NOVEMBER 2014

Time to Kick the Coal Habit

What About Carbon Storage?

Crowsnest Déjà Vu

Coal Branch Reclamation Editor: CONTENTS Ian Urquhart NOVEMBER 2014 • VOL. 22, NO. 5 Graphic Design: Doug Wournell B Des, ANSCAD Printing: Features Association News Colour printing and process is sponsored by Topline Printing 5 Get Off Coal: 22 Wilderness Defender Awards A Doctor’s Prescription 26 How Many Bucks Does It Take? 8 Should we embrace carbon capture and storage? 28 Cows as Stewards: Hyland Armstrong’s AWA Talk 10 Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining: A Déjà Vu to Avoid Departments 14 Coal Mine Reclamation in the Coal Branch: Gear Ideas A Volunteer Steward’s Perspective 30

Kilini Creek and Gravel 18 Events ALBERTA WILDERNESS Mining Impacts: A Microcosm of Cumulative ASSOCIATION Impacts on Alberta Water Resources 31 Fall Events “Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action” Alberta Wilderness Association is Cover Photo a charitable non-government Competing Prizes organization dedicated to the – can we have both completion of a protected areas healthy landscapes donation, call 403-283-2025 or and coal mining? This contribute online at question is raised by AlbertaWilderness.ca. Carolyn Campbell’s Wild Lands Advocate is published bi- photo of the coal monthly, 6 times a year, by Alberta sought by Grande Wilderness Association. The opinions Cache Coal. PHOTO: expressed by the authors in this © C. CAMPBELL publication are not necessarily those of AWA. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw articles and letters submitted. Please direct questions and comments to: Featured Artist: Lisa Kozokowsky 403-283-2025 • [email protected] Lisa Kozokowsky combines oils, metals, and encaustics (wax Subscriptions to the WLA are $30 per based paints) to create rich abstractive Western Canadian year. To subscribe, call 403-283-2025 landscapes. Her artistic vision, where colour, movement, and or see AlbertaWilderness.ca. illusion merge together, animates powerful and intriguing pieces that float between contemporary and historical painting styles. What Lisa calls her “wild woman” style draws from the richness she sees in both the natural and the man-made environment. Primarily self-taught, Lisa’s work may be found in individual and corporate collections across Canada and the United States. In Calgary her art may be seen at Latitude Art Gallery http://www.latitudeartgallery.com. For more of Lisa’s imaginative and abstractive interpretations of Box 6398, Station D, Western Canada visit her website: http://www.lisakozokowsky.com. Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E1 403-283-2025 Toll-free 1-866-313-0713 www.AlbertaWilderness.ca AWA respects the privacy of members. Lists are not sold or traded in any manner. AWA is a federally registered charity [email protected] and functions through member and donor support. Tax-deductible donations may be made to AWA at Box 6398 Station D, Calgary, AB T2P 2E1. Ph: 403-283-2025 Fax: 403-270-2743 E-mail: [email protected] www.AlbertaWilderness.ca ISSN 1192-6287 How About a Lump of Coal in Coal’s Stocking This Christmas?

The idea for the features focus in this the industry a $16 million refund from only will TransAlta transition off coal but issue of Wild Lands Advocate came from the 2011-12 production year. Sweet. it also is expected to spend $30 million an op/ed piece I read in an April 2014 Given what we know about the human to support economic development and issue of the Edmonton Journal. Drs. Joe and environmental costs of thermal coal energy efficiency jobs in the affected Vipond and Raquel Feroe, two members production it’s high time the provincial community. It also is expected to spend of the Canadian Association of Physicians government took strong action to a further $25 million to develop clean for the Environment, described in painful transition Alberta to other source of energy technology in Washington. detail coal royalties – one example of electricity (52 percent of Alberta’s Taking the equivalent coal-generating the provincial government’s favouritism electricity in 2013 came from coal-fired capacity off of Alberta’s electricity towards Alberta’s coal industry. Coal generating plants). If Premier Prentice grid would reduce Alberta’s coal-fired companies pay a pittance to the public wants to finally put Alberta on the path to generating capacity by 23 percent from for the coal they strip and dig out of our reduce greenhouse gas emissions it makes the 2013 level. Let’s hope Premier prairie and mountain landscapes. tremendous sense to tackle coal. Such Prentice sees this move as an important My pain became something else once action could be central to developing a first step that would benefit Albertans I started to look more closely at the serious climate change strategy. and the climate alike. royalty situation. That transformative Now such an idea may encourage some moment came when I discovered that, captains of industry to suggest that the Ian Urquhart, Editor in 2012-13, 34.7 million tonnes of coal end of days is nigh. Nonsense. In 2011 were produced here and Alberta didn’t the Washington State legislature passed collect a penny from it! In fact, the the so-called TransAlta energy bill – a government didn’t just effectively give law requiring TransAlta to transition away royalty-free coal that year it paid its Centralia coal-generating electricity companies $2.7 million because it owed plant completely off coal by 2025. Not

Coal Branch Sports Day circa 1920 Royalties: Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

55 cents per tonne: Alberta’s 1992 thermal coal royalty AND Alberta’s royalty today.

In 1992 dollars today’s 55-cent thermal coal royalty only would have been worth 37 cents. In inflation-adjusted terms then, today’s measly royalty delivers 33 percent less revenue than it did in 1992. Measly? Yes. A 55-cent royalty was no more than 2.9 percent of the price Sherritt received for the coal it sold from its prairie operations in 2013.

4 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES Get Off Coal: A Doctor’s Prescription

By Dr. Joe Vipond

y most powerful memory conglomeration of pollutants – over 60 at Asthma Society of Canada, and the Pem- of exposure to Alberta’s coal latest count. bina Institute, produced a report called A M fired power generation is So let’s run down the prime suspects in Costly Diagnosis: Subsidizing coal power from a couple of decades ago on my first our pollutant lineup PM 2.5: or particulate with Albertans’ health. Using two well-vali- road trip from Edmonton to Jasper. Hav- matter 2.5 microns, and known to most of dated models, one from the Canadian Med- ing just moved to Edmonton, the iconic us as soot. NOx: this refers to a number of ical Association and one from Environment Yellowhead Highway was new to me… nitrogen/oxygen compounds implicated in Canada, the report calculated the impact of beautiful farmland, rolling aspen park- ozone and acid rain formation. SOx, pri- these emissions on Albertans’ health. The land… and then suddenly the landscape marily sulfur dioxide, is a key generator of numbers were staggering. north of the highway dropped away into a the acidity of acid rain. Ozone, formed from Looking at only two of the pollutants, massive open pit mine. Huh?! My travelling the previous pollutants, visible as smog, ozone and PM 2.5, and at only the respi- companion, very familiar with this route, and a powerful pulmonary toxin (bad for ratory effects, the calculations showed that calmly explained that this was a strip mine our lungs). There’s also a mishmash of or- coal is associated with approximately 100 feeding the nearby electricity plants of Wa- ganic compounds such as furans, dioxins, deaths, 80 hospital admissions, and 4,800 bamun Lake, whose smokestacks we could hydroxychlorobenzene, and polyaromatic asthma days (an asthma day is defined as see nearby. It rattled me… wasn’t Canada’s hydrocarbons. And we shouldn’t forget the a day missed from work or school due to electricity generation primarily hydroelec- heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, an exacerbation of asthma). The report tric? and arsenic. Our lineup needs a big room calculated that this translates into an extra So began a long learning process into the in the station. 1.7-2.1 cents/kWh in electricity costs to Al- sources of electricity that charges my cell The modern science behind coal’s effects bertans (off the baseline of approximately 6 phone and drives Alberta’s industrial pro- on health goes back to two major health cents/kWh pool price). This costs Alberta cesses. Coal is king of the electricity land- disasters of the mid-20th century. In 1948 taxpayers an extra $300 million dollars per scape in Alberta. In 2012 52 percent of the a major inversion in the steel-producing year. This is undoubtedly a gross underes- electricity used in Alberta came from coal . town of Donora, Pennsylvania killed 20 timation – it doesn’t consider the cardiovas- This translated into burning 20 kilograms people and sickened 7,000 (50 percent of cular and stroke illnesses, intellectual dis- of coal per day for each Albertan, or 6.6 the town) over five days. Then in 1952 the abilities caused by mercury, developmental tonnes per Albertan annually. Or, in total, ironically named “Great Smog” hit Lon- disease, and cancers caused by the various more than the rest of Canada combined. don. That five-day smog, primarily gener- other pollutants. Some incredible statistics. ated from houses using coal for heating, So, where do these illnesses occur? Al- Should we be concerned? Once coal was calculated to have killed 4,000 people berta has 18 generating stations, scattered is scooped out of the ground it must be prematurely and sickened approximately throughout the middle of the province. The burned to be truly useful. It’s worth re- 100,000. highest concentration is directly west of membering that coal is essentially com- Due to significant pollution control leg- Edmonton, in the Wabamun region, where pressed trees and other organic matter, islation, we find ourselves in a better sit- 10 of the stations and 75 percent of the en- which means that although the majority uation today. But we should strive to do tire province’s coal generation are located. of its material is carbon chains, there are better. In March 2013 the Canadian Asso- With the prevailing westerly winds in the also substantial other elements, such as ciation of Physicians for the Environment province, the emissions tend to settle over sulfur, nitrogen, and heavy metals. When (of which I am a member), along with the Edmonton and surrounding areas. these elements burn, they generate a vast Lung Association of Alberta and NWT, the It should go without saying that, if hu-

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES A5 mans are affected, so too are the surround- years. Coal won’t be phased out entirely of 2014 and are projected to generate 45 ing vegetation (including croplands), agri- until I turn 92 and my 6-year old daughter percent by 2025. Renewables’ share of cultural animals, and wildlife. turns 53. California’s production is expected to rise The emissions elephant in the room is Instead, we propose a 10-year coal phase to 33 percent in 2020, up from 20 percent carbon dioxide. Burning coal is an ex- out. It’s been done before: Ontario, which in 2013. In 2020 Nova Scotia projects that tremely inefficient way to generate elec- in 2004 had about the same absolute 40 percent of the province’s generation will tricity and our coal plants, as a group, are amount of generation from coal as Alberta come from renewables, more than double responsible for approximately one-third of has today, closed its last plant in April of today’s 18 percent. Alberta’s industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) this year. Prime Minister Cameron of the emissions. That’s equivalent to all of the oil UK in late September proposed a 10 to 15- “The legislature sands projects combined. There are viable year coal phase out (a staggering 25,000 technological alternatives to coal; coal min- MW!). And we now have Premier Prentice finds that generating ing provides minimal jobs for Albertans; publicly stating he too sees a 10-year phase electricity from the coal producers provide very little royalty out in this province’s future. revenue to the provincial coffers – it’s no Can it be done? Certainly, replacing 6,250 combustion of coal wonder Premier Prentice seems likely to set MW of electricity will be challenging. But, his targets on the industry for his new GHG with a strong plan, it can be done and de- produces pollutants policy. liver many benefits for the province. The that are harmful to Currently two streams of regulations first target of this plan, the easy target, govern air pollution from coal-fired power should be energy efficiency. Amazingly, we human health and plants. Provincially, the sector effectively is are the only Canadian province, and one safety and the regulated by the Clean Air Strategic Alli- of very few jurisdictions in North Ameri- ance, or CASA, which is a group consisting ca, without any energy efficiency program. environment.” of industry, government, and ENGOs. CA- And, as we are currently profligate users of -Washington State Legislature, SA’s decisions are based on consensus. Their electricity, long accustomed to abundant An Act Relating to coal-fired electric advice is reflected in regulations stipulating energy without consequence, the gains can generation facilities, 2011 that, when a generating station hits 40 years be enormous. The Alberta Energy Efficien- of age, it must institute BATEA (Best Avail- cy Alliance has calculated that by 2020 we What is Alberta’s current renewable gener- able Technology Economically Achievable) could improve our efficiencies by up to ation target for 2020? Who knows. We don’t air pollution controls. So far, even with our 20 percent or 2,900 MW. Realizing that have one. We need to develop and imple- aging plants, these controls have yet to be goal would be equivalent to the electricity ment strong policy to catch up to the leaders implemented, through trading of “credits” generated by 10 of the 18 coal fired power in the field. gained from other environmental pollution plants. Natural gas seems like an easy replacement measures. No plant closures are forthcom- The next “wedge” is renewable ener- to coal and will probably be a component ing from these regulations. gy. Once again, we are the only province, of the solution in the short term as we tran- Environment Canada, on the other hand, and one of the few jurisdictions in North sition to a fully green grid. It burns clean- in 2012 instituted regulations that call for America, without a renewable energy strat- er than coal, generates 55 percent of coal’s the closure of all coal-fired power plants egy (although one has been promised for CO2 emissions, and and produces much when they hit 50 years of age. (It is worth years). This is despite the fact we have the fewer of the other pollutants (with the ex- noting that the-then Environment Minister best solar and wind resources in the coun- ception of NOx). Jim Prentice proposed a 45-year phase out. try. As the technology has improved, wind But there are distinct risks to simply replac- The Harper government extended this for has become on par for cost with fossil fuel ing coal with natural gas. The first is that, an additional five years after his departure). generation; solar is not far behind… and unlike renewables, there are fuel input costs. The first closures are to take place in 2019, the costs for both keep dropping. In 2013, As the commodity fluctuates with the North with four plants in Alberta closing, and the renewables in Alberta accounted for 17 American market, so too will our electrici- last will take place in 2061, with the clo- percent of generation capacity but only 9.6 ty bills… I suspect this is more likely to be sure of the 495 MW Keephills 3 plant. percent of actual generation. Contrast this to the upside. Secondly, although cleaner, Our coalition doesn’t think that’s good with the generation percentages for juris- methane is still a fossil fuel and is a potent enough. It is unacceptable to imagine these dictions with strong renewable energy pol- climate-changing gas. Since methane is thir- impacts on Albertans’ health (and the glob- icies. In Germany renewables generated 31 ty times more potent than carbon dioxide it al climate) will continue for another 47 percent of production in the first 6 months has been calculated that, if fugitive emissions

6 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES from the production process (from drilling being used, and save on expensive transmis- We are hearing the right things from our to pipelines to transfer stations) are more sion costs. Co-generation is currently used in new provincial leader. Mr. Prentice has stated than three percent the climate benefits from Fort McMurray and District Energy Centres that a coal phase out is a direction we will using natural gas will be completely negat- are located at many large institutions, such be moving in in the near future. But there is ed. Current estimates suggest leakage rates as our universities. These centres should be a lot of money, and institutional inertia, that of between four and nine percent. With a mandated for all new residential communi- will obstruct and obfuscate. The Premier will projected lifespan of 30 years for each plant, ties as well as created in existing industrial need the support of the public. If you would we are locking ourselves in to infrastructure and commercial centres. like to get involved, and learn more, visit our that will continue to pollute for another full Will this ever happen? The ground is webpage at albertacoalphaseout.ca, and fol- generation and will not do enough to reduce shifting rapidly. Over the last year, we have low our regular posts on our Facebook page. GHG emissions. been meeting with politicians from the en- Those open pit mines are still there, physi- If we are going to use natural gas, we need tire political spectrum – MLAs from all four cal scars reminding us of the impact of coal- to do it wisely. We shouldn’t build massive provincial parties, federal MPs and sena- fired power. But twenty years on, I see subtler, generating plants far from the end-users (ie. tors. We have seen initial skepticism trans- even more disturbing impacts. I hear those such as the three new gas plants proposed for form into support, and even downright in the wheeze of my asthma patients and in the Wabamun region). A more elegant, more enthusiasm. Multiple op/eds we’ve written the news reports of drought in California – efficient solution is Combined Heat and over the last year have influenced the main- and every time I look at a climate forecast. Power (CHP, also known as co-generation). stream media writing on the subject. The Dethroning King Coal isn’t the entire solu- If we are going to burn natural gas to heat Edmonton Journal editorial board publicly tion to the world’s problems, but it is a very our homes and power industry anyway, let’s has supported a phase out. At the political local, very impactful one. I can’t help but use the excess energy produced to spin tur- and public levels it is becoming a believable think that my children and yours deserve an bines, to produce electricity right where it is and realistic solution. Alberta coal phase out.

Keephills Generating Station PHOTO: © I. URQUHART

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES A7 Should we embrace carbon capture and storage?

By Dr. John R. Parkins

arbon capture and storage a case in point. While it builds an im- how to build a more sustainable energy (CCS*) technology extends pressive renewable energy system with system. C our carbon intensive infra- extensive wind and solar electricity in- Another aspect of the CCS debate in- structure, it perpetuates dependence on stallations, it continues to build coal-fired volves the economics of this technology. carbon-based energy sources and it plays power plants to meet the country’s energy In order to make CCS viable in North no role in meaningful transition to renew- demands. In this context, it seems entirely America it requires large investments of able energy sources. This strong position reasonable to expect new coal-fired power public funds and an industrial partner against CCS is consistent with my views plants to have CCS capabilities. If we are that can utilize the captured carbon as on all forms of proposed carbon-based going to meet international climate miti- a revenue stream. In the Saskatchewan energy infrastructure including pipelines gation targets we need CCS to get there. Boundary Dam installation, the CO2 is for transporting bitumen. Yet a thoughtful CCS has technical challenges and risks. captured and sold to local energy com- view on CCS technology requires consid- For example, it often requires large invest- panies for enhanced oil recovery. In oth- ering alternative views, and this is what I ments of public funds. But these challeng- er words, CCS is used to make otherwise got in October as a panelist at a public lec- es are not insurmountable and the grow- marginal oilfields economically viable. For ture on CCS technology. The lecture was ing risks from unmitigated climate change climate-concerned citizens, this marriage sponsored by the European Union Centre outweigh the risks from implementing between CCS and fossil fuel production is of Excellence at the University of Alberta CCS technology. perhaps not the most compelling reason and focused on lessons from successful Other panelists were less enthusiastic to jump on the CCS bandwagon. implementation of CCS in North America about CCS as a technological fix. When A further point I brought into the panel and Europe. For readers who are unfamil- we talk about how to meet our climate discussion involves questions of scale and iar with this technology, CCS is a process mitigation challenges we shouldn’t limit the flow of benefits from energy technol- of capturing CO2 from burning fossil fuels this conversation to the pros and cons of ogies. Options for powering our electrici- and storing this waste material perma- one particular technology. If we do that ty grid are proliferating. With renewables nently in geological formations. we miss the opportunity to have broader becoming more competitive and smart Some panelists argued that a changing conversations about a full range of en- grid technology giving us many new ways climate is such an urgent threat we real- ergy alternatives, some of which may be to turn on our lights, large and centralized ly have no choice but to implement every technical (like CCS) but others may be power plants are not the only way forward. available technology that can help reduce regulatory (such as a carbon tax or ener- Moreover, research shows that when cit- CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Par- gy efficiency requirements). In Alberta we izens have a stake in the design, owner- ticularly in regions of the world (like Al- also have cleaner natural gas as base load ship, and benefit stream from local energy berta) with large coal reserves, it’s unre- for electricity that can complement the systems (such as wind turbines owned by alistic to assume that transition to cleaner variability of renewable resources such as municipalities or local cooperatives), local technologies will happen quickly. So we wind and solar. But, as Joe Vipond points public support is strong. In contrast, CCS need intermediate technologies like CCS out elsewhere in this issue, we must min- is tied to large and centralized power in- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in imize fugitive emissions from natural gas stallations, limited to ownership by large combination with many other technolo- operations. These alternatives to coal-fired corporations and distant stakeholders, gies such as wind, solar and geothermal. power plants and CCS may be an import- and more likely to be opposed by publics Germany’s Energiewende (transition to ant part of the conversation and need to wherever such installations are proposed. renewables and energy efficiency) offers be considered in a broader debate about So, after listening to scientists, lawyers,

8 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES industry officials and public policy experts The Saskatchewan government is doing nities to move beyond these Jurassic coal discussing the merits of CCS, what are my just that as it tries to show leadership on plants to turn on our lights and power our views now? I’m left with two perspectives. strategies for greenhouse gas emissions re- economies with more sustainable energy Given the world’s insatiable appetite for duction. systems. energy, we are not likely to eliminate our As a pragmatist, I see some merit in CCS. Dr. John R. Parkins is an Associate dependence on coal-fired power plants As a critic, I think CCS is stuck in an old- Professor in the Department of Resource any time soon. So yes, I expect a strong er way of thinking about how we power Economics and Environmental Sociology climate change mitigation policy would the grid with large and centralized systems at the University of Alberta require CCS in cases where the technolo- that are increasingly irrelevant. Within gy can be implemented with minimal risk. decades we will have even more opportu-

Lisa Kozokowsky - Featured Artist

Wild Things, 60 x 72, encaustic/oil, PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES A9 Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining: A Déjà Vu to Avoid

By Brittany Verbeek, AWA Conservation Specialist

ne flight over the Elk Valley in footprint on the landscape. The provincial ture arrangement, is set to begin more ex- southeastern British Columbia government seems willing to allow, if not ploratory drilling and prepare a scoping O demonstrates the enormous encourage, yet another high impact land study, a prefeasibility study and a formal territory devoted to open pit coal mining use onto our forested headwaters in south- feasibility study for the Elan project. The operations. Teck Resources, a Canadian western Alberta by allowing coal leases government’s willingness to allow intense company, is the primary owner and opera- throughout and inevitably new open pit exploration in prime watershed and recre- tor of five surface coal mines within a hun- mines. ation areas shows little regard for Alberta’s dred kilometre radius of the Elk Valley. The Exploration and investment in coal de- landscapes. coal at all five mines is metallurgical (cok- velopment near the Crowsnest Pass has in- The other current player in the Crows- ing coal) destined for export to Asian steel creased significantly in the last few years. nest Pass is Riversdale Resources, an Aus- producers. Coking coal is converted to Altitude Resources Inc. and Elan Coal Ltd. tralian company that acquired coal assets coke, which is then used in a blast furnace signed a joint venture agreement with Kuro from Consol Energy and Devon Canada. to smelt iron ore. According to the World Coal Limited to develop the Elan Coking These assets included the Grassy Moun- Coal Association, approximately 770 kilo- Coal Project. The Elan lease applications tain property just north of Blairmore which grams of coal are required to produce one are located 15 kilometres north of the Mu- has also been previously explored, stud- tonne of steel. In 2013, Canada was the nicipality of the Crowsnest Pass and ex- ied, and mined. There is very little on- sixth highest coking coal producer in the tend approximately 55 kilometres north, site infrastructure other than access roads world, primarily due to developments in paralleling the Livingstone Range. The and a main electrical power transmission northeast and southeast B.C. Alberta, by 2013 Year in Review of Coal and Mineral line. According to Riversdale’s website, comparison, is a very small player in the Development in Alberta states that the Elan an electrical power system, haul roads, a global coking coal market. So one of the property has previously been poked and coal conveyor system, a coal preparation first questions asked should be - is there a prodded by at least five different compa- plant, a rail load out, maintenance shops, need for Alberta to engage at all in further nies since the 1940s. It is possible to inter- and a laboratory are among the list of new metallurgical coal development, consider- pret that as: after the initial interest in the mine infrastructure needed for this proj- ing B.C.’s resources are far more lucrative area, each company has eventually arrived ect to proceed. More infrastructure equals and closer to ports, and the huge ecosystem at the same conclusion – the lease is not an a larger, denser footprint and less wildlife tradeoffs Alberta will make? economically viable coal mining property. habitat. Riversdale has publicized their rail The bird’s eye view of B.C.’s Elk Valley It is far from existing railways and other load out proposals which all suggest using landscape shows a patchwork of large dark infrastructure; the seams are thin and too a conveyor belt to transport coal to a facility dead zones amongst a bounty of mountain steep to allow underground mining; it will on secondary train tracks near Highway 3, peaks and lush valleys. Alberta is preparing be too expensive to produce and ship west in Blairmore. All three proposals are likely to be the next region to adopt that sort of for export; and global coking coal prices to disrupt and may even force some current view. Our view will also include the check- are volatile. town businesses to relocate, increase road ered squares of clear cuts along the south- Meanwhile, the intensity of exploration, and train traffic, and require new over- eastern slopes. As noted in my February through test drill holes, contributes sig- pass structures. Regulatory approval is still 2014 WLA article, Dark and Dirty: Time to nificantly to increased human access and needed for the company to begin construc- Dethrone King Coal in Alberta, coal min- disturbance levels. This is highly valuable tion and operations. Riversdale has hired a ing has significant negative consequences recreation land and critical fish and wild- number of environmental consultants who on the environment due in part to its large life habitat. Kuro, as part of its joint ven- have been collecting baseline data since

10 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES Grassy Mountain Mine, now owned by Riversdale Resources, was previously mined. The scar it left on the landscape may once again become an open wound. PHOTO: © B. VERBEEK spring 2013 to gain a better understanding employment and bring new prospects for located less than a kilometre from the mine of the local environment. But even with local businesses – a chance to revitalize the site, are listed as critical habitat in the feder- best management practices and the highest municipality. al recovery strategy for westslope cutthroat environmental responsibility, open pit min- Others strongly oppose the project. These trout. There is a lot these landowners stand ing has long lasting impacts on the mine individuals and groups do not want to see to possibly lose. area and its surroundings. further demolition of the landscape. Some A whole different set of issues could arise To Riversdale’s credit, the company has local landowners are concerned for their here because Grassy Mountain was previ- hosted several open houses where commu- property values, their drinking water and ously mined. Contaminated water sitting nity members and stakeholders have voiced clean air, and their right to solitude and in cavities from previous mining operations both their support and concerns. These quiet. After a tour of one landowner’s prop- could be a major environmental concern. meetings suggest the revival of coal is being erty adjacent to the Grassy Mountain Mine, Whether or not the onus is on Riversdale welcomed by some of the Crowsnest Pass it was easy for me to imagine the direct ad- to take over that liability is unclear. Water community. There is a powerful historical verse effects it will have on these locals and contamination is a very real risk posed by presence of mining in the pass, with many potentially on many southern Albertans. I many types of mining, and one which our family roots to the industry. Also many res- could hear the sound of heavy machinery western neighbours have been facing. Teck idents of Coleman and Blairmore currently up on the hillside in an otherwise tranquil Resources has had a major issue dealing commute west to work on the mines in Elk setting. Wildlife is abundant in the area with elevated levels of selenium in the Elk Valley. Supporters of coal development see and beautifully clear creeks flow through watershed below the mine sites. Selenium it as an economic opportunity for the com- the valley heading east. Many are home to is a naturally occurring metal necessary for munity. They see it as a chance to increase native trout. Gold Creek and its tributaries, the health of all animals in trace amounts.

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 11A A northeast view overlooking Gold Creek – a beautiful wild area in jeopardy from the nearby Grassy Mountain coal mine development. Photo ©: B. VERBEEK

But, as with most metals, it becomes toxic prove water quality over the next several fluent Regulations (MMER). Canadian coal and eventually lethal in large amounts. Ex- years. mines are primarily open pit surface mines cess selenium in fish eggs causes reduced The Crowsnest Pass and the Elk Valley which produce effluent (defined as an out- hatching success and a host of abnormal- share the same geology. Selenium poison- flow of liquid containing deleterious sub- ities in post-hatch survivors. A 2013 re- ing in Alberta’s southern watersheds may stances) from the extraction and process- port by Rick Heuer and Erin Sexton of the become a serious issue if coal develop- ing operations. Most effluent treatment at Flathead Lake Biological Station compared ment continues. This is further supported coal mining operations in Canada is done water quality of the Flathead River and the by ongoing concerns in west-central wa- by conventional means, such as diversion, Elk River upstream and downstream of the tersheds where coal mining is well estab- settling, and sedimentation. The treated ef- five mines. They found significantly higher lished. The risks to our drinking water and fluent is then discharged into the receiving levels of selenium, nitrates, and sulphates our world-renowned trout streams must be environment. In 2012 Environment Cana- in the Elk River below the mine area. The recognized. da proposed to include coal mining under toxic threshold for sensitive fish species is There has been a continued push for in- the existing MMER effluent standards. This 2μg/L (micrograms per litre). Environment creased federal environmental regulation in would ensure pH, total suspended solids, Canada’s data collected below the mines the coal mining sector. Of all the different ammonia, arsenic, aluminum, iron, man- showed concentrations of selenium in fish mining operations in Canada, including ganese, and selenium would have specific eggs frequently exceeded 60μg/L. Teck has metal, diamond, coal, and potash, only release limits. They also proposed that coal been pouring money into addressing the metal mines have a specific regulation un- mine owners and operators be required to problem as part of its effort to try to im- der the Fisheries Act: the Metal Mining Ef- conduct environmental effects monitoring

12 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES (EEM) activities that are currently specified in the MMER. These measures would help to fill significant provincial gaps in regulat- ing coal mine effluents. Final approval of Environment Canada’s recommendations would standardize effluent release all across Canada and better control the release of toxic materials into watersheds. As renewed interest in coal leases seeps north from the Crowsnest Pass, environ- mental effects will multiply. Any coal devel- opment approaching the Gap (the Oldman River crossing the Livingstone Range) and in the upper Oldman watershed, which are both in the scope of Elan’s coal lease ap- plications, must not be considered. Any outdoor enthusiast will tell you that area is blessed with prime fishing, hunting, hik- ing, biking, and camping possibilities. The ecological and recreational value of this largely unprotected country is immeasur- able yet its intactness is rapidly declining. Allowing more coal developments along the Eastern Slopes would take another giant step backwards from securing head- waters. When it comes to coal mining in the Pass, the risks seem far greater than the rewards for Albertans. AWA believes it is incumbent on our gov- ernment to privilege the ecological values of water and wildlife over coal mining in the upper reaches of the Oldman River drainage. If Alberta is seeking to improve its global environmental image, new open pit mines along the classic Eastern Slopes should be out of the question. AWA believes Alberta and B.C. need to cooperate and better represent these val- ues in the balance between economic de- velopment and environmental protection. Further piecemeal dissection of these eco- logically and aesthetically important land- scapes must be prevented.

Gold Creek and its tributaries, part of the Oldman watershed and less than one kilometre from Grassy Mountain Mine, boast pure-strain westslope cutthroat trout. Photo ©: B. VERBEEK

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 13A Coal Mine Reclamation in the Coal Branch: A Volunteer Steward’s Perspective

By Alison Dinwoodie

became a volunteer steward in and subalpine flora and fauna. we were told that it would be considered 1989 for the Tripoli Ridge candi- Tripoli Ridge lies just south of Cadomin when the time came. As a result, the long- I date Natural Area, as it was called village, between the old townsite of Moun- term effect of a new open pit coal mine was then. Alberta Parks now describes the ridge tain Park and the Cardinal Headwaters not taken into account in the AMP. In 1995, as the mountain backbone of Whitehorse leading into Jasper National Park. Its east- Tripoli Ridge became the Cardinal Divide Wildland Park, the park 60 kilometres ern slopes drain into Prospect, Cheviot, and Natural Area, (CDNA) by Order in Coun- south of Hinton containing the Cardinal Thornton Creeks, forming the headwaters cil, which included the east and west ridges Divide. This is a relatively accessible and of the McLeod river. Twenty-five years ago of the Cardinal Divide. The Divide area is a extensive alpine/subalpine area. I want- it was becoming evident that the growing very significant watershed, not only for its ed to become more familiar with moun- popularity of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs topography but also for its very rich bio- tain ecology as I was always interested in – defined as ‘any motorized vehicles for diversity. mountains. I didn’t realize I would soon cross-country travel on land, water, snow, Coal mining east of the Rockies and find myself involved first with recreational marsh or other natural terrain’) was having south of Highway 16 has a long history. access management plans, then environ- a significant effect on the local landscape. Mountain Park, the home of the original mental assessment and cumulative effects So discussions about an access manage- Mountain Park Mine, celebrated its 100th hearings for a coal mine. Over time I would ment plan were initiated. anniversary in 2012. Mining there ceased see how these deliberations affected the pre A series of meetings with various stake- in 1950, when diesel replaced coal as the and post-mining landscape. I am no ex- holders was held over 1992-93. They pro- fuel of choice for trains and the village pert in these subjects, so what follows are duced the Coal Branch Access Manage- was abandoned. My first encounter in some notes of my experiences, experiences ment Plan (AMP) in 1994. The adjacent 1973 with mine reclamation was to tread where I learned a lot about the area’s alpine coal lease had not yet been developed but carefully round the edges of the old West Pit, a hole of unknown depth with some bits of rusty wire remaining to prevent the wayward from falling into the water. Large areas of bare ground remained, which pro- vided a great playground for OHVs. This was recognized in the 1994 AMP as a de facto general recreation area for OHVs. By then random camping was rampant and tire tracks went in all directions. There was virtually no reclamation there unless rec- lamation meant converting the landscape into an OHV playground. One of the consultant botanists showed us some areas of small heaps of spoil, left as they were originally 60 years ago. These illustrated the differences in micro-topog-

Coal mining in the Coal Branch and reclamation have been a boon to the area’s bighorn sheep population raphy for the re-colonization of some na- PHOTO: © K. PEARSON tive plant species. As mining occurs at an

14 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES Cheviot Mine Wildland Zone/Park Boundary Permit Area (no motorized access unless otherwise designated)

Mount Wildland Zone Berry (hiking only) Leyland Mount Sir OHV use permitted Fiddle Harold Mitchell on existing trails only Pass Hamlet Mount of Cadomin Gregg Luscar No Public Mountain Access Leyland Mountain Preservation Zone (hiking only, no hunting)

Natural Environment Zone Cadomin (staging area for non-motorized access) Cave Trail & Access Designated Backcountry Farmer’s Campsite Valley Trail Information Upper Kiosk Whitehorse Trail Cadomin Lower Mountain Whitehorse Trail N

Whitehorse Whitehorse Creek Falls Abandoned 0 750m Creek Provincial Railway Recreation Area Whitehorse Wildland Park Prospect Creek Access

Grave Flats Road

Drummond Ridge

Cheviot Mine Permit Area Mountain Park Cemetery Jasper Prospect Cheviot National Mountain Mountain

Park Climax Mountain Cardinal Cardinal Divide Cardinal Divide Falls Viewpoint Backcountry Blackface Parking Lot Trail Mountain Tripoli Mountain Grave Flats Road Cardinal River Headwaters Parking Lot Cardinal River Headwaters Trail

Alberta’s Coal Branch Today CREDIT: Alberta Parks (http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/5517941/whitehorse-wpp-map.pdf) elevation of about 5,500 feet, the area’s cli- mine reclamation goal here was to protect faster-growing species have been used. At mate is very harsh. It experiences extremes the watershed, provide for wildlife and fish first sight this approach was very success- of cold, wind, and snow any month of the habitat and allow some recreational use. ful at the Luscar mine. Lush fields of cicer year, so minor changes in the orientation The initial goal was to encourage vegeta- milkvetch and other agronomic grasses of a site can make a significant difference tion growth as soon as possible to stabilize soon covered the bare hillsides. It has been to the shelter provided and the accumula- the soil to help prevent erosion. It also ac- a boon for bighorn sheep, the primary tion of snow or rainfall. The soil sites also celerates the return of wildlife, especially ungulate at these altitudes. Grizzly bears, demonstrated how much time is required the ungulates. Their return enriches the wolves and other predators have gradual- to re-introduce plants due to the elevation soil and invites the return of other species, ly re-colonized the area too – although the and harsh climate. These observations are including predators. noise from mining operations deters them now incorporated as ‘rough mounding’ in Mine reclamation efforts have tried vari- from approaching these sheep sanctuaries. the final transformation of current mined ous seed mixes over the years. While not a One of the factors I had not appreciated hillsides. This technique also helps prevent botanist, I am a member of the Alberta Na- was that it is not just a matter of getting the more erosion, one of the most important tive Plant Council and their expert advice vegetation to grow quickly, but also that the reclamation objectives. has been invaluable. One of their concerns landscape needs to be modified to conform The Gregg and Luscar mines, just north was the use of excessive non-native or in- to potential wildlife habitat preferences. of Cadomin, started up in the early 1920s, vasive species that would prevent re-col- Cardinal River Operations (CRO) took us closed in 1956, and re-opened in 1970 onization of the terrain by native species. to see Luscar’s reclamation results at Sphinx for open pit mining for metallurgical coal. The nutrient poor soil needs nitrogen but Lake – one of their show pieces. Nature’s The Gregg Mine closed in 2000 but Luscar most of the native nitrogen-fixing plants creeks into and out of the lake had been continued for a few more years. The main grow too slowly to prevent erosion so other diverted into a tunnel during mining. The

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 15A The Cheviot Mine Photo ©: K. PEARSON

exhausted pit had then been allowed to cies to infiltrate into the adjacent disturbed tive and valuable ecological environment, fill with water and the creeks more or less land. it was necessary to have an environmen- returned to their original beds, complete Sphinx Lake exemplifies how some ef- tal impact assessment. As stewards of the with small waterfalls. The steep sides of the fective reclamation can be carried out. But, adjacent Cardinal Divide Natural Area, lake pit had also been modified to become it requires careful thought and planning the Alberta Native Plant Council was rec- littoral shallows, more conducive to small before the mining starts. On-going moni- ognized as being directly affected by the water species and as a result also to wading toring should be carried out on a regular proposed mine and was granted inter- birds and ducks. basis to ensure that the anticipated results vener status. We therefore had access to Another noticeable change in the land- can be delivered and maintained. While I the project’s consultant reports and could scape was to the steep slopes left after min- think the end results at Sphinx Lake are present our own comments or additions. ing. One or two terraces were contoured quite impressive we mustn’t forget how Having recently retired I was able to deal across them to provide valuable escape long it takes to produce an award-winning with all the paperwork! One advantage I routes for the bighorn sheep from their example of reclamation. Mining at Cardinal had was that I had hiked and explored a predators. River’s Luscar mine resumed in 1970 and fair bit of the landscape under discussion. Other small heaps of rocks, which one ended in 2004. The Sphinx Lake reclama- That let me refer to actual places or obser- might think had been forgotten, were also tion project was initiated in 2005. So don’t vations and I think gave more credibility deliberately left to provide cover for some expect mining lands to be re-opened to the to our statements. There’s a useful lesson of the smaller species, like marmots or public immediately in a month or two – it here about the potential value of experien- ground squirrels, which are all part of the will take many years after mining ends. tial knowledge. wildlife diversification efforts. Mine reclamation has come a long way It took several weeks to hear all the Not all the landscape had been entirely since the Mountain Park Mine closed. submissions from Cardinal River Coals altered. Some reasonably large tree islands With about ten years of production left and interveners. The first Panel report in had been left untouched to provide hab- from the Luscar mine the mine’s owner, 1997, among other recommendations, itat for a number of birds, shelter for elk Cardinal River Coals, began planning the recognized the need for greater reliance and moose, and importantly, to provide a Cheviot mine project. Recognizing that on native plant species, particularly with source of seed beds for native plant spe- Cheviot would sprawl across a very sensi- the use of direct placement of top-soil to

16 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES provide viable seed sources. It also rec- the Luscar mine processing plant, thus users demanding that one particular trail, ommended a buffer should be extended avoiding another extensive industrial de- from Prospect Creek to Drummond Ridge between the mine and the Cardinal Di- velopment at Mountain Park. Cardinal (what they like to call one of their ‘tradi- vide Natural Area and there should be no River Operations (in 2003 Cardinal River tional’ trails) should be opened up as soon new OHV trails. The impact of the mine Coals became a wholly owned subsidiary as possible. If this happens it could set an on the grizzly bear, an indicator species, of Teck) also changed the original order of unwelcome precedent where other OHV would be substantial and required spe- pit development so that the Cheviot and trails are opened on an ad hoc basis. This cial consideration. One result of the first Prospect pits would be mined first, before promises to alienate other users. More im- round of hearings was that the Whitehorse the ones on the east side of the Grave Flats portantly this could promote the disturb- Wildland Provincial Park (WWP) was an- Road. This would enable the company to ing or poaching of wildlife. It could also nounced in 1998. This park incorporated commence reclamation efforts on the west lead to permanent and extensive damage the Cardinal Divide Natural Area and, by side of its lease area at the same time. To- to the fragile alpine/subalpine vegetation. including the Whitehorse valley as well, day we are at this stage; active mining on I’ve been part of the Cardinal Riv- offered more continuity and protection for the west side is nearly finished. er saga for over 25 years now. I’ve seen wildlife over a greater area. Cardinal River has for the past several public pressure in the first instance help Government also acknowledged that be- years met with a group of OHV and Fish strengthen corporate commitments to cause of the potential impact of increased and Game club members to discuss access reclaim the landscape to something akin motorized traffic on the reclamation goals, and maintenance of trails in the Luscar and to what nature had provided before min- a Forest (now Public) Land Use Zone Gregg mines. More recently, discussions ing began. I’ve also seen Cardinal River (PLUZ) should be introduced, as had orig- have turned to a Luscar-Gregg Land Use Operations take their legal reclamation inally been recommended in the 1994 Plan, which could then be used as a tem- obligations seriously. I’m concerned now AMP. The hope here was to provide better plate to apply to other company proper- though that, without public and environ- control of motorized activities. ties. At the earlier Cheviot Mine Hearings mental group attention to a campaign for a But the environmental concerns did not it was stressed that control of post-mining comprehensive regional land use plan, the stop here. Environmental groups felt the recreation activities should be established good reclamation work will be ground up cumulative effects of the mine, together through a comprehensive regional land under the wheels of OHV users. This mag- with other local forestry and industri- use plan, rather than in a piecemeal way nificent area deserves much better than to al activity, on the wildlife and ecological through individual trail developments. become an area where one group’s wants integrity had not been given sufficient Unfortunately the piecemeal approach take precedence over other considerations attention. After a 1999 Federal Court of is what is happening now with the OHV and values. Canada decision that the original Joint Review Panel environmental assessment didn’t meet the requirements of the Ca- nadian Environmental Assessment Act the Joint Review Panel was reconvened in 2000. We presented evidence then about the potential for additional cumulative ef- fects from increased OHV recreation activ- ity, because of the changed circumstances of the WWP and the PLUZ. These issues otherwise might not have been debated. From the perspective of this steward, in- creased OHV activities have now become one of the most contentious issues on the post-mining scene. In 2003 the original Cheviot plan was modified to use a haul road alongside the public road and the river, rather than revitalizing the old Mountain Park rail- way, which was falling into the river. The Whitehorse Creek and valley was an important addition to Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park haul road would deliver Cheviot coal to Photo ©: K. PEARSON

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 17A Kilini Creek and Gravel Mining Impacts: A Microcosm of Cumulative Impacts on Alberta Water Resources By Carolyn Campbell, AWA Conservation Specialist

ining for gravel and sand resources and capacities, landowners after a major pre-glacial era river in the occurs in many areas of depending on groundwater for their region that is now covered under layers M Alberta. Although it attracts domestic water, as well as conservationists, of sediment, and today is an important far less media coverage than the petroleum can understandably be concerned about regional fresh groundwater aquifer. Mike industry or agriculture, gravel extraction can gravel mining impacts. Mike belongs to both and other ORVCA members have helped have significant effects on local groundwater, categories. He and other residents of three Lac Ste. Anne County become more pro- river corridors, and wildlife habitat. In June counties in the Sturgeon River watershed (a active in examining gravel mining impacts. 2014 AWA member Mike Northcott invited North Saskatchewan River sub-basin west Nonetheless ORVCA’s activities illustrate me to take a first-hand look at the past, of Edmonton) formed a stewardship group the challenges that remain in managing this present, and future of gravel mining impacts in 2001 to keep a careful watch on the extensive but low profile industry. on Kilini Creek in Lac Ste. Anne County, cumulative impacts of gravel extraction and Alberta used to allow ‘wet mining’, gravel where he has resided for the past 30 years. other regional activities on groundwater. mining right in a river or wetland, which When so many knowledge gaps still They named their group the Onoway River exposed fish and other aquatic life directly exist about surface water and groundwater Valley Conservation Association (ORVCA), to petroleum contaminants from equipment

If high berms remain along one section of Kilini Creek’s western bank, as reclamation plans suggest, the connectivity of the river corridor will be another long-term impact from gravel mining. PHOTO: © C. CAMPBELL

18 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES lubricants. Thanks to a landmark lawsuit their well water levels and reported to Alberta the Highwood and Elbow Rivers in southern by Martha Kostuch in the 1990s, mining in government water regulators that this was a Alberta in 2013. ORVCA is also concerned water bodies was stopped. But floodplain non-compliant activity in the early 2000s. that risks from underground contamination gravel extraction sites remain. Gravel mine Groundwater studies conducted due to that at formerly reclaimed sites are not adequately sites in or near the floodplain of a water concern revealed that local aquifers flowed monitored. body are attractive to operators because towards the pond, rather than the reverse, There is little cumulative effects wash water is available nearby. Often a water so their concerns were not upheld. The management in Alberta of impacts from license is obtained to divert water for these pumping, now licensed by the government, gravel mining and other multiple industrial, purposes. These sites tend to affect alluvial continues in drier years. residential, and recreation pressures to aquifers, that is, groundwater near the soil Further downstream, we paddled towards surface water, ground water, and river surface that is connected to the nearby river the active gravel extraction operations corridor ecosystems. In 2011, Lac Ste Anne or lake. of the current lease owner. When gravel County faced five new gravel applications in Mike took me on a canoe-assisted tour is mined from deposits below the water its southeast corner aggregate management of Kilini Creek watershed to help me table, it exposes the aquifer, which is the area, which overlaps with Kilini Creek. understand its 60-year relationship with channel of gravel, sand, and other loose One proposal would dig 15 metres below gravel mining. From its headwaters, rock through which groundwater flows; the the water table. To its credit, the County the Creek flows northward roughly 15 gravels that carry groundwater are the focus formed an Aggregate Management Area kilometres before draining into Matchayaw of the gravel extraction. In areas with a high Steering Committee (AMASC) and asked (Devil’s) Lake. Burbot, walleye, yellow water table, operators need to ‘dewater’ a pit for information and advice “to ensure that perch, and northern pike are all found in the area before gravel extraction can proceed. growth of this industry will not result in lake that drains into the Sturgeon River and A dewatering pond might be created from unacceptable effects on the environment on into the North Saskatchewan River. The the diverted water. The now-exposed and people.” first gravel mine operators were active in this aquifer will be subject to evaporation loss; As part of its information gathering, the area from 1950 to 1988. this water stays in the global water cycle, County commissioned a report on general In the upper part of Kilini Creek, Mike and of course, but the aquifer will contribute gravel mining impacts and, using already I paddled across a one kilometre long pond less than it otherwise would have to any available information, on potential county- with large semi-vegetated rocky mounds local streams, wetlands or lakes that it level impacts on water quantity, water quality, around the edges. This is an ex-gravel pit, flows towards. Final site reclamation might and wetlands. This report was completed in the mounds being left from ‘wet mining’ include creating a permanent water body October 2012. The consultants’ conclusion that is now illegal. A 1992 reclamation that, if well reclaimed, may serve a habitat was that existing and continued gravel report for this area states that until 1980, no purpose but entrenches the evaporative mining had minor regional cumulative reclamation standards existed in Alberta for loss to other nearby receiving water bodies. impacts, and no further controls on timing gravel extraction operations. The pit that is In the Sturgeon River watershed, this loss and spacing were recommended beyond now a 1 km long pond was ‘grandparented’ amounts to hundreds of thousands of cubic current regulatory requirements. However, or exempted from stronger reclamation rules metres per year. the authors added that the uncertainties introduced later. From 1988-1992, some of Gravel mining in aquifers poses in available information reduced the the previously mined, unreclaimed area was contamination risks to the exposed aquifer confidence of these conclusions. They levelled and re-vegetated to tame pasture by and to any connected surface water bodies, highly recommended, therefore, that field- the second operators, who have since been as mining operations might store fuel, salt, based monitoring take place to gather site- bought out by a third operator. herbicides, and other substances toxic specific and regional information. Curiously, Downstream, the former operator built to aquatic life. These water impacts and this report is not available electronically, a road across the creek. The road’s culvert hazards are subject to regulations that have even upon request, though Mike showed hasn’t been effective. This obstruction partly strengthened over time, but are infrequently me a hard copy he received as an AMASC dams the creek into the former gravel pit, audited. Since 2001, for various gravel Committee member. conveniently keeping the pond level high. operations in its area, ORVCA has reported As we paddled towards the active gravel The artificially high water level enabled both unauthorized fuel and chemical spill risks, operation next to Kilini Creek, we crossed the former and current operator, in turn, to water containment reservoirs, and water several beaver dams, and saw several pump water from the pond for operations pumping volumes. Even if properly stored impacts of gravel mining. On the east bank downstream. Initially this water diversion for ‘normal’ water conditions, contaminants was the natural riparian area, flat, with and pumping was unlicensed. ORVCA can be swept by high flood waters into rivers natural low wetlands and some large beaver members were concerned about impacts to and connected aquifers, as happened along lodges. Visible along the Creek’s west side

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 19A This gravel extraction site on higher ground will likely interfere less with groundwater than the ones further down in the floodplain. The piles of sand and clay left after washing still present reclamation challenges, such as how water drainage on the reclaimed topography will affect natural water bodies. PHOTO: © C. CAMPBELL were constructed earthen berms shielding Yet the wash water discharges year round be created after mining operations finish the creek from gravel pit-affected water into the creek, night and day. 15 years later. They will be “constructed runoff. Farther downstream this berm is We continued downstream to the edge primarily to provide wildlife and waterfowl at water’s edge. According to Mike, the of another onstream reservoir on Kilini habitat”. It’s a good sentiment but Mike reclamation plans will leave these berms in Creek. A dam built in the 1960s creates the still worries about the impacts of exposing place. If so, the river corridor’s habitat value operation’s holding pond, from where water that much groundwater surface area. This and connectivity will be affected where the is pumped to wash the gravel. Its height was proposal calculated that the five end pit lakes western wall is at the water’s edge and is increased in the 1970s. ORVCA discovered will mean an evaporative loss of 17,550m3/ redirecting the Creek’s flow. that Alberta Public Lands had never issued year for the exposed aquifer. That’s the annual Gravel operations wash silt and clay from a license of occupation to authorize this water consumption of 230 Alberta families, the mined gravel and typically discharge dam. When they raised the matter, Public according to a recent Environment Canada that wash water into settling ponds. Here, Lands issued the license in the early 2000s, water use survey. The 2012 ‘gravel impacts’ wash water is put through pumps that forty years after construction. I learned that report noted that wetlands abundance could remove some of the fine sand and the water there’s no opportunity for fish to come up be reduced from water pits due to changes then passes through several settling ponds. Kilini Creek from Matchayaw Lake and the in surface water drainage and that ponds The final stage settling pond discharges into Sturgeon River anymore, as the dam has no and end pit lakes increase evaporation and Kilini Creek. As we approached the tributary fish passage. raise groundwater temperatures. These that connects with the mine’s wash water We left the immediate vicinity of the creek effects would be reduced by locating pits at discharge pipe, we saw a very distinctive and drove to nearby gravel extraction sites higher elevations would reduce these effects cloudy sediment plume in the main stem on higher ground. There is less interference since there would be less interaction with of the creek. This discharge is licensed and with groundwater on these sites. But we groundwater. regular water quality testing is conducted. saw other reclamation challenges, where The authors of the 2012 gravel impacts An annual water quality report is filed and sand and clay left after gravel washing was report recommended a wetlands inventory, the operator must notify the government piled up in 50 foot high banks. These banks and regional groundwater monitoring to of any spillage, upset or other change. The have questionable stability and are subject measure water quantity and quality effects. 2012 ‘gravel impacts’ report said there to slumping during wet conditions. Mike They also recommended that if multiple would be minimal impacts from additional stated that too little consideration is given new developments are being considered, sediments from pit operations because to the unnatural reclaimed topography’s thorough surface and groundwater area water bodies already have high algae impacts on drainage patterns into natural management plans be required for each new productivity, high nutrient levels, and low water bodies and groundwater. development. These plans should be given clarity. This was based on the observation Reclamation standards have improved. A to County and provincial regulators to allow that algae growth increases in the summer as 2011 proposal for a new gravel operation cumulative effects assessment. To date there phosphorus is released from lake sediments. emphasizes that five end pit lakes will has been little evidence that any of these

20 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES recommendations have been followed. Mike will local development impacts combine funding for independent, comprehensive and ORVCA continue to raise concerns on with climate change impact predictions of delineation and monitoring of groundwater a project-by-project basis about inadequate less snow pack, earlier spring runoff, and and surface waters as well as in-stream cumulative impacts management and lower late season flows? Mike is concerned flow needs assessments. As a precautionary reclamation effectiveness. that municipal, provincial, and federal measure, gravel operations should be phased Kilini Creek is a small part of the fast-paced governments still turn a blind eye towards out of river floodplains. Despite Alberta’s changes taking place in the headwaters cumulative development impacts. In his commitment since at least the mid-2000s of the North Saskatchewan River basin. experience, short-term industry interests are to a cumulative effects approach to land Growing rural and urban subdivisions all still over-weighted in decisions and we are and water disturbance through the Land- use gravel and require water and wastewater taking more from our life-giving rivers than use Framework, the regulatory process services. The mean flow of the Sturgeon can ever be recovered. still proceeds project by project. Under- River shows a notable declining trend since It’s time for Alberta to set sustainable resourced landowners still find themselves the 1970s, which should provide greater limits on development impacts to our water burdened with the task of demonstrating urgency to answering these questions: what resources. Local and provincial governments why a project should not proceed. Neither water does nature need to sustain wetlands, need to be adequately informed on surface the province nor municipalities understand streams, and groundwater in this region? and groundwater resource capacities and and manage cumulative effects in a way that What are the overall impacts from human risks. To meet this need those having or our water resources merit. water withdrawals and altering of aquifer seeking licenses that affect water resources capacity, topography, and runoff? How should collectively provide adequate

ORVCA co-founder Mike Northcott beside the one kilometre long ex-gravel pit, now filled with water, that was grandparented (exempted) from stronger reclamation rules introduced later. PHOTO: © C. CAMPBELL

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | FEATURES 21A In November AWA was privileged to bestow Wilderness Defender Awards to Gus Yaki and Tom Maccagno. Vivian Pharis and Brittany Verbeek prepared the following tributes to these magnificent friends. Tom Maccagno: Champion of the Wild

By Vivian Pharis, AWA Board of Directors

“In this province, wellsites, befoul the waters or otherwise inflict damage to landscapes like those everything has a around Lakeland, Lac La Biche’s shores, for-sale sign on it. sensitive bogs and fens or sites of histor- ical interest. Woe could befall an unsus- But wilderness is pecting industry representative or civil like a cathedral. servant who was unprepared for a meeting or sloppy with his facts. When a defense- You don’t look for less human, orchid, lake, fish or pond it to have another needed his help, Tom could unleash such a torrent of rhetorical and scientific skill purpose.” as to close further debate. Otherwise, Tom Tom Maccagno was as gentle, quiet, and unassuming as a Habenaria obtusata; he was a remarkable Wild Lands Advocate editor Ian Urqu- observer of and teacher about nature, a hart gave Tom Maccagno the moniker loving husband and father, and a wise and “Champion of the Wild” when Tom’s eu- Tom Maccagno caring friend. logies were posted in the February 2012 pulled him in other directions, but partic- Tom’s wife Annette, feels Tom’s appetite issue of the Wild Lands Advocate. Anyone ularly towards the bush and all things wild for reading, learning, and acutely observ- who knew Tom would recognize how ap- and natural. At heart he was a scientist, a ing, promoted his analytical thinking and plicable it really is. AWA regrets missing historian, and an adventurer. led to his concern some 30 years ago, the opportunity to interview Tom in per- A voracious reader and irrepressible about where the unbridled development son about his remarkable life in Alberta’s student, Tom needed only a slight trigger of the Athabasca tar sands could take the north and bestow him in person with a of interest to send him down the road to local area and how it could affect not only Wilderness Defender’s award. Posthu- proficiency in some new area. On one oc- Canada, but beyond. He had favourite mously, Tom joined other notable wil- casion that trigger was his discovery of a haunts and would return to them year derness enthusiasts and conservationists tiny, exquisite orchid in an area of local after year, sometimes noting alarming as a Wilderness Defender at AWA’s 2014 bush. Soon Tom knew as much about Al- changes. Climate change also concerned awards ceremony. berta orchids, rare and common, as any him that far back when almost no one else Thomas Maccagno was born and lived trained botanist, and he became known in Alberta had even heard the term. His his entire life between Alberta’s 53rd and for his orchid quest and defending their son Morris, referred to his Dad as a “lone- 55th parallels, although his parents had habitat. ly pioneer”- someone ahead of his time in immigrated to Lac La Biche from faraway But, being a lawyer helped to hone Tom’s seeing the need for conservation and pro- France and Italy. From early on, Tom’s sharp mind, to keep it focused, and gave tection in the face of a changing climate intellect was evident and he was the first him oratorical powers that stood him in and the expanding human footprint. But, Lac La Biche citizen to gain a law degree. good stead, especially when he argued in he could count as friends, such notable Although Tom practiced law all his pro- support of land, water or wildlife protec- professors as David Schindler and Doug fessional life, both in Edmonton and lat- tion. He could be a formidable opponent Hutton, with whom he undoubtedly, fruit- er back home in Lac La Biche, his heart to those wanting to log, build roads or fully, discussed his various concerns.

22 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS Following retirement from his law career, Tom served Lac La Biche as its mayor for forts. Now, fittingly, one of those islands Tom devoted greater efforts to conservation several terms in the 1990s. But, undoubt- is to be named in Tom’s honour. Other but he was now also able to delve deeper into edly he will be remembered most for his awards in his name include an Alberta another long time interest, that of the local tireless work on behalf of a host of asso- Achievement Award for Preservation and history of the Lac La Biche area. Enthused ciations and environmental groups. A life- Conservation, an Emerald Award, Cana- by the rich stories of the brave and indepen- long supporter of preserving the nature and da’s Recreational Fisheries Award, Queen dent men of the fur trade, Tom soaked up beauty of the Lac La Biche and Lakeland Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, and Ca- their adventures and retold their tales from area, he was also instrumental in gaining nadian Environmental Conservation Gold the perspective of an admirer. He authored formal protection for the Garner fen, an Award. No doubt he was especially pleased various articles in a number of journals such area of uncommon boreal orchids. A con- to have been made an Honourary Elder of as The Beaver, about Lac La Biche and its tributor to the Alberta Parks book Orchids the Beaver Lake Cree Nation. early mission, and, of course, about the fur of Lakeland, he also reported on other rare Now Tom will be further recognized as trade that spawned the line of forts down the plants in the region. The islands in Lac La an Alberta Wilderness Defender – another Athabasca-Mackenzie River system, like Mc- Biche were protected within Sir Winston appropriate tribute for this extraordinary Murray, Chipewyan and Simpson. Churchill Provincial Park through his ef- Albertan. Gus Yaki: AWA Wilderness Defender By Brittany Verbeek

Walking an hour to grade school from his man he succeeded this acrobatic marvel. family’s farm thirty-five miles north of North That’s not to say he doesn’t still do meta- Battleford Saskatchewan, little Gus Yaki had phorical back flips when he spots a rare bird time to let his mind wander and nurture his or wild flower during his many outings. curiosity about the natural world around After two and a half years of service in the him. “I observed the many flora and fauna RCMP, he worked for several other organi- along the way and began recognizing them zations in Ontario including Trans Canada without knowing their names,” Gus said. As Airlines (now Air Canada) and General Mo- he recalled trips he had done later in his life tors Canada. However, no matter where Gus to East Africa with its unbelievable diversity lived or what he was doing, his love of na- and richness of species – I couldn’t help but ture never wavered. In the 1960s Gus lived think perhaps those walks as a child held in Lindsay, Ontario where he was President the same fascination and wonder. His time of the Victoria County Nature Club from spent in rural Saskatchewan set the founda- 1962 to 1964. When he moved to Niaga- tion for what would become Gus’s life-long ra Falls and realized there was no nature passion for wildlife. And one thing I have Gus Yaki and his “class” at AWA’s Summer Kids Camp club there, he began one. Within one year learned about Gus in the short time I have PHOTO: © C. OLSON they had over 400 members, which got the known him is he has a tremendous ability to attention of the Federation of Ontario Nat- turn any location into a fascinating natural was selected for a special task. It was 1951. uralists (FON). Soon he was a member of history lesson. The then Princess Elizabeth, now the Queen FON’s Board of Directors, and eventually His first taste of Alberta was a six-month of England, and Prince Phillip were tour- was contracted to work for them. One of his stint in Edmonton, waiting to turn eighteen ing Canada and Gus’s RCMP squad was re- assignments was to run their outdoor trip before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police quired to perform a fifteen minute physical program. This led to him starting up Nature (RCMP) could enroll him into the force. training session for the royals. “My specialty Travel Service, Gus’s own eco-tour company. After his acceptance into the RCMP, Gus was to do fifty back flips!” Gus recalled with Over the span of thirty years running tours, trained for nine months in Regina instead a chuckle. He said he would break his back he personally visited over seventy countries. of the usual six months because his squad attempting to do one now, but as a young When asked his favorite place he replied

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS 23A very politically “whatever place I happened ticipants, including participating professors participants and/or co-leaders on his tours. to be at the time.” and other experts, on his many trips. Al- Gus Yaki, without mention or fanfare, Gus met his wife Aileen on one of his in- though he himself is an inspiration, Gus told deserves to share the stage with these other ternational trips. They have shared the joy me of several people or naturalists that have environmental champions. His entire life has of nature’s best treasures with each other, made an impression on him over his life- been dedicated to learning and experienc- and many others, throughout the years. time. The first was one of his teachers, Kath- ing the natural world, sharing his wealth of Upon his retirement in 1993, he moved to leen Nouch, who owned a small bird book knowledge, and inspiring others to value the Calgary where Aileen had lived since 1950. “which she generously allowed us to peruse wonders of Earth’s biological systems. “Unless Gus quickly became involved with Nature at recess time.” The second inspiration ap- people learn to love and appreciate the natu- Calgary. About ten years ago, he started a peared in 1942, when a Yorkton, Saskatch- ral world around them, they are not going to series of 12-week spring, autumn, and win- ewan woman named Isabel Priestly inspired stand up to protect it.” He is driven to teach ter birding sessions for the Friends of Fish the very first newsletter publication of “The people what species we have already lost and Creek Provincial Park Society. What started Blue Jay.” A modest nature-related quarter- what humans stand to lose if we continue on as one group of twelve participants, grew ly production, costing 25 cent a year back this path to less and less biodiversity. to become twenty-one groups of over 240 then, has now celebrated over 60 years of I’m sure with his passion, persistence and participants by last spring. These course publication and can be found in reference li- good-natured personality that everyone who participants faithfully come out once a week braries all across North America and abroad. has met Gus has a favourite story to tell – as Gus and his assistants lead them through Gus has every single issue. Helping to pro- one that makes you smile! I have only per- different natural areas within the city. “I tech- duce those first issues was Dr. Stuart Hous- sonally known him for the past year since I nically retired 21 years ago but most of my ton, now a retired radiologist in Saskatoon, began with AWA but my favourite ‘Gus mo- days are filled with an outing in the morn- and author of the soon-to-be published, ment’ was during a nature walk he led for ing, often a visit to a school classroom in the two-volume, Birds of Saskatchewan. Bruce the children participating in AWA’s summer afternoon, and giving a slide show or attend- Falls is another of Gus’s personal inspira- kids’ camp in August. We didn’t have to go ing various meetings in the evenings. I also tions. As a professor of biology at University far for the kids to be amazed at every plant, spend a lot of time answering nature-related of Toronto and president of Federation of bug and bird that we came across. When questions sent by email.” He remains a very Ontario Naturalists, he led the way to the we returned to the building, he announced busy and much sought after man. establishment of the Nature Conservancy of to us all that it was his 82nd birthday. He Surprisingly Gus never had a formal Canada. Roger Tory Peterson, author of the leaned over and said to the kids, “If you go post-secondary education in biology or any first modern field guide “A Field Guide to out for walks in nature every day, like I do, related fields. His seemingly endless bio- the Birds,” and Robert Bateman, world-ac- you will reach the age of 82 like me!” logical knowledge is both self taught and claimed wildlife artist and activist – have also learned informally from various par- both greatly impressed Gus. Both have been

Lisa Kozokowsky - Featured Artist

Oasis, 60x20, encaustic/oil, PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

24 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS Lisa Kozokowsky - Featured Artist

Harvest Ready, 11x14, oil on gold leaf, PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

Aerialscape 1, 24x48, encaustic/oil, PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

Modern Prairie II, 24x48, coldwax/oil PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

In Heaven As On Earth, 60x72, encaustic/oil PHOTO: © LISA KOZOKOWSKY

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS 25A Wilderness for Tomorrow - or How Many Bucks Does it Take?

By Christyann Olson, AWA Executive Director

inter is settling in as we ap- build, through initiatives as varied as the Sage protect the precious wetlands that migratory proach the longest night of Grouse Partnership, the Summer Kids Camp, birds and resident wildlife depend on so W the year. As we get ready for or the Climb and Run for Wilderness, will heavily. the holidays it’s time to remember our good bear fruit in the long run. Through our efforts The tastiest fruit from this model of commit- fortune. That fortune includes our wild spac- we’ll change people’s attitudes and that will ment and collaboration, one that already has es and, for me, the dedicated staff and vol- ultimately change what the map of Alberta delivered a Wildland Park, will be delivered unteers I work with daily to help your AWA looks like. in time for AWA’s 50th birthday in 2015. All pursue a diverse and healthy wilderness lega- The promise of progress in the long-run oil and gas activity in the park will end then – cy for future generations of Albertans. already has been seen in Alberta. Hay Zama two years earlier than we had expected. Conservation success depends on all of us, delivered it well. In 2008, we were fortunate This model and the successes it’s delivered on our awareness and conversations, on our to move forward and celebrate the twinning inspire us to try to build similar understand- passion for landscapes and wildlife, and our of two vitally important international Ramsar ings in other parts of Alberta. It gives us hope ability to devote time and resources to con- sites, Dalai Lakes in Inner Mongolia and Hay and belief that, despite the hard days for con- servation campaigns. As we close the year we Zama Lakes in northwest Alberta. servation, we will be able to work with others pause to reflect and document our progress. The conservation success embodied in Hay and realize our natural vision for Alberta. I had a call from a member a few weeks ago Zama Lakes began in the 1960s. The path to Your donations and our fundraising events that still troubles me. He feels strongly that success was one marked by disagreement, such as the Gala and the Climb and Run for we are not making any progress, that our negotiation, communication, cooperation, Wilderness,are vital to the health of AWA. work isn’t showing progress on the map, and finally collaboration. It is a story where that there is no concrete measure of what dedicated professionals, First Nations, and we have achieved. While I share the frustra- conservationists believed in and found a bet- tion I also believe the relationships we try to ter way to extract the area’s petroleum and

26 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | WILDERNESS WATCH They provided a remarkable 90 percent of effort and the security we have in place allows economy, or a place to challenge your stami- our revenues in our 2013-14 fiscal year. The our staff to work freely, pursuing every possi- na or nurture your spirit, or a secure, bounti- long-term financial stability needed for AWA ble lead, facing every challenge and develop- ful supply of life-giving water. Regardless, the to be strong is less of an issue this year and ing expertise to represent AWA and its mem- interest and support of AWA members and we are in good position as we save to pur- bers with conviction and well-researched, supporters is what helps us make a difference chase the Hillhurst Cottage School building sound arguments. Above all, however, mem- every day. Thank you! If you haven’t made in June 2015. Our day-to-day work depends bers must know with absolute certainty that a donation this year, no matter how large or on your generosity. Your generosity and our we care, that we will take a stand, and that small, please consider giving now. The form continually declining dependence on grants we have hope for what tomorrow will bring. inserted in this copy of the Wild Lands Advo- and foundation funding permits us to contin- Wild Alberta means many things to our cate has the details you will need. ue working to build financial security. That members. For you, it may mean a sustainable Christyann

Gifts In Memoriam 2013 - 2014 AWA is honoured and grateful to have received gifts in memory of the following supporters during the past year.

Irene Anderson 1920-2014 Ainsley Kelly 1987-2014 Paul K. Anderson 1927-2014 Charles Lacy 1933-2013 Danny Cameron 1962-2014 David Manzer 2006 Gene Cervo 1954-2013 Murray Manzer Jim Clampett 1933-2014 Elsie Mole 1936-2014 Dawn Dickinson 1930-2013 Zoe Preston 1921-2013 Steven Dixon 1917-2014 Alice Schwieger 1932-2013 Gordon Dunford 1925 - 2014 William Sokil 1931-2014 Stanley G. Swettenham 2012 Sharon Tranter 1940-2013 Rita Grier 1933-2013 Evan Williams 1926-2013 Aileen Hadden 1931-2013 Robert Williams 1943-2013 Helen Holstead 2014 Joseph Zaremba 1973-2014 Benjamin Karasek 1924-2014

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | WILDERNESS WATCH 27A Cows as Stewards: Hyland Armstrong’s AWA Talk

By David Robinson

lberta Wilderness Association blend of scientific and technical information Hyland spent the bulk of the presentation invited agrologist and range and entertaining personal anecdotes about discussing how livestock behaviour may A ecologist Hyland Armstrong being a third-generation rancher, becoming affect biodiversity in a rangeland. These to present at the AWA office on October 7. a range ecologist, and interacting with behaviours are not limited to removal His talk, titled Cows as Stewards: Managing academics and ranchers on the topic of of grasses by grazing, but also include Landscapes for Biodiversity, discussed some landscape management. landscape trampling and contamination of of the complications imposed on grasslands Armstrong began by stressing the water systems through cattle waste. There is as a result of cattle behaviour and how cattle importance of biodiversity – the abundance nothing necessarily unique about ecological can be managed sustainably to ensure the of species and individuals in an ecosystem. impacts of cattle, according to Armstrong; it conservation of grassland biodiversity. Now Rangelands are home to a swath of natural is just a form of disturbance and, like any retired, Armstrong was a ranch manager processes including soil formation, nutrient disturbance, can be managed sustainably. for over 30 years near Cypress Hills in and energy cycling, and water purification. In addition to being mindful of sustainable southeast Alberta in the Dry Mixedgrass Actions of (and interactions between) species stocking rates, one of the key methods for Subregion and a long-serving AWA board in a rangeland are important for maintaining sustainable range management is controlling member. This region is home to many these processes. So a loss of biodiversity in the distribution of livestock. Cattle are fond species at risk and water can be scarce, so a region could potentially jeopardize, for of watering holes and rubbing posts and tend grassland health must be carefully managed. example, water and soil quality or reduce to congregate in areas where these are found. Armstrong’s presentation was a bountiful habitat available for native species. This can result in numerous problems. High livestock densities facilitate spreading disease among cattle and overgrazing of grassland, which will cause a long-term reduction of nutrients available to cattle over successive grazing seasons. On top of that, contamination of a pond or creek by cattle waste will result in blooms of algae, lowering water quality for livestock, fish, and wildlife and furthering the potential for disease. Armstrong encourages the use of attractants and regular reinforcement to prevent congregating behaviour. Constructing watering holes with solar-powered pumps to draw water away from ponds and creeks will attract cattle, which will reduce water contamination and lower the risk of trampling sensitive wetland bird nesting sites. Salt and dust bags (an insecticidal device cattle will rub to kill biting flies) can be placed in desired grazing locations Are you suggesting I sometimes may be a threat to water quality? PHOTO: © C. OLSON to encourage cattle to feed some distance

28 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS Managing grazing lands for biodiversity benefits wildlife, cattle and ultimately the ranchers. PHOTO: © H. ARMSTRONG from watering holes. Most importantly, he as their grazing behaviours differ. Elk tend this way is a lot of work. Ranchers are often stressed that cattle have to be conditioned to graze on grasses mostly during the winter busy tending to other tasks in their business into a routine for this to be effective. Leading season and only in areas where cows have and some may be concerned with costs of cattle away from watering holes to where been absent for some time. If cattle are hiring workers to install water troughs and salts and dust bags can be found on a daily always on the move and elk numbers taken move cattle. Some ranchers are reluctant basis teaches them to keep moving to these into account when calculating stocking rates to deal with environmental stewardship grazing sites during their daily routine. and densities, competition between them groups, as their involvement means regular Are these methods effective? Hyland can be greatly reduced. One of Armstrong’s surveying on their grazing lands. As with summarized two projects in which aforementioned projects aimed to improve any other scope of human activity, some also he collaborated with ranchers, the winter elk range, which succeeded over the find it difficult to change from traditional Alberta government, and environmental four years of sustainable practices. methods that have been in place over several stewardship organizations to implement Things are not so simple for the endangered generations. sustainable management strategies for greater sage-grouse, however. Hyland Hyland maintains that range management improving rangeland health and grazing hoped to improve sage-grouse habitat and is complicated because ranges are complex. capacity on leased lands. Employing the populations in his second project, but this There are many variables to consider and strategies outlined above over four years saw goal was not successful. He strongly suspects they never interact linearly. Much of what a marked improvement in rangeland health, this was due to the project’s relatively small we know today is the result of trial and error including energy and nutrient production, scope. A single sage-grouse will travel experimentation. Armstrong hopes ranchers water quality and soil quality, and an several kilometres for brooding, breeding, will show leadership and acknowledge the overall increase in range grazing capacity. and overwintering sites, so improvements ecological and economic impacts associated These results are important evidence that in sage-grouse populations likely need with current cattle management. Ranchers ranchers can experience direct benefits from a large network of intact landscapes of tend to trust their fellow ranchers. As more sustainable practices. up to thousands of acres. Long-term ranchers experiment and succeed with Unsurprisingly, such practices will benefit establishment of sustainable practices by sustainable strategies, and communicate wildlife as well. Keeping aquatic systems multiple neighboring ranchers would be the economic benefits to others, such free of trampling and waste will be a boon to required to improve sage-grouse numbers. practices become more widespread. AWA fish, amphibians, and nesting birds in those It is easy to wonder why these practices is very grateful to Hyland for sharing areas. Of particular importance are cattle are not more widespread if they can provide these important examples of grassland interactions with elk, as they share the same wildlife and ranchers with these benefits. management strategies that can significantly landscapes and forage. However, the two That answer was offered during the question benefit both ranchers and wildlife. animals do not necessarily have to compete period after the talk. Micromanaging cattle

WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | ASSOCIATION NEWS 29A Gear Ideas - A Late Autumn Obsession

By Kristina Vyskocil

Late autumn/early winter in Alberta is meable woven layers creates a fabric with What’s the bottom line? layering weather. The MEC Obsession superior breathability. What’s more, the The MEC Obsession Hoodie is a triple Hoodie (Men’s) is one choice to consid- fabric provides all the warmth without stack of warmth, breathability and venting, er as you plan to transition with the ele- the weight, making the MEC Obsession with a water-shedding finish to top it all ments ($145; 357g). Hoodie more packable and fast drying off. This means you can comfortably play that other mid-layers. in piles of golden leaves, and the banks of What is the MEC Obsession This garment not only functions as a deep snow that will soon replace them. Hoodie? mid-layer, but on warmer late fall days The MEC Obsession Hoodie is a men’s can also be worn as an outer layer: the Kristina currently works at Mountain medium weight synthetic mid-layer ideal fleece is covered with a breathable soft Equipment Co-op and is in the final year for hiking, alpine climbing and ski touring. shell treated with durable water repellen- of her English B.A. at Grant MacEwan cy. This means that the mid-layer is abra- University. What does the MEC sion resistant, and able to shed light rain Obsession Hoodie do well? and spindrift. While most insulated jackets are con- The MEC Obsession Hoodie is construct- structed from a tightly woven outer layer ed to provide generous coverage without which limits breathability, the MEC Ob- being an oversized fit. Raglan style sleeves session Hoodie is a high-functioning tech- are fit for comfort under pack straps. A nical garment constructed from multiple scuba-style hood, with a fold over chin- materials. The back, underarms, cuffs and guard and internal storm flap behind the hood are lined with fleece knit, a blend zipper, fits snugly to protect your chin and of polyester and spandex fleece with a head while it comfortably slips under a hel- brushed wicking inner and smooth out- met. The bottom hem, resting at the hip, er surface: this material provides venting adjusts with a drawcord to seal warmth where its most needed. A combination of in and cold, damp weather out. A single Toray Airtastic and Polartec Alpha lines external chest pocket is the perfect size to the front core and upper arms to provide hold a map or mid-activity snack. wind resistance and breathability where you need it most. What are some drawbacks Toray Airtastic is a nylon and polyes- of the MEC Obsession ter woven fabric. The close weave of this Hoodie? windproof and water-repellent ripstop Like all the other insulated synthetic material is ideal for constructing garments mid-layers, the MEC Obsession which require excellent rigidity and high Hoodie is not treated with an air permeability. antimicrobial. This means that, Polartec Alpha is an advanced insulated with prolonged use, the garment is material originally developed for the U.S. not resistant to bacterial growth Special Forces to regulate core body tem- or odours. To keep the MEC peratures during both moving and sta- Obsession Hoodie in top form, tionary activities. Adjusting or shedding wash with a protecting cleanser layers is not always a viable option, while like No Sweat Fragrance Free pit-zips and vents can leave surface areas Sport Wash to neutralize exposed to the elements. The low densi- odours and lift stains ty fibre between Polartec Alpha’s air per- ($8.75; 500ml).

30 WLA | November 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 5 | DEPARTMENTS Fall Events Annual AWA Lecture and Awards Evening AWA Annual General Martha Kostuch Wilderness and Wildlife Lecture Meeting Location: 455 - 12th St. NW “Legislating Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities” Calgary, Alberta Presented by Dr. Ted Morton Date: November 1, 2014 Dr. Morton has been invited to speak about his vision that led to the Time: 11:00am Land-use Framework and province-wide planning process. A vision for conservation and meaningful on-the-ground planning for our legacy of wilderness and wildlife is part of AWA’s vision and mandate and we expect Edmonton Talk: Dr. Morton will challenge us as he reviews the process, the reality and the Fishing in Argentina difficulty in legislating conservation. with Bruce Dancik The Alberta Wilderness Defenders Awards will be awarded to Friday, November 28, 2014 Tom Maccagno and Gus Yaki and the Great Gray Owl Awards will be Join us as AWA and friends kick off presented to Heather Crone at this evening of celebration. a “Wilderness Around the World” speaker series in Edmonton! Location: 455 - 12th St. NW Calgary, Alberta Location: Jackson Power Electric Ltd. Date: October 31, 2014 (9744 - 60 Avenue, Edmonton) Time: Reception 6:00pm • Lecture and Awards 7:00pm Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Members $50 • Non-members $75 Talk starts at 7:00pm Reservations required, space is limited Tickets: $5.00

Music for the Wild Saturday, December 6, 2014

Headline Act Jim & Lynda McLennan A Jim and Lynda McLennan performance includes instrumental fingerstyle guitar pieces from Jim (many from the Western Canadian Music Award-nominated CD, Six-String Gumbo) and vocal tunes from Lynda (many from the recent Dancing On Air CD). Their repertoire includes old standards and contemporary compositions, and is delivered in a unique style best described as “folk-jazz.” Seasoned performers, their genuine and engaging stage demeanor immediately puts audiences at ease. Opening Act The Hot TimAlis Tim Fraser and Alison (Ali) Laberge are The Hot TimAlis, and have been making music together since 2006, hosting for several years the wonderful Saturday evening sessions at The Cabin Cafe. Tim and Ali alternate lead vocals and harmonies, while Tim plays acoustic guitar and weaves a melodic background. Ali combines percussion with her lively and bright presence. They are fun, energetic, and always musical, and feature a remarkable and eclectic musical repertoire of favourites. Location: 455 – 12 Street NW, Calgary Time: Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Music at 7:30pm Tickets: $20.00

For more information and registration: www.gowildalberta.ca/shop or 1-866-313-0713 ***Pre-registration is required for the Annual Lecture and Awards and recommended for all talks. WLA | June/July 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 3 | EVENTS 31 Sage-grouse have been endangered for many years but governments have done very little to eliminate human disturbances in critical sage-grouse habitat.

www.AlbertaWilderness.ca

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