Not only you can prevent wildfires: Northern Arizona Univ. study finds AI could automate forestry tasks

A research team from Northern Arizona University has found practical applications for artificial intelligence in forestry management, with AI showing promise for automating tasks and improving forest modeling. The findings could provide a foundation for policy changes and further research as the technology continues to develop in natural resource management.

What they’re saying: NAU master’s graduate Luke Ritter emphasized AI’s potential for comprehensive forest management applications.

• “AI, more specifically to forestry, shows a lot of promise for automating certain tasks. So that could be like paper work types of tasks or it could be data collection,” he said.
• Ritter noted that AI could enable “more comprehensive and accurate modeling for how a forest will grow and respond to management actions.”

Why workers aren’t worried: The hands-on nature of forestry work means AI is viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for human workers.

• Forest management professionals weren’t concerned about being displaced by AI technology, according to Ritter’s research.
• The physical, field-based requirements of forestry create natural boundaries for where AI can be most effectively applied.

Looking ahead: The research team hopes their work will influence both policy development and future studies in AI-assisted forest management.

• The findings could serve as a foundation for regulatory frameworks governing AI use in natural resource management.
• Additional research opportunities may emerge as AI technology continues advancing in environmental applications.