NWT Completes One of Its Largest Tree Planting Projects Near Sambaa Deh Falls

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada — The Northwest Territories has completed one of the largest tree planting projects in its history, restoring wildfire-damaged forests near Sambaa Deh Falls with more than 3.3 million native trees and shrubs.

The territorial government announced the milestone this week. The work was carried out under Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program as part of a six-year, CA$36 million funding agreement with Natural Resources Canada.

What was completed

In July 2026, planting crews working with Jean Marie River First Nation and Windfirm Resources Inc. planted 1,504,030 seedling plugs, bringing the project total to 3,365,613 native trees and shrubs across 403 hectares (996 acres) of fire-affected land.

Combined with the 2025 Kakisa planting project, a total of 3.77 million trees have now been planted in the territory. That represents about 47 percent of the Northwest Territories’ commitment to plant eight million trees by 2031.

Restoring forests after wildfire

The Northwest Territories has endured several years of severe wildfire seasons. Replanting helps burnt landscapes recover faster, supports biodiversity, and rebuilds the forest foundations that northern communities and wildlife depend on.

“Restoring forests is a long-term investment in the health and resilience of our environment,” said Jay Macdonald, the territory’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, noting that projects like this accelerate natural recovery and support biodiversity while strengthening climate resilience for future generations.

First Nations partnership and local jobs

The project was valued at about CA$3.9 million and created significant local employment. Jean Marie River First Nation provided project management, equipment and camp support services, creating 18 direct jobs for its members, while nearly 100 tree planters were employed overall.

The project was completed on schedule despite serious disruption: the evacuation of Fort Simpson during wildfire season forced support services to be relocated to Hay River on short notice.

Key Facts

• Project total: 3,365,613 native trees and shrubs across 403 hectares (996 acres)
• July 2026 planting: 1,504,030 plugs planted with Jean Marie River First Nation and Windfirm Resources Inc.
• Territory total: 3.77 million trees — 47% of the 8-million-tree commitment by 2031
• Funding: 2 Billion Trees Program; six-year, CA$36 million agreement with Natural Resources Canada
• Project value: about CA$3.9 million; 18 direct First Nations jobs, nearly 100 planters overall
• Location: wildfire-affected forests near Sambaa Deh Falls, Northwest Territories

Why it matters

Forest restoration is a critical climate tool: growing forests absorb carbon dioxide, stabilise soils, and protect waterways. The Sambaa Deh Falls project shows how public funding, Indigenous leadership and community labour can combine to repair landscapes damaged by climate-driven wildfires.

Read more of our coverage of forests, restoration and climate solutions at Watan News climate coverage.