Using a healthy landscape approach to restore a modified landscape in northeastern Alberta

In contrast to the approach used today, the spatial design of the desired disturbance pattern at the end of each 20-year period will be defined first, and collaboratively. [...] The second part of the project goal, “…for creating healthier landscape conditions in areas modified by industrial activities,” requires the comparison of outcome of the new approach to other, current approaches. [...] Prominent water features within the study area are the Horse River and Creek and Willow Lake with the Athabasca River forming the northern border of the boundary. [...] The other difference is that the establishment phase can take longer, depending on the site and the timing and type of harvesting and the nature of any subsequent treatments. [...] The objective of restoration activities, as defined in this study, is to shorten and/or correct the direction of the establishment phase of this generalized cycle such that the Young forest phase is initiated.