Alberta 2023 - Mistehae Lake

PROJECT REPORT

ALBERTA 2023MISTEHAE LAKE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 500,000 trees were planted to restore 277 hectares of land in Alberta.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Alberta. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Alberta 2023 - Mistehae Lake project was to rejuvenate remote areas of the province impacted by logging and subsequent wildfires, particularly patches affected by the McMillan Wildfire Complex in 2019. This endeavor holds significant importance in the regeneration of forests, bolstering their ability to deliver crucial ecosystem services and enhancing the visual appeal of the surrounding landscape. Through extensive reforestation efforts, the project aims to facilitate the resurgence of conifer-dominated forests — and restore habitat for numerous endangered and threatened species, contributing to broader conservationgoals.

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT

White spruce (Picea glauca)

Black spruce (Picea mariana)

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana)

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

There are over 40 species of spruce, 5 of which are native to Canada. Though white spruce is native to North America, it is found across every province in Canada. White spruce, otherwise known as Picea glauca, occurs naturally from Newfoundland and Labrador west across Canada along the northern limit of trees totheHudsonBay,NorthwestTerritories,andYukon.Alsoknownasthe‘Canadian spruce,’whitesprucecangrowto40meterstallandonavarietyoflandformsand soiltypes,includingriparian,upland,andtreelinesites.

White spruce are large trees with a narrow crown and yellow-brown twigs. White spruce cones are cylindrical, with scales that can be easily broken apart, distinguishing it from red and black spruce. Its needles are an attractive bluegreen,contrastingwithitssmall,browncones.

In an ecosystem, white spruce fulfill a vital ecological role, providing food in the form of seeds for numerous species of animals, including seed-eating birds, small mammals, and insects. Additionally, white spruce provide cover and habitat to a range of species, such as vole, American marten, moose, black bear and caribou. Whenit’snotbusysupportingwildlife,whitesprucerootscontributetosoilstabiliy. Becauseofitsdenseform,thetreeiswellsuitedasawindbreakorscreen.

Black spruce, scientifically known as Picea mariana, are small-medium conifer evergreen trees with narrow, compact conical crowns and gray-ish brown bark. Needles of the black spruce are blue-green, pointed, and have a strong, pungent smell when crushed between your fingers. Black spruce grow in swampy areas with poorly drained soil, and are often found alongside balsam fir and white spruce. Black spruce are frequently visited by chickadees in search of food and nesting sites. One can find red squirrels, hawks, owls and flycatchers doing the same.

Jack pine, scientifically known as Pinus banksiana, is a native North American species found primarily in the boreal forests of Canada and extending into the Great Lakes region, including Michigan. Its distinctive features include short, twisted needles grouped in pairs and slender cones that typically remain closed until exposed to fire. With grayish-brown, deeply furrowed bark, Jack pine trees standatheightsrangingfrom50to80feet,oftenwithirregularlyshapedcrowns.

DEAR DONORS,

I SINCERELY THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION. HAVING SPENT PART OF THE SUMMER ON THE PROJECT AT MISTEHAE LAKE, I CAN ASSURE YOU THE TREES WERE PLANTED WELL! I SPENT A LOT OF TIME OBSERVING THE DESTRUCTION THE FIRES HAD CAUSED, ESPECIALLY TO THESE WHITE SPRUCE PLANTATIONS THAT WON'T REGENERATE ON THEIR OWN. WITH YOUR SUPPORT WE ARE GIVING THIS FOREST ANOTHER CHANCE. SPECIFICALLY, I VISITED A DESTROYED CATTAIL MARSH, AND REALIZED SOON THESE PLANTED SEEDLINGS WILL PROVIDE SOME SHADE, COOL THE SOIL TEMPERATURES AND ALLOW THE WETLAND TO RETURN TO ITS NORMAL FUNCTIONS. THIS WILL ALLOW THE PASSERINE BIRDS A CHANCE TO RETURN AS WELL AND OTHER WILDLIFE A CHANCE TO RETURN TO THE AREA.

ALTHOUGH WE WON'T SEE THE FULL SUCCESS OF THIS PLANTATION FOR A LONG TIME, EVERY SINGLE DAY IS AN IMPROVEMENT TO THE ECOSYSTEM, CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT. EVERY YEAR WE COME BACK TO VISIT WE WILL SEE THE GRADUAL IMPACT TO THE LAND! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Alberta 2023 - Mistehae Lake project supported the planting of 500,000 native conifer trees across 277 hectares near Wabasca, Alberta. By reforesting these previously degraded landscapes, this project provides green employment opportunities for local workers and contributes to increased food security through hunting activities. Moreover, the restoration of vital habitat for endangered and threatened species enhances regional biodiversity and encourages a healthier environment. Additionally, the project's focus on coniferous species promotes carbon sequestration, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves air and water quality, benefiting both local communities andthebroaderregion.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Throughauthenticandinformativestorytelling,wehelpdonorsrelatetothepeople who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The reforestation efforts undertaken in this project will facilitate the establishment of thriving coniferous-dominated forests, which play a pivotal role in providing essential habitat for a diverse range of wildlife species. Over the initial 20-year period, these newly established forests will offer vital nesting, hiding, and foraging grounds for a variety of migratory songbirds, raptors, owls, ungulates, and black bears. As the forests mature, they will become invaluable regional habitats, particularly for sensitive species such as furbearers, migratory songbirds, raptors, owls, bears, and ungulates. They will also provide crucial thermal cover and hiding spotsformoose,elk,anddeer.Giventhelimitednaturalconiferousregenerationin occurring in the burned areas, the introduction of conifers through planting initiativeswillsubstantiallyenhancelocalandregionalbiodiversity.

The project area harbors several sensitive species vital to the ecological balance of the region and surrounding areas. Among these species are the Barred owl (Strixvaria), Black-backed woodpecker (Picoidesarcticus), Brown creeper (Certhia americana), Common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), and Least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus). These species exhibit varying degrees of vulnerability and dependency on specific habitat conditions, with factors such as forest fragmentation, fire suppression practices, and habitat changes posing significant threats to their populations. By creating and preserving suitable habitats through increased forest cover, this project will contribute substantially to existing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these sensitive speciesandmaintainingtheregion'sbiodiversity.

Continuing this momentum in wildlife conservation will not only safeguard these vulnerable species, but contribute to the broader goals of preserving natural ecosystemsandfosteringsustainablecoexistencebetweenhumansandwildlife.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

CommunityEmpowermentandEconomicProsperity:

Thisinitiativefosteredemploymentopportunitiesandeconomicstabilitywithinthe local community. By supporting seasonal workers who are crucial to Canada’s reforestation efforts, the project not only provided green jobs for 30 local tree planters,butalsocontributedtoincreasedfoodsecuritythroughhuntingactivities. Additionally, the project stimulated local economies through the purchase of supplies, fuel, accommodations, and meals by both locals and visitors engaged in huntingandbirdingpursuits.Furthermore,theprocurementofseedlingsfromlocal nurseriesenhancedthesustainabilityandgrowthofAlberta’snurseryindustry.

EnvironmentalAdvancements:

ThroughtheexpansionofforestcoverintheSlaveLakeForestareaofAlbertaand other designated sites across the province, the project made significant strides in bolsteringecosystemservices.Itfacilitatedincreasedcarbonsequestration,which will help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve air and water quality, fosteringahealthierenvironmentforbothwildlifeandlocalcommunities.

PromotingGenderEquity:

With a commitment to inclusivity, this project prioritized gender equality by ensuring the active participation of women in various roles. Women constituted over 40% of the project's workforce, and half of the supervisors were woman. This concerted effort aimed to foster a more equitable and diverse work environment, with women comprising nearly half of the overall field staff and half of the field supervisors.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

IndigenousandCommunityCollaboration:

Throughout the project’s implementation, engagement with the local Big Stone Cree First Nations was prioritized, acknowledging their essential role alongside experienced forest professionals from the region. This collaborative approach helped ensure a deep respect for cultural sensitivities and effective resource management. By involving the Woodland Cree of the Big Stone Cree Nation — the largest indigenous group in northern Alberta — the project established a strong foundation for future cooperative efforts, fostering a sense of shared stewardship ofnaturalresources.

In addition to partnering with the Big Stone Cree, strategic partnerships were forged among various local stakeholders such as mills, nurseries, forestry consultants,andcommunityorganizationslikeourplantingpartners.

EnhancedRecreationandCulturalPreservation:

Beyond environmental benefits, this project contributed to the enhancement of recreational outdoor spaces and trapline territories, enriching the lives of citizens in the Wabasca community. By restoring and conserving natural habitats, the initiative provided opportunities for outdoor recreation, preserving traditional practicesandculturalheritageforfuturegenerations.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“The significance of this project lies in its dual impact: not only does it restore vital ecosystems, it fosters economic resilience within the local community. Through this collaborative effort, we have not only planted trees. We have laid the groundwork for a brighter, greener futureforall.”

Stephanie Rochemont Project Manager Canada & Northeast US

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist