Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) Community Access Road

Upcoming Field Studies

To help us understand the current conditions (quality and quantity) of the environment along the proposed alternative routes, scientific field studies will be taking place for aquatic and terrestrial environments and wildlife. The information we collect through these studies will be strengthened by the Indigenous Knowledge shared with us by MFFN and neighbouring Indigenous communities.

Following is a high-level overview of upcoming field study programs for 2021 and their approximate timelines*:

• Groundwater and Geochemistry (TBD): Installation of monitoring wells so that we can assess groundwater fluctuations, seasonal changes in water quality and develop an understanding of current conditions.
• Surface Water (TBD): Assessment of select water crossings along the route alternatives to understand current conditions including seasonal flows, drainage patterns, and water and sediment quality. This program will be conducted together with the Fish and Fish Habitat Program.
• Fish and Fish Habitat (TBD): Characterization of fish communities and habitats to understand current conditions at a number of locations along the route alternatives. This program will be conducted together with the Surface Water Program. Some species that will be included in the study are: walleye (okaas), lake sturgeon (nameh) and northern pike (nahwabe).
• Vegetation, Physiography and Peatlands (TBD): Collection of information related to forest and wetland plants, soil conditions and geologic features to develop an understanding of the current conditions. This includes wetlands (asabi’biiya or asabi’gama) and muskeg (mashkiig).
• Waterfowl Aerial Survey (TBD): Estimation of distribution, number and density of Waterfowl, Shorebirds and Raptors in the Local Study Area, at various times during the year. Some examples include mallard (shesheeb) and osprey (saagwadamo).

Detailed notices will be provided when the dates for the field programs are confirmed. For the upcoming programs, we are looking for input to help us confirm the timing and sampling locations. Each program listed above includes its own Discussion Guide which provides more information about what the program is, why it’s important to the Community Access Road, and what kind of feedback we are looking for. The Discussion Guides have already been distributed to Indigenous community representatives, Tribal Councils and Provincial Territorial Organizations.

Both Indigenous Knowledge and western science are key to understanding the environment, and will help to decide where the road will go. Currently, we are looking for high-level feedback on items we should be aware of when undertaking this season’s scientific field studies in the areas identified on the provided maps. The planned field studies involve mostly low impact activities and will follow all applicable regulations and guidelines. Indigenous persons continue to accompany the survey crews to support this important work.

Indigenous Knowledge and information on Indigenous land and resource use in the area of the proposed routes can be shared through the Project’s Indigenous Knowledge Program. If you have sensitive and confidential information that you would like to share through this Program, please let us know.  We will ensure your knowledge is protected.

*Timelines and programs are approximate and may shift; we will provide updates as required.