Seismic lines, which are narrow linear clearings used for hydrocarbon exploration, have accumulated throughout Alberta’s forest landscapes for decades. The inconsistent natural recovery of seismic lines over time has led to a fragmented landscape and has incited the need for restoration programs and associated monitoring of forest recovery on seismic lines. In this study, we evaluated a technique where we used satellite imagery to visually assign recovery classifications based on whether the seismic line remained >50% visible (Not Recovered), <50% visible (Fractionally Recovered), or not visible (Recovered) in upland mixedwood forests. We ground validated the recovery classification on 22 seismic lines using the recovery criteria of 2000 stems ha⁻¹ and a mean tree height of 3 m. The categories of Recovered and Fractionally Recovered met the recovery criteria with 100% and 80% accuracy, respectively, while the Not Recovered category identified lines that failed to meet the recovery criteria with 83% accuracy. Based on these findings, visual interpretation of satellite imagery can be used to provide cursory-level recovery information for monitoring forest recovery on upland seismic lines at landscape-level scales.

Microlitter is a widespread contaminant with implications for aquatic health; however, knowledge of its distribution in fresh waters is limited. We examined microlitter in surface water, sediment, and mussels within the Saint John River and four major tributaries. Microlitter was present at all 89 sites, with concentrations in water equivalent to other Canadian watersheds. Microlitter concentrations likely reflected differences in land use and development. Comparisons between rivers generally revealed distinct water microlitter particle compositions, suggesting that input sources were specific to each river, while microlitter in sediments and mussels was largely homogeneous among rivers. There was little similarity in concentration and composition of microlitter among the three matrices sampled. Microlitter in sediments and mussels may not reliably track concentration and composition in aquatic environments. Microlitter concentration was not significantly greater downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Airborne microlitter transportation was evident, as remote sites in two tributary rivers demonstrated the highest concentrations of microlitter. Our data highlights the prevalence of microlitter in rural rivers, underscoring the ubiquity of this emerging contaminant and its integration into food webs.