Impact of Climate on Reclamation Success in the Foothills/Mountains Region of Alberta, Canada

The Alberta Research Council has conducted a reclamation research program near Grande Cache, Alberta in conjunction with the surface mining operations of Smoky River Coal Limited since 1972. Use of appropriate materials handling techniques and selection of suitable plant species combined with good management practices has resulted in the establishment of diverse plant communities that allow for different land use options. Climate was recognized as the most limiting factor to reclamation success in the region. Precipitation records were maintained on a growing season basis since the inception of the program. More recently, continuous monitoring equipment was installed to measure precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind speed and direction and relative humidity on a continuous basis. Frost-free period has ranged from 45 days to 112 days during the last five years. Soil temperatures at the 1 cm depth were found to exceed 46°C for several hours on consecutive days in areas characterized by a grass and legume cover. Measurement of the distribution and intensity of precipitation events indicates that the distribution of moisture can be somewhat less than effective for good plant  establishment and growth. Prevailing winds are from the west and south. The data collected in the monitoring
program are used to develop and refine operational reclamation procedures used in the area.