Factors Influencing the Probability of Linear Feature Damage by Off-Highway Vehicle Activity in Northeastern Alberta

Alberta's Oil Sands Region has been undergoing considerable ecological change over the last few decades. Linear features such as seismic lines, pipelines, and transmission lines created to facilitate oil and gas exploration and transport were expected to recover naturally within a short time after creation. However, many of these features remain disturbed due to heavy summer off-highway vehicle (OHV) traffic. We surveyed 1088 points along linear features and found that 13.14% exhibited a high level of summer damage by OHVs, with localized hotspots such as Old Conklin Road Section 1 showing damage as high as 92.85%. We found that proximity to waterbodies, campgrounds, mines, and roads was correlated with higher damage severity, with effects varying between upland and lowland land types. Linear features in uplands as compared to lowlands, particularly those closer to waterbodies and campgrounds, were more likely to be damaged. Interactions between road proximity and wetness on linear features exacerbated OHV impacts. These results underscore that linear features near roads and recreational access areas are particularly vulnerable to OHV disturbance. Our findings suggest that targeted closure of wetter linear features intersecting roads could help reduce OHV access and promote ecological recovery. However, because these trails also provide essential access for Indigenous people, licensed hunters, and trappers, effective management will require participatory approaches and active discussions about where and why stakeholders are using specific linear features to balance ecological restoration and social needs. The model we provide creates insights that can inform such discussions.