Efforts by the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management (ForEM) to advance digital forestry education will receive a big boost thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Acadian Timber Corp. and its largest shareholder, Macer Forest Holdings Inc. The investment is being made as part of the McKenna Institute's drive in support of the digital transformation of New Brunswick's economy.
This significant investment will support the establishment of a new digital ForEM stream within UNB's existing master of forestry professional degree program, including curriculum development, instructors, research practicums and partial to full study or research stipends to build enrollment momentum and awareness of the program. Digital forestry students will collaborate on applied projects focused on modeling forest growth, operational planning, or environmental monitoring on Acadian Timber lands, using tools such as remote sensing, digital twinning, and AI-driven decision support.
Part of the investment will be used to renovate space in the Forestry and Environmental Management Building to create a welcoming learning environment and access to new technologies, including computers and software. The renovated digital forestry lab will be home to 60 new workstations with updated teaching technology and improved room infrastructure.
The investment was announced by Malcolm Cockwell, chairman of Acadian Timber Corp. and principal of Macer Forest Holdings Inc.
"Acadian Timber is proud to support the evolution of forestry education at UNB," Cockwell said. "Our team has always used technology to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of our operations - but there is opportunity for so much more improvement. By contributing to and collaborating with UNB, we expect to advance our own practices while deepening the capacity of this leading research and education institution."
"We are deeply grateful for this timely and strategic investment," said Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor at UNB. "Acadian Timber is ensuring UNB has the resources it needs to operate at the leading edge of forestry innovation in the era of AI and machine learning."
"This isn't just an investment in future foresters: it is an investment in the future of forests, the future of Canadian industry, and the future of our world, which is inextricably bound to sustainable forest management," said Mazerolle.
The Hon. Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute at UNB, said "New Brunswick's economy has been defined by bold entrepreneurs who were willing to seize the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. This historic initiative will help position New Brunswick as a hub for sustainable, data-driven forestry while advancing the transformative impact of digital education in legacy industries."
UNB's forestry programs are among the oldest in Canada, and its faculty of forestry and environmental management is the only one of its kind in the Atlantic region.
About Acadian Timber Corp.
Acadian Timber Corp. is one of the largest timberland owners in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern U.S. with a total of approximately 2.4 million acres of land under management. Acadian Timber Corp. is leveraging the ecological functions of its land and the operational expertise of its team to address pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity. The company is listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN.
About The McKenna Institute
The McKenna Institute fuels economic growth and social progress by advancing the use of digital technologies in New Brunswick. The Institute collaborates to accelerate our talent pipeline, nurture ideas and enable all New Brunswick communities to thrive in a digital world.
