The regulation of surface disturbances in Alberta is the responsibility of the Land Conservation and Reclamation Council. The Council executive consists of a chairman from the Department of the Environment and two deputy chairmen from the Department of Energy & Natural Resources. Among other functions, the Council oversees programs for reclamation of abandoned disturbances and reclamation research. The reclamation research program was established to provide answers to the many practical questions which arise in reclamation. Funds for implementing both the operational and research programs are drawn from Alberta's Heritage Savings Trust Fund. To assist in technical matters related to the development and administration of the research program the Council appointed the Reclamation Research Technical Advisory Committee (RRTAC). The Committee first met in March, 1978 and consists of eight members representing the Alberta departments of Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources, Environment and the Alberta Research Council. The Committee meets regularly to update research priorities, review solicited and unsolicited research proposals, arrange workshops and otherwise act as a referral and coordinating body for reclamation research.