Iris No. 52 • Summer 2006 The Native Plant Council Newsletter

sensus was overridden by Alberta Riding the Rumsey Roller Coaster Energy behind closed doors. In the Editorial by Cheryl Bradley ergy Resources Conservation Board end, the plan confined industry to ex- established more formal guidelines isting access routes except for rights Herald editorial on March 27 stated that “to minimize detrimental impact of sold prior to 1991 for which new ac- Rumsey Natural Area was established under A[Alberta's] Special Places [Program] but was not protected by prohibition on new development. This comes as news to me even though since the mid 1970s I have been actively engaged in efforts to conserve Rumsey. However I am no longer surprised by unex- pected turns of events. Conservation of Rumsey has been a roller coaster ride of raised hopes and broken promises. The Rumsey block — an island of native habitat in a sea of cultivation - was put under a protective reserva- tion by Alberta Parks in 1976 with the intent of designa- tion as a provincial park. The first Prairie Conservation Action Plan, developed in the mid 1980s, recognized the Rumsey block as “the largest remaining representa- tive site of aspen parkland left in the world” and recom- mended that it receive protective designation. This plan was endorsed by the provincial government. In 1987, however, the Rumsey block was sliced in half by a gravel road to a single oil well and several side Reclaimed well access road in Rumsey Photo: C. Bradley roads to low-production gas wells. Conservation inter- ests who had worked with industry and government in oil and gas activity on the future pro- cess would be granted. the early 1980s to develop minimal impact guidelines vincial park”. The Rumsey South plan (1993) for oil and gas activity felt betrayed. In 1989, the En- In 1991, the northern one-fifth of committed government signatories the block was designated as the from five different departments “to Rumsey Ecological Reserve, but not preserve and protect the Rumsey As- without a major confrontation be- pen Parkland ecosystem while allow- tween conservationists and Parks ing for responsible use of its re- Minister who at the last sources”. Recommendations to pro- In this Issue... minute sought to scale down bound- tect ecological integrity included con- aries which had been agreed upon ducting biophysical inventories, as- AWA News Release on Rumsey ..... 2 through public process. The majority sessing reclamation activities, con- of the block known as Rumsey South trolling invasive species and assess- Thanks to Ed Karpuk ...... 3 remained unprotected. ing cumulative effects of oil and gas Puzzing Pairs: Upland Horsetails .... 4 By the early 1990s about 55 wells developments. For the most part these Plant Happenings ...... 6 had been drilled in the area and the recommendations have not been im- Nisku Agreement Renewed ...... 8 majority had been abandoned. A plemented. One study found failure to Volunteer Positions ...... 8 mini-planning exercise for Rumsey restore native vegetation to aban- Photo Gallery ...... 6–8 South achieved general agreement doned industrial sites and a major from a wide variety of stakeholders, pipeline was routed around Rumsey; including industry, to phase out oil but the death of a thousand cuts from and gas activity. The developing con- new well sites and access continued.

Iris 1 In 1996 the Special Places Program des- ignated Rumsey South as a Natural Area. A Alberta Energy Minister's Commitment moratorium placed on new mineral commit- ments in candidate sites logically was ex- to Rumsey is Empty pected to continue once the area was desig- nated. In 1997, however, Energy Minister Press release from Alberta Wilderness integrity in the RID which are not being Steve West offered for sale 33 parcels of Association implemented include biophysical invento- mineral rights in the Natural Area. When ries, cumulative effects assessment, moni- questioned about this in the legislature, Alberta Energy Minister, Greg Melchin, toring of vegetation changes, reclamation Minister of Environmental Protection Ty spoke of his commitment to Rumsey in the and recreation, and range and riparian Lund stated “...the drilling that will occur, legislature on Tuesday, but he should visit health assessments. Annual and five year if it does occur, will be on existing well Rumsey before he insists that the current assessments have only been done once in sites...there will be no new roads, no new management plan for Rumsey is being fol- the past thirteen years. There is no baseline well sites... .” lowed, or read letters from Albertans who data that will show whether impending This intent not to make new mineral have been telling him the real story. CBM development will harm Rumsey’s commitments in areas designated under “The Minister says Rumsey is an area ecological integrity. Special Places is confirmed in an agreement that has been valued, but Alberta Energy’s Neither the RID, nor an internal 2001 signed by deputy ministers of Sustainable actions show it has been valued for its oil Plan Assessment by regional managers con- Resource Development, Community Devel- and gas, not for the rich biodiversity of its sidered CBM activity; everyone believed opment and Energy in 2003. The agreement rolling aspen parkland and fescue grass- that petroleum related activities were sub- unequivocally refers to all areas, including land, one of the most threatened ecosystems siding. SRD is planning to implement one natural areas, established under Alberta's on the planet,” says Cliff Wallis, AWA recommendation — a study of the success Special Places Program, which ended in Past-President. “Rumsey is simply the big- of past and current reclamation activities. 2001. Information letter 2003–25 was di- gest and best example left, but Mr. Melchin However, SRD minister has rected to government staff who process and his department are treating it with utter refused to say whether there will be any applications and to applicants for mineral contempt. What they haven't done speaks funding for the project. surface and subsurface dispositions. In volumes about their commitment to protec- “Perhaps the most important omission by 2006, however, new mineral commitments tion.” the government is that there has been no in Rumsey, surface and subsurface, are still Field investigations in the area have re- ‘ongoing and meaningful public involve- being applied for and granted. Now the edi- vealed abandoned, unreclaimed well sites, ment’ as is specified in the RID,” says Shir- tor of the Calgary Herald informs us that invasive non-native species along roadsides ley Bray, AWA’s representative for Rum- Rumsey is an “excepted site” and open to and on industrial sites, hillside erosion and sey. “Alberta Energy has hijacked the development. a loss of biodiversity on reclaimed areas. Rumsey agenda over and over again and Meanwhile evidence has been mounting AWA believes that if CBM goes ahead in shut out any opposition.” that Rumsey contains the biggest and best the area, further erosion of the ecological Alberta Energy Minister Greg Melchin’s example of plains rough fescue grasslands integrity of the area will follow. statement that drilling is not occurring in remaining in the world and that we are un- “Government has followed recommenda- Rumsey (Calgary Herald, March 22) is a able to restore them once destroyed or frag- tions in the management plan governing smokescreen to hide the truth. “By strong- mented. Other examples are very few and continued use of mineral resources, but it arming the granting of surface access to far between. Rough fescue was designated has not followed through on key recom- coalbed methane rights, Alberta Energy has Alberta's provincial grass emblem in 2003 mendations aimed at protecting the area's paved the way for drilling applications to to much fanfare by the Legislature. Pro- ecological integrity,” says Cheryl Bradley, EUB and sent a strong signal that govern- posed coalbed methane development could professional botanist and representative of ment supports approval of drilling applica- lead to dozens of new well sites and new the Alberta Native Plant Council. “Without tions in the natural area,” says Bray. access and drive another nail into the coffin studying and monitoring ecological integ- AWA is asking for EUB hearings on any of plains rough fescue grasslands. rity, we do not know if the management new proposed industrial activity in pro- I want off this roller coaster, but as a pro- goal is being met.” tected areas until these issues are resolved, fessional botanist I cannot stand idly by Minister Melchin says the current plan, and a province wide review of protected while the last vestiges of a native ecosys- the 1993 Regionally Integrated Decision areas, including protected areas policy and tem crash. I still hope that government and (RID), drafted well before natural area des- legislation, and what the public wants done industry will redeem itself and Rumsey. ignation, has strict guidelines for oil and with them. One of 's last acts as Premier gas activity. In an April 2005 letter to could be to finally implement the stated AWA, he wrote, “Management direction For further information contact: intent of three decades ago and designate provided by the RID ensures the protection Cheryl Bradley, Alberta Native Plant the entire Rumsey block a protected area — of the environment and the complete recla- Council, Lethbridge 403–328–1245 perhaps a heritage rangeland free from new mation of oil and gas disturbances.” How- Shirley Bray, Alberta Wilderness Associ- industrial activity. I wouldn't even mind if ever, field investigations have proved other- ation, Calgary 403–270–2736 our Premier named it after himself. It would wise. Cliff Wallis, Alberta Wilderness Associ- be an invaluable legacy for Albertans. k Recommendations regarding ecological ation, Calgary 403–271–1408 k

2 Summer 2006 Thank you, Ed Karpuk! The Alberta Native Plant Council by Lorna Allen involvement in Adopt-a-Plant, Nisku Prai- Garneau P.O. 52099 rie and all those other projects, we know Edmonton, AB T6G 2T5 Deliberate: adj. thought over in advance that we will be able to continue to count on website: www.anpc.ab.ca and done with a clear idea of what one is your involvement in ANPC. Thanks very email: [email protected] doing. much for all your contributions! k 2006-2007 Board I believe that summarizes Ed's approach President to many things, including his leap into high Kelly Ostermann politics as President of the ANPC. From [email protected] choosing to sit as Vice-President in 2001, Past President serving the two-term and then proceeding Ed Karpuk [email protected] to President for the following two-year Editorial Comment term, he thought it through, made his deci- Secretary by Laurie Hamilton Lorna Allen sion and followed his plan. Or tried to fol- [email protected] low the plan; more on that a bit later. Treasurer With impressive thoroughness, Ed care- Ed has shown tireless effort and dedi- Mryka Hall-Beyer fully prepared for each meeting, making cated passion in his past years in a leader- [email protected] sure that all progress was documented and ship role on the ANPC. The accomplish- Directors all contributors recognized and thanked. In ments of ANPC this past year speak to his Patricia McIsaac (Northern) any group, but probably more so in a volun- success in that role. [email protected] teer one, it is very easy for threads to get In Ed Karpuk's report as Past President, Eileen Ford (Central) he highlighted some of the accomplish- [email protected] lost or tangled. But this happened infre- Cheryl Bradley (Southern) quently (if at all) during Ed's tenure, thanks ments that ANPC achieved in the past year [email protected] largely to his strong organizational skills (the report can be found in the Minutes FAN Directors and attention to detail. Ed always had a from the 2006 Annual General Meeting that Birgit Friedenstab detailed president report prepared for every are inserted with the newsletter). [email protected] In further detail, Ed's report lists such Elaine Gordon (alternate) meeting! As well as regularly providing [email protected] carrot cake. accomplishments as: !Adopt-a-Plant Alberta Conservation Action Looking back at the many many accom- Vacant plishments during Ed's reign, the most re- !2005 Native Plant Seed Source List !New webpage design Membership Secretary cent, the highly successful 2006 workshop Kelly Ostermann focusing on Adopt A Plant, showcased his !Native Plant Collection Guidelines [email protected] !Policy on herbicide use hard work and dedication. Other projects Education and Information that he has worked on include helping with !Policy on honoraria Mari Decker the range assessment for Nisku Prairie, !Renewal of agreement between Nisku [email protected] working with the other committee members Prairie and the County of Leduc Jim Posey [email protected] on the wildflower seed issue and of course !2006 Botany Alberta Tour helping as needed with the myriad of other !Wildflower Seed Mix project Rare Plants !Continued effort as stakeholders in: Linda Kershaw projects that ANPC is involved in. [email protected] The continuing strength and vibrancy of " Rumsey Block Dana Bush ANPC itself has to count as one of Ed's " Suffield National Wildlife Area [email protected] primary achievements. In 2005, at the end " Nature Canada's 'Canada Species Risk Reclamation and Horticulture of his planned two-year term as President, Survey' June Flanagan no one stepped forward to take over the " Endangered Species Conservation [email protected] helm. Ed found himself in the position of Committee (ESCC) Webmaster " Alberta Invasive Plants Council (AIPC) Ken Sanderson Not-But-Sort-Of-President. This is where [email protected] his planning began to unravel. But together Ed's report finished with the following sentiment (which echoes my own upon Newsletter Committee with the Board, he found a way to make Laurie Hamilton this unwieldy situation work, proving, if reading this list of accomplishments): [email protected] any proof was needed, his strong commit- It has been a pleasure working on the Alfred Falk ment to ANPC. Board. You are a terrific group! Keep up [email protected] the good work! k Janice Smith At the 2006 AGM Kelly Ostermann gra- [email protected] ciously agreed to take on the role as Presi- Chris Manderson dent. So on behalf of the Board and the [email protected] ANPC membership, welcome Kelly, and Pat McIsaac [email protected] thank you Ed for the years you have put in as Vice-President, President and Not-But- Sort-Of-President. Of course, with your

Iris 3 Puzzling pairs: Those Confusing Upland Horsetails by Lorna Allen of the first segment of the branch (the low- photographs by Lorna Allen est internode), where it connects to the main stem. The branches come off the stem Horsetails (or scouring rushes, as some at the base of the stem sheath. In common species are called) that belong to the horsetail, the lowest internode on the Equisetum genus all have jointed stems, branch is relatively long; the same length or with an obvious sheath at each joint, and longer than the stem sheath it is connected usually the sheath is crowned with a series to. In meadow horsetail, the lowest of small teeth. Some species are un- internode is shorter than the corresponding branched, or sparsely branched, while oth- stem sheath. The teeth of the stem sheath ers are regularly branched. Branches come are also quite different. They are dark on off the central stem in whorls (three or both species, but the ones on meadow more branches coming off the same stem horsetail are edged with white. joint). The stems are usually hollow, and As outlined below, there are a number of the size of the central cavity is one of the characteristics to consider when deciding what species you are looking at. Nine spe- Woodland horsetail, showing cies of Equisetum occur in Alberta. reproductive structure and branched If you are looking at a horsetail that is branches. not (usually) in standing water and has reg- ular, abundant branches, in Alberta, it is fleshy and pinkish or brown in color and most likely one of three species. The three appear early in the spring, then eventually upland horsetails (Equisetum spp.) that can wither away. The stems that are the typical get confusing are: “horsetail” are called the sterile shoots. In • common horsetail (Equisetum common horsetail, they are green, arvense), branched, appear later in the spring and • meadow horsetail (Equisetum never have a cone at the tip. pratense) and The cone-bearing stems of meadow • woodland horsetail (Equisetum horsetail also appear in the spring, but ac- sylvaticum). cording to the Flora of Alberta, they are Not exactly a puzzling pair you say? uncommon here. They are green, and start Well, one of the three can be easily sepa- off unbranched, but develop branches later rated, just by taking a quick look at the in the season, eventually looking similar to branches. Woodland horsetail is the only the sterile shoots. one of the three with branches that are The sterile shoots are the ones usually themselves branched. But the other two observed, and the ones that can get confus- generally require a closer look. ing. Common horsetail tends to be a coarser Common horsetail has two totally differ- plant than meadow horsetail, with a thicker ent looking types of stems. It produces stem and branches. But one of the surest Common horsetail reproductive spores on separate, fertile shoots that are characters to separate the two is the length shoot

Character of sterile shoots Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Meadow horsetail (Equisetum pratense) Habit Stems are erect to decumbent Stems are usually erect Height 10 to 50 cm tall 20 to 50 cm tall Stem Green, prominently ribbed. Whitish green, prominently ribbed. Stem thickness 3–5 mm thick 1–2 mm thick Teeth of stem sheath 10–16 pointed, brownish teeth 10–20 narrow, dark brown teeth with white margins. Central stem cavity Less than ½ the stem diameter About ½ the stem diameter Branching pattern Numerous, regular whorls Numerous, regular whorls Branches Ascending, 3 to 5 angled Spreading, 3 angled Branch nodes Lowest node as long or longer than adjacent Lowest node shorter than adjacent stem stem sheath sheath Rootstock Creeping, dark-felted and tuber-bearing. Black, creeping.

4 Summer 2006 Common horsetail sterile shoot, Meadow horsetail, showing stem showing stem sheath sheath differences that separate these two species. 2000. Illustrated Flora of British Columbia, The information on the table is taken pri- Vol 5. British Columbia Ministry of Envi- marily from the Flora of Alberta, supple- ronment, Lands and Parks and Ministry of mented with information from the Illus- Forests. Victoria, BC. 389 pp. trated Flora of British Columbia. Moss, E.H. revised by J.G. Packer. 1992. References Flora of Alberta. University of Toronto Douglas, G.W., D Meidinger, and J. Pojar. Press,Toronto, Ontario. k

Meadow horsetail

Meadow horsetail, showing stem

Iris 5 Plant Happenings SEPTEMBER BGCI's 6th International Congress on compiled by Lorna Allen WEBSITES Education in Botanic Gardens The Nature of Success: Success for Nature UPCOMING EVENTS Digital Nature Guides September 10–14, 2006 rcampbell.bio.uci.edu/DigitalNatureGuid hosted by the University of Oxford Bo- Pickin' Seeds for Nisku Prairie Restora- e/Index.htm tanic Gardens in association with Royal tion: We need Your Hands! Botanic Gardens, Kew and BGEN, UK. We’re moving forward on our plan to Conserving Plant Diversity: the 2010 www.bgci.org/educationcongress restore a patch of the prairie grassland at Challenge for Canadian Botanical Nisku Native Prairie Reserve. We need to Gardens,David Galbraith, Canadian Bo- Alberta Invasive Plants Council presents collect ripe seed from the Nisku Prairie site tanical Conservation Network the North American Weed Management (just south of Edmonton) during this sum- On-line copy in PDF format: Association's 14th Annual Conference & mer, so that we can plant the seed this fall. www.bgci.org/canada Trade Show Please consider coming out to help — for Invasive Plants — Risk Assessment and an hour or two or three on the following BEN: Botanical Electronic Newsletter Ecological Integrity dates (weather permitting, cancelled if General information about the mailing September 18–21, 2006 rainy): list is at: Calgary, Alberta. Thursday, July 13, 6:30 pm start (finish- victoria.tc.ca/mailman/listinfo/ben-l www.invasiveplants.ab.ca. ing around 8:30 or as fits your schedule) Thursday, July 27, 6:30 pm start (finish- Botanical and environmental education 2006 Natural Areas Conference ing around 8:30 or as fits your schedule) events/conferences Stewards of the Old and New West Thursday, Aug 10 (tentative) www.bgci.org/canda/edu_events Sept 20–23 Thursday, August 24 (tentative) Flagstaff, Arizona Meet at the east gate; park on side of the Plant conservation events/conferences www.naturalarea.org Vistas South main road. www.rbg.ca/cbcn/en/news/coming Directions and more info: please contact 15th Australian Weeds Conference Birgit Friedenstab: [email protected] or Friends of Jasper offers wildflower Managing Weeds in a Changing Climate phone 780–440–0971. courses September 24–28, 2006 Bring small paper bags or envelopes, and www.friendsofjasper.com/institute.htm Adeleide, South Australia scissors help too — and don’t forget the www.plevin.com.au/15AWC2006 bug juice and sunscreen. Target plant seeds will be described — 2007 so experience not a requirement! 8th Prairie Conservation and Endan- CONFERENCES gered species Conference and Workshop Field trips to Whitehorse Wildland Park March 1–3, 2007 AUGUST Please call Alison Dinwoodie (780– Regina, Saskatchewan 437–7183) ASAP if you are interested in www.pcesc.ca k Great Plains Native Plant Society Annual either of the following trips: Meeting July 13–15. Last chance to look at August 5, 2006 Prospect Ck. valley / ridges before CRO Hot Springs, South Dakota starts mining. Also the usual visit to the www.gpnps.org Cardinal Divide, east or west ridges. Camping at Watson Ck. campground or Annual Meeting and Conference: Whitehorse Ck campground (give a report Canadian Land Reclamation Association on the haul road noise!) or the motel at (CLRA) Cadomin, phone 780–692–3663. Good International Affiliation of Land hiking boots required! Reclamationists (IALR) August 19–20 (probably Sunday 20th) August 20–23, 2006 Revegetation results at nearby Luscar mine. Crowne Plaza Hotel Mine personnel will give us a tour of some Ottawa, Ontario, Canada of their older reclaimed sites, which is of Conference Activities: technical sessions interest for the proposed revegetation of the (3 days), short courses, field trips, trade Cheviot Mine, adjacent to WWP. Accom- show and banquet. modation as above. www.clra.ca

Harebell Photo: A. Falk

6 Summer 2006 Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa) Photo: L. Hamilton

Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata) Photo: A. Falk

Iris 7 WELCOME! CONSERVATION ANPC Objectives COMMITTEE ANPC would like to welcome the The Alberta Native Plant Council following new Board members: VOLUNTEER strives to: ! Promote knowledge of Alberta's POSITION native plants. Kelly Ostermann ! Conserve Alberta's native plant President ANPC is looking for a volunteer for the species and their habitats. conservation committee to work to ! Preserve plant species and Cheryl Bradley conserve native plant habitats. habitat for the enjoyment of Southern Director present and future generations. For more information, please check out the ANPC website at www.anpc.ab.ca The Council's specific objectives Birgit Friedenstab or contact Lorna Allen at FAN Director are: [email protected] ! To educate individuals, industry, and government about native plants. ! To promote awareness of native plant issues through a newsletter, an annual workshop, and in the media. ! To co-ordinate information and activities concerning Alberta's native plants. " To develop briefs or position papers for special projects; for example, biodiversity, forest vegetation management, wetlands, rare species or phenology. " To organize field trips, plant studies and May Species Counts. " To update lists of current research and conservation projects. ! To preserve natural habitats and plant communities. " To support legislation that protects native plants. " To take action to establish, preserve and manage One-flowered wintergreen (Moneses uniflora) Photo: L. Hamilton protected areas. " To undertake Alberta projects jointly with like-minded groups. ! To encourage appropriate use Nisku Agreement Renewed of Alberta's native plants. " To produce information on On February 13th, Leduc County renewed the stewardship agreement with the Alberta the use of native plants in Native Plant Council (ANPC) for another 5-year term. land reclamation. That means that the ANPC and all of you volunteers and nature enthusiast, in partnership " To develop and distribute with Leduc County, will continue to build on the last 11 years of stewardship and collection, salvage and educational activities. management guidelines. Watch out for more guided nature walks and volunteer opportunities in the near future! " To update a list of native Once again, on behalf of the ANPC, I would like to personally thank each and every one seed sources and suppliers of you for your support and interest through the years. See you in 2006! for horticulture and reclamation. Birgit Friedenstab, ANPC FAN Director k

8 Summer 2006