1. What have we learned and where to go from here?

2. Past studies Several studies were conducted to evaluate practices and impacts An idea of acceptable practices were determined All relevant or necessary information was not always collected What do we know?

3. Construction and equipment Construction practices have evolved Equipment and technology has improved Willingness to innovate Practices seem quite variable - sometimes bad things happen What do we know?

4. Regulation Desire to minimize environmental impacts Desire to make informed management decisions Good local knowledge and experience exist Conduct directed research What do we know?

5. The environment The environment is variable from one area to the next The environment is changing over time What do we know?

6. Ground temperature 100 cm depth, winter 2003/2004 Tundra uplands Richards Island Spruce forest, Inuvik * *

7. Latitudinal variation Less than 35 cm High density Greater than 75 cm Low density

8. Mean Temperature (°C), Oct. - Dec. 1971 - 2004 1971-1980 1995-2004 -18.1°C -16.4°C

9. Where do we go? Evaluate current practices Develop guidance on construction practices Test and evaluate new technologies Develop an impact monitoring strategy Consider environmental variability

10. How do we get there? Set goals Work together Communication between stakeholders Evaluate existing guidelines Identify knowledge gaps related to construction and environmental effects Design research that addresses key gap

11. Information gaps Operational issues – What are the criteria for ensuring the land is ready for activity? Environmental impacts – What is an acceptable level of impact? – If there is a lot of snow (below treeline), does the active-layer need to be completely frozen?