A Vegetation Stress Survey began as a Syncrude Canada program and has been conducted every five years in the past. Two study areas have been established, and aerial photographs of these areas using false-colour infra-red film are taken. Vegetation that is stressed for any reason reflects light differently than non-stressed vegetation, and this difference in light reflectance is captured on the false-colour infra-red film, and the type of vegetation and the area under stress are identified.

FCIR photos do not show the cause of the stress. Once an area of stress is identified from the analysis of the photos, field crews visit the stressed area(s), and examine the vegetation for the cause of the stress. Typical stresses in this region include disease or insect infestation, water stress (both too much and not enough water), forest fire, and other human disturbance (roads, pipelines, seismic lines).

A FCIR photo taken during the 1996 survey is shown, along with the map of the area showing vegetation types and areas where vegetation showing stress are identified. Areas of stress identified on this survey were determined to be the result of natural causes.

The FCIR Vegetation Stress Survey is under review by TEEM and newer technologies to obtain the monitoring information are being investigated.