Facilitating Knowledge Exchange Between FIA-Forest Science Proponents and End-users

Project Abstract:
In its 2004-2008 strategic plan, the Forest Investment Account Forest Science Program articulates a vision that the “FIA Forest Science Program will be a world leader in providing credible and relevant scientific knowledge to support sustainable forest management policies and practices.” To achieve this vision, it has developed a forest science research program that continues to contribute scientific knowledge to address the information needs and priorities of those who plan and manage British Columbia’s public forest lands. To support the exchange of knowledge that gets generated from it’s research programs, the FIA Forest Science Program has also funded a British Columbia Provincial Forest Extension Program (PFEP, Program) to work with knowledge providers such as FIA Forest Science Program Proponents to extend the knowledge generated from their research activities through a comprehensive program of technology transfer, development and extension education, and participatory strategies (Hollstedt 2008). This project will oversee the program implementation and leadership associated with improving the effectiveness and efficiency in knowledge exchange between FIA-Forest Science Program Proponents and those who plan and manage the public forested landbase. Activities such as publishing LINK newsletter articles outlining the specific management implications of research results, Forest Science Corner, where current research underway is highlighted, and peer assist to support research proponents with their workshops or information sessions enabling them to link the policy and management communities are some of the examples of extension activities that will be provided within this project. As part of the support also given by the PFEP within this project will be providing guidance on project evaluation so that the information collected by the research proponents on usefulness and use of their research results will add them in their future effort. To this end, products such as guidance documents and on demand workshops to FIA-Forest Science Proponents will be undertaken throughout the year.

For further information on this project, please contact Kathie.Swift@forrex.org.