Increased interest in oil and gas exploration in the Yukon is leading to an increase in the use of seismic exploration as a tool for identifying potential drill sites. Although there are a number of techniques that have been developed over the years to minimize disturbances associated with seismic exploration, in some cases the information that needs to be gathered dictates that a less than environmentally optimal treatment be employed. Seismic line cuts can cause a number of outcomes from significant environmental degradation to lines that are barely a whisper on the landscape. Studies conducted in the Eagle Plains and Peel Plateau areas in 2006 and 2007 have provided significant information on the ecology of recovery of seismic lines in these areas. The results of these studies were presented at the 2007 Oil and Gas Best Management Practices Symposium in Inuvik in October, 2007. The South Eastern region is different ecologically from the Eagle Plains and Peel Plateau region. The lower elevation sites in the South Eastern region are vegetated by substantial forests of white spruce, poplars and birch while the Eagle Plains area is tundra at higher elevation and black spruce / Labrador tea scrub forests at lower elevations. The relation to recovery processes in the North Yukon bears consideration as the general processes of recovery illustrate elements that should be considered when seismic lines are cut. This study builds on the studies completed in 2006 and 2007 and provides information that illustrates the ecological characteristics of seismic line recovery as a tool for the continued development of best management practices and standard operating procedures for oil and gas exploration.
