Rings of Progress; 25 Years of Environmental Management College of Alberta Professional Foresters Tim Taylor Old Timer’s Cabin Street N.W. (SconaRoad) Edmonton, Alberta T6E 3W4

Alberta is home to a vibrant energy industry – are we ready for the challenges?

Challenges Fire Climate change Multiple land use Conflicting land use Reclamation Water consumption Remediation Abandonment Wildlife concerns Spills

Seven Rings People Attitude Science & technology Understanding Resources Regulations Public concern

People Over 25 years, the environmental specialist has progressed ◦From “back room nuisance” ◦To “well, they are even in management now!”

People 25 years: ◦Learn by the seat of your pants ◦To a wide variety of academic programs trained in many environmental specialties

Attitude

Attitude 25 years has seen a huge change in attitude to environmental protection ◦From “Who cares?” ◦To “I Care!”

Attitude

Technology

Technology

Technology Flare stacks and liquid management Conservation of gas Energy efficiency Secondary containment Emissions controlled LIDAR / GPS / Landscape Design

Understanding

Understanding

Understanding

Understanding

Resources PeopleFunds Time

Regulations EPEA CEPA Four letter words that have changed the landscape of regulation to one of collaboration, prevention and accountability

Regulations Pre 1983 – no soil salvage 1983 – 1994 – soil salvage introduced 1994 / 1995 – new reclamation criteria 2007 Update – Forestry specific guidelines If you were an expert in reclamation 5 years ago, and you didn’t keep up with regulations, you are no longer an expert

Foothills Research Institute “Since 1992, the Foothills Research Institute (formerly the Foothills Model Forest) has been conducting applied research on the cultural, ecological, economic and social values of Alberta’s forested landscape. Over our history, we have also worked with our partners on initiatives that contribute to integrated resource management such as the Northeast Slopes Integrated Resource Management Plan (2000) and the existing Foothills Stream Crossing Program.”

2006 Model Forest Project to improve culverting

Collaboration Foothills Stream Crossing was industry driven to improve crossings Collaborative over government agencies, forestry and oil and gas It is the future of environmental solutions

The future of Reclamation

Conclusion - Seven Rings People Attitude Science & technology Understanding Resources Regulations Public concern

Conclusion Without question we have challenges But we need to consider our past and know what we can do today We can collaboratively solve these problems

Questions