Riparian Vegetation And Reclamation Research – Phase II

Riparian research was initiated on the Suncor property by Geographic Dynamics Corp. as part of a larger, collaborative project funded by Suncor and Albian Sands. Phase I was the investigation of natural riparian systems. Phase II was the comparison between natural and reclaimed riparian ecosystems, as well as the development of a field guide. The 576 Riparian Classification and Reclamation Guide presents information on the identification, characterization, and implementation of re-vegetation and monitoring protocols on reclaimed landscapes within the oil sand region of north eastern Alberta. The purpose of the guide is to provide a classification system and associated information on plant autecology, synecology, and landscape reclamation for riparian ecosystems that can be used to effectively reclaim and re-vegetate disturbed sites in the oil sands region. The guide had two primary objectives: (1) identify, describe and characterize riparian plant communities and plant species in relation to soil, site, landform, nutrient and hydrological conditions; and (2) identify the controlling or limiting factors that determine the abiotic characteristics that dictate or influence how particular plant communities become established in riparian ecosystems.

The guide presents conclusions and recommendations based on summaries of riparian transect plot data, literature review and expert opinion. Because of limitations from the data currently available (limited sample size, differences in objectives set for different data sets used, etc.), interpretations should be made with caution. The guide does, however, provide more than adequate information about natural riparian systems that can be used as targets (objectives or natural analogs) to assist the user in making informed, ecologically-based decisions with respect to the emulation of natural conditions when developing strategies to create riparian ecosystems on reclaimed sites. Specific reclamation plans should not be based solely on this work, but added to knowledge of specific site conditions, management objectives and experience.