With support from the Muskwa-Kechika Trust Fund as a Seed Grant, Dr. Paul Sanborn carried out a pilot study of soils in relation to prescribed burning in the Northern Rocky Mountains, in collaboration with Perry Grilz, then a Range Officer in the Ministry of Forests. Sanborn and Grilz conducted 3 days of field work in July 2001. Sanborn wanted to test the utility of plant-derived opal (phytoliths) as a soil indicator of vegetation history, in the hope of distinguishing natural grasslands from those created by anthropogenic burning.

The Kluane Lake area of SW Yukon was a continuing focus of Dr. Paul Sanborn's research for more than a decade, and generated several productive collaborations. Key themes included biological soil crusts in boreal grasslands, and interactions between aeolian sediment deposition, slope processes, and fire in boreal grassland and forest soils.

Research results appeared in these publications:
Marsh, J., Nouvet, S., Sanborn, P., and Coxson, D. 2006. Composition and function of biological soil crust communities along topographic gradients in grasslands of central interior British Columbia (Chilcotin) and southwestern Yukon (Kluane). Canadian Journal of Botany 84: 717-736. https://doi.org/10.1139/b06-026

Pautler, B.G., Reichart, G.-J., Sanborn, P.T., Simpson, M.J., and Weijers, J.W.H. 2014. Comparison of soil derived tetraether membrane lipid distributions and plant-wax δD compositions for reconstruction of Canadian Arctic temperatures. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 404: 78-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2014.03.038

Sanborn, P. and A.J.T. Jull. 2010. Loess, bioturbation, fire, and pedogenesis in a boreal forest – grassland mosaic, Yukon Territory, Canada. 19th World Congress of Soil Science, Soil Solutions for a Changing World 1 – 6 August 2010, Brisbane, Australia. http://www.iuss.org/19th%20WCSS/Symposium/pdf/0120.pdf

The 2003 field work with Darwyn Coxson was a pilot study to assess the types and distribution of biological soil crusts in boreal grasslands in the Kluane Lake area. Eight sites were visited at which the team sampled the crust and the uppermost A horizon immediately underneath it. Note that site numbers Y03-03, -04, -05, -06, -07, -09, -10 and -12 were indicated as sites 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 12 in Table 1 of Marsh et al. (2006). Additional crust sampling was conducted at two additional sites (“Peninsula”, “Silver City”) in 2004; details of sampling methods and site locations are in Marsh et al. (2006).

Results from 2009 field work were presented in Sanborn and Jull (2010), along with soil charcoal radiocarbon dates from 2003-2008 sampling which were used to reconstruct fire history in the Kluane Lake area. The 2003 (a single site at Silver City), 2004, and 2008 field work consisted of a reconnaissance of grassland and forest sites across a range of aspects and slope positions in order to recover buried soil charcoal.

For July 1-7, 2009, Dr. Paul Sanborn did the first soils field research at the Fort Selkirk volcanic field in central Yukon, with helicopter support and funding from the Yukon Geological Survey.

Initial findings were published in the 2009 edition of Yukon Exploration and Geology, but this paper did not include most of the laboratory data:
Sanborn, P., 2010. Soil reconnaissance of the Fort Selkirk volcanic field, Yukon (115I/13 and 14). In: Yukon Exploration and Geology 2009, K.E. MacFarlane, L.H. Weston and L.R. Blackburn (eds.), Yukon Geological Survey, Whitehorse, Yukon. pp. 293-304. https://emrlibrary.gov.yk.ca/ygs/yeg/2009/2009_p293-304.pdf [Note that in Fig. 1, the labels for Camp 1 and Camp 2 on map are transposed; Camp 1 should be to the east of Camp 2.]

During the 1980s, Agriculture Canada pedologists Scott Smith (retired from Summerland Research Station, formerly based in Whitehorse) and Charles Tarnocai (retired from Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa) had a large field program which addressed the trends in soil development in the central Yukon. Across this region, particularly between Whitehorse and Dawson City, the land surfaces and surficial deposits vary greatly in age due to the differing extents of glaciations over the past ~2 million years.

This work built on a pioneering study from the previous decade:
Foscolos, A.E., N.W. Rutter, and O.L. Hughes. 1977. The use of pedological studies in interpreting the Quaternary history of central Yukon Territory. Bulletin 271. Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa. 48 p. https://doi.org/10.4095/103066

Tarnocai and Smith presented their results in two publications:
C. A. S. Smith, C. Tarnocai, and O. L. Hughes. 1986. Pedological investigations of Pleistocene glacial drift surfaces in the central Yukon. Géographie physique et Quaternaire, 40 (1): 29–37. https://doi.org/10.7202/032620ar
Tarnocai, C. and C. A. S. Smith. 1989. Micromorphology and development of some central Yukon paleosols, Canada. Geoderma 45 (2): 145-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7061(89)90047-5

Tarnocai and Smith shared the unpublished data and soil samples from this work with Dr. Paul Sanborn, and this resulted in a student project published as:
Daviel, E., P. Sanborn, C. Tarnocai, and C.A.A. Smith. 2011.Clay mineralogy and chemical properties of argillic horizons in central Yukon paleosols. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 91: 83-93. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjss10067

The Lost Chicken Mine, a placer gold mine in eastern Alaska, approximately 120 km west of Dawson City, Yukon, is an important fossil locality for the late Pliocene (approximately 2.5 – 3.0 million years ago). A comprehensive account of the stratigraphy and paleontology of this site was given by:
Matthews, J.V., Jr., J.A. Westgate, L. Ovenden, L.D. Carter, and T. Fouch. 2003. Stratigraphy, fossils, and age of sediments at the upper pit of the Lost Chicken gold mine: new information on the late Pliocene environment of east central Alaska. Quaternary Research 60: 9-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-5894(03)00087-5

Dr. Paul Sanborn visited the site on July 20, 2004, as part of a group led by Duane Froese (Professor, University of Alberta). The group concentrated on a single exposure (~ 2 m thick) straddling the Lost Chicken tephra, a volcanic ash bed (2.9 ± 0.4 myr) which is a major stratigraphic marker at the site. Sanborn described, photographed, and sampled this exposure, and obtained a basic set of characterization data. Intact samples were collected but thin sections were never produced.

Data set "Yukon-AK 2004 soils data (Lost Chicken).xls" consists of Pliocene Rego Humic Gleysol (peaty) data from the Lost Chicken Mine site.

Data set consists of data collected for Inlin Brook (sites N04-02, -03, -04) and Red Ochre River (N04-05).

The eastern flank of the Mackenzie Mountains has a complex history of multiple glaciations by both the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets, recorded in thick sequences of glacial sediments that were documented at 3 locations (Katherine Creek, Little Bear River, Inlin Brook) by:
Duk-Rodkin, A., R.W. Barendregt, C. Tarnocai, and F.M. Phillips. 1996. Late Tertiary to late Quaternary record in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, Canada: stratigraphy, paleosols, paleomagnetism, and chlorine-36. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 33 (6): 875-895. https://doi.org/10.1139/e96-066

Of the 3 sites, the exposure on Inlin Brook, a tributary of the Keele River, was the least well-documented, so in summer 2004 Dr. Paul Sanborn joined a field party of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) based at Tulita, NWT, and was given helicopter support to visit Inlin Brook (August 5-8). A brief visit was also made to the Little Bear River site.

On August 9-10, Sanborn joined Alejandra Duk-Rodkin (GSC) and Rene Barendregt (U Lethbridge) in helicopter-assisted field work at sites in the Franklin Mountains and elsewhere east of the Mackenzie River.

This born-digital document consists of field observations for Mackenzie Valley sites N04-06 to -08, Aug. 9-10.

This born-digital document is an unpublished report to the Geological Survey of Canada on field work data and interpretations of Inlin Brook paleosols.

Data set consists of lab data for sites Y04-01 to Y04-04. Original data set created in 2004; an update was provided in March 2023 but horizon designations were not updated to be consistent with the paper.

In the mid-1990s, Dr. Paul Sanborn worked with Dr. Lito Arocena of UNBC to assemble and interpret basic physical, chemical, and mineralogical data for typical soils at important long-term forestry research sites in central and northeastern BC. The key results were published as:

J.M. Arocena and P. Sanborn. 1999. Mineralogy and genesis of selected soils and their implications for forest management in central and northeastern British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 79: 571-592. https://doi.org/10.4141/S98-07

Nine pedons were involved, with 7 located at the sites of 4 Ministry of Forests Experimental Projects (E.P.), and 2 at the Aleza Lake Research Forest.

Data sets associated with the Arocena & Sanborn 1999 regional soil mineralogy study:

• S234FINL.XLS [data report for mineral horizons from MoF Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, June 20 1996]
• S235FINL.XLS [data report for organic horizons from MoF Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, June 20 1996]
• SAMPLIST.XLS [conversion table for sample numbers used in MoF lab data reports]
• Fe Al extractions.xlsx [assembled from lab data report by L. Arocena for oxalate & dithionite extractions; pyrophosphate extraction data from MoF lab]
• MINSTUDY.XLS [consolidated lab data for organic & mineral horizons, except for BaCl2 exchangeable cations]
• MINCEC.XLS [BaCl2 exchangeable cations & Morgan’s extraction for organic & mineral horizons]

During a year away from studies in 1987-88, Dr. Paul Sanborn developed a successful grant proposal to the Science Council of BC (SCBC) to pursue a postdoctoral project with Dr. Tim Ballard in relation to sulphur-deficient soils in BC and prescribed fire. This project built on an existing broadcast burning study conducted by Macmillan Bloedel Ltd. near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, led by Bill Beese (later at Vancouver Island University). Dr. Sanborn's work addressed sulphur forms and amounts in the soils at these sites, and the chemical processes influencing sulphur availability in relation to prescribed fire.

Only one part of this work was eventually published:
Sanborn, P.T. and T.M. Ballard. 1991. Combustion losses of sulphur from conifer foliage: Implications of chemical form and soil nitrogen status. Biogeochemistry 12: 129–134. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00001810

The remainder of the work was documented in this Project Completion Report to SCBC, dated February 28, 1990, and entitled "Effects of Prescribed Fire on Sulphur in Forest Soils".

Thirty-four data files were selected for archival retention. There is some redundancy of content among these, with some formatted for incorporation as tables in the report appendices, and others containing some of the same data, but set up as input files for a statistics program. These account for almost all of the data listed in the Project Completion Report appendices. No glossary of variable names is provided, but these should be identifiable by referring to the Report.

Data sets associated with the Cluculz retrospective study (E.P. 886.10):

• 082036.xls -- Elemental analysis (XRF) for mineral horizon samples from profile at Cluculz EP 886.10 site
• CLUCINC.xls -- Summary chemical properties for composite samples in aerobic incubation
• Cluculz Ck 2002 Foliar Analysis.xls -- Analyzed for individual single-tree plots
• Cluculz Ck 2002 Forest Floor.xls -- Forest floor mass data
• Cluculz composite list (2003 samples).xls -- Composite groups (3 original samples in each) used for organic & mineral soils
• Cluculz composite list (incubation experiment).xls -- Composite groups (3 original samples in each) used for organic & mineral soils
• Cluculz composite list for incubations (2003 samples).xls -- Composite groups (3 original samples in each) used for organic & mineral soils
• Cluculz Creek S mineralization - initial fractions (2).xls -- S fractions - organic & mineral soil composites
• Cluculz Creek S mineralization - initial S fractions.xls -- S fractions - organic & mineral soil composites
• Cluculz Creek S mineralization (IC).xls -- S mineralization data for aerobic incubation - organic & mineral soils
• Cluculz foliar and soil data.xls -- Chemical properties of foliage, composite forest floors, composite mineral soils
• Cluculz pH.xls -- pH - organic & mineral soil composites
• Cluculz S fraction graphs.xls -- S fractions - organic & mineral soil composites
• Elemental Analysis of Standard by XRF (2005).xls -- Published & XRF analysis of CANMET TILL-1 soil standard (used in Cluculz XRF analysis)

Data sets for the Sulphur stable isotope tracer study (E.P. 886.15) include:

• 03-095 UNBC PS-For.xls Particle size analyses (Kenneth Creek 0-20 & 20-40 cm)
• 03-096 UNBC PS-For.xls Particle size analyses (Holy Cross 0-20 & 20-40 cm)
• 082037.xls XRF elemental analysis (Holy Cross pedon)
• 082038.xls XRF elemental analysis (Kenneth Creek pedon)
• 084996.xlsx XRF elemental analysis (HC & KC parent materials)
• EP 886 15 S isotope data (2001-2005) - foliage_completed (Feb 18).xls Pine foliage d34S (total S & total SO4-S)
• EP 886.15 2003 Foliage & Soil Chemistry Summary.xls
• EP 886.15 Foliar Analyses (selected) 2001-2006.xls Total N & S, SO4-S
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross & Kenneth Creek 2005 foliage.xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross & Kenneth Creek 2006 foliage.xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2001 FH (S516FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2001 Foliage (T727FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2001 Litter (S515FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2001 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S507FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2002 Foliage (T785FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2003 FH (S642FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2003 Foliage (T836FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2003 Litter (S641FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2003 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S643FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2004 FH (S702FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2004 Foliage (T904FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2004 Litter (S701FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Holy Cross 2004 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S703FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2001 FH (S521FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2001 Foliage (T727FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2001 Litter (S520FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2001 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S508FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2001 Mineral Soil (20-40 cm) (S509FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2002 Foliage (T785FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2003 FH (S645FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2003 Foliage (T837FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2003 Litter (S644FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2003 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S646FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2003 Mineral Soil (20-40 cm) (S647FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2004 FH (S705FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2004 Foliage (T905FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2004 Litter (S704FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2004 Mineral Soil (0-20 cm) (S706FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Kenneth Creek 2004 Mineral Soil (20-40 cm) (S707FINL).xls
• EP 886.15 Sample Inventory.xls Listing of MoF Lab Job No.'s
• Fertilizer March 2003.xls d34S data for commercial fertilizer S sources
• hc_2002.xls Initial (2002) pine tree measurement data - Holy Cross
• kc_2002.xls Initial (2002) pine tree measurement data - Kenneth Creek

This born-digital document provides a description of the Topley LTSP site pedon.

This born-digital "Profile Descriptions" document provides descriptions of Williams Lake (Skulow Lake), Aleza 1 & 2, Log Lake, and Lucille Mountain pedons.

This born-digital "Lucille Mountain soils" document provides a description and basic data for the Lucille Mt. pedon.

This "Soil Profile Description: Kiskatinaw LTSP Site" document provides a description of Kiskatinaw pedon.

The key results from the regional soil mineralogy study were later published as:
J.M. Arocena and P. Sanborn. 1999. Mineralogy and genesis of selected soils and their implications for forest management in central and northeastern British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 79: 571-592. https://doi.org/10.4141/S98-07

This fonds illustrates the life and work of G. Gary Runka and his contributions to the province of British Columbia. Gary Runka was the first General Manager of British Columbia's Agricultural Land Commission and helped establish the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. After transitioning from a government career to private consulting, Runka provided comprehensive professional services through his land consultancy business, G.G. Runka Land Sense Ltd., offering land capability and environmental assessments, integrated resource management, land and water use conflict resolution, and interdisciplinary land use planning. Described by colleagues as one of BC's most highly respected agrologists and influential land use planners, Runka had a 52-year career working on (or against) an incredible number of landmark projects in British Columbia, such as the Site C Project. Gary Runka’s partner in life and vocation, Joan M. Sawicki, worked with Gary on many of these projects—as well as her own; her contributions are also represented throughout the records of this fonds.

Gary Runka's deep connection to the land is evident from his earliest papers on aerial photo interpretation, his work with the Canada Land Inventory, through his speeches and his work establishing the BC Agricultural Land Reserve and in his subsequent consulting career through G.G. Runka Land Sense Ltd. Gary Runka's influence and legacy was recognized in the tributes paid after his death, including the post-humus award as the Real Estate Foundation's "Land Champion" for 2014.

The G. Gary Runka fonds has been divided into the following nine series:
1) Personal Records
2) Speeches & Publications
3) Professional Records
4) Agricultural Land Commission
5) Land Sense Ltd.
6) Client Files
7) Maps
8) Photographs
9) Digital Records

Photograph is a formal portrait of Gary Runka.