Development of a Reclamation Technology for the Foothills - Mountain Region of Alberta

Initiated in 1972, an on-going reclamation study has been conducted by the Soils Department of the Alberta Research Council on behalf of Smoky Coal Ltd. at their open-pit mine operations near Grande Cache, Alberta. The main objective of the project is to determine methods of establishing longterm cover that is in harmony with adjacent, undisturbed areas. During the study the unmined and reconstructed soils were characterized . Results of plot studies to determine the suitability and adaptability of various agronomic and native grasses and legunes suggest recommended species for use in the region. Methods for the establishment of trees and shrubs are presented . Encroachment by native species into the reclaimed areas and the use of these areas by wildlife are described. The results obtained to date
from the research effort have been successfully transferred to the operational scale .