Alberta says it has restored more than 6,100 kilometres of legacy seismic lines since 2019, marking a sharp increase in caribou habitat work compared with previous years.

In a Feb. 20 news release, the province said the restoration covers disturbed corridors across northern forests that were created decades ago for oil and gas exploration and other industrial activity. Between 2015 and 2019, only 87 kilometres were restored.

The government said the work is part of its Caribou Habitat Recovery Program, launched in 2019, which has seen more than $90 million invested in assessing and treating old seismic lines. Annual totals have climbed steadily, reaching 1,739 kilometres in 2024 and an estimated 1,546 kilometres in 2025.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the province is leading the country in restoring caribou habitat and credited partnerships with Indigenous communities and industry. Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said conservation efforts can proceed alongside economic activity.

The province also announced new memorandums of understanding with Syncrude Canada Ltd. and TC Energy. Under the agreements, Syncrude will contribute about $6.95 million toward restoration work in the Richardson caribou range, while TC Energy will provide $5 million for projects in the Little Smoky range.

Andrea Jalbert, vice-president of regulatory for Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines at TC Energy, said in the release the company is supporting recovery efforts in partnership with the province and Indigenous communities.

Seismic lines are linear clearings cut through forests for exploration or access. Although many have not been used for years, they can alter predator movement and fragment habitat, affecting woodland caribou populations. Restoration typically involves re-contouring land and planting trees to encourage forest regrowth.

The government said surveys show most Alberta caribou populations have stabilized or are increasing after decades of decline. In June 2025, the province announced more than $55 million over five years to plant up to five million trees and continue habitat restoration.

Alberta said it is working with Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McKay Métis Nation, Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation and Aseniwuche Winewak Nation to build capacity for reforestation projects. Funding for the Caribou Habitat Recovery Program is part of a partnership with Natural Resources Canada.