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	<description>Developing Sustainable Resources since 2003</description>
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		<title>Designing the 2-Billion Trees Program for the Northwest Territories: Lessons Learned</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2025/07/07/designing-the-2-billion-trees-program-for-the-northwest-territories-lessons-learned/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:03:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=4084</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Forests Exist Beyond the 60th Parallel Implementing Canada’s 2-Billion Trees Program (2-BT) in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is not as simple as planting seedlings. Travelling beyond the 60th parallel, one is struck by the vast stretches of Boreal Forest that thrive even after severe wildfires. Unlike what many assume, the forest here doesn’t suddenly give [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2025/07/07/designing-the-2-billion-trees-program-for-the-northwest-territories-lessons-learned/">Designing the 2-Billion Trees Program for the Northwest Territories: Lessons Learned</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Forests Exist Beyond the 60th Parallel</h3>
<p>Implementing Canada’s <strong>2-Billion Trees Program (2-BT)</strong> in the <strong><a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/services/reclamation/northwest-territories-reclamation/">Northwest Territories (NWT</a>)</strong> is not as simple as planting seedlings. Travelling beyond the 60th parallel, one is struck by the vast stretches of Boreal Forest that thrive even after severe wildfires. Unlike what many assume, the forest here doesn’t suddenly give way to tundra, and polar bears don’t greet you at the border. Instead, the forest abounds, covering a landscape nearly as large as Alberta.</p>
<div id="attachment_4086" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4086" class="wp-image-4086 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-01-e1751925954823.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="950" height="713" /><p id="caption-attachment-4086" class="wp-caption-text">Beyond the 60th parallel, the vast tracks of Boreal Forest continue, as seen by this treed bog.</p></div>
<h3>Why Plant Trees Where Forests Regrow Naturally?</h3>
<p>Tree planting is meaningful where it is needed. Yet, in NWT the forests regenerate naturally after disturbances like fire and the meniscal volume of wood harvested to heat homes in the Winter. So, to the challenge: <strong>How do we establish plants for carbon sequestration and not upset natural processes in the forest?</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_4090" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4090" class="wp-image-4090 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-02.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="950" height="713" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-02.jpg 950w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-02-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-02-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blog-Northwest-territories-reclaimation-02-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><p id="caption-attachment-4090" class="wp-caption-text">Emerging life, after the 2023 fire left behind vast lands of scorched earth. This jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedling and surrounding herbaceous vegetation near McNallie Creek, NWT, are evidence of resilience.</p></div>
<h3>Better Equipped With Humility</h3>
<p>Theodore Roosevelt gets to the heart of the matter.</p>
<p><em>“People don&#8217;t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”</em></p>
<p>To lead this program meaningfully, we needed to replace any “command-and-control” mindsets with humility and patience. Our approaches included spending time listening, learning, and understanding how <strong>NWT residents live, think, and measure value.</strong> Earning trust was the first and only sustainable path forward to shape a program that supports communities, respects the environment, and delivers to the mandate of the 2-billion Trees Program.</p>
<h3>Discovering the Right Projects: Rock and Meadows</h3>
<p>For 16 months, the land was explored, territorial residents met, and opportunities vetted. Two clear projects emerged—one centred on <strong>rocky sites</strong> and another within <strong>wet</strong> <strong>meadow landscapes </strong>that are spotted with <strong>small islands </strong>of upland forest vegetation communities. Both project areas were decimated by recent forest fires.</p>
<p>These projects allow us to align a <strong>territorial-driven value framework</strong> with defensible, meaningful reforestation activities. Through this process, we shaped a <strong>2-BT program for the Northwest Territories</strong> that supports the federal carbon mandate while respecting the unique ecological and cultural landscape of the North.</p>
<h3>Moving Forward</h3>
<p>Building a successful program in the North is not about racing ahead; it’s about pacing efforts to ensure alignment with the land and its people. At Reclaimit, we are committed to advancing meaningful reclamation and reforestation in Canada’s North, one thoughtful step at a time.</p>
<p><strong>Have questions about this approach or want to discuss how Reclaimit can support your forestry or reclamation projects in the NWT? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here to email us.</a> We’re ready to help.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2025/07/07/designing-the-2-billion-trees-program-for-the-northwest-territories-lessons-learned/">Designing the 2-Billion Trees Program for the Northwest Territories: Lessons Learned</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Courage to Collaborate for Improved Forestland Restoration Outcomes</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/05/15/courage-to-collaborate-for-improved-forestland-restoration-outcomes/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 May 2023 23:57:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ecosystem health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ReclaimIt Ltd.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recovering Woodland Caribou herds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resource professionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Societal management issues]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3927</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>At Reclaimit, our network of natural resource professionals seeks to be relentless in the hunt for sector-leading forestland restoration solutions. Our greatest satisfaction is found when applications to address environmental deficiencies produce results that are as good or better than targeted, the solution(s) render minimal harm to the cultural integrity and economic stability of the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/05/15/courage-to-collaborate-for-improved-forestland-restoration-outcomes/">Courage to Collaborate for Improved Forestland Restoration Outcomes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At Reclaimit, our network of natural resource professionals seeks to be relentless in the hunt for sector-leading forestland restoration solutions. Our greatest satisfaction is found when applications to address environmental deficiencies produce results that are as good or better than targeted, the solution(s) render minimal harm to the cultural integrity and economic stability of the region&#8217;s stakeholders, and our presence is enhanced by contributing to and learning from the stewardship practices of others. Although these collective goals are rarely delivered in equal proportions, a socially acceptable distribution of these success measures is what Reclaimit’s environmental professionals aim for in the reclamation of Boreal Forest sites.</p>
<p>The recovery of Canada’s Woodland Caribou (<em>Rangifer tarandus caribou</em>) herds is in question, for the ecosystem health and societal management issues that are harming their long-term viability do not exist in isolation from one another. These challenges comprise a legacy of decades of decisions, both actively and passively, that involved many governments, industries, personnel, predator-prey relationships, and other impacting environmental events (E.g., wildfires, insects, floods). And because the resulting problems were not simply created, it is unreasonable to suggest that they will be easily and quickly undone. For the solutions needed to fix the issues, if not as complex as the environmental-social-economic topics they attempt to confront, are difficult to apply and in many instances, yet to be discovered.</p>
<p>Forestland restoration solutions of the sort that address the broader spectrum of issues and valued outcomes, are rarely solved by solo practitioners using singular methods (E.g., tree planting). At Reclaimit we know that making progress requires a well-designed team from the onset. The best teams are of a calibre where leaders and workers have a variety of backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences, with enough confidence, humility, and emotional intelligence to know when to lead and when to come alongside in support.</p>
<div style="width: 1220px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-3928 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="1210" height="908" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate.jpg 1210w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="(max-width: 1210px) 100vw, 1210px" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Legacy linear feature entering a treed bog and turning off to the West, Northwest Québec, May 2023.</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In Reclaimit’s search for innovative solutions to address current and emerging reclamation challenges, it is always looking in places it would not normally consider within its comfort zone. In April Reclaimit staff initiated meetings with forestland professionals in <a href="https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/environmental-protection-and-sustainability/wildlife-and-conservation/wildlife-species-at-risk/woodland-caribou" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saskatchewan</a> to learn more about their issues, and in early May repeated the initiative with a short-term expedition to <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/publications/conservation-boreal-caribou-val-dor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North-west Québec</a>. These districts have similar ecosystems to those that we work with in Alberta and British Columbia. And it turns out that the forest land professionals in those parts are also faced with similar challenges related to the long-term viability of the caribou and the social-economic impacts associated with recovery initiatives that could affect their regions. This is not a surprise to anyone, right? Is there an opportunity to collaborate? I think so!</p>
<p>By working cooperatively with others, Reclaimit is committed to leading and partnering with Canada’s best environmental professionals to reverse the downward trend in the viability of <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-education-centre/caribou.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada’s iconic animal</a>. With the recovery efforts happening across Canada, the momentum will only grow as environmental professionals muster up the courage to engage others and better solve these kinds of environmental problems. Because we are stronger together, our collective strengths and resolve in the recovery of the caribou population is not a case of misplaced optimism, dreaming, nor delivering too little, too late but rather a culmination of the courage to collaborate for improved forestland restoration outcomes.</p>
<div id="attachment_3929" style="width: 1220px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3929" class="wp-image-3929 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="1210" height="908" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2.jpg 1210w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blog-Courage-to-Collaborate-2-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1210px) 100vw, 1210px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3929" class="wp-caption-text">Random photograph of the lower vegetative community of a treed bog of interest, Northwest Québec, May 2023.</p></div>
<blockquote><p><em>More themes remain for me to revisit, and many more new ideas await my discovery as I explore the exciting world of Reclaimit’s forest remediation and reclamation services, and travel across the provinces of Canada and around the world in project-related adventures. Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here to drop me an email</a>!</em></p></blockquote>
<p><em>Did you like this article? You may also like our article about the creative approach we took to </em><a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2020/05/25/semi-arid-boreal-forest-reclamation-traditional-solutions-need-not-apply/"><strong><em>reforestation of semi-arid boreal systems</em></strong></a><em> in northwestern Saskatchewan, Canada.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/05/15/courage-to-collaborate-for-improved-forestland-restoration-outcomes/">Courage to Collaborate for Improved Forestland Restoration Outcomes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>When good is not good enough…</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/03/01/when-good-is-not-good-enough/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 01:06:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3875</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In terms of a productive forest site, where value is measured in sawlogs and pulpwood, this setting is not a forester&#8217;s dream. In fact, this Treed Fen lies several hundred metres from the nearest upland site capable of producing the more highly desired commercial timber products. Nonetheless, this wetland ecosystem is critically important habitat to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/03/01/when-good-is-not-good-enough/">When good is not good enough…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In terms of a productive forest site, where value is measured in sawlogs and pulpwood, this setting is not a forester&#8217;s dream. In fact, this Treed Fen lies several hundred metres from the nearest upland site capable of producing the more highly desired commercial timber products. Nonetheless, this wetland ecosystem is critically important habitat to the fauna that periodically leave these areas and visit the upland forests that foresters are more familiar with. And in this case, the animal of interest is the Woodland Caribou (<em>Rangifer tarandus caribou</em>).</p>
<div id="attachment_3876" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3876" class="size-full wp-image-3876" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-01.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="740" height="554" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-01.jpg 740w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-01-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-01-705x528.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3876" class="wp-caption-text">Figure 1. Breaking the frost on a treatment site for afforestation, using Reclaimit&#8217;s proven Winter-reforestation solution, February 2016.</p></div>
<p>This narrow 7 m wide corridor has remained in a deforested state for nearly 40 years. To change that condition drastic actions were taken. By treating it in a single pass rather than preparing the site in the winter and returning in the summer to reforest it, features such as these are prepared for reforestation with a dozer and an excavator, and concurrently planted with ecologically suitable plants.</p>
<div id="attachment_3886" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3886" class="wp-image-3886 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="740" height="727" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02.jpg 740w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02-300x295.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02-80x80.jpg 80w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02-36x36.jpg 36w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-02-705x693.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3886" class="wp-caption-text">Figure 2. As noted in the tracks of a woodland caribou, the 2016 legacy seismic line is still of interest to the resident wildlife, February 2023.</p></div>
<p>So yes, one can successfully establish tamarack (<em>Larix laricina</em>), black spruce (<em>Picea mariana</em>), and bog birch (<em>Betula glandulosa</em>) in Treed Fens. And although better seen in the summer, the results of the treated site are very promising when compared to the undisturbed background forest, because the caribou-friendly seedling survival nears 100%, and the vegetative species, structure, and age diversity abounds.</p>
<p>Alas, the work misses the mark if one looks beyond the plant survival and performance, because upon a closer look, the other set of tracks in the snow belong to the woodland caribou who are still choosing this route of travel. And if they are using it, so are their elusive predators, those wolves, bears, and cougars. So, there are changes we must make to realize true success!! Because just like adding the letter-S to the word “Result”, a restored forest must supply multiple benefits.</p>
<div id="attachment_3878" style="width: 750px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3878" class="size-full wp-image-3878" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-03.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="740" height="555" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-03.jpg 740w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-03-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/blog-when-good-is-not-good-enough-03-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3878" class="wp-caption-text">Figure 3. Setting up wildlife cameras to equip ourselves with better knowledge about how to improve the outcomes of environmental restoration solutions.</p></div>
<p>When good is not good enough&#8230;</p>
<p><em>More themes remain for me to revisit, and many more new ideas await my discovery as I explore the exciting world of Reclaimit’s forest remediation and reclamation services, and travel across the provinces of Canada and around the world in project-related adventures. Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? Click here to drop me an email!</em></p>
<p><em>Intrigued by the habitat restoration question? You may also like our article about how we conduct </em><a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/03/15/forest-land-reconnaissance-for-caribou-habitat-restoration/"><em>Forest Land Reconnaissance – For Caribou Habitat Restoration</em></a><em> in Northeast Alberta, Canada.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2023/03/01/when-good-is-not-good-enough/">When good is not good enough…</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Time to Grow</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/10/13/not-the-time-to-rest/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2022 21:56:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECO Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entreprenurial spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[environmental accountability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environmental Stewardship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merritt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monitoring and Research]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3796</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>No rest for the weary, nor a reward for the faint of heart. That is what I said to myself when I took on a facilitation role for an environmental course in Merritt, BC. The challenge: effectively deliver the ECO Canada curriculum for Environmental Monitoring and Research Skills, to 11 members of 8 regional indigenous [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/10/13/not-the-time-to-rest/">Time to Grow</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No rest for the weary, nor a reward for the faint of heart. That is what I said to myself when I took on a facilitation role for an environmental course in Merritt, BC.</p>
<p><strong>The challenge:</strong> effectively deliver the <a href="https://eco.ca/new-practitioners/beahr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECO Canada curriculum</a> for Environmental Monitoring and Research Skills, to 11 members of 8 regional indigenous bands represented by the <a href="https://www.cna-trust.ca/who-we-are.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citxw Nlaka&#8217;pamux Assembly</a>.</p>
<p>Now I am glad that my entrepreneurial spirit still had fuel in its tank because when I said yes to the part, I needed the courage to take on a role outside of my typical suite of activities.</p>
<p>You see, I am a green hand at facilitating this type of event. So, by taking the position I had to grapple with my deep desires to <strong>effectively connect, equip, and inspire the students</strong>, and not lose heart as a result of my hidden yet ever-changing emotional highs and lows.</p>
<p>We all know those feelings, the ones that range from fear of rejection to the excitement of acceptance, rejoicing with wins to humiliation when misunderstood, embarrassment coupled with frustration at not communicating well, and hope-inspired confidence when concepts are easily grasped.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3797 size-full" title="Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly share environmental observations and cultural values associated with freshwater systems." src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-scaled.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="2560" height="2232" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-300x262.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-1030x898.jpg 1030w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-768x670.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-2048x1786.jpg 2048w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-1500x1308.jpg 1500w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-image-2022-705x615.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>
<p><em>Attendees from the Citxw Nlaka&#8217;pamux Assembly share environmental observations and cultural values associated with freshwater systems. Riparian area of the Coldwater River, Merritt, British Columbia, October 2022.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>After 4 weeks together and a successful course completion, I was reminded that…</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Effective learning and good dialogue go hand in hand.</strong> Both are maximized when speakers and listeners are clear, topics are focused, respect is maintained, and seeking to fully understand happens before responses are provided.</li>
<li><strong>Facilitators have a lot in the game.</strong> I realized that one sleepless night as I worried about the success of the students and their forthcoming exam.</li>
<li><strong>Controversial words and questions can generate sparks in a discussion.</strong> I witnessed that when we spoke of issues related to environmental stewardship responsibility and accountability. That said, tough questions need not be avoided. In fact, courageously faced and wisely handled, mature discussions that generate sparks can promote an honest look for the long-overlooked solution to a persistent problem.</li>
<li><strong>Working alongside eager learners is pretty darned exciting.</strong> Especially when they show up 10 minutes early, every day! Add to that their high level of in-class participation and a willingness to do the work, and I have a winning group of candidates! Wow!</li>
<li><strong>Thank you is a powerful word</strong> and a response I often heard.</li>
</ul>
<p>This event was full of personal and professional development opportunities. Be they in the variety of questions brought forward, the sharing of personal accounts that are somehow timeless in their relevance, or when faced with complex issues that can only be solved using an effective combination of the traditional and the scientific. So, because I am neither done learning nor growing this will not be my last adventure of this sort.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_3814" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3814" class="size-full wp-image-3814" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-scaled.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-1030x773.jpg 1030w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-1500x1125.jpg 1500w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/reclaimit-final-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3814" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Citxw Nlaka&#8217;pamux Assembly students after a water quality assessment field demonstration, Coldwater River, Merritt, British Columbia, October 2022.</em></p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>A very special thank you and recognition to Ryleigh Campbell, Education &amp; Training Coordinator (Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly) for hosting this event, and Simon Savinel, Project Advisor (ECO Canada) for his logistical support.</strong></p>
<p>Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="/contact/">Click here to drop me an email!</a></p>
<p>Did you like this article? You may also like the blog entitled <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/02/15/be-creative-and-get-problems-solved/">Be creative, and get problems solved.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/10/13/not-the-time-to-rest/">Time to Grow</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Biochar: Where Science meets Art.</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/05/03/biochar-where-science-meets-art/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2022 18:20:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biochar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sask Polytech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soil Reclamation Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soil reclamation trials]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3778</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I love good music and respect those that know how to make it happen. The right instrument in the hands of a talented musician is simply beautiful. The same cannot be said when a poorly tuned instrument or no musical aptitude arrives on stage. The production of a musical work of art has many similarities [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/05/03/biochar-where-science-meets-art/">Biochar: Where Science meets Art.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I love good music and respect those that know how to make it happen. The right instrument in the hands of a talented musician is simply beautiful. The same cannot be said when a poorly tuned instrument or no musical aptitude arrives on stage.</p>
<p>The production of a musical work of art has many similarities to <strong>sector-leading land reclamation solutions</strong> in the Boreal Forest. As much of an art as it is a science, the best forestland reclamation happens when competent and creative thinking consultants are paired with the right tools and empowered to succeed. Land reclamation consultants use numerous instruments in the completion of tasks, calling upon all sorts of devices to diagnose and resolve environmental deficiencies. Over the past decades, the variety and complexity of a consultant’s suite of accessories have broadened, beyond clipboards, write-on-rain paper, and pencils, to any combination of data loggers, laptops, sampling equipment and methods, and cameras, to name just a few. So like the musician and their instrument, when the environmental professional and their gadgets are properly paired, the results are bound to impress!</p>
<p>To properly play their instruments both the musician and the forestland consultant have to work hard to grow their talents. For most people, this does not happen overnight. It takes time, education, practice, and a lot of perseverance. When done well this dedication not only produces the confidence and competencies to perform well but its results can be relied upon to deliver the outcomes the audience has paid to see.</p>
<p>At the <a href="https://www.seima.sk.ca/sustaintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SustainTech 2022 Conference</a> in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Deanna van Muyen shared Reclaimit’s learnings in the application of biochar to restore soil after an industrial disturbance. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biochar</a> is a 2000-year-old solution borne out of the land management practices of the Indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin. When properly understood and correctly applied, biochar has a useful application in a North American context. For Reclaimit that means its proper use in the restoration of forestland ecosystems after an industrial disturbance.</p>
<div id="attachment_3780" style="width: 460px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/blog-Biochar-02.jpg?x89039"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3780" class="wp-image-3780" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/blog-Biochar-02.jpg?x89039" alt="Sample of reclaimed growing medium, where subsoil is amended with biochar" width="450" height="600" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/blog-Biochar-02.jpg 684w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/blog-Biochar-02-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/blog-Biochar-02-529x705.jpg 529w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-3780" class="wp-caption-text">Sample of reclaimed growing medium, where subsoil is amended with biochar. Black layer in the top of the core comprises inoculated biochar and newly forming soil. Development after 3 growing seasons, Boreal Forest reclamation site, Saskatchewan, Canada, 2021.</p></div>
<p>Thanks to the support of <a href="https://saskpolytech.ca/news/posts/2022/addressing-complex-sustainability-issues-head-on-with-slice.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saskatchewan Polytechnic</a>, Reclaimit’s research demonstrated that when correctly used, biochar is another viable tool in the company’s environmental solution tool kit. But just like a musical instrument or digital technology needs to be tuned, biochar’s parameters for proper application need to be established. Not all biochar is alike, and its uses continue to be discovered. Thus, for the Reclaimit consultancy, the use of biochar as a part of forestland reclamation solutions is just beginning. New and exciting discoveries lie ahead!</p>
<p><em>Check out the highlights of biochar’s relevance in the Boreal Forest reclamation business published in the <a href="https://www.producer.com/news/study-shows-benefits-of-biochar-application/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Producer</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here to drop me an email!</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>Did you like this article? </em><em>You may also like the blog entitled <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/06/07/saturday-science-a-lad-and-his-sticks/">Saturday Science – A lad and his sticks</a>.  </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2022/05/03/biochar-where-science-meets-art/">Biochar: Where Science meets Art.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Innovative, ecological reclamation work empowering a better Saskatchewan through sustainability</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/11/26/innovative-ecological-reclamation-work-empowering-a-better-saskatchewan-through-sustainability/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Nov 2021 23:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Biochar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NSERC grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sandy Soil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sask Polytech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saskatchewan land improvements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soil Reclamation Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soil reclamation trials]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3679</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Reclaimit, AirTerra, Sask Polytech teamed up in 2019 to find innovative ways to improve Saskatchewan&#8217;s soil and land. Below is the article written in collaboration with the companies and Sask Polytech. It can be read in full here, or on Sask Polytech&#8217;s site. Collaborative, three-year applied research project uncovers unexpected results and provides student research [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/11/26/innovative-ecological-reclamation-work-empowering-a-better-saskatchewan-through-sustainability/">Innovative, ecological reclamation work empowering a better Saskatchewan through sustainability</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Reclaimit, AirTerra, Sask Polytech teamed up in 2019 to find innovative ways to improve Saskatchewan&#8217;s soil and land. Below is the article written in collaboration with the companies and Sask Polytech. It can be read in full here, or on <a href="https://saskpolytech.ca/news/posts/2021/ecological-soil-reclamation-work.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sask Polytech&#8217;s site.</a></p>
<h4>Collaborative, three-year applied research project uncovers unexpected results and provides student research experience.</h4>
<p>A Saskatchewan Polytechnic applied research project that was scheduled to last 10 weeks but instead expanded into a three-year project could lead to better soil across the prairies, including in the oilsands region where new tree growth is difficult.</p>
<p>“Project longevity yields rewards,” says David Halstead, professional biologist and research chair, School of Natural Resources and Built Environment. “This soil reclamation project resulted in two great collaborations with industry partners, Reclaimit and Airterra, provided applied research experience for several students, and resulted in very meaningful and unexpected project results. After three growth seasons we were able to create soil from what was originally nothing but sand and gravel.”</p>
<h3>The project launched in the summer of 2019 when Halstead was approached by Reclaimit, a company focused on forest and land restoration, for assistance with a soil reclamation project.</h3>
<p>Reclaimit had recently conducted a soil reclamation trial on their own with very poor results. Andrew Carpenter, president of Reclaimit, came across the Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Centre online, and reached out to Halstead for assistance.</p>
<p>“Our project with sandy soil was a failure and I wasn’t satisfied with the results,” says Carpenter. “I realized we needed more horsepower. I wanted to work with someone who had experience with the ecosystem and environment I work with. That’s where Sask Polytech comes in.”</p>
<p>A sandy gravel pit close to the Hannin Creek Centre at Candle Lake was chosen as the applied research site. The gravel pit mimicked northern oilsands deposits. A total of 600 seedlings were arranged in blocks with experimental treatments consisting of five different soil amendments including peat, fertilizer, hydro mulch, biochar and controls. In addition, woody debris, mycorrhiza, and both woody debris and mycorrhiza were added as secondary treatments. The applied research project was run for 10 weeks in the summer of 2019. The initial project was funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).</p>
<p>“Dave and his applied research team are really good listeners, they ask great questions and work very, very hard,” shares Carpenter. “I had to invest some of my own money along with the NSERC grant Sask Polytech applied for. When you are a small business and investing your own money into a research project, it’s rewarding to work with a team that is as excited about the research as you are.”</p>
<p>Although the initial project was short (one growing season), biochar was showing some very promising results. Biochar is pure carbon, a unique form of charcoal. The project was continued in 2020 with a focus on biochar as the key element supplied by Airterra. This project was funded by the <a href="https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).</a></p>
<div id="attachment_3682" style="width: 770px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3682" class="wp-image-3682 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/soil-reclamation-1-lg.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="760" height="425" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/soil-reclamation-1-lg.jpg 760w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/soil-reclamation-1-lg-300x168.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/soil-reclamation-1-lg-705x394.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3682" class="wp-caption-text">Image Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic.</p></div>
<p>Working with Airterra, student researchers looked at different ways of treating the biochar. Sask Polytech came up with recipes to inoculate the biochar with organic material and informed Airterra and Reclaimit staff on how to prepare the biochar with organic material before adding to the test plots.</p>
<blockquote><p>“This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate a novel method of soil reclamation using a product that could potentially be highly beneficial for soil reclamation,” says Rob Lavoie, president and CEO of <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/partners/airterra/">Airterra</a>. “We are the first company to register a biochar soil product for use in Canada. We are excited to be a part of this innovative project.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Sask Polytech found using biochar encourages a healthy soil microbiology and helps soil hold onto nutrients and moisture much longer.</p>
<p>Long term research that follows the trajectory of soil reclamation projects is extremely rare, so it was imperative to solicit funding for one more year. Fortunately, NRC-IRAP recognized the value of this opportunity and permitted Reclaimit to acquire a final year of growth and soil composition data in combination with Sask Polytech.</p>
<p>“After three years, we couldn’t believe the extent of the growth on some of the plots, the soil was showing high biodiversity. Trees were growing well, with some even sporting open pine cones,” says Halstead.</p>
<p>“Sask Polytech’s applied research team is helping us come up with real solutions for real problems. The goal of this project isn’t to plant trees in gravel pits. The health of a tree is only an indicator of what’s happening below the surface,” says Carpenter. “The goal is to fix the fundamental issue, which is to repair the broken soil. We need to restore the potential for the soil to heal itself. The results of this project are helping us work towards this important goal.”</p>
<p>Both ReclaimIt and Airterra agree working with Sask Polytech has been a great experience.</p>
<p>“We were blown away by Dave’s attention to detail,” says Lavoie. “Dave was highly instrumental in making the project a success from a funding perspective, students doing field work and promoting the methodology to the industry. We would love to work with Dave and Sask Polytech again in the future.”</p>
<p>“We could not have gotten to this position without the support of Sask Polytech,” says Carpenter. “Dave’s team is passionate, approachable, available and open to trying new things. They are very hard workers.”</p>
<p>Carpenter adds, “The results of this applied research project demonstrate credibility for my company. When I’m working with clients I am not simply sharing the scientific data, but my excitement about the many solutions that are being revealed due to the collaborative success of Reclaimit, Airterra and Sask Polytech.”</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a href="http://saskpolytech.ca/research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saskpolytech.ca/research</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/11/26/innovative-ecological-reclamation-work-empowering-a-better-saskatchewan-through-sustainability/">Innovative, ecological reclamation work empowering a better Saskatchewan through sustainability</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Managing Those Leftovers &#8211; Successful Completion of Another Boreal Forest Reclamation Project.</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/10/26/managing-those-leftovers-successful-completion-of-another-boreal-forest-reclamation-project/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2021 19:44:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alberta forest reclamation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caribou Habitats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanksgiving reflections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife habitat restoration]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3644</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Reflecting on Managing Those Leftovers from a Successful Completion of Another Boreal Forest Reclamation Project September saw Reclaimit’s team of champions (😊) – Windfirm Resources Inc., Phoenix Heli-flight, and Boreal Horticultural Services &#8211; take on and successfully complete another Boreal Forest reclamation project. The 23 km of legacy seismic lines in northeastern Alberta were reclaimed to the forest as a part of the MEG Energy Inc. habitat reclamation program for Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/10/26/managing-those-leftovers-successful-completion-of-another-boreal-forest-reclamation-project/">Managing Those Leftovers &#8211; Successful Completion of Another Boreal Forest Reclamation Project.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Reflecting on Managing Those Leftovers from a Successful Completion of Another Boreal Forest Reclamation Project</h2>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">September</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0"> saw</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">Reclaimit’s <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/partners/">team of champions</a> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">(</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">😊</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">)</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0"> – Windfirm Resources Inc., Phoenix Heli-flight, and Boreal Horticultural Services &#8211; </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">take on </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">successfully complete another </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">Boreal Forest reclamation</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0"> project</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW145254245 BCX0"> <span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">The </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">23 km </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">of legacy </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">seismic lines</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">in northeast</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">ern</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933"> Alberta </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">were </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">reclaimed</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">to the forest </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">as a part </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">of the </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">MEG Energy Inc. </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">habitat reclamation program </span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">for Woodland Caribou <em>(</em></span></span><em><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/critical-habitat-reports/woodland-caribou-boreal-population-2018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">Rangifer tarandus caribou</span></span></a><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">)</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW72256933">. </span></span></em></span></span></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">The 2021 program </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">was </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">a mixed bag of odds and ends,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">little</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> bits and pieces</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">those not yet completed features </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">from past operations</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">A</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">nd now </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">into October</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">’ve had </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">an opportunity to reflect</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> on what was accomplished</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">. The </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">kind </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">reflecting </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">best undertaken </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">in a sitting room with a piece of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> pumpkin pie and a </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">cup of fresh </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">coffee</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">; w</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">here </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">the mind wanders between</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> what was completed</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> on the project</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">how </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">I dealt with the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">leftovers</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW108917575 BCX0"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW108917575 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">Now I know that </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">w</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">ithout proper </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">care</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">after-dinner</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">turkey </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">remnants I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">will </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">lose out on the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">most prized </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">delicacies</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> for days 2 and 3</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">, the hot turkey sandwich. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">And just like </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">proper</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> turkey handling results in the turkey sandwich goodness, so to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">o</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">does finishing off </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">leftovers from </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">previous </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">caribou reclamation </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">programs </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">capture</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> full </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">benefits of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">applied remed</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">ies</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">. It’s </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">that</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">diligent</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> commitment, the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0"> follow-through to finish well</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW129905269 BCX0">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW129905269 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_3645" style="width: 783px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3645" class="wp-image-3645 size-large" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-773x1030.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="773" height="1030" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-773x1030.jpg 773w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-1125x1500.jpg 1125w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-529x705.jpg 529w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20211015_104709-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3645" class="wp-caption-text">Woodland caribou as it dashes down an untreated legacy seismic line, October 15, 2021</p></div>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">So, whether </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">your leftovers are for turkey sandwiches or wildlife habitat restoration, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">handling them correctl</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">y</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">, from start to finish, is </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">a proven </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">deliverer of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">success</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">A</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">nd </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">on that note, i</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">t’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0"> time for a turkey nap</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263124977 BCX0">&#8230;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW263124977 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><i><span data-contrast="none">Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here</a> to drop me an email!</span></i><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><i><span data-contrast="none">Did you like this article? You may also like history in activities around <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/03/15/forest-land-reconnaissance-for-caribou-habitat-restoration/">Woodland Caribou Habitat Restoration</a></span></i><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/10/26/managing-those-leftovers-successful-completion-of-another-boreal-forest-reclamation-project/">Managing Those Leftovers &#8211; Successful Completion of Another Boreal Forest Reclamation Project.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Quick Fix &#038; the Surprise</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/08/21/a-quick-fix-the-surprise/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Aug 2021 17:26:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boreal Forest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disturbed forestland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quick Fixes]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3625</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Proper reclamation of the boreal forest is rarely a quick fix. In fact, the best outcomes take time if they are ecologically aligned, industry-leading, regulatory approved, and socially acceptable. That’s a tall order to deliver. It’s one that demands program-supporting projects that are well thought out, properly executed, and based upon a clear understanding of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/08/21/a-quick-fix-the-surprise/">A Quick Fix &#038; the Surprise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Proper reclamation of the boreal forest is rarely a quick fix. In fact, the best outcomes take time if they are ecologically aligned, industry-leading, regulatory approved, and socially acceptable. That’s a tall order to deliver. It’s one that demands program-supporting projects that are well thought out, properly executed, and based upon a clear understanding of the dependencies an effective remedy recommendation will require. And that’s why Reclaimit consultants rarely pull the <em>quick fix </em>tool from their suite of solutions to restore a disturbed forestland site. The quick-fix solution is high risk. Yes, <strong>high risk.</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_3629" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3629" class="wp-image-3629 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-before.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="900" height="675" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-before.jpg 900w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-before-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-before-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-before-705x529.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3629" class="wp-caption-text">Notice the tall spruce tree in the top right of the photo as a reference point in both before and after photos.</p></div>
<h3>How is a quick-fix solution high risk?</h3>
<p>Well, it’s the quick fix that hides an assortment of shortcuts. That beeline to the finish, when truly understood, has baggage that includes a variety of long-term and debt-laden commitments. Like the outcomes arising from a quick-fix solution applied by another service team on a Reclaimit project site in 2015. Within days of Reclaimit completing a well-planned and executed reforestation solution, the other service company then implemented an intentional seeding of the reclaimed site using a seemingly less expensive native grass seed mixture to save on costs. Sounds great, right? After all, the seed and its application were cheap to source and apply, and savings are always good.</p>
<div id="attachment_3630" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3630" class="wp-image-3630 size-full" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-after.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="900" height="507" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-after.jpg 900w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-after-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-after-768x433.jpg 768w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-Quick-Fix-the-Surprise-after-705x397.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><p id="caption-attachment-3630" class="wp-caption-text">Notice the tall spruce tree in the top right of the photo as a reference point in both before and after photos.</p></div>
<p>As seen in July 2021, the grasses are well established, making the site completely green. And they complement Reclaimit’s suite of ecologically aligned native plants; that Boreal forest-friendly mixture of <em>Picea glauca </em>(white spruce), <em>Populus balsamifera </em>(balsam poplar), <em>Betula papyrifera </em>(white birch), <em>Alnus viridis</em> (green alder) and <em>Salix spp. </em>So, what&#8217;s the issue?</p>
<p>Well, Reclaimit&#8217;s original solution would have met the reclamation criteria for plant diversity, coverage, and health by the end of 2017. A mere 2 years after treatment. Meeting that benchmark would have meant that the liability would have been considered addressed, eligible for return to the regulator, and fully ending the proponent’s financial and environmental responsibilities at the location. The application by another service provider never should have occurred on this lot, however, due to a lack of internal communication in the company that contracted Reclaimit, one of the stakeholders in the company made a judgement call that they thought would save on costs.</p>
<h3>SURPRISE! The Quick-fix solution actually costs more.</h3>
<p>As luck would have it, during the application of the native grass seed mixture, a few tiny weed seeds that found their way into that seed lot also became established. And now they need to be controlled annually until eliminated for the location to be considered eligible for a liability release.</p>
<p>Although the applied seed was likely certified, this applies only to genetic purity and has nothing to do with the presence or absence of weed seed in an applied mix. “Canada No. 1” or “certified seed”. – only guarantees the variety (genetic) purity, – but NOT that the seed is weed-free!!!. REFERENCE: <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/aep-weed-awareness.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/aep-weed-awareness.pdf</a> (SLIDE #31)</p>
<p>So, a return in 2022 to respray the site is on the books, and if successful will make the site release-ready in 2023, a full 8 years after the quick fix. And if not, another spray project will be on the books.</p>
<p><em>Thinking beyond the quick fix, it’s how Reclaimit consultants practice forestland reclamation and successfully deliver ecologically compatible and financially justifiable solutions.  Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or any forestry-related questions? </em><a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/"><em>Click here</em></a><em> to drop me an email!</em></p>
<p>Did you like this article? You may also like our approach to forestland reclamation that targets <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/services/habitat-restoration/">Wildlife Habitat Restoration</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/08/21/a-quick-fix-the-surprise/">A Quick Fix &#038; the Surprise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Consultant&#8217;s Reflections</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/07/20/a-consultants-reflections/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:41:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Consultant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food for thought]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reforestation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Remediation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3510</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As a forest land reclamation consultant, I seek a variety of ways to grow my value as a legitimate problem solver in the remediation of environmental issues in the Boreal Forest. One way I do that is to seek opportunities to confirm my knowledge and challenge my biases. Often, I peer over the fence into [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/07/20/a-consultants-reflections/">A Consultant&#8217;s Reflections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a forest land reclamation consultant, I seek a variety of ways to grow my value as a legitimate problem solver in the remediation of environmental issues in the Boreal Forest. One way I do that is to seek opportunities to confirm my knowledge and challenge my biases. Often, I peer <em>over the fence</em> into other resource management disciplines, to have a look at what they&#8217;re doing and see if there might be some ideas to be gleaned. This past June and early July I did just that when I decided to revisit the Canadian forestry sector, once my home for employment, to see how it [and I] changed since 2003. I stepped back almost 30 years, to my formative days of work in the Boreal Forest, to take on the short-term role as a field worker. And it turned out to be a golden opportunity, providing me with a chance to revisit project assignments through the eyes of a <em>boots-on-the-ground</em> worker.</p>
<p>The job of a forest land labourer is not an easy one because of the many responsibilities associated with the role. For example, field workers are tasked with adherence to legal and corporate standards, expected to make and take responsibility for field decisions, compelled to find and field mark features that require protection, and relied upon to supply recommendations around attributes that should be removed from the project scope. This job is not for the faint of heart, as shown in their physical stamina, persistence, and critical thinking skills. The forest worker is expected to complete assignments in a safe, correct, and cost-effective manner while dealing with adverse weather, rugged terrain, poor access, dangerous wildlife, and incessant flies. They are a dedicated group of people.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3511 size-portfolio" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/A-consultants-reflection-495x400.jpg?x89039" alt="A consultant's reflection on leadership in the forestry industry" width="495" height="400" /><br />
While fulfilling the forestry labourer role I had an opportunity to reflect upon how my leadership within Reclaimit projects both removes and creates performance affecting obstacles. And I came up with three items for continuous improvement in my leadership role. First, it takes more time to complete tasks when the commitment to regulatory and customer standards of performance are taken seriously. On one hand, these requirements are in place to prevent an incident, like an accident or negative environmental impact, but on the other hand, they can be considered obstacles to greater productivity because they are time-consuming and reduce production. Human nature is to take the easy route, the path of least resistance. So, upon reflection, the opportunity for me is to work harder when setting up a project to ensure that selected performance measures are truly needed and that they are properly accounted for in the design.</p>
<p>Second, work in the forest is tough. There is no way around it and good physical stamina is essential. Therefore, it is critically important to ensure the workers receive tools that work, plans can be efficiently executed, and there is reliable access to adequate nutrition, hydration, and rest.</p>
<p>And third, it is incumbent upon me as a designer of projects to ensure that the goals remain realistic. Forgetting, disregarding, or overlooking this will set the fieldworker up for failure because they will be unable to deliver a final product that is incident and accident-free, the quality will not be met, or the cost will be neither dependable nor sustainable.</p>
<p><em>So, the work was good, and I will be back. More themes remain for me to revisit, and many more new ideas await my discovery as I explore the exciting world of Reclaimit’s forest remediation and reclamation services, and travel across the provinces of Canada and around the world in project-related adventures. Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here</a> to drop me an email!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><i>Did you like this article? You may also like <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/06/07/saturday-science-a-lad-and-his-sticks/">Saturday Science – A lad and his sticks</a></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/07/20/a-consultants-reflections/">A Consultant&#8217;s Reflections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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		<title>Saturday Science – A lad and his sticks</title>
		<link>https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/06/07/saturday-science-a-lad-and-his-sticks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Reclaimit Ltd. Forest and Land Reclamation &#38; Sustainability]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:36:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forestland reclamation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Land restoration breakthroughs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saturday Science Riddles]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.reclaimit.ca/?p=3483</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>So, what does an 8-year-old lad and 50-year-old forest land restoration professional like to do on a Saturday afternoon? Answer: avoid chores and play with sticks. As a lad, I would spend long durations outside, entertaining myself in an endless effort to avoid household tasks. During those days, I did not have electronic toys nor [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/06/07/saturday-science-a-lad-and-his-sticks/">Saturday Science – A lad and his sticks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So, what does an 8-year-old lad and 50-year-old forest land restoration professional like to do on a Saturday afternoon? Answer: <em>avoid chores and play with sticks</em>.</p>
<p>As a lad, I would spend long durations outside, entertaining myself in an endless effort to avoid household tasks. During those days, I did not have electronic toys nor the means to participate in organized sports, so I would spend time exploring, usually with my trusted field tool, an old stick. As the years passed, I became creative with my time, and learned a lot during the associated adventures, frequently just in the survival of the <em>should have…</em> and <em>could have…</em> type of events. Nonetheless, one of the greatest gifts I developed during that time was my creativity, fostered when one had to make do<em> with what one has</em>.</p>
<p>And it was the resourceful lad inside the professional forester that re-emerged on a Saturday morning this past April. Once again playing with sticks &#8211; this time alive but dormant &#8211; I wanted them to grow. And because balsam poplar (<em>Populus balsamifera</em>) tree clippings can sprout roots from the stem, this would be a rapid way to test my idea for a <em>homemade </em>growing medium. To be clear, I am not interested in developing a nursery business, garnering a plant collection project, or even tabulating and publishing the findings in a professional Journal. No, I am just curious.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3484" src="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/blog-saturday-science-Emerging.jpg?x89039" alt="" width="718" height="404" srcset="https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/blog-saturday-science-Emerging.jpg 718w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/blog-saturday-science-Emerging-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.reclaimit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/blog-saturday-science-Emerging-705x397.jpg 705w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 718px) 100vw, 718px" /></p>
<p>So, how does this story link to the practice of forestland reclamation? Simple, yet complex. Canada’s Boreal Forest has a long list of environmental liabilities awaiting a solution. By attempting new ideas, with a vision that is held in proper tension with the risk of failure, land restoration breakthroughs will inevitably result. I discovered over the years that despite the risk of disappointment, some of the very best Reclaimit-led forestland reclamation solutions were born out of defeat. As a natural resource professional, I would rather face the consequences of defeat after an honest attempt, than settle for a status quo built upon a foundation of fear, complacency, and arrogance. And so, I will continue to play with sticks, staring failure in the face, for an opportunity to uncover more of the yet to be discovered.</p>
<p><em> More themes remain for me to revisit, and many more new ideas await my discovery as I explore the exciting world of Reclaimit’s forest remediation and reclamation services, and travel across the provinces of Canada and around the world in project-related adventures. Have a question about my blog articles, reclamation services, or have a forestry-related question? <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/contact/">Click here</a> to drop me an email!</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Did you like this article? You may also like <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/05/03/partnerships-of-gold/">Partnerships of Gold</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca/2021/06/07/saturday-science-a-lad-and-his-sticks/">Saturday Science – A lad and his sticks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.reclaimit.ca">Reclaimit Ltd</a>.</p>
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