Sturgeon County partners with Pembina and Project Forest to restore Sandy Lake wilderness

By Haylee Winger

Sturgeon County is embarking on an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at restoring the Sandy Lake Wilderness Area through a partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Project Forest. The rewilding project is part of the County’s long-term vision for sustainable development, outlined in its Area Concept and Natural Area Management Plan. The goal is to bring back native ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and protect the natural beauty of the region for future generations.

A significant part of this initiative involves meaningful engagement with the Alexander First Nation. Their guidance and cultural perspectives are helping shape a project that goes beyond environmental conservation—it is also about respect, reconciliation, and honoring Indigenous knowledge. By including Indigenous voices in the planning process, Sturgeon County is ensuring the project is not only environmentally sound but also culturally inclusive.

Pembina’s involvement adds further strength to the initiative. As a committed community partner and long-time supporter of Project Forest, Pembina brings shared values of environmental stewardship, safety, equity, and inclusion. The company’s Community Investment program focuses on projects that support Indigenous and tribal communities, promote sustainability, and build resilient relationships. These principles are strongly aligned with the County’s goals for the Sandy Lake project.

Together, Sturgeon County, Pembina, and Project Forest will oversee the planting of more than 45,000 native trees across 22 hectares of land. The rewilding process will help restore habitats for wildlife, improve the health of the soil and water systems, and create natural spaces for people to enjoy. It’s a project that aims to breathe new life into a once-degraded area while fostering community pride and involvement.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the project is a symbol of collaboration and shared purpose. It reflects a growing recognition that sustainability is not just about protecting land, but about building relationships—with the environment, with one another, and with the cultural histories that shape our communities. Sturgeon County sees this as the beginning of a long-term effort to protect its natural spaces while bringing people together in the process.

As the rewilding of Sandy Lake begins, local residents and community members are encouraged to stay involved. Opportunities to participate—such as volunteer planting days and educational programs—will be announced in the coming months. This project is about more than planting trees. It’s about growing a legacy that future generations can take pride in.