Sturgeon County is taking a bold step towards environmental sustainability and community connection through its collaboration with Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina) and Project Forest. This partnership is at the heart of an exciting new initiative focused on rewilding the Sandy Lake Wilderness Area, a project that aims to restore vital natural habitats while fostering meaningful relationships with local and Indigenous communities.
A Shared Vision of Conservation
The rewilding project is part of a broader strategy outlined in the County’s Area Concept and Natural Area Management Plan. This plan will help guide sustainable development and ensure that Sturgeon County’s natural spaces are preserved for generations to come.
A key aspect of this initiative is Sturgeon County’s ongoing engagement with Alexander First Nation and incorporating their insights, including Indigenous perspectives in the planning process ensures that future conservation efforts are not only environmentally sustainable, but also culturally respectful.
Safety, Equity and Inclusion
The rewilding project will restore the area’s ecosystems, boosting its beauty and biodiversity for future generations. A key partner in this effort is Pembina, a long-time supporter of Project Forest, whose values align seamlessly with the County’s goals. As a responsible community member, Pembina prioritizes meaningful engagement with stakeholders and partners with organizations that support Indigenous and Tribal communities, promote safety, equity and inclusion, and encourage a sustainable energy future through its Community Investment program.
Collaboration + Sustainability
The project is poised to make a lasting impact on the environment and offers the chance to create something even more valuable: a legacy of collaboration, sustainability, and community pride. Sturgeon County and Project Forest are working together to ensure that Sandy Lake remains a vibrant, healthy, and accessible place for future generations to enjoy. 45,000 trees will be planted on over 22 hectares, as part of this project.
Sturgeon County is excited to continue its work on this vital project and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on both the landscape and the people who call this region home. This collaboration isn’t just about restoring nature—it’s about creating a future where both people and the planet thrive. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved with this project in the future!
DID YOU KNOW: Pembina and Project Forest in Action
Pembina’s partnership with Project Forest began in 2021 and since then, through yearly funding commitments, they have made a direct and lasting positive impact in Western Canada. Pembina is proud to have recently extended its partnership with Project Forest with a $1.5 million commitment over the next three years to support rewilding projects across Western Canada as well as provide the resources needed to build organizational capacity to grow their reach and impact. In total, Pembina has funded the planting of over 42,000 trees with Project Forest in six forests.
