RECL2019

Evolution of Land Reclamation in Alberta

With the arrival of the railways in 1883 and the newcomers to Alberta, now totaling over 4 million people, humanity has left its mark on the prairies, forests and waterways. Over the last 130 years people introduced a vast array of land uses, creating extensive land disturbance across the province.

With the evolution of Alberta’s society, industrialization, economy and environment there was a parallel transformation of land conservation and reclamation policies and practices. This grew in importance to the general public, landowners, politicians, bureaucrats, academics, workers and industries.

Alberta’s story of advancement in land reclamation over the last five decades deserves telling. 
Contributions and controversies of this vital interdisciplinary field are largely unknown to the public. 

We acknowledge the role of academics, consultants, professionals, industrialists, educational institutions, regulators, politicians and government bodies involved in the evolution of land reclamation. This showcase offers information from a few of these groups, sharing a sample of perspectives arising from decades of study and practice; experiences, lessons learned, milestones, all of which are foundational to evolution of reclamation in Alberta. 

We humbly offer this introductory contribution, in support of public awareness, providing relatively easy to understand visual presentations.

Publication and Project Objectives

History

  • Telling the stories of pioneering scientists and their reclamation practices contributions. 
  • Outlining the foundational roots of reclamation practices that have grown over the past 50 years in Alberta.
  • Presenting reclamation history time lines and milestones for oil sands, conventional oil and gas, pipelines, coal mines, roadways and sand and gravel.
  • Fostering pride in and providing opportunities for knowledge and history holders sharing important stories.

Ongoing Commitment

  • Asserting that reclamation practitioners will continue to support sustainable development of Alberta’s non-renewable resources in the ongoing effort to reduce the human footprint.

Education

  • Showcasing Alberta’s educational institutions offering programs in reclamation.
  • Providing prospective students with information concerning career paths in the reclamation field.

Multimedia Platforms

  • Designing, producing and distributing an array of multimedia materials including videos, public media packets, public exhibits, and various print media for varied audiences.

Public Awareness

  • Sharing information about reclamation research, projects and innovative practices with the public, highlighting knowledge gained over the years. 
  • Fostering public awareness and encouraging interest by providing accessible and engaging presentations, in a variety of venues.
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