Centre for Boreal Research

Purpose
The project aims to address the decline of Canadian woodland caribou populations by restoring their critical winter forage habitat, specifically terrestrial lichen communities, which have been significantly disturbed due to factors such as predation, habitat loss from fire, and industrial development. The slow natural re-establishment of lichens (taking up to 100 years) necessitates exploring alternative restoration methods like lichen transplantation and seeding to expedite habitat recovery.

Project Overview
Spring 2025

Project Overview
The project will investigate the feasibility of using lichen transplantation and seeding techniques to restore harvested forest areas for woodland caribou habitats. The key activities include:

• Synthesis of lichen transplantation technologies: Reviewing current practices and research to develop effective methods for lichen re-establishment.
• Assessment of historical transplantation sites: Evaluating long-term efficacy and conditions under which past transplantation efforts succeeded.
• Greenhouse and field trials: Testing deployment methods and factors such as different sizes of lichen fragments, substrates, and transplantation seasons to identify optimal conditions for lichen growth.

The findings will provide practical guidance for restoring terrestrial lichen habitats, contributing to the conservation of woodland caribou.

Purpose 
To restore legacy well pads in boreal peatlands to their natural state. This includes the complete removal of mineral fill and the application of the Moss Layer Transfer Technique (MLTT) to ensure the re-establishment of peatland vegetation. The project aims to enhance ecological functionality and biodiversity within the wetland areas, improving their capacity to provide ecosystem services.

Expected Completion Date
March 2028

Project Overview
The project involves the restoration of two well pads and an access road built in a peatland complex near Entwistle, AB. Key activities include the removal of mineral fill, adjustment of buried peat, collection and transfer of moss donors, and planting of trees in the first two years, followed by extensive monitoring of vegetation establishment and growth over the next four years. The findings will help improve the effectiveness of removing well pad footprints and restoring ecological functions and services provided by boreal peatland ecosystems across Alberta.