COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA
CNC, Lheidli T'enneh build forestry technology skills through hands-on boot camp

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) and Lheidli T'enneh First Nation are building on a growing partnership through hands-on training in emerging technologies used in forestry and natural resource management.

CNC's Natural Resources and Forest Technology team recently delivered the first portion of a remote sensing boot camp for members of the Lheidli T'enneh forestry department. The training introduced participants to tools and techniques including drones, LiDAR, geographic information systems (GIS), satellite and multispectral technology, GPS data collection and forest inventory.

The boot camp was developed following a LiDAR workshop held at CNC earlier this year. After participating in that session, the Lheidli T'enneh forestry team approached CNC about an opportunity to explore the technology and its applications in greater depth.

"This is a great example of how we can respond directly to the needs of our community partners and share the expertise and technology we have at CNC," said Dr. Pablo Crespell, FTI, Applied Research. "These tools are increasingly important in forestry and natural resource management, and hands-on training gives participants an opportunity to see how they can be applied to real-world work."

Crespell and Natural Resources and Forest Technology instructor Greg Rose led the training, which combined theory with practical data collection and mission planning. Participants explored regulatory requirements, sensor calibration, drone operations and data acquisition, along with methods for collecting and managing remote sensing information.

As part of the practical training, participants collected data at Cottonwood Island Nature Park. A second session is planned to focus on analyzing that information, including forest inventory, project reconstruction and data management.

"The LiDAR training has provided our forestry and emergency management departments with valuable skills and a better understanding of how LiDAR imagery can be used to support forestry planning and management," said Sadia Zannat, Emergency Management Officer / Data Portal Administrator & Analyst for Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. "The ability to work with detailed LiDAR data will help us better understand forest structure, terrain, and landscape conditions, while also improving our ability to analyze and visualize our lands."

The boot camp also opens the door to further collaboration between CNC and Lheidli T'enneh. Future opportunities could include additional training, joint projects and support around the acquisition and use of remote sensing equipment.

CNC is also exploring the development of a micro-credential related to drone operations, which could provide another opportunity for collaboration.

"Forestry is changing as technology gives us new ways to understand and manage the land," said Rose.

CNC hopes to continue offering remote sensing training to forestry and natural resource professionals throughout the region as part of its commitment to responsive, applied learning and supporting the workforce needs of northern B.C.