Alberta’s government will spend $55.8 million over the next six years to plant five million trees and support woodland caribou recovery across northern parts of the province.The funding, part of a partnership with Natural Resources Canada, is aimed at restoring decades-old seismic lines that continue to threaten the caribou’s habitat. While populations in most of Alberta’s 15 caribou ranges are now stable or growing, experts say the long-term survival of the species remains at risk unless these damaged forest areas are properly reforested..“These legacy seismic lines are a challenge to threatened wildlife in our forests and have little to no economic benefit to Albertans,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz. “These investments will help us create habitats over time by replanting trees while creating jobs for hard-working Albertans, benefitting Alberta’s economy and environment.”Tree-planting projects are expected to generate hundreds of jobs, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities. The province says the work requires specialized expertise due to the need for soil preparation, water management and heavy equipment to properly support long-term tree growth..Since 2019, Alberta has assessed and treated over 4,500 km of seismic lines in caribou ranges, including 2,400 km in the last 18 months. More than $70 million has already been spent restoring caribou habitat under the Caribou Habitat Recovery Program. The new commitment builds on that work, with more detailed project updates expected as implementation continues.Woodland caribou are listed as a threatened species in Alberta.
