use not only by University of Winnipeg researchers, but also by external researchers who are collaborating with UW/C-FIR researchers.

C-FIR’s membership currently numbers over 20 University of Winnipeg personnel, and includes both faculty and staff. C-FIR also has an additional complement of external members (over one dozen) in various categories. The Centre also supports a large number of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and post-doctoral fellows, with numbers constantly fluctuating. On average, University of Winnipeg C-FIR researchers support on the order of 20 student researchers and collaborate with approximately 10-15 external researchers at any one time.

Dr. Persis Clarkson: University of Winnipeg, Department of Anthropology - Regular

Dr. George Fulford: University of Winnipeg, Department of Anthropology - Regular

Dr. Judith Harris: University of Winnipeg, International Development Studies - Regular

Dr. Chris Meiklejohn: University of Winnipeg, Department of Anthropology - Regular

Dr. Brian Rice: University of Winnipeg, Department of Religious Studies - Regular

Dr. Jacques Tardif: University of Winnipeg, Department of Biology & Environmental Studies - Regular

Dr. Richard Westwood: University of Winnipeg, Department of Biology & Environmental Studies - Regular

Ms. Donalee Deck: University of Winnipeg, Department of Anthropology - Associate

Dr. Robert Fenton: University of Winnipeg, Department of Economics & Environmental Studies - Regular

The range of research which C-FIR members undertake are extremely diverse. Recent and ongoing projects include:

Further details on the research interests of these members can be found on their respective personal web pages (accessible through the University of Winnipeg web site: and gleaned from the list of C-FIR research projects described below. Additional information on C-FIR is also available through the new C-FIR web site (

As mentioned, the primary mandate of C-FIR is to support forest-related research. C-FIR members are among the most productive and successful in terms of research funding at the University of Winnipeg. Given the interdisciplinary focus of the Centre, the range of C-FIR research projects is extremely broad and includes strong representation from both science and arts.

C-FIR researchers are also active in research projects with external collaborators and clients and undertake projects through a variety of mechanisms. As an example, students enrolled in the Department of Geography’s Advanced Geographic Information Systems course regularly undertake projects for external clients in forest-related areas such as forest succession and caribou habitat mapping.

C-FIR is justifiably proud of the close coupling which it has developed between research and education. This provides unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved in forest-related research at an early stage in their careers. In addition, the relationships which C-FIR has forged with non-academic organizations also provides extensive employment opportunities for students during the summer months and greatly facilitates their employment prospects upon graduation.

The excellence of C-FIR researchers was recognized in a number of ways during the 2002 - 2003 year. Dr. Edward Cloutis, Director of C-FIR was awarded the Erica and Arnold Robers Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship by the University of Winnipeg in 2002. Dr. Chris Meiklejohn, a C-FIR researcher also received this award in 2001.

The University of Winnipeg’s first Canada Research Chair was awarded to Dr. Jacques Tardif in 2002. This Chair (in Tree-Ring Research) is a five-year renewable award and is further recognition of the excellence of research which C-FIR undertakes.

Over the past two years, two students working in C-FIR were awarded NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships: Mr. Kevin Kembal and Ms. Kathleen Ryan. Both continue to work with C-FIR researchers and these awards recognize their outstanding academic achievements.

In addition to the various "in-house" research activities in which C-FIR members are engaged, the Centre is increasingly shifting its attention to developing new external research and education opportunities.

C-FIR has recently begun multilateral discussions with representatives from Manitoba Trade and Investment and a number of individuals from Jalisco State in Mexico to undertake a variety of joint research and development projects involving reforestation and land use in the state. The long term goal, from the perspective of C-FIR, is to establish bilateral education and research opportunities with educational and governmental organizations in Jalisco State in forest management. It is envisioned that C-FIR will play a large role in a major reforestation and sustainable land use campaign in the state to be funded by international organizations such as CIDA, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. The goal is to enable C-FIR researchers to participate in this effort and to develop bilateral student exchange programs with universities in the state.

C-FIR has also been engaged in discussions with Dr. Tom Gower from the University of Wisconsin at Madison to help establish a long term field study of the effects of climate warming on forest ecosystems. This project, based near Thompson, will complement other field sites in Wisconsin and Sweden. Substantial funding for this project has been secured from the US Department of Energy and Dr. Gower is interested in working with C-FIR on this project. It is anticipated that this project, given its significant scientific importance will lead to a close cooperation between C-FIR and the other partner organizations, and result in enhanced research and teaching opportunities in the US and Sweden.

C-FIR researchers are working increasingly in northern Manitoba and forging closer links with the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC). C-FIR and CNSC personnel collaborated on a major proposal to the NSERC Major Facilities Access Grants program to upgrade the CNSC to enable year-round operation and improved support for research. Our application was approved in March 2003 and NSERC will provide three years of funding (2003-2006) to CNSC through C-FIR.

This year C-FIR hosted the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS). ACUNS has invited the University of Winnipeg to join the organization because of our increasing focus on northern research. C-FIR is supportive of this affiliation and will probably join ACUNS at some point in the near future.

C-FIR has recently initiated a multi-year research initiative to support management of caribou herds in Manitoba. The Caribou Data Analysis Project will engage both University of Winnipeg and external researchers.

The province of Manitoba recently established a formal land use planning round table for the east side of Lake Winnipeg. We have begun discussions with this group to determine how C-FIR can best support their efforts and develop cooperative or collaborative research ventures. In the past C-FIR researchers led a study of the social aspects of sustainable forest management and planning in this area.

From the earliest days of C-FIR, climate change has been a significant component of many of the Centre’s research projects. Consequently, C-FIR has taken a proactive role in centralizing the University’s disparate climate change activities. This is a fairly new area of activity and interest for the Centre and a number of initiatives are ongoing.

Much climate change research taking place across the prairies is being supported by the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC) based at the University of Regina. PARC funded a socio-economic study at the University of Winnipeg which examined the economic impacts of climate change on prairie communities, including those which are dependent upon forestry. PARC also funded a series of workshops across the prairies to assess the needs of prairie communities relating to climate change information. This activity was overseen by C-FIR researchers.

These projects have led to more wide-ranging discussions with PARC on a variety of issues, recognizing the strong links which exist between climate change and forests. These discussions have led to a number of ongoing activities which will greatly strengthen the University of Winnipeg’s capacity to undertake climate change research. At this time we are in the process of establishing an NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Climate Impacts and Adaptations at the University of Winnipeg which will be linked with similar chairs at the University of Regina and the University of Lethbridge. This will form the basis for a prairie-wide network of climate change researchers linked through PARC. The non-academic sector has committed the funding necessary for the first five years of this position.

In addition, C-FIR was successful in securing funding from both PARC and the Manitoba Climate Change Branch of Manitoba Conservation to support and house a PARC-Manitoba Climate Change Coordinator at the University of Winnipeg. Ms. Irene Hanuta, a doctoral candidate from the University of Manitoba has assumed this position. She augments our research capabilities in this area and is working to facilitate our research fundraising efforts in this area. The Coordinator has already organized a series of workshops, conferences, and seminars concerning climate change, and has significantly raised the profile of C-FIR in this area across Canada.

Related to these initiatives, we are also in discussion with the University of Regina and PARC on establishing a joint Master’s program in Climate Impacts and Adaptation. This joint program, with support from PARC, would enable University of Winnipeg undergraduate students to complete a joint Master’s program with the University of Regina. PARC would likely provide the funding required for students to spend part of their time at the PARC facility located on the University of Regina campus.

C-FIR recently held a forum with representatives from the Red River Basin Institute, a joint venture involving the Tri-College University consortium (Concordia College, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and North Dakota State University). The intent of the meeting was to explore potential involvement of the University of Winnipeg in Red River Basin-related research, including issues such as flood mitigation through the International Flood Mitigation Initiative, and land use planning. These areas are of interest to a number of C-FIR researchers and C-FIR will be working to solidify our involvement in this initiative over the coming year.

Undergraduate education in forest-related fields is of central importance to C-FIR. A close linkage between the Centre’s research and teaching provides extremely important synergies. While C-FIR researchers come from a large number of departments, the closest links exist with the Environmental Studies program. The most C-FIR-intensive educational programs are the two 4-year B.Sc. streams in Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management. These programs are constantly evolving and the programs have been in existence for a couple of years; the first crop of students who started in the program (as opposed to those who transferred in when the program became available) will be graduating in the coming year.

The program is a victim of its own success. Enrollments in most of the key courses have had to be capped because the demand for the program has outstripped our ability to accommodate all of the interested students.

As mentioned, C-FIR faculty supervise a number of graduate students. C-FIR faculty have adjunct status at Lakehead University and the University of Manitoba, which enables this supervision to take place. C-FIR faculty also undertake various teaching assignments at the University of Manitoba as part of these arrangements and to enable their students to take graduate level courses in topics of interest and relevance to them.

Classroom instruction is also augmented by field schools. The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management programs currently offer a Forest Field Skills Camp in August in conjunction with Keewatin Community College in The Pas (normally taken at the end of the first year), as well as a Forest Field Course (normally taken at the end of the second year).

C-FIR personnel are also in discussions with colleagues from Red River College and Winnipeg Technical College. These discussions centre around establishing joint programs in areas such as geographic information systems, surveying, and global positioning, in order to augment University of Winnipeg offerings in these areas, allowing C-FIR to produce more highly qualified personnel.

The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management programs are streams within the 4-year B.Sc. degree in Environmental Studies. Until recently, the ES program was managed by an acting coordinator. However, the University of Winnipeg recently hired a full-time Director, Dr. Alan Diduck. Dr. Diduck is currently working with a wide range of stakeholders, including C-FIR, to revitalize the ES program.

The past year also saw the establishment of the first forestry-related scholarship established at the University of Winnipeg. The Alice Chambers Scholarship in Forest Ecology was established with funding from Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government.

C-FIR researchers are involved in almost every significant forest-related organization in Manitoba. This stems from the shared interest in sustainable forest stewardship and the diversity of backgrounds of the C-FIR members. C-FIR-affiliated faculty currently serve on, or are members of, the following organizations:

These affiliations allow C-FIR researchers to be intimately aware of the issues and activities facing sustainable forest stewardship in the province and to influence forest policy and planning.

C-FIR researchers are constantly engaged in a large number of outreach and extracurricular educational activities. It is well beyond the scope of this report to detail all of these activities in detail. C-FIR researchers are constantly in demand for speaking and making presentations to various groups. These activities further serve to solidify the position of C-FIR and the University of Winnipeg as the premier forest research and education enterprise in the prairie provinces.

As of this writing the C-FIR web site is essentially complete. It will be housed within the University of Winnipeg’s web site ( The web site will serve as a window to the world, facilitating the exchange of information between C-FIR and the external community. It will also allow us to communicate more effectively with the external community and post items of interest in a timely manner.

One activity in which C-FIR has become involved in the past year is a partnership with Laura Secord Public School in Winnipeg. C-FIR was instrumental in the school’s application to participate in Evergreen’s Learning Grounds program (one of only 5 schools in Winnipeg to be accepted into the program) to enable the school to construct an outdoor "living classroom" which will focus on educational activity areas such as urban forestry to be conducted in an outdoor classroom setting. C-FIR recently acquired funding through the Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement Program to construct a series of innovative outdoor "classrooms" and associated curriculum, to provide education in sustainable forest management and urban forestry at the K-6 level.

Funding for the establishment of C-FIR was provided through three main sources: the Canada Foundation for Innovation (~40%), the Manitoba Innovation Fund (~40%), and external organizations (~20%), including:

The various financial contributions were augmented by substantial in-kind contributions from organizations including the Manitoba Model Forest and the University of Winnipeg. The total value of this enterprise is on the order of $4 million. The bulk of the construction was undertaken during the summer months of 2000 and 2001 (to minimize disruptions to teaching), and construction has essentially been completed.

C-FIR funding was approximately equally divided between infrastructure and equipment. As of April 30, 2001, 88% of the available funding had been expended. In the coming fiscal year, the remainder of the funding will be expended on research equipment.

C-FIR operations are largely supported by the University of Winnipeg. The Centre realizes a modest revenue stream to support operations through external contracts. This funding is sufficient to support day-to-day operations of the Centre. This revenue stream is projected to grow over the next fiscal year to allow for greater operational support of C-FIR researchers.

The 2001-2002 period was a time of growth and consolidation for C-FIR. A number of research programs came on stream during this period, and the number of undergraduate and graduate students involved in C-FIR research projects approximately doubled. The Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams were solidified and further modifications are expected to be more minor in nature. The management structure and operational policies were also established at the start of this period, allowing for more focus on growth, consolidation and future planning.

The 2002-2003 period was characterized by an expansion and strengthening of both the educational and research activities of the Centre, the excellence of which was recognized through the granting of a number of awards and research grants and contracts.

Strong continued growth is envisioned in the educational and research activities of C-FIR in the coming year (2003-2004). It is projected that the levels of research funding and external contract work (to support C-FIR operations) will continue to grow in the coming year. Our foray into climate change is expected to provide some tangible gains in the coming year and our incipient international efforts may lead to some interesting international collaborations.

Initial projections indicate that the Forest Ecology and Forest Policy and Management streams will continue to be oversubscribed, and C-FIR will continue to work to meet the demand for the program. The most pressing need identified for the coming year is to hire a wildlife biologist, which has been identified as the major hole in the current program. There are a number of options being explored to realize this. The upcoming year will also present challenges in terms of integrating the various incipient climate change initiatives discussed above within both C-FIR and the Environmental Studies program.

During the upcoming year, C-FIR will investigate the feasibility of establishing a more formal co-op program. At present, students enrolled in the forestry-related streams are very successful in securing summer employment with forest-related organizations, but a more formal program would bring some stability and continuity to this effort.

The next few months will also see C-FIR completing its acquisition of research equipment, thus enabling more robust research programs to be undertaken.