We protect and enhance biodiversity by diversifying natural landscapes in ways that can sustain multiple land uses, such as wetlands, cattle and farming.

Land in the Genesee area is primarily farmland and, as such, reclamation efforts over the past 26 years have primarily focused on reclaiming mined land back into farmland. In recent years, reclamation efforts and research have also included reforestation techniques and wetland development. This will help create a balance and diversity of landscape and land uses, and provides habitat for the many species that populate the area.

Funding research

We continued our partnership with Syncrude, Suncor, Shell and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to fund a University of Alberta aspen tree research project. Under Dr. Simon Landhausser’s direction, one student completed and defended their master’s thesis in 2012.

Local cattle graze on Genesee land

There were 1,640 cattle belonging to 10 local farmers that grazed the community pasture at Genesee in 2012.

Reclaimed land and company-owned land not yet used for operations is leased to local farmers to bring their cattle to a well-managed grassland operated by professional range managers.

Native tree stands were protected from grazing cattle through the installation of cattle fences on approximately 100 acres of land in 2012.

The annual cattle drive at our Genesee station is just the last step in a long journey. It's a tradition that pre-dates the plant itself. What’s different now from those early days is that portions the cattle now graze on are reclaimed from early mining activity.

Roger Gunsch has led the cattle drive for over 25 years. He also manages the herds throughout the grazing season -- roughly May to October every year.

For a fee, the cattle are free to graze, are moved from field to field throughout the growing season, and are checked for general health. If there are signs of trouble, medication is provided and the owners are alerted. The grazing cattle help to control weeds in the pasture land surrounding our plant.

Having taken over the family farm near Genesee station, Roger's son Jimmy has been helping out for many years now. Both have spent time on rodeo circuits before this.

"This job has been a good fit for me," Roger says. "When I farmed, it gave me more time with my horses. As a rodeo rider, that's obviously something I really love."

Roger and Jimmy are never alone in their travels. Throughout the grazing season, Genesee's famous falcons are a regular feature in the skies overhead. Eagles are also common, but Roger is happy to report that coyotes have never been a problem in his 25+ years on the job.

Round-up time -- when owners pick-up their herd for wintering at home -- means many hands make light work. "Any excuse to bring my horse to work," says Jennifer Linder, a member of the Genesee Land Management team.

Man-made Wetland

Initial steps were taken to create a man-made wetland in the reclaimed areas of the mine. In 2012 topsoil was placed on preparation for tree planting in 2014.This project will be a template for future wetland creation at Genesee.