The scope of work called for approximately 22 hectares of formerly mature boreal forest habitat to be rehabilitated and revegetated to allow for succession to a late-seral plant community consistent with the region. Vegetative performance criteria dictated levels of native plant establishment, tree and shrub health and survival, as well as on-site weed presence upon completion of the project.

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Project highlights have included:

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• Over 100,000 m3 of soils deployed in re-creating soil profiles;
• Multiple native grass seed mixes specific to site conditions developed and sourced;
• Establishment of an integrated weed management strategy;
• Design of erosion and sediment control measures to protect downstream fish bearing habitat;
• Planting design and sourcing of thousands of native trees and shrubs.

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Located within Whiteshell Provincial Park, in a heavily trafficked section of the Winnipeg River, the site presented unique challenges and opportunities. SMM became involved at the preliminary planning stages for the site rehabilitation and revegetation following the replacement of the 100-year-old spillway. This included developing a high-level soil strategy, outlining erosion and weed control requirements, and devising a comprehensive planting approach. Additionally, criteria for turnover, acceptance and performance were established to ensure successful project outcomes. These planning documents supported regulatory discussions and were instrumental in the development of construction tender documents which facilitated the detailed design and implementation of the site rehab and revegetation efforts.

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The design finalization phase included soil amendment strategies and deployment methods. Critical erosion control measures were planned to avoid impacts on the sensitive and protected fish-bearing habitats adjacent to the site. Integrated weed control planning and comprehensive revegetation design, from native plant material sourcing to planting and establishment were also key components.

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