Semo Complex Reclamation

The Forestry Division of Alberta’s Ministry of Forestry and Parks, in its mandate to prevent and suppress wildfires within the province, is required under existing legislation (Appendix A) to reclaim disturbed forested lands caused by Government of Alberta (GOA) wildfire suppression operations. The intent of this reclamation is to reduce subsequent wildfire hazard, reduce the potential of soil erosion ensuring soil stabilization, and promote the vegetative recovery of the disturbed land base to help ensure ecosystem health and biodiversity. In the suppression of HWF061-24 & HWF136-24, these disturbances were essential for effective wildfire operations.

a) Semo Complex Reclamation consists of two fires: HWF061-24 & HWF136-24

Fireguards, associated stream crossing, and pipeline crossings were necessary to create fuel breaks, provide anchors for ignition activities, and to create safety zones. Reclamation will consist of using mechanical labour to pull back the soil, stumps, and woody debris to restore natural contour. Trees are to be broken up, with debris evenly dispersed over the fire guard to lie flat on the ground. Trees that cannot be made to lie flat by mechanical means will be manually slashed by a chainsaw to lay flat. In some areas where a feller buncher was used to widen guards, log decks will be required to be dispersed accordingly. All locations where cut and fill occurred must be re-contoured to the natural landform. Work must conform to Part 2 of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and must be done during frozen ground conditions. Some sections of guard may not require reclamation due to burn over, pre-existing access lines, or to mitigate damage to areas with high regeneration.

b) All fireguards, stream crossings, pipeline crossings, helipads, and excavated water holes (bell holes) are to be reclaimed to replicate natural disturbance and return the ecosystem to a natural state. Sections of fireguard were created when the ground was not fully thawed, or was unsuitable for guard construction, and may require the use of predetermined access roads to be reclaimed. Operations took place during the 2024/2025 winter where new guard was established that will also require reclamation. All work must be completed as per specifications identified in the reclamation plan (Appendix B - Services). Contractor must provide sufficient facilities to house staff working in remote locations. Once work is deemed completed by the contractor, a final flight with the contract manager will take place prior to project sign off.

c) An on-site foreman will report to contract manager directly with bi-weekly progress reports. The contractor must provide bi-weekly reports and updated digital maps to ensure accurate invoice processing. A scheduled flight will take place with the field supervisors and contract manager prior to each payment installment. Contractor is required to apply for all applicable land use authorizations and follow appropriate procedures when constructing a temporary work camp.

d) Alberta Wildfire Certified Dozer Boss/Heavy Equipment Group Supervisor (HEGS) to oversee daily operations.

e) The contractor must consult with local forest companies (Tolko, La Crete Sawmills, and Caribou Mountain Forestry) for access and collaboration if utilizing preestablished haul roads. If active logging is taking place, the contractor must ensure proper local channels and radios are programmed accordingly for the area.