The Digital Forester

Kevin Lim
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Foresters that have embraced digital technologies to transform the business of forestry share their experiences and lessons learned in this podcast.

  1. JAN 29

    Derrick Emsley - veritree

    SummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Lim interviews Derrick Emsley, CEO of veritree and co-founder of tentree. They discuss Derrick's entrepreneurial journey, the founding of tentree, and the transition to veritree, a technology platform designed to enhance reforestation efforts. Derrick shares insights into the challenges of verifying tree planting projects and the innovative technology veritree employs, including geospatial analysis and blockchain for transparency. The discussion highlights the importance of trust in environmental initiatives and the potential for technology to drive impactful change in sustainability. In this conversation, Derrick Emsley discusses the challenges and opportunities in the reforestation sector, particularly focusing on verification standards and the importance of transparency. He highlights successful projects in Kenya and Canada, emphasizing the impact of partnerships. Derrick also shares insights on the role of AI in enhancing reforestation efforts and the significance of understanding the core problems in the industry. He concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of being problem-focused rather than solution-obsessed.Takeaways- Derrick Emsley started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age.- tentree was created to connect consumers with tree planting initiatives.- veritree emerged from the need for better verification in reforestation.- Technology plays a crucial role in monitoring and verifying tree planting.- Blockchain can enhance trust in environmental projects.- Derrick's background in Saskatchewan influenced his work ethic and values.- The importance of community support in entrepreneurship.- veritree's technology connects funders with restoration projects.- The role of geospatial technology in project design and implementation.- Trust is essential for the success of digital environmental products. Verification standards can create challenges in reforestation.- Transparency is key to overcoming verification issues.- Successful partnerships can lead to significant impact.- Traveling to project sites enhances understanding and motivation.- Diverse reforestation initiatives include mangroves and agroforestry.- AI can streamline workflows and improve data insights.- Setting ambitious goals can drive team motivation.- Quality of tree planting is as important as quantity.- Understanding the problem is crucial for entrepreneurs.- Real-world experience is essential for identifying industry challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction to veritree and tentree02:56 Derrick Emsley's Early Journey and Entrepreneurial Roots06:06 The Genesis of tentree and Its Impact09:11 Transitioning to veritree: The Need for Technology12:01 Building Technology for Reforestation15:00 Understanding veritree's Technology and Applications17:52 Customer Engagement and Project Implementation21:09 The Role of Blockchain in veritree24:02 Future of Reforestation and Technology27:52 Navigating Verification Challenges in Reforestation33:00 Highlighting Successful Projects and Partnerships38:05 The Impact of Travel on Project Insights40:55 Exploring Diverse Reforestation Initiatives45:03 The Role of AI in Enhancing Reforestation Efforts48:45 Scaling Goals: Challenges and Opportunities51:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    55 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    Jason Dain - Remsoft

    Jason Dain, Director of Product - Forest Operations at Remsoft, joins The Digital Forester podcast to share his incredible journey from Ottawa’s outdoors to leading forestry tech innovation. Jason reflects on 25+ years in forestry and technology, from boots-on-the-ground operations to global digital transformation. We explore how forestry practices have evolved, the three seismic tech shifts that changed the industry, and why bridging the gap between people and technology is critical for success. Jason also dives into AI’s role in forestry, future visions of remote harvesting, and the puzzle he’s determined to solve before retirement. Tune in for insights on sustainability, climate adaptation, and advice for the next generation of foresters. Topics Covered: Jason’s early connection to nature and the Junior Ranger programCombining forestry and technology: from BASIC programming to Trimble Forestry to RemsoftEvolution of forestry practices: analog to digital transformationThree major tech shifts: land divestiture, certification, SaaS adoptionChallenges in digital adoption and overcoming resistanceAI in forestry: short, medium, and long-term use casesFuture vision: remote and autonomous harvestingClimate change impacts and adaptive forestry practicesThe ultimate puzzle: closing the feedback loop between planning and reality

    51 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Levi Farrand - Deep Forestry

    Levi Farrand, CEO of Deep Forestry, joins The Digital Forester podcast to share his incredible journey from adventure guide and naval diver in Australia to leading a cutting-edge forest tech company in Sweden. Deep Forestry is pioneering fully autonomous LiDAR-equipped drones that can fly beneath the forest canopy, creating highly detailed digital twins of forests for inventory, planning, and carbon projects. Levi takes us through the early startup days—bootstrapping with his co-founder, recruiting his first engineer from a rock-climbing gym, and proving that their system could map every tree in a stand with accuracy rivaling or surpassing traditional field methods. We dive into the challenges of scaling AI-driven forest mapping, the future of sub-canopy drones in commercial and conservation forestry, and why Levi believes democratizing access to this technology will transform decision-making in forests around the world. If you care about data-driven forestry, carbon transparency, and the future of forest management, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Covered: Levi’s journey from adventure guide and naval diver to tech founderBuilding Deep Forestry from a startup idea to a global solutionThe role of autonomous LiDAR drones in creating digital twins of forestsStartup challenges: bootstrapping, networks, and early adoptersPrecision and accuracy in sub-canopy forest measurementsApplications for inventory, carbon markets, and time-series monitoringPricing models and the shift from hardware to service-based deliveryScaling innovation: batteries, lighter LiDAR, and AI pipelinesOpportunities in diverse forests vs. monoculturesLevi’s vision for democratizing access to affordable forest mapping tools

    53 min

  4. 09/09/2025

    Alex Deslauriers - FireSwarm Solutions

    Alex Deslauriers, Co-Founder & CEO of FireSwarm Solutions, joins The Digital Forester podcast to share how his personal loss to wildfire sparked a mission to transform how we fight fires. With a background in aerospace engineering and search and rescue, Alex and his team at FireSwarm Solutions are developing heavy-lift drones, swarm intelligence, and AI-driven systems to deliver water and suppression agents faster, safer, and more effectively. We explore Alex’s journey, the challenges of wildfire management in a changing climate, and how technology and partnerships are redefining what’s possible on the fire line. If you care about innovation, resilience, and the future of wildfire response, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Covered: Alex’s background in aerospace and SAR (search and rescue)The personal impact of the 2023 BC wildfiresFounding FireSwarm Solutions and its missionHeavy-lift drones and swarm technology for wildfire suppressionUsing AI to coordinate rapid response in high-risk conditionsThe role of partnerships and collaboration in scaling innovationChallenges of bringing aerospace tech into forestry operationsThe future vision for wildfire management: speed, safety, resilience

    56 min

  5. 07/15/2025

    Domenico Iannidinardo & Aaron Fujikawa - Strategic Natural Resource Group

    Domenico Iannidinardo, CEO, and Aaron Fujikawa, Director of Remote Sensing & Geomatics at Strategic Natural Resource Group (SNRgroup), join us on The Digital Forester podcast to share how they're navigating the future of forestry and resource management in British Columbia. Domenico brings decades of leadership experience from the forest industry, while Aaron shares how Strategic’s tech-forward mindset is driving innovation with GIS, remote sensing, and operational analytics. Together, they break down how a boots-on-the-ground culture and Indigenous majority ownership are helping the company respond to today’s biggest forestry challenges — from wildfires to shifting tenure models. If you’re curious about where digital forestry meets field operations, this is the episode for you. Topics Covered: Domenico’s transition from forest industry executive to CEO of StrategicAaron’s background in GIS and 15+ years leading geospatial innovationThe founding story and evolution of Strategic Natural Resource GroupShifting BC forestry tenures and Indigenous leadershipWildfires, spill response, and rapid deployment operationsEmbracing technology: GPS, drones, LiDAR, and digital twinsStrategic Natural Resource Group's approach to building dashboards and data portalsHow remote sensing and field data fuel better planningThe intersection of climate change, land management, and techRecruiting and retaining top talent in forestry and natural resources

    55 min

  6. 07/03/2025

    Lorne Carson - Carson Integrated

    Lorne Carson, President of Carson Integrated, joins us on The Digital Forester podcast to share his journey from the East Coast to building a diverse group of companies rooted in Western Canada. Lorne walks us through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in forestry, energy, and environmental services. We talk about the state of forestry in Western Canada, challenges with wildfire and regulation, and where real innovation is happening today — including AI, exoskeletons for field crews, and even augmented reality. Tune in to hear how Lorne's boots-on-the-ground approach, willingness to pivot, and passion for people have shaped a resilient, tech-savvy forestry business built to last. Topics Covered: Lorne’s path into forestry and move from the East Coast to AlbertaStarting Carson Integrated and evolving beyond traditional consultingBuilding and winding down multiple businesses: safety, GIS, rentalsState of forestry in Western Canada vs. British ColumbiaEntrepreneurial lessons in timing, failure, and resilienceThe impact of wildfires and adapting operations in real timeTechnology trends: data overload, machine learning, and AIUsing exoskeletons in forestry fieldworkVision for AR/VR and immersive digital forestry toolsChallenges of innovation adoption in woodlands operationsThe future of Carson Integrated and Western Canadian forestry

    56 min

  7. 06/12/2025

    Howard Butler - Hobu Inc.

    In this episode of The Digital Forester, Howard Butler, President of Hobu Inc., shares his journey from agricultural roots to leading innovation in open-source geospatial software. We explore the evolution of tools like GDAL, PDAL, and Entwine, and how they're transforming forestry, especially in handling and visualizing massive point cloud datasets. Howard explains how technologies like SilviMetric are modernizing forestry analytics and data management. He also shares thoughts on the future of lidar, cloud-optimized formats, AI, and what’s next for scalable, open geospatial systems. A must-listen for digital foresters and GIS professionals. Topics Covered: Howard’s path from agriculture to GIS and open-source softwareFounding of Hobu Inc. and the philosophy behind open sourceKey projects: GDAL, PROJ, PDAL, Entwine, and Cloud Optimized Point CloudsHow PDAL emerged with support from the U.S. Army Corps of EngineersForestry applications: point cloud processing, classification, and raster generationSilviMetric: developed with the U.S. Forest Service for forestry metric analysisThe role of cloud-native formats and scalable data accessAdoption across governments, research, and industryAI, Gaussian splatting, and the future of 3D geospatial analysisAdvice for getting started with geospatial tools

    1 hr

  8. 05/27/2025

    Dr. Nicholas Coops - UBC

    Dr. Nicholas Coops, Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing at UBC, joins The Digital Forester podcast to talk about his journey through forestry, research, and innovation. We explore how remote sensing has evolved, its impact on forest management, and what’s next for the field. From global monitoring to cutting-edge projects, Nicholas shares insights from decades at the forefront of forest science. Topics Covered: - Dr. Coops’ career path and early influences in remote sensing - The role of remote sensing in modern forestry - Building the Integrated Remote Sensing Studio at UBC - Shifts in satellite data, LiDAR, and forest inventory methods - Translating academic research into operational tools - Upcoming SilviLaser 2025 conference in Quebec City, Canada - Challenges and opportunities in global forest monitoring - Mentorship, leadership, and collaboration in science - Dr. Coops’ perspective on what’s next for digital forestry

    58 min
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About

Foresters that have embraced digital technologies to transform the business of forestry share their experiences and lessons learned in this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Lim
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kevin Lim
  • Show Website
    The Digital Forester