Caribou Habitat Restoration: 2022 Recap & Lessons Learned
In 2022, we advanced habitat restoration efforts across five key sites in the Klinse-Za caribou herd area, implementing tree falling treatments and mechanical site preparation to disrupt former forestry roads, improve soil health, and create a more natural habitat for caribou. Our efforts included:
- Tree falling treatments to create movement barriers and shelter for seedlings.
- Mechanical site preparation on the 3800 Road site, restoring former logging roads with strategic mounding and log placement.
- Seedling planting in areas prepared in 2021, prioritizing long-lived conifers for forest regrowth.
Wildfire Impact & Monitoring Progress
A massive 36,000-hectare wildfire near the Klinse-Za herd area forced delays in restoration treatments, but we managed to collect vital camera trap data before fire conditions worsened. Our camera monitoring program continues to track human and wildlife movement, while survival surveys assess the growth of newly planted trees.
Our team is learning and adapting in this large-scale caribou habitat restoration project, ensuring our methods are as effective as possible.
Read the full update to learn more about our restoration techniques and see photos from the field.