Mapping Biophysical Hazard Windthrow BC Coast

Offer Description

Project Overview

The BC coast is one of the most ecologically significant temperate rainforests in the world. Recent planning guidelines (Ecosystem Based Management guidance documents – updated 2024) that include tolerances for the amount of windthrow in reserves required for various values. As well, it has guidance for a proportion of cutblocks in the Retention Silvicultural System depending on landscape context. This guidance is waived when most of the area in a proposed cutblock has a High to Very High biophysical hazard for windthrow.

This project aims to develop a geospatial modeling framework to estimate Biophysical Hazard for Windthrow across the G , integrating Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) and other data sources and hazard components.

• Combine LS‑based stand inventory, Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) and digital terrain data to model windthrow hazard.
• Develop hazard indices for:
  • Stand Hazard (density, height, diameter, species composition)
  • Topographic Exposure (Topex) Hazard (wind exposure, speed‑up zones)
• Validate hazard mapping using remote sensing and potential ground‑truthing.
• Collaborate with experts and apply concepts from the 2022 Coastal Windthrow Management Manual.

• Enrolled or eligible for a Master of Science (MSc) in Forestry or related field.
• Strong background in LiDAR, remote sensing and spatial analysis.
• Interest in forest ecology, disturbance dynamics and applied management.
• Experience with LiDAR data and/or terrain modeling is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with researchers and practitioners.

• Hands‑on experience in applied forest management research in one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.
• Advanced skills in geospatial modeling and hazard assessment.
• Opportunities to collaborate with UBC F&E Faculty, First Nation and Provincial government agencies and industry partners.
• Contribution to landscape‑level planning tools for sustainable forest management.

A two‑year stipend @ 40K CAD per year is available. Details will be discussed during the application process.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-59045 during correspondence about this position. Applicants must complete an online application to the University of British Columbia and gain admission as a graduate student. For more information, visit the researcher profile of the supervisor.