Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Tags: biology, revegetation, forestry, anthropogenic impacts, forest regrowth
| Principal Investigator: | Walker-Larsen, Jennifer (6) |
| Licence Number: | 13202 |
| Organization: | Gwich'in Renewable Resource Board |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2003
2002
2001
2000
|
| Issued: | May 31, 2001 |
| Project Team: | Allen Firth, John Edwards |
Objective(s): Seismic line cutting in the 60's and 70's resulted in hundreds of kilometres of cleared 9 m lines that crisscross the Gwich'in Settlement Area. Short-term research projects were carried out to determine the effects of seismic line cutting on northern environments, but no long-term studies were undertaken. It has now been 30 years since the lines were cut, and we now have the opportunity to assess how well northern forests have recovered and how different methods of cutting (summer vs. winter seismic) have influenced vegetation regrowth. The results of this type of study are important because a second wave of oil and gas exploration is planned for much of the region and a clear understanding of past seismic cutting effects is needed to assess future work. Also, knowledge of forest regrowth in the region will help predict impacts of timber cutting and refine replanting techniques for northern forests.
Project Description: The research team will access research sites throughout the Gwich'in Settlement Area by helicopter, and by foot from the Dempster Highway. Small teams will complete vegetation plot assessment, and examine species composition and percent cover on the seismic line and along the seismic line.
