Knowledge transfer and extension in the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership: From awareness to uptake

Knowledge transfer, including awareness, transfer, extension, training, and education activities, was purposely incorporated into the Canadian Ecology Centre – Forestry Research Partnership (CEC-FRP) at an early stage as part of an adaptive management approach. Over the course of 7 years, the level of involvement from researchers, policy-makers, and forest resource managers in knowledge transfer activities progressed from passive to interactive participation, with each successive stage requiring greater attention to timing and the capacity of participants to take in new knowledge. An interactive approach, dubbed core teams, proved essential in overcoming barriers to the flow of knowledge into practice. Four case examples: (1) revising growth and yield predictions, (2) integrating spatial and nonspatial landscape analysis tools, (3) developing and applying advanced silvicultural decision-making, and (4) applying spray delivery systems, are used to convey the success of knowledge transfer and extension efforts in the CEC-FRP and the essential role of the core teams. Physical, human, and financial resources, coupled with strong involvement by partner organizations, were key factors in the success of knowledge transfer efforts. Key words: active adaptive management, forest management