Across northern Canada evidence of oil and gas seismic exploration remains from the 1950's to current day. While many of these linear features are still visible, others can no longer be seen. Research carried out by Yukon Government, Energy Mines and Resources looked at the status of historical oil and gas exploration disturbances and recovery. A key question was the definition of the words "disturbance" and "recovery". What do we use for criteria in the determination of whether a site is disturbed or not, and when do we consider that a site has recovered? What variables are important to measure? A key tool that was considered was a comparison with natural disturbance regimes in the study area. Does natural recovery depend on the disturbance conditions under which the lines were constructed or is the limiting factor, or filter, the dominant ecological process in the area in which the exploration was carried out. Our findings indicate that disturbance factors include changes to permafrost, soil structure and mycorrhizal dynamics in combination with propagule removal, community shifts to graminoid dominance and nutrient availability. The dominant ecological processes are permafrost, available nutrients and temperature.