A research initiative in New Brunswick is harnessing satellite imaging and artificial intelligence to locate and forecast the presence of aged forests, aiming to enhance forest management practices. Spearheaded by the Northern Hardwoods Research Institute at its Edmundston base, the project is backed by funding from the Canadian Space Agency. Utilizing data from satellites that traverse the same forested regions weekly, the team is striving to equip forestry managers with the necessary tools to safeguard old forests housing intricate ecosystems vital for the survival of various species.
Gaetan Pelletier, the institute’s executive director, emphasized the significance of these unique ecosystems, highlighting the current lack of technology to identify them preemptively before logging activities commence. The project not only identifies old forest types but also monitors changes over time, facilitated by satellites equipped with approximately 10 sensors for data collection. This data aids in tracking elements like dead trees, windfalls, and trees serving as habitats for specific species.
Among the species reliant on old forests, the chimney swift stands out as a well-known inhabitant. Pelletier noted that chimney swifts occupy urban chimneys and hollow trees in natural settings, emphasizing the critical role of old forests as habitats for this species. The project aims to collect two layers of data using satellite technology: one to identify large forested areas likely to harbor hollow trees and another to pinpoint specific hollow trees. Future plans include integrating live maps into harvester machines’ navigation systems, directing operators away from critical habitats.
The endeavor is slated to run for 18 to 24 months, with the team targeting the provision of testing solutions by March 2026. The ultimate objective is to have prototype map data finalized and available for forestry practitioners across New Brunswick by the following autumn. This venture is among 20 projects nationwide receiving backing from the Canadian Space Agency. The Northern Hardwoods Research Institute secured a $250,000 grant from the agency, with the total project expenditure estimated at $500,000.