2022 Projects

Manitoba

Interlake Region Wildfire Restoration

Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Blue Green Planet Project are partnering to plant trees on the traditional territories of Opaskwayak people in the Manitoban boreal forest in the Interlake Region.

The native jack pines will be planted on 63 hectares ravaged by wildfires that swept through the area in 2021. When the fire hit, the area was void of a viable seed source. The restoration work will provide forest benefits for future generations of Opaskwayak People and Canadians; improve watershed function, increase habitat for wildlife and sequester carbon.

Through OCN’s Opaskwayak Education Authority, twelve Opaskwayak members will receive on-the-job training and job opportunities with the project. The aim is to foster long-term community benefits by providing equitable access and increased inclusion of indigenous people in forest work and green jobs. This is just the start; much larger restoration planting projects are planned.

The expert forestry work, including verification and monitoring surveys, is provided by Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation. Summit Reforestation is the planting partner.

British Columbia

Cheslatta First Nation Woodland restoration 

The area south of Burns Lake (Southside) has been ravaged by a mix of beetle infestation and wildfire fires. The areas of focus are owned by Cheslatta Carrier Nation and are being managed with salvage logging to reduce wildfire risks and to increase the rate of forest restoration. In years 2022 and 2023 there is 250 ha of land to be planted with lodgepole pine and interior (hybrid) spruce.

The tree planting will contribute to improved forest management, community economic development, improved watershed hydrology and increased habitat for wildlife. The project partners include Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Hybrid 17 Contracting Ltd. 

Alberta

Slave Lake Area Wildfire Restoration

Blue Green Planet Project and FFES Environmental, an 100% owned indigenous company, are partnering to plant 100,000 trees to reforest an area near Slave Lake that was burned in a 2019 wildfire. Active reforestation efforts with white spruce will ensure a mixed-species stand at a higher density. The project will increase biodiversity and sequester carbon.

West Fraser Sawmills Ltd. is providing the 100,000 seedlings and forestry work as in-kind contributions. Summit Reforestation is the planting partner.