The Laurentian Forestry Centre: 50 Years and Counting

By Nathalie Chaperon
April 2010

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The Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC) — one of the five forestry centres of Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Canadian Forest Service (CFS) and the first federal institution officially dedicated to forestry in Quebec — is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The establishment of the centre marked a milestone in the history of Quebec forestry by bringing together under one roof scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge of Quebec’s forests.

The Beginnings

When the LFC was established in 1960, it comprised 30 scientists and professionals as well as a number of technicians and students. Researchers from other federal research centres and countries have gradually augmented the expertise of the LFC. During the early years, a tight-knit collaboration was forged with Université Laval, one that continues to this day.

At the time, the Laurentian Forest Research Centre (LFRC), as it was known then, focused its research mainly on the fight against tree pests and diseases. Entomologists studied the spruce budworm and jack pine sawfly, among other insects, while pathologists were interested primarily in coniferous rot, damping off and Dutch elm disease. Solid expertise in insect identification and tree disease diagnostics confirmed the LFRC’s role as a leader in the field.

Over the next two decades, the centre consolidated its scientific expertise and contributed to significant developments in a number of leading-edge areas of research. New disciplines were added, namely biological control and genetic enhancement, with major ramifications for forest management in Quebec.

The LFRC changed its name to Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC) in April 1986 and became responsible for forest development programs and joint agreements with the Government of Quebec.

In the 1990s, more areas of research were added, including biotechnology, genomics, forest ecosystem productivity and the impacts of climate change. The LFC also included community participation in its mandate with the establishment of the First Nations Forestry Program and the Model Forest Program.

50^th Anniversary Celebrations

A conference on insects and forest fires was held on February 11, 2010. The next day, staff activities celebrated the anniversary of the centre’s official inauguration, which took place on February 13, 1960.

It is fitting that various other activities will take place in May, since this is tree and forest month in Quebec. On May 11, an evening event will be held at the Musée de la civilisation in Québec City to pay tribute to those who have contributed to the success of the organization over the past fifty years. A commemorative video and a brochure about the first 50 years of the LFC will also be released on that occasion. At the same time, there will be a vernissage, or opening party, for the exhibit “Beyond the Trees/Entre les arbres,” prepared in conjunction with the Canadian Forest Service.

On Saturday, May 15, the LFC will open its doors to the public. Various activities — such as interactive kiosks, videos and historical photographs — will be set up to increase awareness of the centre’s work.

A forum on the future of forest science in Québec, open to the general public, will also be held in September 2010 in cooperation with Université Laval and other partners.

Looking to the Future

Today, the LFC has more than 125 regular employees in various scientific and professional disciplines as well as many graduates. All LFC employees have the same goal as their predecessors: to ensure the health and sustainability of Canada’s forests.

To learn more about the Canadian Forest Service and its forestry centres across Canada, visit the CFS Web site.