Unit 4 - Forest Research: Past Application


Lesson 1: Case Study: The Company at Hinton


In order to be of value, the forest industry must put forest research into action to reflect new advancements in science.

Once upon a time, Canada's forest industry was very low-tech, relying on lumber jacks and horses to drag logs out of the woods. Not so anymore. In fact, the forest industry is now the largest consumer of new technology in Canada. Databases, computer modeling, and satellite imagery are commonly used to protect and manage our vast forests.

In this unit, we will consider a real-life example of how one forestry company in Alberta applied research and development to improve its forest management practices over the years.


Mill Construction 1956; Photo SGV Hart
Courtesy fRI


Case Study: The Company at Hinton

Alberta's first pulp mill company, originally known as North Western Pulp and Power Ltd., undertook management of the publicly-owned forests surrounding Hinton in 1954. Not only was it the first pulp mill in Alberta, it was the first to use lodgepole pine as a major component. It was the first major Canadian forest industry to commit to sustained-yield forestry, it established a unique partnership between government and industry, and it allowed scientists to apply their knowledge on a grand scale. Since its beginning, this company has illustrated how scientific research can be effectively applied to everyday operations in the forest. In fact, this company set a new standard for forest management in Canada and is still recognized today for its cutting edge forestry practices.

As you read through the next parts of this unit, you will find out how, over the years, this particular forestry company has applied science and technology to solve problems and improve forest management.