The Comparison of Community-Weighted Mean Specific Leaf Area between Reclaimed Well Pads and Reference Forests  

Abstract

The boreal forest, covering 14% of the Earth's surface, holds significant ecological importance, serving as a carbon reservoir, mitigating climate change, and supporting diverse wildlife. Human activities, including oil and gas extraction through the development of well sites, impact the boreal forest landscape and lead it to both spatial and temporal changes beyond its historical range of variability. The preparation of oil and gas well sites in Canada's boreal forests necessitates a comprehensive process involving the clearance of trees and vegetation, the leveling of subsurface soils, and the complete removal of surface soil to establish a stable foundation. Even after reclamation, the well sites display lower seed counts, sparse tall trees, and compacted soil compared to surrounding forests. Understanding the successional dynamics and recovery processes of these sites is crucial. Examining changes in functional traits, such as specific leaf area, provides insights into plant community dynamics and growth strategies throughout succession. This study focuses on Central Mixedwood and Lower Foothills Natural Subregions in northwest Alberta, investigating community-weighted mean specific leaf area (CWM SLA) as an indicator of plant community traits during succession. 

The research aims to answer the following research questions: 

1. What is the difference between CWM SLA in the plant community between the reference forest and the reclaimed well pad? 

2. What is the reclaimed well pad’s recovery pattern by age post-certification? 

Monitoring these dynamics provides insights crucial for assessing the efficacy of Alberta's past reclamation criteria. The findings will serve as a valuable tool for managers to determine the attainment of desired outcomes, pinpoint areas of deviation, and identify points for adjustment in the restoration framework.