Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Peatlands, especially those dominated by Sphagnum mosses, are vital ecosystems for carbon sequestration, flow regulation, and wildlife shelter in Canada’s boreal regions. However, since the 1950s, Alberta’s northern peatlands have been significantly impacted by industrial oil sands activities (i.e. well pad construction) to facilitate in-situ extraction. Approximately 36,000 ha of well pads had been built in western Canada peatlands as of 2019, and an estimated 650 ha of additional well pads are constructed in the region’s peatlands annually. While research in peatland restoration has progressed significantly over the past 30 years, many knowledge gaps and challenges remain. Only one published study has demonstrated the successful establishment of Sphagnum-dominated communities on a former well pad, indicating potential for widespread adoption, however, high costs and limited research hinder broader implementation. Our proposed applied research study, in collaboration with the Government of Alberta’s Department of Environment & Protected Areas (EPA) and Athabasca Watershed Council (AWC), is the first of its kind in over a decade and will focus on introducing and establishing Sphagnum moss dominated peatland communities onto reclaimed industrial sites. Results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge, including the development of regulatory guidelines and practices, on peatland management and restoration in the face of evolving environmental regulatory standards. This study also has the potential to generate economic incentives for industry and government to increase investment in wetland restoration, which in turn will generate business and employment opportunities across Alberta and Canada. With peatlands providing a powerful nature-based climate solution (NBC) against climate change, results will also contribute to developing long-term wetland-related regulatory guidelines and practices.