Workshops

IBFRA 2026 will host a series of interactive pre-conference workshops on Monday, August 24, 2026, offering participants the opportunity for in-depth learning and discussion prior to the main conference program.

Six workshop sessions will be offered: three in the morning and three in the afternoon, covering a range of topics related to boreal forest disturbance, resilience, methods, and applied research. Workshops are open to registered conference participants and are available at a cost of $50 CAD per session. Space may be limited for some workshops, and advance registration will be required. Stay tuned for detailed workshop descriptions and registration information.

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2026 Workshops

Lidar theory and application in boreal forests

Presented by Dr Nicholas Coops & members of the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio
University of British Columbia

This workshop introduces the basic foundations of lidar technology and its applications in boreal forest research and management. Participants will explore the basic principles of laser scanning, sensor configurations, data acquisition strategies, and sources of uncertainty, with a focus on how lidar captures forest structure and biomass. Ground based, airborne and satellite LIDAR technologies and datasets will be presented. By grounding participants in the science and interpretation of lidar data, this session provides context for translating these rich structural measurements into meaningful ecological and forestry insights. It serves as a conceptual foundation for the subsequent hands-on Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data processing workshop.

Fire&Ice Workshop: Mapping Boreal Wildfire Risk, Population Exposure, and Health

Presented by Johanna San Pedro
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

This workshop introduces Fire&Ice, an integrated modelling framework linking wildfire hazard, emissions, exposure, and health impacts across boreal regions. As wildfire regimes shift under climate change, decision-ready tools are needed to connect fire behaviour with demographic vulnerability and public health outcomes. Participants will explore the IIASA Fire&Ice workflow under SSP climate scenarios, focusing on the FLAM wildfire occurrence and spread model. Model outputs are translated into fire emissions and PM₂.₅ exposure to estimate health impacts and identify vulnerable populations and hotspots. The session supports improved preparedness, adaptation planning, and policy-relevant risk assessment in boreal fire management.

How to successfully transform knowledge and insights regarding climate change impacts into management action in boreal forestry?

Presented by Göran Hallsby
Forest Agency

Climate change is rapidly reshaping boreal forests, yet adaptation in forestry remains slow. This interactive workshop explores how to accelerate climate change adaptation efforts and strengthen resilience in boreal forest management. Participants will examine tools and strategies from research, agencies, and consulting, focusing on how knowledge of climate impacts can be effectively translated into management action. Following brief introductory presentations, roundtable discussions will address key challenges and opportunities across boreal regions. Outcomes will highlight successful approaches, monitoring practices, and lessons learned, and will be compiled into a workshop memo to support continued collaboration and practical adaptation across the boreal forestry community.

ALS processing for forest inventory using lidR

Presented by Liam K Irwin & members of the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio
University of British Columbia

This intensive workshop provides a comprehensive guide to processing Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data for forest inventory. The workshop uses open source functions from the lidR package in R at the beginner level with an overview of lidar, data management basics, and the generation of Forest inventory products including raster (chm, dem, metrics) and vector (tree tops and crowns) datasets.

Carbon Budget Model 4 (CBM4) Introductory Workshop

Presented by Stephen Kull
Natural Resources Canada

This workshop introduces the Carbon Budget Model 4 (CBM4), the latest open-source forest ecosystem carbon modeling framework developed by the Canadian Forest Service. CBM4 integrates over 35 years of science, simulates stand- and landscape-level carbon dynamics, and aligns with UNFCCC and IPCC reporting requirements. Participants will learn about the model’s development, structure, and scientific foundations through presentations and a facilitated, hands-on session. Attendees will install and run CBM4 using demonstration scenarios and gain practical experience generating results. The workshop provides an introduction to this spatially explicit, next-generation model for forest carbon accounting, supporting research, operational management, and greenhouse gas reporting needs.

Introductory workshop on Google Earth Engine: fundamentals and applications in ecology and forest management

Presented by Osvaldo Valeria
Centre for Forest Research/Centre d’étude de la forêt

This introductory workshop presents the fundamentals of Google Earth Engine (GEE) for ecological and forest management applications. Participants will explore the Code Editor environment, basic JavaScript logic, satellite image collections, spatial and temporal filtering, and vegetation indices such as NDVI. Applied examples will include species distribution modeling, habitat mapping, biomass estimation, and multi-temporal analyses for monitoring disturbances such as wildfire and insect outbreaks. The session introduces the capabilities of GEE and demonstrates how cloud-based geospatial analysis can support research and decision-making in boreal forest systems.

Program

  • Approximate cost: $150 per person

    The conference dinner will take place in the Grand Hall at the Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization) and include exclusive evening access to the exhibit.

    This event offers an opportunity to gather in a relaxed setting and connect with colleagues from across the global boreal forest research community. This social evening will celebrate collaboration, shared experiences, and the exchange of ideas in an informal atmosphere.

  • Approximate cost: $100

    Conference field trips provide participants with the opportunity to explore boreal forest landscapes and management sites near Québec City. These excursions will highlight regional research, management practices, and ecological processes relevant to the conference theme.

  • Approximate cost: $50 per person

    Workshops at IBFRA 2026 provide opportunities for in-depth learning, discussion, and collaboration on specific topics related to boreal forest research. These interactive sessions may focus on methods, tools, data synthesis, interdisciplinary approaches, or emerging challenges related to disturbance and resilience in boreal forests. Workshops are designed to encourage active participation and knowledge exchange among attendees.

  • Cost: free

    The icebreaker event marks the start of IBFRA 2026 and provides a welcoming space for participants to meet, reconnect, and build new connections. This informal gathering is designed to encourage conversation and set the tone for a collaborative conference.

  • Cost: free

    The early career event is designed to support students and early career researchers through networking, mentorship, and discussion with established researchers and practitioners. This event aims to foster professional development and strengthen connections within the IBFRA community.