Strategies for more accurate and predictable private forest supply

Description

The creation of protected areas and increasing pressures on public forests suggest a potential reduction in the volumes available for industrial supply. In this context, Quebec's private forests represent a strategic alternative offering superior silvicultural yields, greater proximity to markets, and a harvesting potential that remains only partially tapped (Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, 2020; Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec, 2023). This master's thesis aims to quantify the volume gains that can be achieved by implementing timber mobilization strategies in private forests and to improve the predictability of supply.

The project will begin with a literature review to contextualize the situation in Quebec in relation to studies and experiences conducted elsewhere in the world (Orazio et al., 2017). An analysis of timber flows and available production resources will then be conducted in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, considering logistical, organizational, and economic constraints. More specifically, the project will focus on aligning available resource development budgets, forest management-specific tax policies, and technical harvesting methods, drawing on the work of Olschewski et al. (2019).

Expected results include developing scenarios incorporating different management plans, infrastructure, technical tools and logistics strategies.

Interested candidates can apply by sending their application (including CVs, transcripts and motivation letter) to the following email address: recrutement@forac.ulaval.ca or contact the professor to discuss the project directly: Luc LeBel, professor, Faculté de Forestry, Geography and Geomatics, Luc.Lebel@sbf.ulaval.ca

Application Deadline

November 28, 2026