Light is being shined on the forest sector in Kenora this week.
An International Union of Forest Research Organizations conference is being held at the Clarion Lakeside Inn and Discovery Centre.
John Pineau, a provincial leader with FP Innovations helping host the event, explained why it is being held.
“Basically, people who work in what I’d call continuing education in the forest sector. That’s an oversimplification, but it’s extension, knowledge exchange, tech transfer,” Pineau said. “When it comes down to it, it’s communicating and educating people on how you do things in new innovative ways, and it’s exciting stuff.”
IUFRO unites more than 15,000 scientists in almost 700 member organizations in over 110 countries.
Its mission is to advance research excellence and knowledge sharing, and to foster the development of science-based solutions to forest-related challenges.
Pineau discussed why Kenora was chosen as the venue for this event.
“We really want to make Kenora one of the main hubs for these types of events,” Pineau said. “You have some great forest sector activity going on. Some really good solid forestry – Ontario is second to none in terms of sustainable forest management practices. There’s also some good sector rejuvenation in terms of milling, Kenora Forest Products is open again, Weyerhaeuser is strong here. There are a lot of small groups doing different types of saw-milling and secondary manufacturing of wood products. It’s just a logical, great place.”
There are 30 delegates presenting throughout the four-day conference. Tomorrow, the group is heading for a tour of the Experimental Lakes Area before wrapping things up Thursday at the Discovery Centre.