The provincial government is seeking contractors to restore hundreds of kilometres of land where fireguards were created during the 2023 wildfire season. The Forestry and Parks Ministry recently issued several requests for proposals, looking to return the land to a near-natural state. The work focuses on sites where large wildfires burned near Edson, Alta., about 200 kilometres west of Edmonton, and in the High Level forest area in northwestern Alberta. “Generally, at the North American level, it’s well understood that rehabilitation of fireguards is a really important thing to do,” said Jed Kaplan, a professor in the University of Calgary’s earth, energy and environment department. …”By reclaiming the land, the province aims to prevent soil erosion, stabilize the area, and encourage new growth, helping the land recover quickly,” said Alexandru Cioban, spokesperson for the ministry.