Humans love the outdoors. We love to observe it, recreate in it, listen to it, and we depend on its resources to drive our economy and build cool stuff. Unfortunately, the way we go about extracting some of these resources can sometimes leave nature worse for wear. In comes land reclamation to save the day! Reclamation of environmental resources is a tricky, complex, and fascinating science. From building soils like Anthroposols (human-made soil) to fixing waterways, land reclamation is one very cool way to rebuild what was lost.
Your Forest Podcast by Matthew Kristoff
Defining Land Reclamation with Anne Naeth
Episode highlight
Dr. Anne Naeth is Professor of Land Reclamation and Restoration Ecology, Director of the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS), Director of the Energy Systems Signature Area, Director of the Future Energy Systems Research Program, all at the University of Alberta. In this episode, she defines land reclamation and who should be held responsible for it and how to create a sustainable future for us all.
Resources
University of Alberta’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences | Major
in Land Reclamation:
https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/undergraduate-
programs/degree-programs/environmental-conservation-sciences/land-reclamation/index.html
Sponsors
West Fraser: https://www.westfraser.com/
GreenLink Forestry Inc.: http://greenlinkforestry.com/
Damaged Timber: https://www.damagedtimber.com/
Giveaway
Enter YourForest10 at checkout at the Damaged Timber store for a 10% discount!
Quotes
16.08 - 16.23: “Land reclamation, put very simply, is taking land that has been disturbed and
reclaiming it, getting it back to what it was either before the disturbance or to some other
productive use.”
17.35 - 17.45: “Ecological restoration is really building that broader ecosystem rather than
focussing on a particular end land use.”
25.12- 25.19: “What is it that we need as stewards of the land in that particular area at that
particular time?”
27.38 - 27.58: “I teach in land reclamation, that it’s not just about our romantic views or our
ideals but it’s about what is appropriate - and appropriate of course is a loaded word as well -
but what is appropriate for the time, for the place, for the people in that particular area.”
40.39 - 40.59: “We have learned so much just by working with nature and understanding
ecological processes that now there is augmented natural recovery and in some cases, what
would be considered doing nothing is the best approach to be taking for that particular
restoration.”
44.36 - 44.42: “We have to always remember that land reclamation, in itself, is a disturbance.”
47.39 - 47.48: “We are part of the environment… we can’t talk about ourselves as being
separate from nature, we are part of nature.”
1.02.05 - 1.02.13: “There are many good companies and they take their responsibility seriously
and they will do the best that they can.”
1.055.55 - 1.06.22: “If we as consumers make smart choices and we decide we’re going to
make our choices for whatever we need... then you know we have a lot of control too because if
we’re saying we’re not buying your product because you don’t clean up your environmental
messes then that product becomes less valuable for that particular company.”
1.06.42 - 1.07.01: “It’s hard when you are raising a family, you don’t have a great paycheque
and... you’re just trying to... make ends meet, you’re not necessarily going to make sustainable
environmental choices. You’re going to take the cheapest fuel or whatever you have to spend
less money for.”
1.21.51 - 1.22.00: “This whole COVID scenario just really reminded me of what we can do when
we put our hearts and minds into it when we work together.”
1.22.49 - 1.22.56: “You mess around with the environment, nobody’s going to buy your stuff. So,
get on board and do what you need to be doing.”
Takeaways
Nature trailblazer (6.08)
Living on a farm as a child, Anne loved nature. When she took botany in her pre-medical study
at university, she decided to switch to environmental studies. She worked with the University of
Alberta to create an individual master’s program in land reclamation so she could explore the
subject. She completed many courses in plant and soil science to earn the first land
reclamation degree there. Nature conservation is her passion and duty, she says.
Where can you learn about land reclamation? (10.23)
Anne has been actively involved in developing land reclamation studies at the University of
Alberta. Land reclamation is offered as a major in the bachelor’s program in environmental
and conservation sciences. The master’s and doctoral programs are a broad offering with
many areas of focus. The Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) began
in 2012 and delves into international aspects of land reclamation, in keeping with the times.
Terms of reclamation (15.30)
Anne explains land reclamation as bringing disturbed land back to its original state (ecological)
or to productive use (agricultural). Restoration, remediation of contaminants and revegetation
are components of land reclamation. The terms are used differently across the planet and
sometimes interchangeably. However, she is mindful of the legal implications of the terms
from her experience with the Environmental Appeals Board and considers land reclamation
to be the scientifically appropriate term.
Land ownership and responsibility (28.26)
Anne believes that “land reclamation practitioners should be involved in the planning before the
disturbance, not just coming in and cleaning up the mess after”. The planning decisions are
made differently in each province in Canada based on ownership (private or crown).
Landowners are expected to complete documentation before undertaking any disturbing activity
and are held accountable to their reclamation plan in order to get a reclamation certificate.
To whom the land belongs (32.21)
Anne believes land reclamation plans should be developed in consultation with indigenous
spiritual perspectives and traditional ecological values because “the soil can be rebuilt, the plant
community can be reestablished but we don’t necessarily have that sense of place; the spirit of
the land isn’t brought back”. Land reclamation has now evolved from only science-based practice
to one where the spirit is considered.
Conscientious reclamation (42.49)
Land reclamation projects have evolved conscious stages to manage any ecological issues that
may come up since the reclamation process is itself disturbing to the land. Different approaches
are taken based on how populated the area is. Less invasive techniques like drones are being
employed for monitoring purposes in sensitive environments. Anthroposols (soils made by
humans) are being created to reclaim the land where natural materials are not available.
The future of reclamation (56.34)
Today, before land reclamation plans can be approved, companies have to separate the soil
horizons and use natural materials to ensure the viability of the land reclaimed. Anne imagines a
time when companies trade soil layers to ensure maximum viability through timely use, though
ownership and cost may be hindrances. She also hopes that companies will be given a time
frame in which to reclaim disturbed lands and only be allowed a certain amount of disturbance
in a certain period.
Miles to go (1.02.51)
Anne laments that there are some philosophical and practical hurdles to overcome, and
tradeoffs between the environment and economy that will have to be made to continue our
modern way of life. The industry, other peers, and consumers along with regulators could exert
pressure on companies to operate sustainably. However, end consumers should not be
expected to carry the weight of responsibility through their choices.
Making regulation work (1.09.06)
Anne observes that Alberta has a stringent certification process that has evolved to regulate the
operations of companies and hold them accountable to sustainability. She recommends
conducting more studies on the ecosystems of the lands being reclaimed to truly assess the
ecological impact of the operations and reclamations. Monitoring metrics need to be refined
based on the type of land.
Orphaned oil wells (1.15.59)
When companies go bankrupt or cease operations, they abandon their oil wells, reneging their
responsibility of reclamation. The Orphan Well Association reclaims these using the deposits
the companies had paid before beginning operations. Anne suggests that each company should
be given the responsibility to reclaim one oil well pro bono every year with the help of land
reclamation students. Abandoned oil wells could also be used for geothermal projects.
The future is in whose hands? (1.21.36)
Anne worries that we may be taking too long to implement positive changes to protect the
environment, but is excited by the new technologies and ideas pouring into this space from
people concerned about sustainability. She is also hopeful about youth entering environmental
careers or choosing sustainability as a way of life and her observation that “the environment is
important to them even if they are living in the city”.