Response of a fen following the removal of a temporary access road 

Peatlands are globally significant ecosystems however, they can be sensitive to a variety of industrial disturbances. In the Alberta Oil Sands Regions, linear disturbances (e.g., roads, pipelines) can impact and modify several components of a wetland such as the structure of the soil (peat). This alteration can in turn can influence the peatland's ability to move water across the landscape, known as hydraulic conductivity.    

To better understand the response of peatlands to roads, Elmes et al. (2021) examined a boreal fen after the removal of a temporary access road which was utilized from 2007 to 2013. Immediately following road removal, the bulk density, a measure of soil compaction, on the down-gradient side of the fen as well as in the removed road site was significantly higher than the up-gradient side. This resulted in decreased hydraulic conductivity. However, three years following the removal of the road, Elmes et al. found that the peat rebounded, reducing the bulk density and increasing the hydraulic conductivity. This study showcases that the natural hydrologic regime of a fen can return following road removal and reclamation.  Learn more here.

NEW Field Guide: Wetland Plants of British Columbia 

In partnership with the Healthy Watershed Initiative, the Real Estate Foundation of BC and Watersheds BC, the BC Wildlife Federation through the Wetlands Workforces has released The Wetland Plants of British Columbia: Field Guide to Indicator Species for Wetland Classification.  To be used alongside Wetland of British Columbia: A Guide to Identification, this is a vegetation guide to common wetland indicator species based on the British Columbian Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System.

The guide organizes species first, based on the wetland class they are associated with (Fen, Bog, Marsh, Swamp and Flood Associations) and then further by vegetation type (Treed, Shrubby, Forbs, Graminoids, Ferns and Allies).  As many species are commonly found in multiple wetland classes, this guide duplicates species descriptions.  This allows users to go to a single wetland class and find all the vegetation species present in that class.  This is just one feature that make this guide particularly user-friendly. Learn more and download the guide here.

Survival of the deepest: The role of peat depth during seasonal drought

Peatlands are highly resilient to summer droughts due to their hydrological feedbacks. However, with future climate models indicating warmer temperatures and more frequent droughts, peatlands may be increasingly susceptible.  Warmer temperatures are expected to decrease Sphagnum moss productivity, a critical species responsible for peat accumulation 

To better understand which peatlands may be at greater risk, Moore et al. (2021) assessed the role of peat depth in maintaining soil moisture during summer droughts in the Georgian Bay Biosphere of Ontario. By examining water table levels, near-surface moisture content, and soil water tension, Moore et al. determined that peatlands with shallower peat deposits (less than 40 cm) are more vulnerable than sites with deep peat deposits (greater than 40 cm).  This is due to the water table lowering below the peat profile, leading to lower surface moisture. Moore et al. found that shallow peatlands are twice as likely to experience stress than deep peatlands and highlighted the importance of peat depth mapping to better understand the future of peatlands under warmer climates. Learn more here.