Our goal is to improve conifer seedling survival and growth so that planted seedlings will reach the "free to grow" stage sooner. It is at this stage when the exponential growth trajectory towards mature conifer tree cover begins. We are applying a natural plant biostimulant during forest nursery culture to improve the development of root growth potential, which is expressed after planting on restoration sites. We are first determining the rate of biostimulant to apply (tree species dependent) and assessing its physiological effects on seedlings in a CFS research nursery (greenhouse, outplanting beds, and growth chambers). Next, we will be collaborating with a commercial forest nursery to implement the new practice.  Seedlings from this nursery will be outplanted on linear features with annual measurements over a 5-year period, in collaboration with an oil and gas end user.

This study will provide forest nurseries with a novel tool for production of designer, summer-planting conifer seedlings with enhanced root growth for caribou habitat restoration. These seedlings with enhanced root growth will improve rates of survival and growth compared with current rates.  Our goal is to share this knowledge with nurseries across Canada growing conifer seedlings for boreal caribou habitat restoration and with various end-users.

The Bipole III Transmission Project is a 1,388 km high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project traversing several ecozones.  The project starts at the Keewatinohk converter station near Gillam in northern Manitoba and ends at the Riel Converter Station in the RM of Springfield. On behalf of Manitoba Hydro, Wood Canada Ltd. developed and implemented a long-term Mammals Monitoring Program compliant with the project license conditions and approved Biophysical Monitoring Plan to monitor project effects during the construction (Jan 2015-June 2018) and early operation (July 2018-ongoing) phases.  Monitored mammal VECs include Woodland Caribou, Moose, Coastal and Barren-ground Caribou, White-tailed Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Black Bear, and Furbearer species.  The multi-year study design involves systematic monitoring conducted at multiple spatial and temporal scales and integration of rigorous systematic sampling methods using combinations of non-invasive genetic sampling/ genotyping, aerial surveys, satellite telemetry, trail camera studies, winter ground tracking, and harvest monitoring, depending on mammal VEC.  Caribou monitoring methods undertaken at the range scale include satellite telemetry in 4 woodland caribou local population ranges (n=20 collars/range and mortality investigations), systematic aerial surveys of ungulate-wolf occurrence and caribou herd composition.  Non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) methods integrated with capture-recapture (CR) estimation and population modelling of state and vital rates for the 4 boreal caribou populations.