Cold Lake Wetland Trial

The H38 Wetland is a completed Reclamation Trial that was developed to support future wetland reclamation in the oil sands region, which was of increasing importance given the greater priority being put on wetlands by the provincial government with the Alberta Wetland Policy. The objective of this program was the re-establishment of a naturally occurring wetland with a functioning ecosystem whose characteristics are as close to possible to conditions before alteration. The yearly monitoring reports from 2010-2015 briefly outline monitoring results, pad construction details, and analysis methods. Annual site monitoring included spring and fall water quality assessments, which were compared to those of natural wetlands, along with evaluations of water levels, vegetation establishment, and wildlife use (e.g. amphibians).

The complete removal of the clay pad is not necessary and supports the establishment of a marsh wetland. Future reclamation trials should focus on the partial removal of pads. To prevent cattail establishment, reclamation activities should plant or seed characteristic peatland species or transplant live peat.