Site Identification for Ecological Criteria for Pad Reclamation

There may be many instances where functioning forest ecosystems develop on pads and the surrounding ecosystem is not impacted. If this outcome can be predicted, pad removal efforts can be focused on pads where off-pad impacts are most likely to occur. Furthermore, it could lead to better understanding of reclamation techniques needed to reclaim pads left in place to minimize off-pad impacts. Potential outcomes: (1) decreased reclamation costs by leaving select pads in place; (2) increased availability of funds and effort for reclamation of peatland areas where pads are removed with potential for improved ecological outcomes; and (3) increased knowledge for reclaiming pads in place. The study goal is to identify characteristics of the pad, pad material, vegetation, reclamation status and position in the landscape that either impact or have no impact on health and function of the surrounding peatland ecosystem as indicated by vegetation composition, cover and health and water chemistry. Using this information, a decision matrix will be developed so that ecological criteria and pad characteristics can be used to provide guidance into whether or not the pad should be removed. Stage 1 is a small study to identify potential study locations.

As the first stage towards completing a larger project, 28 potential sites and corresponding reference sites were selected, with data charted for 49 sites in total. A detailed protocol for field data collection and analysis was developed, as well as estimated project budgets.