Kirby Linear Deactivation Program

Linear deactivation and reforestation treatments aim to reduce the impact of oil and gas development by limiting predator access and accelerating natural vegetation recovery, which benefits woodland caribou by restoring habitat. These treatments include measures such as tree-felling, fencing, and seeding to deactivate legacy linear features and discourage predator travel. Canadian Natural Resources Limited initiated such treatments within the Cold Lake caribou range, collaborating with research programs to monitor effectiveness. Objectives include controlling human access, reducing predator line-of-sight, and restoring vegetation through tree and shrub planting. Due to time constraints, heavy machinery was avoided, and activities focused on tree-felling during early 2014 under regulatory approval. This report updates progress on treatments completed within the Kirby North lease from February 19 to February 24, 2014.

Between February 18 and 23, 2014, seven linear disturbance features were addressed, with 4.75 km treated using tree-felling and 3.36 km documented as naturally regenerated. A total of 403 trees were felled, including 135 merchantable trees, to block predator line-of-sight and create access barriers. Desktop analysis and helicopter flyovers guided site selection, while further ground verification was recommended for final treatment planning. Monitoring by the University of Alberta will assess effectiveness in reducing wolf travel. By the end of Q1 2014, 8.11 km of linear disturbance was either treated or confirmed as regenerating, with restoration activities scheduled to resume under Temporary Field Authorizations until February 17, 2015.