Recent Projects

Seedlings about to be planted

The Association encourages and participates in research into forest genetics and tree improvement. To help foster students to study and conduct research in forest genetics and tree improvement the Association provides two annual awards to students of the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment at Lakehead University. Association awards are: 1) SWTIA Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement Course Award ($500), awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in Forestry 2130 and 2) SWTIA Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement Thesis Award ($1,000), awarded annually to a student completing an undergraduate thesis in forest genetics and tree improvement.

The Association actively participates in research projects. The following is a list of recent research projects the Association has participated in:

1. Evaluation of the Resistograph to Assess Wood Density and the Use of Multi-Trait Selection Index For Genetic Selection in Jack Pine.
• 2005-2007
• Partners: Forest Genetics Ontario, Forintek Canada, Ontario Forest Research Institute, McKenzie Forest Products, Bowater Canadian Forest Products, SWTIA
• Funding Partner: Forestry Futures Trust, Enhanced Forest Productivity Science Program.
2. Breeding and Testing of Selected Black Spruce and Jack Pine Genotypes for Increased Productivity.
   • 2005-2008
   • Partners: Forest Genetics Ontario, Weyerhaeuser Company, SWTIA
   • Funding Partner: Forestry Futures Trust, Enhanced Forest Productivity Science Program.
3. Adjustments to Seed Source Selections and Breeding Zones to Compensate for Predicted Climate Change in Ontario.
• 2005-2007
• Partners: Bill Parker and Kevin Crowe Lakehead University, KBM, SWTIA
• Funding Partner: Forestry Futures Trust, Enhanced Forest Productivity Science Program.
4. 
   Drilling with a resistograph
   Incorporating Wood Quality Traits in Black Spruce and Jack Pine Tree Improvement Programs in Northwestern Ontario for High-Quality and Maximum Fibre Yield Production.
• 2003-2004
• Partners: Forintek Canada, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Bowater Canadian Forest Products, Dryden Forest Management Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, SWTIA
• Funding Partner: Ontario Living Legacy Trust
5. Forest Genetics Ontario - New Second Generation Breeding Programs.
• 2001-2004
• Partners: Forest Ecosystem Science Co-op, Forest Genetics Ontario, Northeast Seed Management Association, SWTIA and members; Abitibi-Consolidated, Bowater Canadian Forest Products, Dryden Forest Management Company, Red Lake Forest Management Company, Weyerhaeuser Company.
• Funding Partner: Ontario Living Legacy Trust
6. Development of First-Generation Tree Improvement Programs in Northwestern Ontario.
• 2002-2004
• Partners: Domtar, Dryden Forest Management Company, Neenah Paper (Kimberly Clark), Weyerhaeuser Company
• Funding Partner: Ontario Living Legacy Trust