AB-2025-06645 - Semo Complex Reclamation

The Forestry Division of Alberta’s Ministry of Forestry and Parks, in its mandate to prevent and suppress wildfires within the province is required under existing legislation (Appendix A) to reclaim disturbed forest land caused by the Government of Alberta (GOA) wildfire suppression operations. This reclamation is aimed at reducing subsequent wildfire hazard, preventing, or reducing the potential of soil erosion ensuring soil stabilization and promoting the vegetative recovery of the disturbed land base to help ensure ecosystem health and biodiversity. In the suppression of HWF-061-24 & HWF136-24, these disturbances were essential for effective wildfire operations.

a) Semo Complex Reclamation consists of two fires: HWF061-24 & HWF136-24 Fireguards, associated stream crossing and pipeline crossings were necessary to create fuel breaks, provide anchors for ignition activities and to create safe zones. Reclamation will consist of using mechanical labour to pull back the soil, stumps and woody debris to restore natural contour. These trees are to be broken up, and the debris will be dispersed evenly over the fire guard to lie flat to the ground. Trees that cannot be made to lie flat to the ground by mechanical means will be manually slashed by a chainsaw in order to be made flat. Some areas a feller buncher was used to widen dozer guards, decked piles will be required to be broken up and dispersed accordingly. All locations where cut and fill occurred must be re-contoured to the natural landform. Work must conform to Part 2 of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and must be done during frozen ground conditions. The first fire started July 1st 2024 and continued to burn through the 2024/2025 winter. This fire was not deemed extinguished until spring May 26th, 2025. Sections of guard may not require reclamation due to burn over, pre-existing access lines or to mitigate damage to areas with high regeneration which has been captured on Fieldmaps.

b) All fireguards, stream crossings, pipeline crossings, helipads and excavated water holes (bell holes) are to be reclaimed to replicate natural disturbance and return the ecosystem to a natural state. Sections of the fireguards were created when the ground was not fully thawed or was unsuitable for guard construction and may require use of predetermined access roads to be reclaimed. Operations took place during the 2024/2025 winter where new guard was established that will also require reclamation. All work must be completed as per specifications identified in the reclamation plan. (Appendix B - Services) Contractor must provide sufficient facilities to house staff working in remote locations. Once work is deemed completed by the contractor, a final flight with the contract manager will take place prior to project sign off.

c) An on-site foreman will report to contract manager directly with bi-weekly progress reports. The Contractor must provide bi-weekly reports and updated digital maps to ensure accurate invoice processing. A scheduled flight will take place with the field supervisors and Contract Manager prior to each payment installment. Contractor is required to apply for all applicable land use authorizations and follow appropriate procedures when constructing a temporary work camp.

d) Alberta Wildfire Certified Dozer Boss/HEGS to oversee daily operations

e) The contractor may benefit from consultation with local forest companies (Tolko, West Fraser, La Crete Sawmills and Caribou Mountain Forestry) for access and collaboration if utilizing pre established haul roads.

f) Attachments: -Reclamation Map -Reclamation Plan



Information/Pre-bid Meeting
Fri•Oct 31, 2025•1:30 pm (MT)