Forestry & Resource Analysis
Our Forestry and Resource Analysis Team brings decades of on-the-ground experience to the complex decisions that shape BC's forests, watersheds, and natural landscapes.
What We Do
OUR CORE SERVICES
At the heart of PRI's forestry practice is a collaborative team of foresters, forest ecology specialists, and GIS and geomatics experts — united by a shared commitment to delivering strategic, data-driven solutions for the natural resource sector. Drawing on over a century of combined technical experience, we pair deep field expertise with cutting-edge spatial technology to help clients navigate the complexity of modern forest resource management. From boots-on-the-ground field collection and advanced remote sensing — LiDAR, drone, and InSAR — to sophisticated forest modelling and interactive decision-support dashboards, we support clients at every stage of the data lifecycle. Based in Western Canada, we serve Indigenous communities, government agencies, private investment firms, and community forests across the globe, helping each find the right balance between environmental responsibility, social values, and economic outcomes.
Ecological Services
FROM FOREST FLOOR TO CANOPY, ECOLOGICAL INSIGHT THAT INFORMS EVERY DECISION.
PRI delivers comprehensive ecological services that support sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Our work blends field data, remote sensing, and predictive modeling to provide accurate, actionable insights across diverse landscapes.
- Data Collection & 3rd Party Assessments
- Predictive Ecosystem & Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping
- Drought/Frost Risk Mapping
- Climate Change Mitigation Assessments
- Wildlife Habitat Modeling
- Site Productivity Assessments
Photo-Interpreted Inventories
SEEING THE FOREST AND THE TREES – WITH PRECISION
PRI offers certified photo-interpreted inventory services backed by deep regional expertise and a commitment to accuracy. Our team includes experienced photo-interpreters with extensive knowledge of BC, Alberta and Ontario forests.
- Over 4.5 million hectares of VRI inventoried area
- Over 4.7 million hectares of 3rd Party quality control
- Certified VRI photo-interpreters with coastal & interior experience
Growth & Yield Modeling, Data Collection & Monitoring Programs
FORECASTING THE FOREST SO YOU CAN PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
PRI delivers robust growth and yield modeling services to support long-term forest management and strategic planning. Our team uses regionally adapted models and standardized inventory methods to track forest growth, treatment impacts, and future stand dynamics and site productivity. By combining accurate data with proven modeling tools, we help clients forecast growth, assess management strategies, and make data-informed decisions for sustainable forestry.
- BC growth & yield models: TASS/TIPSY and VDYP
- AB/SK growth & yield models: GYPSY, MGM
- International growth & yield models: Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS), YTGen, Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
Enhanced Predictive Forest Inventory
SMARTER INVENTORY. SHARPER DECISIONS. BETTER FORESTS.
PRI combines remote sensing technology with expert interpretation to deliver high-resolution, Enhanced Predictive Forest inventories. Using a hybrid approach, we integrate LiDAR, satellite imagery, ground plots, and ancillary datasets to produce detailed, accurate forest metrics at scale.
- Data Integration: LiDAR, imagery, ground plots, & supporting data (climate, terrain, administrative layers)
- Hybrid Inventory Method: Semi-automated, area-based & Individual Tree Inventory (ITI) approach
- Hybrid Inventory Method: Semi-automated, area-based & Individual Tree Inventory (ITI) approach
- Gross & merchantable volumes, basal area, height, DBH, age, crown closure, species composition
- Vertical complexity and stand structure
- Carbon, biomass, & fuel loads
- Insect and disease impacts
- Merchandized product estimates by species & piece size
- Landcover Classification
Landscape Planning, Modeling & Analysis
SEEING THE WHOLE LANDSCAPE, SO EVERY DECISION FITS THE BIGGER PICTURE
PRI’s resource analysis team delivers high quality analysis products across Canada and internationally, at scales ranging from woodlots & Community Forests to landscape level assessments. Our team are experts in the use of a wide range of simulation and optimization models and have extensive experience in forest estate/stand level modeling and data analytics. We work closely with our clients to leverage technology and the best available information to optimize resource management decisions to balance environmental, social and management objectives while meeting sustainability requirements. Optionally, we also embed economic values (e.g. product/revenues, hauling & mill demands) to support informed, financially sound decision-making.
- Wildfire Risk Assessment & Mitigation Modeling
- Cumulative Impact Assessments
- Climate Change Impacts & Mitigation
- Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Reporting, Valuation, Modeling & Developing Projects
- Indigenous-Led Forest Landscape Planning & Modeling with Patchworks & STSM
- Forest Resource Analysis with multiple values, sectors/industries, economics & trade off analysis, with simple (clearcuts) to complex treatments (e.g., commercial thinning) with Patchworks or Remsoft’s Optimization Software Suite to support AAC Determinations.
- Small Parcel & Tenure Timber Valuations Net Present Value & Discounted Cashflow
Urban Forest Management Services
GREENER CITIES START WITH SMARTER URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT
PRI supports municipalities, planners, and communities in managing healthy, resilient urban forests. Through a combination of field data, GIS, and remote sensing, we deliver tailored solutions that enhance urban green spaces and reduce environmental risks.
- Wildfire Risk Assessments
- Analysis Support & Economic Valuation of Urban Forests
- Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Reporting, Valuation, and Developing Projects
- GIS Support & Data Collection for Street Tree & Urban Forest Inventory, supplemented by remote sensing
First Nations Capacity Building & Support
STRONGER COMMUNITIES. STRONGER STEWARSHIP. BUILT FROM WITHIN.
PRI is committed to supporting Indigenous communities through tools, training, and services that strengthen self-determination, enhance land stewardship, and support informed decision-making. Our approach is grounded in respect, collaboration, and data sovereignty.
- Referral Tracking & Automation: Streamlined systems to support Lands Office operations
- Governance Tools: Custom update tools for Chief and Council
- G2G Negotiation Support: Technical expertise to support government-to-government processes
- Funding Support: Assistance with funding applications and project design
- Capacity Building: Training in GIS, drones, environmental monitoring and supporting FN analysts
- Technical Representation: Support at government and industry program tables
- Landscape & Cultural Planning: Including Cultural Values Mapping and Landscape Management Planning, Cultural Plant Mapping and Prediction Modeling