December 2009 • Vol. 17, No. 6

AWA

Cow Moose with Calf on a Northern Stream PHOTO: © W. LYNCH

Ca w Ri d g e : Tw o Ch e e r s f o r Al b e rt a ’s Fi s h a n d Wi l d l i f e Di v i s i o n / 4 A Pr e s cr i b e d Bu r n i n a n Ec o l o g i c a l l y Si g n i f i c a n t Ar e a : Go o d De c i s i o n ? / 7 Pl u s Art i c l e s o n : La k e l a n d , Fo s s i l s i n t h e Ba d l a n d s , Wo l v e s a n d a Tr i p t o In n e r Mo n g o l i a Editor: C ONTENTS Ian Urquhart december 2009 • VOL. 17, NO. 6 Graphic Design: Ball Creative

Fe a t u r e s Printing: 17 Pr o t e ct i n g Na t u r e : So w i n g Colour printing and process is sponsored Se e d s o f Co o p e r a t i o n Be t w e e n by Topline Printing 4 Ca w Ri d g e : Al b e rt a a n d In n e r Mo n g o l i a Tw o Ch e e r s f o r Al b e rt a ’s Fi s h a n d Wi l d l i f e Di v i s i o n 19 A Vi s i o n f o r Fo r e s t Ma n a g e m e n t f o r t h e Fu t u r e 7 In i t i a l Ef f e ct s o f a Pr e s cr i b e d Bu r n i n a n Ec o l o g i c a l l y 21 Ho w d o e s t h e AWA Si g n i f i c a n t Ar e a , No rt h f u n d i t s w o r k ? Sa s k a tc h e w a n Ri v e r , Al b e rt a 22 Tr i b u t e s 10 In Pr a i s e o f 22 In Me m o r i a m La k e l a n d ’s Wi l d e r n e s s

12 A Ca s e f o r Pr o t e ct i n g Wi l d e r n e s s Wa tc h Alberta Wilderness t h e Re d De e r Ri v e r Association Ba d l a n d s , Al b e rt a ’s 24 Up d a t e s “Defending Wild Alberta through Pa l a e o n t o l o g i c a l Tr e a s u r e Awareness and Action” Alberta Wilderness Association is a 14 Wi l l Al b e rt a ’s Bl a c k Wo l v e s De p a rtm e n t s charitable non-government organization Be n e f i t f r o m Cl i m a t e Ch a n g e ? dedicated to the completion of a 15 Wo l v e s , Fi s h , (Po p e s ) a n d 27 Re a d e r ’s Co r n e r protected areas network and the “Tr o p h i c Ca s c a d e s ” conservation of wilderness throughout 29 Le tt e r s t o t h e Ed i t o r the province. To support our work 30 Re c a l l o f t h e Wi l d with a tax-deductible donation, call As s o c i a t i o n Ne w s (403) 283-2025 or contribute online at AlbertaWilderness.ca. Ev e n t s 16 Aw a r d s Pr e s e n t a t i o n a n d Wild Lands Advocate is published An n u a l Le ct u r e bi-monthly, 6 times a year, by Alberta 31 Ev e n t s Wilderness Association. The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication are not necessarily those Cover Photo of AWA. The editor reserves the right In this photo Wayne Lynch captured two monarchs of the boreal picking their to edit, reject or withdraw articles and way along a northern stream as winter approaches. letters submitted. Please direct questions and comments to: (403) 283-2025 • [email protected] FEATURED ARTIST Subscriptions to the WLA are $30 per This month we feature and say farewell to Joane Cardinal-Schubert, a longstanding year. To subscribe, call (403) 283-2025 friend of AWA, who passed away this past September (see the In Memoriam tribute or see AlbertaWilderness.ca. by AWA Board member Frank Calder later in this issue of Wild Lands Advocate). Joane attended the Alberta College of Art and Design, the University of Alberta and graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1977. Her work graces many public and private collections. They include the National Gallery of Canada, the Glenbow Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A painter, printmaker, and installationist, Galleries West described her work this way in 2003: “Joane’s paintings and installations are visual stories of personal experiences layered on a backdrop of social and historical events. She weaves bold Aboriginal motifs into colourful statements about subjects that touch her.” The images of Joane’s work here Box 6398, Station D, are supplied by Masters Gallery in Calgary. Calgary, Alberta T2P 2E1 (403) 283-2025 Toll-free 1-866-313-0713 AWA respects the privacy of members. Lists are not sold or traded in any manner. AWA is a federally registered charity www.AlbertaWilderness.ca 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 [email protected] Is Th e r e a Sa n t a Cl a u s ?

I imagine I still remember when our second daughter asked me that question just about twenty years ago now. We had just finished reading the family’s well-worn copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas, a mandatory bedtime story in the weeks leading up to Santa Claus’ annual visit. I asked her why she asked and she told me that one of her playmates at daycare had told her the jolly old elf was a fiction. I lied to her. She was only four years old and I wanted her to continue to enjoy the innocence, wonder and optimism – the outlook that anything is possible – that went with her age. Governments, inspired by far less admirable motives, too often treat us the same way I treated Kali that evening. They hide the truth; they do not want to answer our questions honestly; they want to keep information from the people who give them the authority and legitimacy to govern – you and me. it took nearly a year, for example, for the provincial government to tell Albertans, perhaps more importantly the outside world that, 1,606 ducks, not 500, died when they landed on a Syncrude tailings pond in April 2008. Do you remember the firestorm of criticism that rained down on Syncrude and the Alberta government when we thought “just” 500 ducks had died? Surely then a healthy portion of the government’s silence about the truth may have been inspired by concerns about what further damage the truth could cause: more public anger, more questions, more calls for action, more – shudder – public participation. This issue of WLA offers several articles that revolve around the “right to know” The first is an article about CawR idge and the efforts of Fish and Wildlife officials to be effective advocates for the region’s mountain goats and caribou. I could not have written a story that is both maddening and inspiring if AWA had not submitted a freedom of information request. With that request AWA was able to pierce some of the government’s veil of silence and realize just how dedicated public servants in Fish and Wildlife were and are to maintaining the ecological integrity of Caw Ridge. We continue to hope that some day the government will hold the public hearing AWA repeatedly called for on the future of coal mining in the midst of this ecological treasure. Kevin Timoney’s report on a prescribed burn of questionable ecological value carried out by government earlier this year speaks to this same issue – the report he prepared for the government in 2007, one that questioned the value of a prescribed burn, never saw the light of day. Nigel Douglas’ update on the government’s response to a court ruling that had tremendous potential to open up more – shudder again – public participation in ERCB deliberations speaks to a related issue. if these offerings are a tad worrisome for you we also offer much here that should warm or cheer your soul on a crisp December evening. AWA’s annual awards night, a photo essay on a September backpacking trip to Lakeland, a report on AWA’s Wolf Way 31 by 11 in., mixed media cooperative efforts in China, the palaeontological value of the Red Deer River badlands, © J. Cardinal-Schubert the contribution of wolves to biodiversity and the generous gifts AWA has received from friends all further this alternative purpose. As 2009 draws to a close I want to thank AWA for the opportunity to serve as the editor of WLA for the past ten months and the writers, artists, designers and printers who make this journal a true gem. May I also wish one and all the very best for the upcoming year. Let us hope that 2010 truly will be a wild year for Alberta! - Ian Urquhart, Editor PHOTO: S. COTE PHOTO: Our interpretation of the Caw Ridge Our interpretation of the Caw place’s wildlife populations. The second wildlife populations. place’s within the provincial is the controversy Grande Cache Coal’s over government drilling to plans to conduct exploration associated with delimit the coal reserves (the so-called a potential mine expansion No. 16 mine). Ago A Decade Alberta’s Ridge has called Caw AWA “Serengeti” due to the plentiful and wildlife populations the ridge diverse supports and nurtures. Coal, a fossil fuel to we once praised for its contribution condemn now our economic progress but to climate change, for its contribution beneath underground rests abundantly on the carved the trails that wildlife have The Caw millennium. the last ridge over Alberta; it Ridge story is modern-day presents a clash between the immediate and of resource exploitation imperative desire to insure that the longer-term wildlife and the intact landscapes they for generations depend on are preserved to come. Then Smoky in 1999. story here begins s ’ a rt l b e A r f o s r i v i s i o n h e e D C What follows is a chronicle of what What follows themes are highlighted below. Two w o – sentenced to relive the same hellish – sentenced to relive Sadly though, and over. over experience about their there is nothing funny circumstances or that of the wildlife And, try to steward. populations they to the capacity character, Murray’s unlike change their circumstances is not within change depends Positive power. their own behaviour on changing the perspectives, of other branches of the and/or power government. provincial tell us AWA by the records received about the struggle within the provincial the development between government and a wildlife protection imperative the records Unfortunately, imperative. are incomplete in important respects. categories used several The government of the Freedom under of exemptions Act Privacy of Protection and Information portions of the record to justify excluding AWA. from The first is the longstanding concern of what over Division Wildlife the Fish and in the vicinity of resource exploitation Ridge means for a truly special Caw Mountain goats have been studied officially on Caw Ridge since 1989. since on Caw Ridge Mountain goats have been studied officially i l d l i f e : T : W i d g e a n d R a w i s h idge, that that idge, By Ian Urquhart C F R

Groundhog Day Groundhog n the 1993 comedy urray plays a weatherman Bill Murray plays a weatherman to Punxsutawney assigned to travel The answer emerges from poring The answer emerges Ridge, Fish respect to Caw With What, you might ask, does this plot plot this does ask, might you What,

Grande Cache area home to “one of the the of “one to home area Cache Grande mammals large of assemblies diverse most with do to have it does What Alberta.” in Division? Wildlife and Fish Alberta’s hundreds of pages of documents over August 2008 through an received AWA freedom of information request to the The documents government. provincial decade tell a story where year after year, Alberta’s in after decade, public servants defended Division Wildlife Fish and the present and future health of the caribou, mountain goat, and woodland mammal populations who other large of depend on the ecological integrity turn, their efforts At every Ridge. Caw been blunted and frustrated by the have – expressed imperative” “development by the proposals, plans and policies that spring from the coal lease rights now held by Grande Cache Coal. Fish and that the region’s convictions Wildlife’s mountain goats and threatened caribou and if coal exploration suffer would proceed in the vicinity of development taken have environment alpine the ridge’s rights time a back seat to the company’s after time after time. personnel seem to me to Wildlife and character Bill Murray’s be much like Pennsylvania to report when to report Pennsylvania most Phil, the world’s Punxsutawney groundhog, weather-forecasting famous end. Murray hates predicts winter will to escape wait his assignment; he cannot He is trapped, rural Pennsylvania. in a time loop that sentences however, and his same hellish day over him to live time he learns that, But over again. over , he Scrooge in A Christmas Carol like has the opportunity to change his life for and new, Change his behaviour the better. admirable possibilities will emerge. Caw with do to have line I

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 4 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 5 For Fish and Wildlife the issue may Wildlife Fish and For In 2007, the objections of Fish questioning of GCC’s plans than were plans than GCC’s of questioning A Wildlife. in Fish and colleagues their for in Land Management, senior official application when the argued example, in before government was to explore can stop all we 2007: “I do not believe of the caribou just because exploration be a caribou There must migration route. and there should protection plan required of opportunity. be some type of window a no go zone then F If there is definitely W had better flag it…” & a concern to “stop all been less have all to prevent than it was exploration” own that the company’s exploration by its government research (mandated put wildlife suggested would approvals) at unacceptable risk. Here, commenting program, about the proposed exploration noted how official Wildlife a Fish and radio-collared caribou had used Caw Ridge when mining operations had He went on to say about the shut down. plan: “this proposed 2007 company’s proposal runs right across the eastern face of the ridge and is proposed during the historical migration period of October conflict that An obvious to December. and I’m surprised should be avoided that CGCC included nothing in their (sic) application to address this.” The proposed triumphed. Wildlife and program did not proceed. exploration PHOTO: S. COTE PHOTO: ay 2007 Grande May 2007 Grande end of At the very position, at the Wildlife’s Fish and resurrected by Grande Cache Coal in Coal Grande Cache by resurrected first annual its GCC generated 2004. (of $106.2 2009 fiscal year profit in the high the strength of record million) on of after racking up losses coal prices years. first five its million over nearly $75 to drill wanted notice; it Cache Coal gave immediately holes a series of exploration Ridge between June to the north of Caw In September the Fish and December. office officials in Edson’s Wildlife and of Sustainable Resource Development’s in the Land (SRD) told their colleagues Management Branch in Edmonton had to reject the company’s that they area was The exploration proposal. of the Red Rock- directly in the path caribou Prairie Creek mountain woodland described as herd – a herd variously According “in decline” or “threatened.” exploration the Wildlife to Fish and to program should not proceed according Its application timetable. the company’s by join others in being reviewed would Central Caribou Landscape West the couple Planning team “within the next program A 2007 exploration of months.” out of the question. was frustrated officials in the least, very Land Management Branch. I believe reading of the record an objective must conclude that AWA released to far less Land Management officials were Caw Ridge, one of three ungulate areas being studied by a multi-institutional team ungulate areas one of three Caw Ridge, mountain goat population and is crucial to is home to an impressive of researchers, woodland caribou migrations. Such concerns did not impress the Such concerns did not the Board however, Paradoxically, Grande Cache Coal’s Mine Grande Cache Coal’s 2007 Exploration Program: The Coal. River But neither did Smoky from creditor emerged never company protection. By the end of July 2000 had sold most PricewaterhouseCoopers the this year saw assets; of the miner’s birth of Grande Cache Coal Corporation purchased company newborn The (GCC). coal leases. the bankrupt company’s The Grande Cache mine started the millennium by closing only to be new iver Coal Limited, a miner with a miner Coal Limited, River to applied troubles, financial mortal Board (EUB) and Utilities the Energy coal mining its open-pit to extend Mine B2 – the No. 12 South operation an received Environment Alberta Pit. expressing number of letters unspecified the mine extension concerns about what for the sustainability of mean would This wildlife populations. the area’s with other application, when combined and proposed petroleum and approved a risk to the posed forestry activities, That risk, caribou population. region’s was Alberta Environment, according to threshold.” “approaching a significant The Board refused three requests EUB. to hold a hearing on the application; it the application since it thought approved logical from a coal “was the extension The perspective.” resource conservation significant any EUB did not believe be would effects environmental additional generated by the proposal. concerns about mining acknowledged be Ridge and decided it would Caw wise to hold a public inquiry into those duly was Alberta Environment concerns. discuss its possible role in to invited and attend a the inquiry with EUB staff meeting in January 2000. In a briefing of that meeting note prepared on the eve for a voice was Alberta Environment The department stated that “its wildlife. current position is that mining on Caw Ridge poses significant environmental concerns and these concerns relate caribou (an to impacts on woodland endangered species under the Wildlife Act), mountain goats, carnivores, quality and alpine trout, water bull analysis, The department’s reclamation.” messages are recommendations, and key The and public view. AWA censored from the light of day. saw inquiry never arco arco Branch M Management idge access is clearly is access Ridge ianchet, should be credited with with credited be should ianchet, B From the Fish and Wildlife Wildlife From the Fish and effort Wildlife’s Fish and was How On July 18, 2008 Fish and Wildlife Wildlife and Fish 2008 18, July On Festa- 1988). in project this for seed the sowing Caw “the GCC For of perspective the from choice best the minimizing disturbance footprint.” as outlined in the July perspective, 18th letter to the Land Management the Ridge route was Branch, the Caw “Due to least desirable one to follow. ecology of high alpine the sensitive the Ridge,” areas associated with Caw number of letter read, “and the large Mountain Goats residing on the ridge, it is important to ensure that no highway access is supported on the ridge.” vehicle have noise would Because of the effects “critical” to keep on the goats it was The letter identified the ridge. traffic off a Creek Crossing Option,” the “New route Grande Cache Coal did not favour wildlife affect would that one the as all, at the least. to identify recommendations that would on wildlife resources minimize the affect Land The rewarded? Ridge route, the route the Caw approved unequivocally Wildlife that Fish and the most damaging have would argued wildlife. consequences for the ridge’s to have Wildlife from Fish and Efforts this decision reconsidered went nowhere. the Land Management Branch Clearly, what a final foretold, quite accurately, when an look like decision would “A land use official earlier remarked: decision must then be made in light of all In this concerns not just those of F&W.” been more have would it case, however, accurate to add that all concerns are not created equal when it comes to balancing officials dutifully recommended how how recommended dutifully officials a in ahead go could exploration GCC’s (sic) “affect the minimize would that way had Grande Cache resources.” on wildlife exploration three alternative proposed during their exploration trails to use 8.4 an preferred company The program. their take would that route kilometre through their leasetrucks and equipment Ridge itself and would area and onto Caw mountain the around and through go Ridge has been goat research area. Caw multi-university/ the site of a long-term project research Wildlife and Fish Alberta the of Côté Steeve Dr. by led currently Alberta (Kirby Smith of Laval Université Dr. with along Wildlife, and Fish

anager anager M idge “is disignated (sic) for coal coal for (sic) disignated “is idge R n the spring and summer of 2008 the the 2008 of summer and spring the n I The short answer was “nothing.” In “nothing.” The short answer was immediate response an This was managers land province’s The

have grave concerns if we are still still are we if concerns grave have I wildlife protection imperative assumed imperative protection wildlife first, defensive – position customary its the had Wildlife and Fish second. defeated the in email, 17th July a in wonder to nerve correspondence previous any absence of their what impact could identify, they had concerns caribou 2007 October on the January SRD approval. and Fish a 18th July of afternoon early the colleagues: his to wrote official Wildlife “ developments and exploration encouraging of the RedRock/ of major mines in light accept that but Prairie Creek declines, me.” beyond this may be a decision to and call for advice, within an hour, a fundamental critique of the Fish and The original critique division. Wildlife came from the most senior official in the Land Management Branch. Responding question Wildlife to the Fish and concerns what impact their regarding about caribou had on the January program of the exploration approval Director wrote: Executive the Branch’s “Decisions on applications are made policires (sic) and based in existing for does allow guidelines. Current policy in and development exploration energy The input that the program caribou range. pending submission and not be approved WCCLPT implementation of the eventual recommendations in essence places a omitted (Text moratorium on activity. We according to FOIPP exemptions). need to render decisions on applications and within scope of current policy guidelines, not what might be the policy or guidelines in the future.” as Wildlife and Fish viewed essentially told were officials Wildlife obstructionist. No blatant “just present than more do to Land the to blocks, road Go so a decision can be made on how how on made be can decision a so a in ahead go may activities exploration footprint the minimize would that fashion resources.” wildlife on (sic) affect and that fact the to up face should They Caw the under development and exploration and the department has not Coal Policy the affect restrictions…that would put any and/or exploration rights, coal of issuance activities.” development ost ost M ON AND NOT NOT AND ON I ranch officials. officials. ranch AT B R

This approval was a slap in the a was This approval Mining, according to the data, grated on Land This view anagement anagement viscerally perhaps it appears when when appears it perhaps viscerally sent email an in noted official one officials Wildlife and Fish to mainly that, when challenging the F&W view was program GCC the above, noted “EXPLO for ENT (emphasis in original).” in (emphasis DEVELOPMENT GCC’s Exploration Program: 2008 Program: Exploration GCC’s next the just a reprieve; victory was This treated the region’s developments year’s In poorly. very wildlife populations Management Land SRD’s mid-January Grande Cache’s Branch approved plans. exploration concerns Wildlife’s and to Fish face months Three and recommendations. a offered earlier the Edson office ambitions. pointed critique of GCC’s concerned with are extremely “We said, Wildlife Fish and the proposal,” the potential for “particularly regarding the exploration to follow mining activity protection plan aptly program. GCCL’s for our concerns…” outlines the reasons “directly program was The exploration perpendicular to the migration routes” these to the company; well-known migration routes had been used by up to 70 percent of the Red Rock-Prairie Creek migrations; herd in its spring and fall these routes” abandoned caribou “all but Pass; closer to Caw when mining moved abandoning these migratory routes has coincided with the numerical decline of Ridge the herd; and, caribou used Caw when miners were extensively in the B2 pit. not blasting away threatened caribou that were obviously so bold, or just accustomed, to tread in areas where coal could be mined. based on believed, Wildlife Fish and had, “that mining can they the evidence on migration and, a dramatic effect have in combination with other industrial it corresponds to the decline activities; Pending caribou (sic).” in woodland Central West recommendations from the Alberta Caribou Landscape Planning Wildlife (WCCLPT) Fish and Team of an “premature to approve felt it was program of this magnitude exploration of the and significance prior to the review which will deal with report WCCLPT’s caribou in future needs for woodland this part of the province.” M

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 6 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 7

a a l l y rt c l b e A , o l o g i r c timoney E i v e “Fish and Wildlife Division has since has since Division Wildlife “Fish and just the not “The whole development, Amen to that. The study found exotic white pine pine white exotic found study The a n R

The prescribed fire jumped its fire The prescribed Figure 1: the into eastward and burned fireguard Reserve Plains Ecological Kootenay north of the reserve. and the area K. PHOTO: thoughts from a Fish and Wildlife official official Wildlife a Fish and from thoughts resolution Year’s a New basis for as the he will follow: that repeatedly recommended the 1990’s be or development no coal exploration this latest Ridge. For for Caw approved recommended application we exploration were over We that it not be approved. that the ridge recommended We ruled. by GCC not top access option proposed of because the disturbance be approved their habitat was goats and caribou and ruled. were over We too high. reassessed phase, must be exploration and appreciation in light of the public’s Alberta’s part of concern for this unique wildlife resource.” response to fire was, for the most part, response to fire the declining status of, Given unknown. and threats to, limber pine and whitebark comprise, pine and the communities they prescribed fire I recommended excluding from these stands. ribicola) in blister rust (Cronartium infection that noted and plot one only i n

n r h e w a n u tc B i b e d a s k a cr S h e s r rt o P a

, N o f

e a In 2007, I wrote a study of the rare And what about the goats? How did goats? How And what about the to As we get ready to bid farewell s r vascular plant, lichen, and bryophyte plant, lichen, and bryophyte vascular species and plant communities within this area in order to inform management issues of ecological and conservation and to related to the proposed burn establish sample plots in which to follow Based on a study of the burn. the effects of 37 plots, I documented 16 rare plant communities and 33 rare species, of vascular were which 20 were lichens, five plants, and eight were bryophytes. Some of the species were globally rare Alberta to ) or new (Glypholecia scabra The study ). (Gypsoplaca macrophylla identified management concerns related included they to the prescribed burn; and species, protection of rare vegetation nutcracker forests, Clark’s old-growth wildlife critical corridors, riparian habitat, soils, Canadian heritage habitat, sensitive and dendroclimatically-important cultural and religious and native wood, sites. I cautioned that conducting the might result in the loss prescribed burn of special features whose or degradation and Wildlife recommendation designed designed recommendation Wildlife and was wildlife impact on the to minimize to needed Access development ignored. caribou woodland disturbing the avoid must so “such activities migration 15th.” prior to October be completed well took place activities Exploration that deadline. beyond program? react to the exploration they program The exploration Not well. In mid-August altered goat behaviour. areas had stopped foraging in they had been traffic. adjacent to where there especially was This additional stressor goat the ridge’s concerning because stressed by population already was heat. extreme hoping 2009 and welcome 2010 here’s Sustainable Resource Development Minister Morton will use the following ct A t f f e a n E c i a l t i g n i f i n i I Research Ecological Treeline Timoney, Kevin By Dr. S Fire has been applied to the the to applied been has Fire “ Introduction Alberta Sustainable by A prescribed burn and Parks Resources Development conducted in June 2009 Canada was within an area lying on the north flank River of the upper North Saskatchewan burned along was A firebreak valley. Point Ridge in Whirlpool the crest of objective The putative summer 2007. to emulate “historic fire was of the burn and...[to reduce] potential habitat regimes A June 7th for Mountain Pine Beetle.” press release stated: Alberta government a variety to provide landscape in order older of wildlife habitat, rejuvenate the risk of large- and reduce forest, of influx potential and wildfire scale area The total burn insect and disease... This includes completed is 4800 hectares. Provincial of hectares 4000 approximately Federal of hectares 880 and (SRD) Land is province The Canada). (Parks Land completed in satasfied [sic] with the area shift now will focus and Land Provincial ” to securing and monitoring. Conclusion and the Land So Grande Cache Coal in the Management Branch got their way program exploration The company’s end. We of 2008. went ahead in the summer it did so without also should note that to respect the longstanding having August of deadline industrial activity 22nd set by SRD for identified sheep This deadline and goat range areas. operating practice for “standard was designed to protect industrial activity” female goats and sheep. Perhaps the final wildlife suffered for indignity our voice occurred when yet another crucial Fish the development imperative with the with imperative the development Alberta. in imperative protection wildlife related to Grande Cache’s Concerns and fail trump would plans exploration Fish and meaningfully to accommodate concerns. Wildlife’s timoney any healthy, rare and endangered healthy, Many increased may have Human agency justifications One of the putative lost is unknown as are the rate of post-fire as are lost is unknown composition of theestablishment and the that mightsaxicolous lichen communities future. the in establish were lost as limber pine communities is a significant this a result of the burn; outcome. Open limber pine negative communities were susceptible to stand- limber replacing fire (Figure 3). Many scorching pine died without crowning; was of the first metre or so of trunk The abundant sufficient to kill them. ) uva-ursi bearberry (Arctostaphylos J. communis, and juniper (Juniperis horizontalis) appeared to carry fire well and savannahs. through open woodlands in some areas. the intensity of the burn data on locations and Government density of airborne and/or ground level fire indices, and ignitions, fire behaviour, to me at are not available spatial extent this time. Hot spots continued to smolder in September. control of mountain was for the burn ), ponderosae pine beetle (Dendroctonus insect and an important a native to create disturbance agent that serves PHOTO: K. PHOTO: ock lichen communities, while while communities, lichen ock R This savannah suffered nearly-complete mortality of limber pines through nearly-complete mortality of limber pines through Figure 3: This savannah suffered not burned. of stems; needles were scorching Methods made on foot were Field observations people during 5-7 by a party of two plots were Twenty September 2009. visited. Most of the plots not visited high elevations were distant ones at and therefore and/or were not burned not deemed a high priority for the At each plot, we initial assessment. the intensity of the fire and its observed of dieback, degree spatial distribution, on soil initial plant responses, effects and substrate, and signs of human were Additional observations activity. made between plots as we traversed the landscape. Our records included photographs and notes. Observations The fire jumped the firebreak on Whirlpool Point Ridge and burned the planned fire beyond eastward boundary (Figure 1). susceptible appeared fuel, little containing Susceptibility fire. from destruction to and been related to advection may have adjoining from heat intense of convection The areas during the fire (Figure 2). number of rare species and communities I timoney PHOTO: K. PHOTO: cautioned that a prescribed burn burn prescribed a that cautioned I I felt the special status of the area recommended to In 2007 it was Panorama of destroyed saxicolous lichen community on east-facing cliff, upslope of a young lodgepole pine stand and about pine of a young lodgepole upslope community on east-facing cliff, lichen saxicolous of destroyed Figure 2: Panorama 150 m east of plot PSP11. lower be to appeared area the in rates Alberta. in elsewhere observed than may rates infection low the that speculated the of rarity the to part in due been have rust, Ribes (currantsalternate host of the found also was and gooseberries). Ribes recently had that one plot, one only in burned. the spread of Ribes and could act to favour therefore increase the infection rates of limber and whitebark pines. merited independent scientific review the and public consultation regarding of the management plans in advance that The study found prescribed burn. data did not justify scientific the available grounds of on the the prescribed burn there landscape-age structure, nor was to indicate that the area’s evidence was landscape stand-age distribution unnatural or in need of “restoration”. public land managers that the project be postponed until all concerned parties were satisfied that a prescribed not result in unacceptable would burn neither my knowledge, To impacts. nor an independent scientific review a public consultation took place. suppressed and Instead, the report was conducted. was the prescribed burn concerns raised the conservation Given plans and government before the burn area in the near the burned to expand future, it became incumbent to conduct of independent monitoring of the effects is a What follows the prescribed burn. summary of the initial field observations I made three months after the prescribed The study area is bounded ignition. burn 11, in the north in the south by Highway limit of by the approximate elevational River trees, in the west by Saskatchewan Whirlpool Crossing, and in the east by Point Ridge.

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 8 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 9 timoney Some of the oldest limber pine trees A native religious site along A native religious Figure 8: damage suffered trail the Landslide Lake and burning. retardant fire from K. PHOTO: been not had that flagging and garbage was burned Conversely, 7). (Figure removed mark to intended flagging and labeling been not had plots sample permanent the dumped ontoreplaced. Fire retardant was staining trees, aspen religiously-significant the trunks red; some of these significant trees were killed in the fire (Figure 8). native on retardant fire of effects The saxicolous upon especially vegetation, and understood poorly are communities, Fire retardant should not require study. been applied to the study area. have (centuries-old) are found along known These Point Ridge. Whirlpool and near internationally-significant trees, snags,

timoney timoney PHOTO: K. PHOTO: timoney PHOTO: K. PHOTO: PHOTO: K. PHOTO: Weeds were noted (e.g., were noted Nepeta, Weeds Visual blight and related issues were were issues related and blight Visual or wind deflation. ) cracca where theyVicia had not been documented before the burn.Whether these and other exotic species will spread and persist will require of biological combustionlegacy, of soil organics down to mineral soil, and scorching of bedrock.The amount of soil erosion appeared to be related to the intensity of the burn and the slope angle (Figure 6). Slopes of about 20 degrees or greater appeared to be at increased risk of losing soil from water erosion continued monitoring. there months after the burn Three noted. Visual blight: an area marked marked blight: an area Visual Figure 7: in spite flagging with pest management “hits” of of the fact that no natural in the mountain pine beetle yet exist study area. Erosion of the silty soils from from of the silty soils Figure 6: Erosion uplands and deposition downslope was that experienced in this area pronounced intensity. high fire A riparian old-growth white spruce - lodgepole pine / hairy wild rye forest pine / hairy wild rye forest white spruce - lodgepole Figure 5: A riparian old-growth to the prescribed in the past succumbed fires intensity natural that had survived low burn. timoney were More occurrences of Ribes were a loss we observed As noted above, and riparian forests old-growth Many Soil and site degradation were a diverse landscape mosaic. This landscape mosaic. a diverse date of As of the justification is dubious. the fire, there had been no natural “hits” of mountain pine beetle in the study area. the beetle can disperse over Secondly, winds. favourable great distances given do little to will The prescribed burn inhibit dispersal of mountain pine beetle to climate change. whose spread is linked Populations of the beetle in adjacent to peak British Columbia are expected around 2010 or 2011. noted after the burn than before the burn that the (Figure 4). My impression was more increase in their occurrences was pronounced in the area of the 2007 firebreak (2+ years post-burn) than it was in areas three months post-burn. Since Ribes is the intermediate host of white pine blister rust, the increased abundance of this genus may further threaten the existence of limber pine and whitebark pine.The prescribed burn may contribute to disease-driven decline of limber and whitebark pine and the communities that they comprise. Their decline may have implications for populations of Clark’s nutcracker. The most of rare species from the area. noted were those of common examples . glabella limber pine and the fern Pellaea species to what extent do not know We will re-establish. In- lost in the burn depth study will be needed to document changes in species composition, especially among lichens and bryophytes. were lost. In some areas, fires were stand-replacing (Figure 5); in other areas, partial. replacement was canopy common in the form of soil loss, loss PHOTO: K. PHOTO: Spread of Ribes cf. Figure 4: Spread of oxyacanthoides was noted in the area Point Whirlpool on the 2007 firebreak V03. about 65 m south of plot Ridge, The following negative impacts were negative The following will of the burn Study of the effects Edmonton on the beauty of Lakeland in Edmonton on the beauty of Lakeland spring 2010, and in summer 2010 we will invite We trip. AWA return for another to learn you to join us for those events our boreal jewel. more about Lakeland, for an expanded continues to work AWA protected area and strong management the exceptional plan to preserve of this region. wilderness values and migration of mountain pine beetle and migration of mountain dispersal breaks any will occur over attempts to create. the government indicate observations Furthermore, initial that the risk of spread of white pine been exacerbated, blister rust may have not reduced, by the burn. loss noted three months after the burn: of rare plant communities, saxicolous lichen communities, and rare species; and riparian forests; loss of old-growth weed influx; soil and site degradation; probable increase in the host of blister loss and blight; visual human-caused rust; wood of scientifically-important heritage and religiously-significant trees. Those wishing to contribute continue. are welcome to contact me. observations Study of of my 2007 report, “A A copy Rare Plants and Rare Plant Communities, and Recommendations with Observations Burn, in the a Prescribed Regarding Unit”, might be North Saskatchewan obtainable via a freedom of information SRD. Alberta request to

n e s s r i l d e W s ’ a k e l a n d We will host a slide show in show will host a slide We Fire is a powerful management tool Fire is a powerful L and around its many lakes. We spotted We lakes. and around its many black bear tracks and much several populations at work. of beaver evidence while a us warily moose watched A bull away. calves moose hurried her two cow their marked A couple of barred owls territory with “Who cooks for you?” calls one evening. across a lake of the June 2009 burn. Instead, it of the June 2009 burn. on ahead with its plans based forged history fire the area’s misinterpretation of reports that lacked and on unpublished scientific rigour. when used wisely and a destructive Wherever agent when used unwisely. interferes with natural government processes, the onus is on the managing interference that such prove to agency is justified. In the North Saskatchewan was study area, no such justification nothing ecologically There was provided. amiss, nothing lost needing to be the area’s restored. On the contrary, ecological characteristics made it more than nationally significant. Now, and towards half the area has been burned The old forests did not need what end? and were healthy they “rejuvenation”, Habitat and age-class diversity diverse. reduce the risk the burn Will were high. potential and wildfire of “large-scale That is influx of insect and disease”? appropriate weather Given unlikely. wildfires will occur conditions, severe timoney o f

a i s e PHOTO: K. PHOTO: r P n I Conservation Specialist AWA Campbell, By Carolyn WA’s September 2009 backpack WA’s into the central part of the Recreation Provincial Lakeland

Area offered a rare chance to explore this a rare chance to explore Area offered magnificent remote area east of Lac La trail we experienced Along our Biche. of wildlife to be found in the abundance forests beautiful old growth Lakeland’s Discussion and Conclusions One of the troubling aspects of the management of this prescribed burn and remains the suppression of the was (2007) report. Had government Timoney avoided it could have openly, behaved some or all of the detrimental effects and logs have been used to reconstruct and logs have the Canada over the climate of western and MacDonald past 1,000 years. Case pine chronology used one such limber for the period to reconstruct stream flow AD 883 to 1996 in a 2003 article in the Resources Water American the of Journal Association. Some limber pines were burn. My killed in the 2007 firebreak to one report alerted the government cut heritage tree in particular that was without clear with a chain saw down was not material justification; its removal The to the function of the firebreak. report recommended that the scientific by a of that tree be salvaged value dendrochronologist. Instead, the tree was (Figure 9). in the 2009 burn destroyed A Loss of a scientifically important ancient limber pine on Whirlpool Point ridge, cut down when alive in 2007 (left panel) and cut down ridge, Whirlpool Point pine on important ancient limber Figure 9: Loss of a scientifically in 2009 (right panel). later burned

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 10 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 11 Lakeland’s aspen forests are summer are aspen forests Lakeland’s for many songbird nesting grounds through is recognized, species. Lakeland program, Area the International Bird is one of Lakeland area. as one such nearly 600 Canadian sites “that provide populations.” essential habitat for bird CAMPBELL C. PHOTO: Pileated woodpeckers have foraged foraged have Pileated woodpeckers in this majestic old for larvae and ants drilled holes Roughly rectangular spruce. as this one such near the base of a spruce efforts. sign of their foraging a sure are C. CAMPBELL PHOTO: PHOTO: C. CAMPBELL PHOTO: . ral Resources Canada atu Paths to the edge of Dabbs Lake near an of Dabbs Lake to the edge Paths used now are cabin trapper’s abandoned only by moose and beaver. regularly A. PAUL PHOTO: tment of N r © Depa PHOTO: L. HULLEY L. PHOTO: ved. Some of Alberta’s most impressive stands stands impressive most Alberta’s of Some the in found are spruce white growth old of Provincial Lakeland of the central forests Area. Recreation A boardwalk leads hikers right through the wetlands on the south edge of Black Duck Duck of Black the wetlands on the south edge right through leads hikers A boardwalk Park. Provincial Lakeland in one of many beautiful lakes Lake, Lakeland Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation Area Used under the terms of the Area Recreation and Provincial Park Provincial Lakeland Agreement. Licence Geogratis All rights reser , ecause normally normally ecause B iver throw light on on light throw iver R a d l a n d s ed Deer Deer ed R uffalo Jump Provincial Park the the Park Provincial Jump uffalo B B r At the Albertosaurus bone bed in Dry if palaeontology can help us to i v e sland sland dammed large volumes of melt water. of melt water. volumes dammed large periods caused breaches When warming enormous volumes in their ice walls, The rushing released. were of water south and eastwards flowed melt waters valley River carving out the Red Deer cut easily through the They of today. deposited 80 to sedimentary layers the 65 million years ago and exposed dinosaur fossil-containing rocks from the million years of the Cretaceous last few landforms of The fascinating period. the badlands today are the result of rapid erosion, no longer by extremely instead from melting glaciers, but water from centuries of rain and wind action. The sedimentary layers are laid down not in “formal succession” and have been disturbed by folding and faulting. older rocks and the rocks overlie Younger deeper you go the older the fossils. I adults, - dinosaurs 23 of bones fossilized recovered been have - babies and juveniles All were found at the same level to date. deterioration of stage same the at and buried. were they when only one in twenty dinosaurs found in the domination is an Albertosaurus, region is quarry single a in animal this by lived animals these that evidence powerful their of time the at pack a as together sites other many and site this Will deaths. the along all of percent 65 and dinosaurs the how extinction mass a in died species known who Currie, Dr. ago? years million 65 over site this studied and excavated has “Dinosaurs remarked: years, eleven event catastrophic a of because out died biodiversity their when happened that reduction caused have We down. was so it would in our world, in biodiversity probably be a good idea for us to find out could event catastrophic similar a whether guard.” off us catch then our biodiversity, better preserve our rich fossil resources and the story e R r r e e e a s u D r e d T R a l c h e t

o l o g i i n g t ct e t o Evolutionary history plays a critical Evolutionary million years Eighty to sixty-five badlands began The Red Deer River r a l a e o n role in conservation and palaeontology role in conservation evolutionary tells us much about today in conservation Its value history. it is saving is undeniable, whether tackling global endangered species, grasslands or a host reinstating warming, with. we are faced of remedial projects Prothero of Donald Dr. Palaeontologist a gave Occidental College California’s what lecture on “Evolution, fascinating it matters” at the the fossils say and why March 2009 Museum in Tyrrell Royal Talks Saturday as part of the Museum’s the fossil how program. He explained the evolutionary record clearly shows progression from early life to modern transitional forms man through many in his book of the (fully explained him if the study of same title). I asked analysis might through fossil evolution issues. help us with our environmental changes Prothero replied that cyclical Dr. temperature are clearly in the earth’s recorded in the fossil record and from this of global warming the cause and effect can be better understood. Alberta badlands that we see ago the lying flood plain a low today was and streams flowed across which rivers They sub-tropical sea. a shallow towards quantities of sediments deposited large deltas and lush swamps, in the region’s 50 species of dinosaurs At least estuaries. and hundreds of species of other animals (including fish, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles, lizards, mammals and birds) flourished in the lush forests and marshes When temperate climate. of this warm these animals died their remains were millions of over by sediments covered were fossilized due skeletons Their years. to pressure, heat and chemical reaction from mineral rich groundwater. to form at the end of the last ice age 10,000 to 12,000 years ago with the melting of the ice sheets that covered most of Canada. Remnant glaciers P P r s ’ f o a

rt a s e iver. iver. R l b e C By Tjarda Barratt Barratt Tjarda By A A ed Deer Deer ed R

iver Badlands, he Red Deer River the with associated often most Dinosaur and area Drumheller iver The stretch of the Red Deer River for essential is “Palaeontology

esides their scientific importance, the the importance, scientific their esides T corridor from south of Content Bridge Park to Dinosaur Provincial (near Nevis) Wilderness Alberta AWA’s is indicated on map as “wild spaces” and an area of concern. So we need to look where further protection is needed; our efforts should address not only the badlands’ also their but fragile environment important palaeontological resources. happens what of much so understanding its including world, modern the in floras climates, ecosystems, environments, Philip Dr. says on,” so and faunas, and evolution like subjects, “Specific Currie. conceive to hard be would extinction, and palaeontological a have not did we if palaeontology is as record. Basically, important to scientific understanding current understanding for is history as Philip Currie is a world- Dr. events.” a is He dinosaurs. on expert renowned the at sciences biological of professor Alberta and a research of University Museum. Tyrrell associate of the Royal major discoveries Currie’s of Dr. Many have dinosaurs vertebrae of study and badlands. been in the Red Deer River Provincial Park, are world renowned for for renowned world are Park, Provincial They significance. palaeontological their 15 last the of record invaluable an offer Period. Cretaceous the of years million roamed the earthDinosaurs who had at extinct became years million 170 for The Period. Cretaceous the of end the the in conducted research scientific whether it is badlands, Red Deer River entomology ornithology, botany, geology, subject the been has archaeology, or a doctoral thesis. But the of many through made discoveries and research all. palaeontology stand out above B support and scenery superb offer badlands fauna, and flora of diversity wide a the along especially

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 12 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 13 ARRATT ARRATT PHOTO: T. B T. PHOTO: PHOTO: T. B T. PHOTO: This is the wilderness that Albertosaurus fossil, Red Deer River River Deer Red fossil, Albertosaurus Badlands. take that Badlands the and River Deer Red its name. hoodoos and pinnacles, walking over over hoodoos and pinnacles, walking grass on the terraces undisturbed native and flora, a sense and taking in the fauna AWA The of wilderness is profound. Jump Park uffalo in Dry Island B walkers As a local last year can attest to this. Tolman Bridge remarked: outfitter near thinks that he or she is the visitor “Every valley”. to set foot in the ever first human Alberta palaeontologists, not just from come back the world, from all over but encourage They again. and over to over to improve Albertans to continue to strive the protection of these fragile lands. appropriately this end the last word, To Currie: “I think it enough, goes to Dr. for us to do what we can is worthwhile palaeontological Alberta’s to protect are some of the resources because they with most important ones in the world enormous potential to bring in visiting other scientists, tourists and so many sectors of society with an interest in The long-term spin-off natural history. world interest in what goes benefits of to most be obvious Alberta should on in important people. Considering how our palaeontological resources are it is rather sad that the internationally, between. and far protected areas are few area that our largest Consider for example Dinosaur is fossils dinosaur protecting for which is 73 square Park, Provincial compared This is tiny kilometres in area. to Dinosaur National Monument in the We USA with 853 square kilometres.” can and should do better. esources esources R t is worth noting that, that, noting worth is t I ARRATT n the meantime at least some some least at meantime the n I PHOTO: T. B T. PHOTO: Alberta should increase the protection protection the increase should Alberta In most cases, palaeontological and flora and native history (the buffalo buffalo history (the and flora and native its name). jump from which it takes The important Albertosaurus bone bed and other significant fossil sites at Dry and Jump were discovered Island Buffalo only after it became a provincial explored park. On the one hand this demonstrates that park status enhances the pursuit there have However, of palaeontology. at the bone bed been cases of vandalism because park officials cannot patrol it Currie feels In spite of this, Dr. regularly. for the site that there are more advantages be to be in a public park than there would land. if the bone bed rested on private palaeontological significant to offered Framework Land-Use Alberta The areas. of system our developing about talked This could well be Parks. Provincial unprotected presently the to benefit of significant with region badlands areas several in deposits palaeontological Alberta. of partial protection should include stricter stricter include should protection partial for fines heavy existing the of enforcement easier facilitate and removal fossil illegal interest. palaeontological of lands to access be must areas fragile these of Stewardship encouraged. further palaeontological for provision is there Act, resources not to be endangered by industrial and other activity. been found on our wild deposits have into the river When descending lands. through the badlands, navigating valley under the province’s Historical Historical province’s the under Thanks to the establishment of (73 sq. Park Dinosaur Provincial they tell, must be protected. On the tell, they question of what he sees as today’s Currie states: “The threats threats, Dr. to our palaeontological resources are much the same as other natural resources. Industrialization, road construction, of cities into pipelines, expansion badlands areas, dams, mining activities, and poachers are all threats but vandals additional problems in that with a few stabilization and reclamation of slopes, dumps) landfill (garbage hydroseeding, or and other similar projects also destroy fossil resources”. bury parks, publicly funded provincial research and corporate sponsorships, Alberta and around the scientists from in made major discoveries have world badlands. Some of the Red Deer River the fragile badlands along the Red Deer are protected by three provincial River near Park, parks: Dinosaur Provincial Brooks, the small Midland Provincial Museum, and Dry Tyrrell adjoining Park east Park Jump Provincial Island Buffalo significant is park Each Huxley/Elnora. of and unique scientifically due to its geology and the age of the fossil deposits. established for the purpose km) was rich fossil of protecting its extremely resources and magnificent topography. World UNESCO The park received The smaller Heritage status in 1979. Jump Provincial Dry Island Buffalo established to (35 sq. km) was Park fauna diverse protect its scenic beauty, Palaeontologists at work at Albertosaurus Quarry. Albertosaurus Quarry. at work at Palaeontologists lack fur has even been reported Black fur has even western wolves that The discovery born in a naturalist Dekker, Dick

Squirrel. After this eastern tree-hugger Squirrel. spotting Vancouver, introduced near was a black squirrel has become common for Park. visitors to Stanley Squirrel or Ground in the Richardson’s of black gophers have Colonies gopher. Tofield and west been seen in fields near and Yukon of Edmonton, as well as in the Jasper National Park. acquired their black gene through contact with domesticated dogs is interesting, but of climate the context present it in why change? Or has climate change become wildlife research? in the buzzword Holland, came to Canada in 1959 to find as books ten written has He wilderness. articles and research well as numerous Since 1960 he has been an papers. habitat and wolves of defender outspoken conservation. t e n e f i B o l v e s W ? k c PHOTO: B. GENEREUX PHOTO: l a h a n g e B s ’ elanism is caused by excessive Melanism is caused by excessive C a e onald Nowak argued that the forbearer argued Ronald Nowak of the Wolf is the Red of all wolves American southeast. Long ago, the wolves World ancestors of these New There, Asia and Europe. into crossed over size of the present- to the large grew they and much later returned Wolf day Gray where some acquired America, to North from a black coat. In western wolves, the black Yellowstone, to Alaska down from 30 to 50 percent. percentage varies Of It is highest in Jasper National Park. seen there, I have the circa 800 wolves black. 70% were just over production of black pigment in fur or it is not confined to the Gray skin, but Red Fox, It also occurs in the Wolf. nothing to do with where it can have dogs because foxes with hybridization chromosome different and dogs have interbreeding. numbers, which prevents in the Grey Melanism is also evident Black fur in wolves is unknown in Eurasia and very rare in eastern North America, but America, but in eastern North and very rare in Eurasia fur in wolves is unknown Black of the local population, At about 70 percent Yellowstone. Alaska down to common from the common makes which National Park, in Jasper numerous variant is most the black on the pair was photographed This impressive actually a misnomer. Wolf name Gray or silvery grey wolves may turn black advancing age, With eastern boundary of Jasper. white. even t rt l b e l i m a A C i l l o m r By Dr. Dick Dekker, Ph.D. Dekker, Dick By Dr. W f ased on the analysis of the black fur mitochondrial DNA, is said to have in western wolves

e that as it may, in my opinion, the the opinion, my in may, it as that e

This premise is fanciful because the This premise is fanciful The taxonomic origin of wolves B

lack fur, the scientists thought, is an an is thought, scientists the fur, lack asset to a forest-dwelling predator. in may vary of global warming effects As predicted by landscapes. different climatologists, rising annual temperatures Alberta’s could lead to the demise of forests and create more open and There, the so-called ground. snow-free for a black animal camouflage advantage become a be lost and in fact would Furthermore, in my 40 disadvantage. in Jasper years of field observations are at all black wolves National Park, ones, even times more visible than grey among the trees. vigorously is complicated and was American debated at the Second North held at the Wolves Symposium on August of 1992. Alberta in of University Based on the fossil record, Professor been caused by a mutation that was lost been caused by a mutation that was was to the species in ancient times but subsequently re-acquired after wolves And this with domestic dogs. hybridized happened, the to have most likely was scientists speculated, about 15,000 years from crossed over ago after some wolves Alaska via the land bridge that Asia into continents between the two developed during the Pleistocene ice age. of significance the exaggerated scientists wolves black that claiming by finding their grey their over edge evolutionary an have them better adapted cousins that makes expected the and change climate to forest. boreal the of expansion northward B B A team of 15 geneticists and biologists biologists and geneticists 15 of team A of fur black the that written recently has that and dogs” the from gift “a is wolves advantage camouflage a them gives it line tree the as cousins grey their over to due zone tundra the onto advances change. climate

Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 14 Fe a t u r e s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 15

” a d e s nterestingly, there are still plenty of Interestingly, c elk in the area – as many as 14 elk per elk in the area – as many of wolves The effect square kilometre. is less on elk numbers, more on elk 60 puts it, “For As Eisenberg behaviour. become used to complacent years we’ve complacent. elk aren’t These elk. Whereas in the on high alert.” They’re elk can lead the easy absence of wolves, life, hanging around in one place and munching at their leisure, when there are on the landscape, the elk learn to wolves a s C c h i p o r “T t a n d ) e s eavers are reestablishing in northern parts of Yellowstone, from which they they which from Yellowstone, of parts northern in reestablishing are eavers p n the absence of wolves, elk browsing had removed the had removed elk browsing had disappeared. In the absence of wolves, building. dam for needed beavers that trees of age-range themselves coyotes the coyotes, out-compete wolves larger that way same out-compete the smaller red foxes Coyote numbers in Yellowstone have halved since return of wolves. since return of wolves. halved have Yellowstone numbers in Coyote In the are higher in areas with wolves. Yellowstone in Sightings of red foxes o b • • • Other recorded effects of wolf populations include: populations effects of wolf Other recorded From: Sharon Levy, “A Top Dog Takes Over,” National Wildlife, September 2004 Wildlife, National Over,” Takes Dog Top “A Levy, Sharon From: , (P absence, wolves began to return, finding began absence, wolves the 60 south from Canada. For their way or so years in between, elk were allowed unmolested, to graze on the aspen growth made it trees ever new few and so very according to the Eisenberg, to maturity. Missoulian, said: “Being hammered over really stresses a tree. by an elk and over pruning this is like but Pruning is healthy, week or two. back every your roses way The trees become shrubs, essentially, little bonsai aspens.” Urban Dance Between Crocus and Sky, 23 by 30 in., mixed media. and Sky, Urban Dance Between Crocus -Schuber © J. Cardinal i s h , F n I anff anff B n n o l v e s I anff, where where anff, By Nigel Douglas, AWA Conservation Specialist Conservation AWA Douglas, By Nigel W B id you that know healthy wolf numbers can help to encourage bull-trout populations? Or that

Biologists refer to this process as an October 25 article More recently, in Looking closely at aspen growth t has been known for some time It has been known

National Park, studies have found found have studies Park, National for example) and Nietvel, (Hebblewhite reduced have wolves where areas in that willow rejuvenating elk, of density the of range a for host becomes scrub redstart. American as such songbirds, of town the near contrast, from refuge take to learned have elk grazed. heavily is willow predators, lower much is here songbirds of Diversity absent. are redstart the as such species and It occurs when a “trophic cascade.” predators in a food web suppress the thereby releasing of their prey, abundance of the food chain level lower the next from predation. science: in the Missoulian (“Tracking forest diversity, show findings Biologist’s detailed wolves,”) health influenced by some surprising findings coming out of in Glacier National studies of wolves State of Oregon Cristine Eisenberg Park. has been studying the diverse University for a number of years impacts of wolves and her studies in Glacier National Park been finding more and more direct have populations. of wolf and indirect effects some areas of the park, there are small young trees and there are tall old trees, were Wolves nothing in between. but up until the 1920s, resident in the region were hunted into extinction. when they Then in the 1980s, after a sixty-year

they can even have a beneficial effect on on effect a beneficial have can even they that It is well known soil productivity? on the a significant effect have wolves environment around them: on populations of prey species or on other carnivores, profound and But just how for example. incredibly varied that effect can be is only just beginning to be understood. effect beneficial a have can wolves that populations. wildlife other on D PHOTO: K. MIHALCHEON K. PHOTO: Alexander Pope, the eighteenth Pope, the Alexander Judy and James were joined at the award joined at the award were and James Judy by their daughter Ellinor ceremony Walsh. and Kent Tweedie MIHALCHEON K. PHOTO: in aerating soils and mixing leaf litter. So So leaf litter. and mixing soils in aerating scarcer become coyotes return, as wolves their soil squirrels return to and ground work. restoration poet, wrote ‘’From century satirical strike, link you chain whatever Nature’s or ten thousandth, breaks the chain Tenth heard never Pope had presumably alike.’’ he understood but of “trophic cascades” the concept. e r u ct e L PHOTO: K. MIHALCHEON K. PHOTO: n n u a l emoving wolves from the landscape from wolves Removing A Richard Secord delivering the Martha Secord Richard Wildlife and Wilderness Annual Kostuch Lecture. Members of the Secord clan at the awards presentation. presentation. clan at the awards of the Secord Members willows, so the shady spots beloved by beloved shady spots so the willows, on feeding Insects disappear. trout bull which fall vegetation, the overhanging fish food, begin to become into the water too. to disappear flourish (wolves to coyotes also allows and will than coyotes are much larger territories). their over kill them and take is foods of coyotes One of the favourite play a major role ground squirrels, which a n d

i o n t a ichard t R artha Kostuch Kostuch artha e s e n M r P d s r lbertaAssociationWilderness was extremely pleased to present theAlberta 2009 ichard Secord explore the the explore Secord ichard w a R

Dozens of AWA members and and members AWA of Dozens

anff, where heavily heavily where in Banff, Just like A

ichard delivered the the delivered ichard potential for judicial review to enhance enhance to review judicial for potential environment. Alberta’s of protection the R Wilderness to DefendersJudyAwards James Huntley, andTweedie Secord on Friday November 20th.These awards recognized their outstanding commitments and conservation achievements.Their Alberta’s love of wild spaces and their enthusiastic, unwavering persistence in defending theselands inspired have Albertansmany to play an active role in conserving and wilderness. Alberta’s protecting their celebrate them helped friends also they evening That achievements. heard Lecture Wildlife and Wilderness Annual of précis A presentations. awards the after Precedents Legal Law: “Green lecture, his will Protection,” Environmental for WLA. appear in February’s PHOTO: K. MIHALCHEON K. PHOTO: Richard Pharis, Mark Lowey and Richard and Richard Pharis, Mark Lowey Richard enjoying a lighter moment during Secord reception. the wine and cheese A be much more elusive. They nibble on a on a nibble They elusive. more be much on. move and then or there tree here less scrub means willow elk-grazed Park, so in Glacier National songbirds, are present where wolves aspen groves times as many or five support four in places groves songbird species as But the effects are absent. where wolves elk As “complacent” do not stop there. on river-side and deer munch comfortably

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WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 17 w e e n t e B i o n t a r e p We learned that these people We at Ahnassay spoke Chief James o o Lakes and for making this tour possible. and for Lakes and the Lake The people of Dalai that this great expectations IMAR have of something relationship will achieve great importance. have that NGOs recognize and believe in conservation a strong role to play want They and conflicts with industry. can and hope they AWA to learn from we know We do a better job in the future. problems and that through talk, all have ways discussion, and study we can find the landscapes we care about. to improve about the Hay-Zama the workshop Committee. He reminded us of a few simple principles as he helped the insight into participants gain workshop the basic ideals that help the Hay-Zama “Great things forward. committee move can happen with the simple exchange of information” he said. He emphasized principle with something another key tells us: “sometimes the Covey Steven C o f e e d s S o w i n g PHOTO: C. OLSON C. PHOTO: o n g o l i a : S M e r r u t n n e At the beginning of our study tour At the beginning a I Dalai Lake is the fifth largest lake in China. The day we were here the Siberian winds here The day we were in China. lake largest is the fifth Dalai Lake to This is the viewpoint clean, crisp, fall air. bringing fresh blowing at gale force, were about the fabled a site of mystery and legends in Dalai Lake, the Genghis Khan rock Mongolian ruler. dedicated work by passionate people for dedicated work Wildland Hay-Zama Lakes Alberta’s Dalai twinned with a park now Park, The in IMAR. Reserve Nature Lakes to help protect seeds of cooperation emorandum A M been sown. nature have in signed OU) was of Understanding (M parties, Alberta in May of 2008 and both and the IMAR Alberta government the are committed to help each government, internationally other protect these two significant protected areas; both of RAMSAR site status under them enjoy signed in Wetlands on the Convention Iran, 1971. Ramsar, and we were met with excitement anticipation by those who had come Alberta last year for our study tour to for Hay- of and dedication ceremony Throughout our time there Zama Lakes. we heard sincere accolades for Cliff for the Vice-President, AWA’s Wallis, he had done to establish this sister work Hay-Zama Alberta’s relationship with N a n d i n g a ct rt e t o l b e r A By Christyann Olson, AWA Executive Director Executive AWA Olson, By Christyann P

y family’s roots are more y family’s we than 270 years old and from outer come here have

How was it that I could be here? was How

M ongolia, living in and respecting the in and Mongolia, living in the Dalai Lake sitting I was grassland.” in New Centre Visitor Nature Reserve Mongolia Right Banner of Inner Bareg, R), listening (IMA Autonomous Region of a to a translator interpret the words The gentle man Mongolian herdsman. clearly and passionately about spoke on of life and his perspectives his way and protection. He went on conservation to discuss the changes he had seen and listed three in particular: the population since 1980, climate change has exploded in their has created noticeable differences and the Nature Reserve’s environment were discussing We status has grown. the in Nature Reserve the Dalai Lake Nature Reserve Canada-Dalai Lake Conservation for Biodiversity Workshop Alberta that and Community Participation sponsored (AWA) Association Wilderness This as part of a study tour to IMAR. about the common goal man talked with the Nature Reserve herders have help care for the reserve and that they respect spontaneously because they that with Mother Nature and believe their living can improve cooperation they in the conditions and decrease poverty goal is ours, area. He said, “the herders’ The herders are protect the grasslands.” are not the destroyers, emphatic that they are the protectors. Bayasgulang’s they that, for all of us, our message was primary goal must be to protect nature and that we should not need to spend to help nature recover. money a weeks touring IMAR was Two for me. surreal, incredible experience much I shared There I learned how with the people I met. I recognized and appreciated the passion of the herders and realized how and their families much their landscape reminded me was This full day workshop of home. and the culmination of years of efforts “ PHOTO: C. OLSON PHOTO: We will continue to report our We Wild Lands Lands progress to you though the Wild As we go to press with this Advocate. story and issue of the WLA we are thrilled that the Hay-Zama Dalai to let you know in the selected case study was Lakes Handbook Biodiversity Pan-Canadian submission will be AWA’s Contest! included in a handbook that will be posted on the Canadian Environmental (RCEN) website and Network Canada and to Environment distributed the Secretariat of the UN Convention Please join on Biological Diversity. and and I for a slide show Wallis Cliff in discussion of our trip to Dalai Lake Lethbridge on January 12th (see the section for more details). Events There remain many opportunities There remain many The mountains of the north include a national forest reserve park that is primarily reserve forest The mountains of the north include a national ) and (Betula platyphylla Asian white birch (Larix gmelinii), Xing’an (Dahurian) larch - a variety of Scots pine). mongolica var. Mongolian (Pinus sylvestris significant sites. to collaborate and a great deal more us unique The visit allowed we will do. opportunities to discuss common concerns with officials conservation in and local residents while walking forests of Xing’an larch, extensive Japanese birch, and Mongolian Scots the Siberian winds experienced We pine. steppe grasslands, largest in the world’s shorebirds at and waterfowl watched at and wetlands and marvelled lakes sandlands along the fringes of extensive route. our travel In 2008, through the AWA and HZC, the park was officially twinned with the Dalai Lake National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia, National Nature and HZC, the park was officially twinned with the Dalai Lake AWA the In 2008, through Both Steppe. Daurian the – world the in grassland temperate remaining extensive most the of part is It site. Ramsar another China, The focus of this example Tha’. – Mongolians and the Dene populations with a conservation interest have indigenous areas protected and community development. protection nature communites towards capacity in indigenous is building of international cooperation The Hay-Zama Committee and AWA’s Mongolian Partnership AWA’s The Hay-Zama Committee and of the Hay-Zama Alberta on protection advice to Re-established in 1995, the Hay-Zama Committee (HZC) continues to provide The HZC has been instrumental in winding Convention. Wetlands one of 1,069 sites globally designated under the Ramsar Lakes, performance and setting time environmental most sensitive lands, improving oil and gas activity in the area’s down pre-existing The HZC also obtained long-term protection less sensitive part of the area. in a smaller, activities extractive limits for remaining and enjoys the full The HZC is special for being led by stakeholders designation in 2002. Park Wildland its through for the area governments. and municipal/provincial Nations, ENGOs, industry, participation of First t was a number of years ago when a number It was yielded some The workshop way we see the problem, is the problem.” the problem.” is see the problem, we way and words description The Chief’s from the Hay-Zama of appreciation the resonated well with Committee They and IMAR officials. Mongolians from the need to move too appreciated that Pat to we-we” approach the “me-me of the Hay-Zama Cabezas, the co-chair for. famous Committee, has become project on a CIDA working was Cliff and in IMAR that he met Liu Songtao of shaped the possibility together they from the work making more happen Both areas were doing together. they plans management were developing both were, and at the same time and peoples. still are, home for minority in 2004 The twinning process began formalized and celebrated in and was these areas is more than Twinning 2008. an international believes AWA symbolic. the process more focus will keep to transparent and it will be less likely eyes If there is global interest, many fail. all of us and there is a good are watching if things go wrong. chance of exposure are learning from each other as we We Oil and share information and expertise. R is at an early in IMA development gas we have stage and we hope the mistakes made in Hay-Zama can be avoided. immediate results with the IMAR committing and local governments to establish Cooperating Herder Associations that will maintain mobility of human use on the landscape and grasslands help to protect the region’s and wetlands. Other outcomes of the visit included technical cooperation and that will assist information exchanges in management and further research globally and understanding of these two

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WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 19 e r u t u F h e as groundwater and headwaters. This This headwaters. and groundwater as the Among Forest the - Seeing workshop Ecosystem-based for Case The Trees: Conservation Planning - took a more community-based focus. Held at the Beaupre Community Hall near Cochrane, 30 than more for opportunity an was it with Herb Hammond,local people to work and forester internationally-renowned the on was focus particular The ecologist. t

r f o

t e n m a n a g e M t e s r o Workshops like this one have become become have one this like Workshops F r that there is no reason why forests cannot that there is no reason why be managed to maintain ecological and foster community-based integrity economies that are culturally and ecologically sustainable. AWA’s an increasingly important part of a hosted has AWA and work, outreach in recent years series of acclaimed events such themes water-related at looking Map showing intersection of China, Russia, and Mongolia. The Dalai Lake National The Dalai Lake of China, Russia, and Mongolia. Map showing intersection Reserve is shown in purple. Nature f o

i s i o n V A Conservation Specialist AWA Douglas, By Nigel

ocal communities must play a major role in planning and making Alberta’s decisions regarding

forested watersheds if watershed if watershed forested watersheds going to become management is ever and socially sustainable. environmentally the core message at a two- This was and AWA hosted by workshop evening Alliance Society Watershed the Ghost heard Participants in November. (GWAS) L PHOTO: C. OLSON PHOTO: Cliff Wallis resonated with people like Liu with people like resonated Wallis Cliff innovative, passionate, Songtao who were Liu Songtao is as avid a and genuine. anywhere. you will find as watcher bird thrilled to were Liu Songtao and Cliff and delighted of sand-grouse a flock find in counting and documenting their far too early in the season. discovery, PHOTO: C. OLSON PHOTO: Wuliji and herder Bayasgulang and herder Wuliji workshop in IMAR. AWA’s participate in to Mongolian from interpreted Wuliji both felt as The passion they English. will be Wuliji was moving. spoke they work Alberta on an exchange coming to our can learn from placement so that he and we staff Areas and Protected Parks our colleagues from can continue to learn in IMAR while sharing what we know.

t is is t I t ut, as Hammond Hammond as ut, B CP principles, the the principles, CP B Workshop participants were inspired inspired were participants Workshop Footprint, 12 by 31.5 in., mixed media. 12 by Footprint, forest management in the Ghost; this one one this Ghost; the in management forest local the from input encourages and allows of fundamental principle A community. Planning Based Conservation Ecosystem- on what to protect(EBCP) is to focus put to (or use to what on focus and then to leave to focus on what it another way, What and then focus on what to take). are fully functioningneeds to be protected scales, and throughecosystems at all spatial E under So, time. should bepriorities of forest management ecological integrityto protect and restore and for balanced human and to provide the landscape. non-human use across blueprint for truly by Hammond’s but management forest sustainable the by somewhat daunted also were Alberta the drag to trying of prospect radical a such towards government thinking. in change focus in shift necessary the out, pointed at home: “The changes has to begin centralized from come won’t want we corporations.” large or governments that will have communities themselves never should they and parade the lead to bring to potential their underestimate much as have “You change. positive about was have,” you believe you as power parting comment. Hammond’s -Schuber © J. Cardinal ut Alberta Alberta ut t is easier to to easier is t I B t Alberta has already spent tens of of tens spent already has Alberta On the second evening, Hammond Hammond evening, second the On other forest types. other one with struggling dollars of millions mountain the change: climate of result Hammond what – outbreak beetle pine Climate epidemic.” calls a “human-caused cold the eliminated but all has change hibernating larvae beetle killed that winters Fire suppression andbeneath the tree bark. areas large produced have logging clearcut species single even-age, susceptible of for habitat perfect - trees pine of stands knee-jerk Alberta’s the beetles. Instead of instead should we beetles” pine on “war landscape-level develop to looking be natural encourage and maintain to plans of stands susceptible thinning diversity, other species pine trees while favouring such as spruce. Clearcutting is no solution to the pine beetle problem: it does nothing future for landscape the up set than more marginal the despite Yet, problems. is what exactly is this value, economic of thehappening in the critical watersheds Ghost. “Clearcutting in the Ghost is not much sensefitting into a plan that makes stressed. Hammond me,” to is slow to get the message: “ message: the get to slow is change the image than to fix the problem,” problem,” the fix to than image the change he pointed out. for vision alternative an outline to began -Schuber © J. Cardinal Herb Hammond, who describes describes who Hammond, Herb broad a presented Hammond Dawn Horse 18.75 by 22 in., mixed media. Dawn Horse the Ghost Watershed and how its forests and how Watershed the Ghost long-term maintain to managed be can and economic viability. ecological has forester,” a “recovering himself as the in years 25 than more for worked sectorsresearch and timber scientific Forest the Silva and is co-founder of dedicated a charitable society Foundation, in ecosystem- to research and education book: (Herb’s planning. forest based Earth’s on Systems Whole Maintaining the for Planning Ecosystem-based Crown. issuethis in later reviewed is Forest Boreal WLA.) of the ecology andbackground to forest forest of complexity tremendous the enormous the emphasized He ecosystems. the of integrity the maintaining of value quality and for water Ghost watershed storage, carbon for as well as quantity, particularly considering the enormous changes that future climate variability to bring. Intact forests will play is likely movement a critical role in providing including species, of variety a for corridors which could be crucial in genetic variants forests, Healthy change. future to adapting the are forests, growth old particularly water clean producing at efficient most than carbon atmospheric more store and

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WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 21 Most sincerely, Christyann Olson oard of Directors has been Board of Directors has AWA’s and the board of On behalf of the staff planning for our future financial health planning for our future of elements Two for a number of years. donors the offering that plan consist of a major gift or to opportunity to make in their will. AWA to a bequest leave trust fund at the Calgary has a AWA and called the Wilderness Foundation established with that was Trust Wildlife funds dedicated to the memory of Orval “project accounting” also have We Pall. a directed to receive AWA that allows amount. Directed donation of any donations are used for the purpose of regardless identified by the donor, whether the donation is a small gift or our funds invest We a major bequest. carefully and earn interest through those Please call me if you are investments. interested in making a bequest or a happy be very major donation. I would we to discuss with you in detail how you can be manage our funds and how promise for the future. If AWA’s part of been you are a current member or have in the past, you will AWA a supporter of Appeal our annual Fall received have where we ask you to give letter by now in work AWA’s generously to support year promises to be a very 2010. Next not sent challenging one so if you have in your gift yet, please do so. Help us to perform strongly our most important role Alberta for generations - defending wild to come. our thanks to offer like directors I would We to all of you who support us tirelessly. best for the wish you and yours the very year. holiday season and the new ? k r o W s t i u n d F AWA h e Expenditures Revenue Sources Revenue t o e s D ncome ncome I un for for un o w R By Christyann Olson, AWA Executive Director Executive AWA Olson, By Christyann H Defending Wild Wild mission is Defending WA’s Awareness through Alberta As a social profit Action. and

AWA has four major funding sources: sources: funding major four has AWA As you can see, your donations are

Tax laws of Canada. For the past 44 44 past the For Canada. of laws Tax sometimes managed, has AWA years, the weather to funding, shoestring with financial storms and uncertainties that seem to go with the job of being a non- Our organization. environmental profit due to a passionate success is largely and volunteers of core long-standing and and Canada across Alberta, in supporters base volunteer This world. the around so cornerstones; vital AWA’s of one is then and respected highly but small the is too office. Calgary AWA’s in staff effective donations from members and supporters, and Climb the at fundraising group, we are also considered a non- group, we are also considered non-government environmental profit, registered a and (ENGO) organization the under organization charitable Wilderness, a casino held nearly every a casino held nearly every Wilderness, years and grants from foundations.two expenses and revenue our of summary A is 2009 31, July ending year fiscal the for pie charts. in the accompanying provided While we are in a health. AWA’s vital to strong financial position at this time, we are looking to the future and trying to be as prepared as we can for tough times when donations (currently amounting AWA’s to approximately 55 percent of dip temporarily or our work revenues) We expenditures. requires unexpected The manage nimbly and plan carefully. are dedicated majority of our expenses of conservation, to our core work and outreach. Because of stewardship of volunteers network our impressive our general and we are able to keep to AWA for expenses administrative less than eight percent. A – 2009 – 2008 – 2009 1920 – 2009 1952 – 2008 1942 – 2008 1983 – 2009 1914 – 2009 1949 – 2009 1947 – 2008 1931 – 2008 1942 – 2008 1915 – 2009 “Despite setbacks and Hugh Hicklin Hugh Hicklin Gary Hildebrand Bruce Horrey Krekoski Jeffrey Frank Plowman Reay Gregory Ann Roberts Barbara Sherrington Teape Kathleen Turnbull William Vaughn Joan Wagner Harry Ward Arthur wildlife mourned Black Bears in Conklin Twelve legal professionals, police, and professionals, police, legal What truly Aboriginal communities. her was however, distinguished her, willingness and determination to find those chasms. to narrow real ways that Inspired by a similar initiative and brought together the R.C.M.P. Alberta, people in southern Peigan Ann spearheaded the first in 1996 held in Camp, Awareness Aboriginal Tsartlip Coast Salish territory on the days, which in two For reserve. subsequent years stretched to four, students, police officers, and law judge on occasion, or a lawyer even sat, slept, feasted, and played together with elders and community members, in the process learning For to see each other more clearly. participants, the Camps, which many are a continue to be held each fall, life-altering experience.” disappointments, through her own Ann never limitations and ill health, stopped seeking the good life, for others just as passionately as for lose thought we’d never We herself. her so soon.” – 2008 – 2008 – 2008 y 40 years 1921 – 2008 1921 – 2008 1932 – 2009 1921 – 2009 1924 – 2008 1933 – 2009 1921 – 2009 1924 – 2009 Although Ann was confined to Ann was Although This same indomitable spirit, the AWA’s work on Suffield and helped work AWA’s shape the decision to designate Area. Wildlife Suffield as a National as a first our organization She served Vice-President Director and then First until the late summer of 1995. a wheelchair from early childhood disability she did not let a physical and her from experiencing prevent outdoors Alberta’s all that enjoying remembers Wallis Cliff to offer. have on fieldtrips in her Ann out taking to game always was “She wheelchair. get out into nature and get moving!” displayed in her Ann same tenacity animated her desire grasslands work, school at and decision to enter law Studying Victoria. of the University became and then practicing law the to try to improve vehicle Ann’s in which we understand fellow ways Simon members of our society. Ann put Owen, a long-time friend of Ann was many, “Like it this way: in understanding upset by the gaps constituents between the various of the justice system, namely gs Celebrated Weddin Fedun Sarah and Mike Tailfeathers Ali and Jordan Anniversar Wedding Celebrated Heinz & Marilyn Unger Anderson Malcolm Ada Basso Joan Diller Joanne Dunford Mel Dunford Farrington Will Norm Ferguson Bill Fuller Fuller Patrick Muriel Hayes In Memoriam Adams Herbert Charles 9 years 93 years 92 years m i a r o m e s e t oberts ys Remembered M i b u n I r Roberts Ann Born in Brooks appreciated the natural heritage that to share privileged Alberta, are we, in strongly and to protect. She believed and passionately in the inherent value of that natural heritage and its right The strength and passion of to exist. brought her beliefs and perspective She AWA. her through the doors of AWA’s played a significant role in on grasslands in the late 1980s work and early 1990s, not least through Prairie and Parkland AWA’s chairing critical to was Committee. Her work Ann R 1949-2009 T Dixon Steve Winkler Karl Celebrated Births Rose Hadden Abigail May 3, 2009 Birthda people Celebrated great 2003) Ian Ross (* passed away Walsh Suzanne Dr. Yaki Gus Glenda Hanna August Olson Samuel AWA is honoured to receive gifts receive is honoured to AWA who from friends and family ones and those remember their loved to them. a difference made who have August 2008 and November Between were honoured. 2009 the following

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WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 23 - Frank Calder - Frank Joane challenged a world she a world Joane challenged husband, Mike Joane’s as words in articulate was She was work As an artist, Joane’s a chance to visit the If you have Joane Cardinal-Schubert died in “you have to be so careful, as every every as careful, so be to have “you things.” all change will take you footstep its respect for had lost believed of her most famous nature. One Canadian Museum is in the works a building (also of Civilization It is “my designed by her brother). vision” of four ancestral mother’s as sacred to be worn Blood warshirts today’s against protection “in battle destruction.” environmental passion for Schubert, shared her and he, along environmentalism unstintingly sons, was with their two of her career. supportive provocative a was She images. as well writer and a compelling speaker. a had it but sharp be could wit Her deep a was it underlying and purpose laugh could Joane humanity. of sense make always could she and herself at foibles. the rest of us laugh at our own upon her unmistakable, drawing of stylized horses vocabularies own and people. She had and buffalo enormous influence on young artists, especially those from First Nations generous communities, and she was in her time for teaching. the for look Calgary, in offices AWA wallsthree magnificent posters on the AWA. the for designed Joane that there our as her have to fortunate were We cause. our of champion and friend 16, 2009 at the on September Calgary age of 67.

nitially, she encountered encountered she nitially, I Her support of the AWA reflected AWA Her support of the memory childhood favourite Her Joane’s recognition grew more recognition grew Joane’s many she received Ultimately, casual about never Joane was that “Joane was a fiery, indomitable, a fiery, that “Joane was as a free spirit. She is renowned groundbreaking artist who fought tenaciously for recognition of the qualities of First Nations artists.” about nature and a profound view about how, She talked conservation. as a child, she “roamed around on testing my our land and by the lake, strength, learning my place, looking and seeing.” when she with her father a walk was her to said he and old years four was slowly. slowly. figures from some powerful resistance of her missions and one in the art world art recognized to see native in life was as just not (and merits own its for places in commentary) anthropological Gallery of Canada. the National like her honours for her art including Canadian oyal induction into the R Arts and an Honorary Academy of of University Doctorate from the died, not only When she Calgary. the collection were her paintings in the flags but of the National Gallery to half mast. there were lowered about if you open a book Today, Canadian art, you will find Joane Cardinal-Schubert along with Emily Colville and Canada’s Alex Carr, other artistic luminaries. shied away and never her views Spalding, Jeffrey from controversy. Canadian president of the Royal told the Calgary Herald Academy, étis M ed Deer. R m had no reason not i a I ert al-Schub otel in r M o m e M ed Deer born in Red Deer She was n earlier years, her brother, In earlier years, her brother, n I and lived her early years in small communities inAlberta, including owned the period when her family the Cardinal Joane Cardinal-Schubert attained great stature in artistic and academic circles and to our good fortune, Alberta a supporter of the she was Association. Wilderness TheAlberta Arts Heritage site quotes her saying that as a growing up in white communities “I heard the disparaging remarks my hopes affected that never but and my dreams. Douglas Cardinal, was the most Douglas Cardinal, was Often member of the family. famous for he is renowned controversial, his architectural designs from St. Red Deer (his first Church in Mary’s commission) to the stunning new American National Museum of the D.C. Washington Indian in to be proud of my family.” ne Cardin Joa 1942 - 2009 – Carolyn Campbell – Carolyn Simply put, a Conservation Directive Directive Simply put, a Conservation the high ecological preserve To a Conservation Directive declaring that Directive a Conservation mining and industrial logging will surface not proceed in the McClelland watershed. Either other methods should be found without disturbance bitumen to remove lands or the sustaining to the surface or the network, groundwater shallow should provide government provincial appropriate compensation for the lease to the companies involved. withdrawal these surface After extinguishing should disturbance rights, the government watershed designate McClelland Lake large park, with the two as a provincial As fens protected as ecological reserves. is the pilot region Athabasca the Lower for land use planning, McClelland region be an ideal candidate would watershed Directive. first Conservation Alberta’s for nitiative, to offer some substance to their some substance to their to offer Initiative, nitiative’s to realizing the I commitment – to establish “a protected areas vision protected interconnected of large network about half of the country’s areas covering Boreal Forest.” arising out is a mandatory direction, goals of a regional of the conservation protect an area of plan, to permanently esthetic, natural scenic, environmental, Holders of mineral or agricultural value. lands subject to a or forestry rights on are entitled to Directive Conservation compensation. of McClelland Lake and esthetic value the that proposes AWA Complex, Wetland plan include Athabasca regional Lower PHOTO: C. WEARMOUTH C. PHOTO: nc.’s August 2009 August 2009 Inc.’s Suncor Energy n addition, Alberta-Pacific Forest Alberta-Pacific In addition, Complex groundwater conditions create the spectacular patterned ridges of land in the the spectacular patterned ridges conditions create groundwater Complex McClelland fen emoving Removing August 2009). Advocate, is watershed in this forest cover the official highly inappropriate given to ensure that commitment government are maintained in the ecological values portion of the wetland complex. lower acquisition of Petro-Canada means that lead operator of the Fort Suncor is now Hills mine consortium. Recently Suncor announced that plans to proceed with Hills were on hold in Fort investment as other capital projects in its portfolio returns. It is promised more attractive therefore an opportune time to pursue with Directive the idea of a Conservation Al- Alberta, Suncor, of the Government industry stakeholders and other key Pac It is an in the McClelland watershed. Al-Pac, opportunity for Suncor and both members of the Canadian Boreal watershed. Soon after, what is now the now what is Soon after, watershed. given consortium was Hills oil sands Fort mine for its proposal to ERCB approval of the half ‘upper’ the southwestern or demonstrated having without watershed the rest of the plan to preserve any RCB directed that wetland. Instead, the E Committee Sustainability a company-led a plan to develop could eventually such as water values maintain ecological in the unmined quality and water levels date, To complex. portion of the wetland that the whole peat suggests all evidence will be doomed by open wetland complex pit mining in its upper portion. has recently Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) along the south shore logged extensively Lands (see Wild of McClelland Lake cClelland Lake Lake cClelland M cClelland Lake Lake cClelland M urray, just east of the the of east just urray, M c e s M iver, the the iver, t R d a p cClelland Lake Wetland Complex. Complex. Wetland Lake McClelland U AWA has been working toward toward has been working AWA plant feature wetlands These The greatest threat to the McClelland cClelland Lake Wetland Complex and and Complex Wetland Lake cClelland

McClelland Wetlands Proposed as Proposed Wetlands McClelland Directive First Conservation Alberta’s tool conservation land created newly A Wilderness Alberta is being proposed by measureAssociation as an appropriate planning to Athabasca regional in Lower value esthetic and ecological the recognize the of of to the Government is proposing AWA stakeholders corporate key and Alberta Directive first Conservation Alberta’s that the protect to adopted be Wetland Complex. Wetland rich ecologically the of protection the Complex Wetland McClelland Lake kilometres 90 Located years. many for Fort of north Athabasca different many includes Complex Wetland including wetlands, interrelated of types intricately and large extraordinarily an area wetland peaty large a fen, patterned of thousands, perhaps hundreds, where black shrubs, of ridges narrow – strings countless separate – peat and spruce pools of shallow flarks – long, narrow, the by groundwater, largely Fed water. 8,000 years up over fen has been built since the last glacial retreat. Alberta, including the species rare to entire The plant. pitcher insectivorous kilometres square 330 of area catchment the through direction, northeast a in drains M The McClelland into the Firebag river. is an important nesting area watershed important an as well as birds, boreal for the including birds, for point stopover endangered whooping crane, migrating further north to the Peace-Athabasca for breeding.Arctic Delta and wetlands is posed by potential tar sands Alberta’s as it lies within development, In 1996, the mineable oil sands region. Alberta protected the of Government in Complex Wetland McClelland Lake Resource Plan. Integrated a regional Alberta Sustainable in 2002 However, amended this Resource Development plan with minimal public consultation to allow impact review or environmental open-pit oil sands mining in part of the

Wi l d e r n e s s Wa tc h WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 24 Wi l d e r n e s s Wa tc h WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 25 – Nigel Douglas – Nigel The Court decision clearly worried clearly worried The Court decision the Court of But after reviewing article CBC news 23rd A November is home to two Jasper National Park ore people will now have a say in sour have will now More people development.” gas CB recognizes the ERCB. “The ER matter and is the importance of this decision on a the Court’s reviewing its impact on priority basis to determine applications process,” the sour oil and gas release. “Until 3 news said a November made, the ERCB that determination is sour wells, licences for will not issue any pipelines.” and facilities decision, ERCB appeared to be Appeal’s emphasis comfortable that the Court’s right less on whether ERCB was was or wrong in making its determinations, not it was more on whether or but rules. So rather than sticking to its own standing to include agree to extend PAZs, in the new all people living the ERCB decided instead to make were PAZs “Previously, smaller. PAZs than erroneously calculated to be larger the Zones (EPZs),” Planning Emergency 13th. “It was Board said on November it necessary, nor was intended, never the size of a to exceed PAZ for any corresponding EPZ.” Alberta Caribou Herd Heads Another Extirpation Towards Hot on the heels of the recent demise of caribou herd (WLA, National Park’s Banff that a second June 2009), comes the news caribou herd – the South National Park of Jasper herd – may be on the verge extinction. Canada report cites an upcoming Parks that found just four threatened caribou be This would area. in the Maligne Lake a truly shocking decline if this indeed represents the entire remaining herd. to believed In the 1960s, the herd was today Parks number 450 individuals; - http://www.pc.gc.ca/ website Canada’s - reports pn-np/ab/Jasper/ne/ne8_e.asp Alberta an estimate of “around 100.” naturalist Ben Gadd estimated the herd at 40 caribou just last year. A la The northern distinct caribou herds. Edmonton Journal Journal Edmonton PHOTO: AWA FILES AWA PHOTO: The Appeal Court ruled that, having ruled that, having Appeal Court The The Court ruling came as a breath Somewhat bizarrely ERCB ruled that the Somewhat within this that the residents lived fact evidence that they not sufficient was PAZ effect” a “possible adverse suffer would of a well leak or accident. in the event Appeal Court disagreed. “(T)hose The their rights could have in a PAZ who live as a affected directly and adversely said the result of a hazardous release,” other any Court. “It is difficult to see how conclusion could be available.” 2008 decided in November mistakenly that the residents should not be given to go on to standing, ERCB “failed correct the error it had made at that time Appellants when it concluded that the affected were not directly and adversely by drilling of the wells.” of fresh air to opponents of oil and gas who consistently have developments the been denied standing by ERCB over years. “Can you imagine the difference in the number of people this will make up at hearings and must be who can show Jennifer Klimek, the consulted?” asked an in lawyer, residents’ things. change certainly will “This article. Two of this year’s Wilderness Defenders Defenders Wilderness of this year’s Two and Tweedie James winners, Award 2003 hearing held at a Secord, Richard the Energy predecessor, by ERCB’s the move, In a rare Utilities Board. denied the application by Polaris Board to drill for sour gas in the Resources Whaleback. e s t d a p U On November 3, 2009, in a surprise On November in 2008 with an The story begins Although the three residents lived

ps and Downs of Alberta’s Sour Alberta’s of The Ups and Downs Approvals Gas do you do if the Courts What Q: breaking the rules? reprimand you for A: Change the rules. in November, weeks nearly two For Resources Conservation the Energy gas Board (ERCB) suspended all sour Alberta while it decided applications in strongly critical to respond to a how a Appeal ruling. For Alberta Court of as if the Court’s short time it seemed precedent-setting ruling might result in hearings representation at future sour gas being opened up considerably to give Albertans. But in more “standing” to far not the end ERCB decided that, if it was rules, then it to ignore its own allowed just change the rules. would ERCB temporarily suspended move, wells and for sour gas approvals new The pipelines throughout the province. Alberta Court of an decision followed Appeal ruling, October 28, which dealt a firm slap on the wrist to ERCB and its The Court ruled that the hearing process. Board had incorrectly decided in January 2009 that three residents of the Rocky Rapids area 140 kilometres southwest the right to of Edmonton did not have wells close proposed sour gas oppose two to their properties. application by Grizzly Resources Ltd wells near Rocky sour gas to drill two between who lived women Three Rapids. three and six kilometres from the proposed wells filed an objection. But in a January 16, 2009 decision, ERCB denied them standing at an upcoming not would Board ruled they The hearing. by affected” be “directly and adversely the development. Planning Zone outside the Emergency for the proposed wells, their properties Action within the Protective did fall designation new a relatively Zone (PAZ), downwind area “(a)n as ERCB by defined of a hazardous release where outdoor pollutant concentrations may result in life threatening or serious and possibly on the public.” health effects irreversible

- Nigel Douglas - Nigel Footprint area (hectares) Footprint edge (kilometres) Footprint “Access Access Management. “Access Grizzly Bears. “Grizzly bear “There should Activity. Industrial Meaningful public participation. Conservation The full report, t remains unclear unclear It remains Groundwater. Human Management of the • • • km2) road density (km per enforced. be must thresholds These Firm threshold targets must ootprint. Firm threshold targets or exceeded. management is required for all public land, particularly in the Eastern Slopes. by what must be driven Access levels the land can sustain, not by demand. only Motorized access must be allowed on designated trails.” and based on the principles recovery, recommendations of the provincial Plan, must Grizzly Bear Recovery be a fundamental part of the South Plan.” Regional Saskatchewan be no industrial-scale forestry operations highway.” Trans-Canada south of the According to a 2007 government percent of 74.3 public opinion survey, the present “(a)t that believed respondents and using balance between developing of our land conservation our land versus is too focused on economic development of As the Government and growth.” considerable time Alberta has invested in soliciting the opinions of and expense that the final Albertans, it is imperative Plans accurately reflect their Regional wishes and concerns. expressed Recommendations for the South Plan, is Regional Saskatchewan website at www. AWA’s on available albertawilderness.ca/wilderness/issues/ public-lands/archive under these different initiatives.” these different under be will even whether groundwater in the South Saskatchewan discussed must be major consideration This RAC. the of the crucial role in recognition of play in the recharge Eastern Slopes supplies. groundwater F a range of for be set across the region footprint, including: indicators of human specified forProcedures must be options and directives management met been have thresholds these once

The government’s Land-Use The government’s report AWA’s Recommendations in emphasis “The LUF’s Headwaters. Less than protection. Increased mapping of government New Stewardship Land The 2009 Alberta Saskatchewan as the “most threatened threatened the “most as Saskatchewan report, Canada’s That in Canada. river” this dubious at Risk, awarded Rivers to the South Saskatchewan distinction and “hundreds of dams because of for its flow of 70 per cent of withdrawals to mention and urban use, not agricultural impacts.” potential climate change has already made it clear that Framework is the priority conservation watershed region. for the South Saskatchewan can activities that some believes AWA with this priority; be entirely compatible management; and some will need careful to be unacceptable others will be deemed The South uses in some places. Plan will need to Regional Saskatchewan enforceable thresholds on include clear, human impacts. include: and recreation priorities on watershed for the Eastern Slopes must be clearly reflected and emphasized in the South Plan.” Regional Saskatchewan Natural Foothills Alberta’s 2 percent of less than 1 percent of the and Region, are protected. By any Grasslands region The report standard that is not enough. all Natural Regions emphasizes: “For the South Saskatchewan and Subregions, clear targets Plan must develop Regional protection.” for legislated Areas Significant Environmentally recognized the southern Eastern Slopes remaining and much of the province’s grasslands as Nationally native recommends: The report Significant. identified in the of the areas “All Alberta’s 2009 Alberta’s of Government Areas Significant Environmentally or Nationally report as Internationally, some Significant must have Regionally protection.” form of legislated for a number of provision Act makes on privately- initiatives conservation land, including conservation owned directives. easements and conservation The report concludes: “The South Plan must Regional Saskatchewan for the amount of include specific targets to be conserved land in the region private - Nigel Douglas - Nigel egional Plan will will Plan egional R This is the core message of a the report came out at Ironically, As early as 1992, a report for Parks report for Parks As early as 1992, a At the time of writing, a draft f the quality of the environment in in environment the of quality the f have to make some hard choices about the the about choices hard some make to have limits and thresholds to human activity. report, Conservation AWA new Recommendations for the South The report Plan. Regional Saskatchewan a series of recommendations to the makes Advisory Regional South Saskatchewan advisory Council, a hand-picked group currently meeting to develop recommendations for the forthcoming Plan. Regional Wildlife World the same time as a exactly Fund report that identified the South Peche herd migrates seasonally between between seasonally herd migrates Peche the adjacent and Park the National South the Park; Wilderness Willmore stays in the park throughout Jasper herd Tonquin the Maligne/ mostly in the year, was The South Jasper herd region. Woodland in the 2005 Alberta identified Plan as in decline; the Caribou Recovery of only three of A la Peche herd is one herds time) the (at eighteen province’s the listed as stable. Maligne Lake Canada pointed to the on caribou effect Road and its negative the road for in the park. Snow-ploughing led to disturbance by cross-country skiers wolves it also gave skiers and their dogs; for caribou prey. easier access to search been calling groups have Environmental for the road to be closed in winter. is due Management Plan for Jasper Park The draft plan to be released shortly. released in early which was for Banff, shift away a marked showed October, from managing the park for ecological priority for the park) (the legal integrity of maximizing the “visitor in favour hope that the Jasper So let’s experience.” the courage to impose plan will have restrictions on visitors in a last ditch a caribou herd hanging by attempt to save a thread. Surely that is what our flagship are supposed to be for. National Parks further be to not is Alberta southern province’s the then future, in eroded Saskatchewan South Conservation Recommendations for for Recommendations Conservation the South Saskatchewan Region I

Wi l d e r n e s s Wa tc h WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 26 De p a rtm e n t s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 27 ONV). Henry Lewis has ONV). Henry Lewis ONV, did in fact influence did in fact ONV, One could question Hammond’s One could question Hammond’s ONV of strictly protected ecosystems. cover on the site. Before and after photos cover of partial cutting in the book are difficult demonstrate well how to tell apart; they the forest careful logging can leave cutting mimics small-scale intact. Partial disturbances – the most common type of natural disturbances in the forest. Partial stand structure cutting promotes diverse and ensures that sufficient biomass is returned to the forest, maintaining ecological functioning and ensuring The benefits of natural regeneration. strictly partial cutting are not, however, ecological; partial cutting, by preserving the aesthetic quality of the forest, makes timber management more compatible with other land uses such as recreation. emphasis on “natural” baselines, and Range of Natural historical ecology, (R Variability that Indigenous management, shown been which Hammond considers to have within the R for boreal ecosystem development specific cultural goals. Determining somewhat what is “natural” is always arbitrary; because of ecological changes and past human impacts, conditions reflect the potential might not always R Is this necessarily bad? It is true that modern industrial use must be limited to ecosystems, but it from degrading keep basing management criteria on “natural conditions” should not preclude the ) I nquiry (A nquiry I ndigenous knowledge knowledge ndigenous I EBCP is based on a “kincentric” In timber management units, Hammond firmly believes that all Hammond firmly believes process for building group consensus, consensus, group building for process respect mutual on based is it that noting achievement positive on focus a and rather than problem solving. Further are listed in the book. AI resources for to Indigenous views similar philosophy of nature as a relation, not just a resource. Hammond criticizes the conventional as definition of sustainable development a balance between ecological, “achieving He social, and economic objectives.” points out that economies cannot exist outside of human cultures, which in outside of ecosystems. turn cannot exist The planning sequence in EBCP reflects of this understanding Hammond’s hierarchical relationship. Hammond since humans do not fully that argues understand the functions of all ecosystem to maintain components, it is imperative the whole. “partial cutting” Hammond advocates up to 25 percent of the tree that leaves and respects Indigenous rights in land-use decision making. Protecting priority given is values non-industrial industrial use because industrial over values. other most degrades development As Hammond points out, Indigenous other and lodges, tourist trappers, peoples, human users dependent on functioning little decision- forest ecosystems have forest Canadian under power making Hammond today. arrangements tenure Appreciative the discusses disturbance, significant or rare natural significant or rare disturbance, the protection, and features needing local communities. of needs and values networks reserve Mappers first design connectivity to protect ecosystem ecological and significant or sensitive with significant features. Second, areas as Indigenous use such cultural values, for values with wilderness areas and areas timber Finally, recreation, are mapped. uses consumptive management and other compatible are are mapped where they cultural values. with ecological and human and non-human, must be values, land-use in respected and represented EBCP values planning. In particular, place-based r n e r o C s ’ CP. CP. r B S to gather and utilize spatial data e a d e I R ased Conservation Ecosystem-Based Conservation on Hammond’s This book builds In a nutshell, EBCP progresses as Maintaining book, Maintaining new Herb Hammond’s Crown: Earth’s on Systems Whole Planning Conservation Ecosystem-based , is a valuable Forest for the Boreal land-use manual for landscape-level While its focus is the boreal planning. forest, the principles apply to other ecosystems as well. Planning (EBCP) challenges the artificial dichotomy of jobs vs conservation humans can by demonstrating how form respectful relationships within ecosystems. Rather than be preoccupied with problems, Hammond focuses on solutions. EBCP helps map positive multiple spatial scales to priorities over ensure that ecological functioning and is maintained, community connectivity are protected, and viable values economies are sustained. Hammond’s in procedures are especially valuable management situations where diverse, often competing interests must be accommodated, such as in community and public land management. among Seeing theearlier work Forest Wholistic Forest The Case for Trees: the compelling offer While both books Use. philosophical and scientific rationales Whole Systems Maintaining for EBCP, manual “how-to” is also a veritable that contains many useful charts and diagrams, including decision-making pathways to help planners keep track of priority concerns as they develop EBCPs. Sample maps and case studies demonstrate thehow process works, and Hammonddiscusses to how use technical tools such as maps, aerial photography, and G relevant to E Reviewed by Andrew Paul Andrew by Reviewed spatial scale, successive At each follows. information concerning planners gather to ecosystem functioning, sensitivity Herb Hammond, Maintaining Whole Whole Maintaining Herb Hammond, Ecosystem- Crown: Earth’s Systems on the Planning for Based Conservation Silva (Slocan Park: Boreal Forest, 2009). Foundation, Forest

Eric Higgs provides the capstone Eric Higgs provides of tourism developments and visitor of tourism developments in the park during a period activities Gabrielle Zezulka- of rapid expansion. Mailloux looks at the implications of promoters successfully aligning railway tourism in the national parks to broader and western of nation building narratives Zac Robinson then looks expansion. wilderness provided Jasper’s at how opportunities for challenge, exploration the form of challenging in and discovery first ascents for well-to-do climbers. chapter which seeks to bridge the gap between the cultural understanding of wilderness and the pursuit of restoring and protecting ecological systems. balked at the idea. However, by obtaining obtaining by However, at the idea. balked scientists, eminent from review peer their case and the Innu strengthened concerning policy influencing began is an important This their homeland. than perhaps, rather activists: lesson for regulatory on top-down relying solely communities could action, citizens and grassroots, taking back from the work plans for responsibility and developing depend. which they the landscapes upon tool handbook is a valuable Hammond’s to that end. acLaren next revisits revisits next MacLaren Mountains. I.S. MacLaren selected nine writers .C., has helped helped B.C., has Park, in Slocan founded including Canada, across communities to create their own First Nations, many Hammond relates EBCPs. In the book, of the Innu Nation of the experience The provincial (Labrador). Nitassinan the Innu that had informed government a forestry plan were developing they Rather than acquiesce, for the region. to aid Hammond the Innu asked EBCP that would them in creating an cultural values protect ecological and forestry for sustainable while allowing then presented this They development. which initially plan to government, the broader cultural trends that how created parks and protected areas across the post-British imperial possessions played out in the case of Jasper National successfully support The authors Park. their conclusions that a comprehensive understanding of ecological history and of wilderness the cultural expressions in the past could prevailed that have what is often seen as the improve vastly task of managing protected biophysical areas in the future. components in this to tackle different edited collection that celebrates the by After a forward centenary of the Park. former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Michael an introduction by the editor, unique insight into the provides Payne in linking valley Athabasca role of the on both sides of the fur trading activities Rocky and the landscapes depicted in sketches artists paintings by two watercolour and Paul Warre from the 1840s (James the describes Kane). Peter Murphy changing boundaries of Jasper National with an and publishes an interview Park Pearlann Reichwein early homesteader. and Lisa McDermott challenge our perceptions of gendered roles in wilderness by describing Mary Schäffer’s of the Maligne and explorations survey area in their appropriately named Lake . C.J. Garden chapter Opening the Secret the historical context provides Taylor

r n e r o C s ’ r e a d e R Presently, forest use in Canada forest use in Canada Presently, The title in itself suggests the

possibility of beneficial human actions human actions of beneficial possibility Allan as Thus, ecosystems. within a to have it is important argues, Savory holistic goal or vision or comprehensive ecosystem the functioning of focused on in whole-systems perspective. processes aid in realizing EBCP is an invaluable functioning such goals of whole-system context. in a land-use planning by provincial is mainly controlled corporations. and large governments Earth’s on Systems Whole Maintaining The Silva alternatives. offers Crown which Hammond Foundation, Forest tells an untold story — the story of two tells an untold story — the story of two in Jasper centuries of human activity National Park. The first it to twin goals of the book. understand Jasper not as a primeval but of human activity, place devoid rather a place steeped in human activities a set of contemporary facing now challenges about interacting with the The second theme natural environment. in more detail of the book explores This story begins for me on the north This story begins from Forced Athabasca River. side of the by the loftier highs of alpine discovery for the we explored dismal weather, valley road along the first time a gravel lilies in wood the western With bottom. full bloom, we came across remnants of Moberly homestead in an open the Ewan field ringed by a series of interpretive signs told the story of human The signs. in the settlers in a wild land surviving fury – a story that seemed of nature’s face a bit out of place in the sublime natural beauty of a national park. Culturing National Park in Jasper Wilderness Reviewed by Paul Way by Paul Reviewed I. S. MacLaren (ed.), Culturing National Park: in Jasper Wilderness Centuries of Human Studies in Two Athabasca River History in the Upper of (Edmonton: University Watershed, Alberta Press, 2007).

De p a rtm e n t s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 28 De p a rtm e n t s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 29

Lu Carbyn Adjunct Professor, Professor, Adjunct University of Alberta of University Canadian Wildlife Service. Wildlife Canadian Emeritus Research Scientist, Scientist, Research Emeritus These weaknesses aside MacLaren These weaknesses If it has been said that managing of aboriginal approaches to natural to natural approaches of aboriginal Traditional as such management, resource justifies a surely Knowledge, Ecological separate chapter. enough with a solid volume puts together of a to create the aura striking images with the intensity table book but coffee of analysis that of research and depth academic with places it in good company is supported with a The text pieces. citations, and in text full bibliography, will The book likely index. a keyword for regional appeal to those looking human history of information about the and conservation Jasper National Park students of in the surrounding areas, to understand wilderness who wish our construction of wilderness has how time, particularly in the changed over and wilderness activists context, regional current who wish to contextualize campaigns and learn from conservation the lessons of the past. protected areas is really about managing the much provides people, this volume bridging the gap needed step toward between our ecological and cultural understandings of protected areas. come and gone and then disappear have Gordon Kerr’s from the “radar screen.” that, no matter dedication clearly shows rapid the changes are or how very how difficult it may be to find solutions, one R under estimate the POWE should never to at least try to INDIVIDUAL THE OF battles are lost Many a difference. make to win any cannot expect we but or won, battles if we are not in there trying to a difference. make However, two weaknesses emerge emerge weaknesses two However, work as effectively as Gordon did on as effectively work Alberta. Frankly, in habitat conservation always was I felt badly that his work profile and, it seemed to at a low kept been given me, that he should have more recognition. But as you have is not one to pointed out, Gordon Kerr brag about his accomplishments. He is modest man and a person with a very often great insights and abilities. I have other gifted and wished that the many retired administrators within government as much dedication show agencies would The same to making this a better world. capable technicians, applies to the many biologists and research scientists, who managers in shaping the current the in shaping managers at discussed park are in the ecosystem of the the chapters length throughout the human tell successfully They book. exclusively is often viewed story of what landscape. as a natural to understand attempt in the volume’s Four of the region. the cultural history are provided fold-out colour maps at different the park boundaries showing while the points in time. Unfortunately, maps, such as human features of the change railways, roads, boundaries and features are based through time the water changes This ignores the on 2006 data. on electric development caused by hydro Saskatchewan the Columbia and North This could be dismissed watersheds. considering that maps as an oversight understanding to the cultural contribute of the ecological systems that the authors it also shows However, seek to explain. a complete build difficult it is to how park of a regional cultural inventory the role of First ecosystem. Secondly, related as they Nations is only covered in the other chapters. to themes covered The strong ties of First Nations people contributions to the land and the positive r o t d i E h e t

o t

s r e tt e L Another strength of the book is that Another strength of

Congratulations for your excellent article Congratulations for your excellent in the Recall of the about Gordon Kerr section in the last issue of Wild Wild made a significant You . Advocate Lands by finding out about this contribution and outlining his former public servant on conservation. and activities views Wildlife I had been with the Canadian Service for 42 years (I am still an Emeritus Research Scientist) and during under at least eleven that time served lost count Directors (may have Regional of them). No one, after on one or two the Service, has continued to leaving Recall of the Wild: Gordon Kerr Gordon Kerr Wild: Recall of the ocky ocky the R results from describing After Project Photography Repeat Mountain ), (http://bridgland.sunsite.ualberta.ca/ connects chapter successfully Higgs’ so by essays. He does the previous for a deeper cultural the need explaining and of the wilderness understanding at the interactions human environment that “engagement local scale. He suggests respect the with wildness…creates places wild that ensure to necessary the linkages Understanding flourish.” ecological history, between cultural and the serious is necessary before he argues, to maintain or questions about how to can begin restore ecological integrity be addressed. by starting with the premise that Jasper is a cultured landscape it truly lays bare the idea that protected areas are allows This of human influences. devoid discussion about the for an advanced past, present and future role of humans in the park ecosystem that has so far of detail and been lacking at this level roles of respective The focus. regional a cast of players including fur traders, homesteaders, early park administrators, tourism promoters and ecosystem A confused, ambushing grizzly was grizzly was A confused, ambushing Wood at During his wardenship unscrupulous hunters and guides. Frank’s Frank’s hunters and guides. unscrupulous it as Creek district no exception, Stony of headwaters bordered the provincial the Ghost River. Creek and Timber Burnt instrumental was On one occasion, Frank not poachers, but in nabbing Calgary bighorns, trophy before a number of and a grizzly were mountain goats, elk the remote Dormer area. out of taken American hunters who Guides took in were in they known even may not have hired A young porter had been the park. to backpack the trophies into the North Ghost; he turned informant after he was double-crossed by being denied a trophy Frank ferreted out the hunt of his own. on the ground before he brought evidence Officers. Wildlife Alberta Fish and in matched to heads and was This evidence freezers. hides in Calgary probably not the most fearsome park After various animal Frank had to face. parks, and Kootenay postings in Banff Wood the Coggins were assigned to from 1968 to 1972. National Park Buffalo a demanding role and Frank was It was for days on end his often forced to leave had expanded that by now young family sons. Controlling fires to include two The year 1969 became his main duty. fighting 20 handling crews him saw was 1972, he but by fires in the park, That year he 70 fires. dealing with over spent only four nights at home between of snows April and the extinguishing But, the memories of dealing December. with bison still raise the hair on the back neck. of Frank’s he constantly captured and Buffalo, slaughtered bison for testing because tuberculosis, anthrax and brucellosis of the 15,000 or so infected many bison. In the dead of the cold winter call of 1971, Frank got an emergency that residents of Fort from Ottawa and other area reserves Chipewyan He was were on the point of starvation. hundred bison ordered to shoot several Using an a human tragedy. off to stave and assigned a enclosed Bombardier, to blood test veterinarian young woman set animals, he and a small crew downed As with forest rangers, a warden with As with forest rangers, a warden park boundaries during Patrolling Frank Coggins Frank and most memorable park home. Colleen and most memorable park home. Colleen an established Banff was Mooney’s with uncles in the warden’s area family, the curator of the service and her father well the life Museum. She knew Banff she had married into. hard-working a wife usually meant two A married recruits for the price of one. be issued four horses couple would and equipped with a rifle, instead of two snug cabin, corral and shotgun, revolver, usually rounded out A dog horse feed. says, 90 percent of As Frank the team. had dogs for companionship and wardens their protection. Not all dogs enjoyed duty and the Coggins had one that so that it a rascal of a bear at Stony disliked This bear hung went miles back to safety. or three summers around them for two truly if it was know did never and they in ambush wait it would dangerous, but for them. Frank says that sometimes had to scurry up a tree; this evasive they manoeuvre confused this bear so that pace back and forth trying to she would but never find where the scent had gone up. looked another annual duty. hunting season was long been magnets to trophies have Park i l d W h e rule, on the banks the on Brule, t o f esource Conservation

R anch. Later he would take a l l R c e T’s 4-year T’s R y 1957 Frank was wearing a By 1957 Frank was of Banff While on duty in the town t was natural therefore, that natural It was A summer position in 1952 on a Frank Before becoming a warden, I

course, crammed into 6 weeks, and other training including ski and mountain rescue that found but he did not enjoy, searches for lost during many valuable in the parks. travelers of in charge uniform and was warden’s District the remotely beautiful Clearwater His duties eastern boundary. near Banff’s the entire were to ride or snowshoe district once a month, clear trails, take and stock of human and animal activities report to headquarters. a young woman in 1958, Frank ticketed her dog to roam at large for allowing an auspicious fine. “She and it was me” chuckled it against hold didn’t heard Frank, as Colleen sighed (she’s them this before) while I interviewed in their Sundre kitchen this November. married and were assigned to Stony They Creek, about 20 km upstream from Lake be their favorite This would Minnewanka. orn and bred in the Alberta forest, Frank Alberta forest, Frank Born and bred in the near up grew Coggins NA By Vivian Pharis Vivian By and on the Athabasca River of the upper Park. Wilderness Willmore doorstep of a expect as a young man he would had been His father backcountry career. early so young Frank’s a forest ranger, of education included all the practicalities rural life - operating equipment, handling taming broncos. tools and animals, even became the start of trail crew Jasper Park to goal was His eventual a 35-year career. Kluane. in that park jewel, be a warden Although his postings took him from the to the extreme Alberta north of extreme got to Kluane. south, he never by ably operating heavy his worth proved and breaking in new equipment in Banff and cranky horsesYa for the service at Tinda Ha Frank Coggins: Respect for the Uniform the Uniform Respect for Coggins: Frank and Back Warden – National Park Country Patrolman

De p a rtm e n t s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 30 Ev e n t s WLA December 2009 • Vol. 17,No. 6 31 ALLEY V Y With accelerated activity on the on accelerated activity With WINTER HIKE February 2, 2010 SHEEP RIVER in Nigel Douglas for a hike AWA’s Join and a chance to valley, the Sheep River the most of this spectacular time of make year. members, AWA Cost: $25.00 for $30.00 for non-members is required. Pre-registration WILD THE MUSIC FOR January 30, 2010 CALGAR for details. our website Watch back country, their kids are glued to are glued their kids country, back back country has seen Frank computers. become the front country use drop and is feels a land ethic He a zoo of activity. the attitude and people have missing now and lands are at their disposal that public or not, has authority uniformed nobody, He feels that new to tell them otherwise. users share this ATV equestrian and him. hurts attitude and it obviously and a new fringes of the back country SRD authority, attitude of disdain for oversight official has seen fit to end its In 2006, of backcountry recreation. other back country Frank and the last 2 Eastern Slopes patrolmen left on the guardians, often Young were laid off. or background were without experience no were given hired to replace them, but horses to get around in the back country. not even cuts meant Last year budget these young guardians were hired and at a recent meeting between SRD and be no we were told there would AWA, This is a sad finish guardians in 2010. Frank but to a distinguished career, tough, practical life has and Colleen’s equipped them to carry on with other interests with heads held high and good memories intact. anch. anch. ut ut R B a Different Vs often descended Though obviously content now in his content now Though obviously esource Development, his district being being district his Development, esource success stories and the ground-breaking success stories and the ground-breaking is part of with AWA work conservation Hay-Zama and its twin park Dalai Lakes in Inner Mongolia. Nature Reserve January 19, 2010 N EDMONTO A. Milner Branch Stanely Public Library, Are Boreal Forests Silent or Just Singing Tune? Erin Bayne Dr. With Erin Bayne will present a Dr. of the photographic overview consequences of changing land-use The practices in the boreal forest. implications of these changes for boreal will be discussed, with an biodiversity bird communities are emphasis on how changing and why. Sundre and moved there in 1987. 1987. in there moved and Sundre his once long; idle stay not could Frank discovered was skills practical of range more far working himself found he In 1993, though, he wanted. hours than way. his came resist not could he job a familiar himself back in He soon found – loved he things the doing surroundings observing, riding, cabin, log a of out living ones new making and trails clearing become had He needed. were they where Sustainable for patrolman country back a R River Corners and Red Deer the Panther Tinda Ha Ya of vicinity the in area His work had come full circle and he was was he and circle full come had work His began. had he where back Sundre setting, his fourteen years with SRD became increasingly frustrating. from the back country evolved Work to that he loved patrols and trail work front country maintenance and increasing numbers of supervision of the growing people using trailhead campgrounds on Tinda. Ha Ya near and River the Panther with horses Up to 700 people, many and some with OR on the area. To Frank these new-age Frank these new-age To on the area. breed. He explains users are a different that while baby boomers may use the s t LKS TA Y v e n D PARK LAND PARK WILD -ZAMA ISIT WITH ITS TWIN WITH ITS VISIT E Although he seldom missed his shot Although he seldom Wood After the action-filled years in for prepared Colleen and Frank Y

January 12, 2010 LETHBRIDGE Helen Schuler Coulee Centre HA A – LAI LAKE, INNER MONGOLIA DA and Christyann Olson Wallis Cliff With Alberta site is globally This northwestern Wetlands recognized under the Ramsar and Christyann will Cliff Convention. Park, Wildland highlight Hay-Zama best conservation Alberta’s one of TUESDA is required for all talks Pre-registration 7:00 p.m. Time: Cost: $5 for adults, $1 for children Information/Reservations Online: www.Albertawilderness.ca Phone: (403) 283-2025 1-866-313-0713 Toll-free: t was so cold that the veterinarian the veterinarian cold that so It was forth. from fingers on her blisters developed body suffered samples. Frank’s gathering 375 mm repeatedly firing the too, from down needed to bring magnum rifle of padding, about 6 layers bison. Despite his entire black and blue down he became kick. right side from the gun’s of a front leg behind the outstretched failed mature bull running animal, one it ended up facing and Frank to go down the Bombardier. from on foot and away Frank to take It turned square on, forcing just The 300-grain bullets head shots. skull and maddened the thick bounced off in the Bombadier realized Those the bull. nick of time and the predicament in the were able to administer a side shot. one might think the Coggins Buffalo, a plum position at enjoyed have would Colleen National Park. Lakes Waterton feet were Frank’s did, but and the boys and he yearned for Kluane. It never itchy last years happened though, and Frank’s service were spent in in the warden’s told he was where he was Waterton, “needed” until he retired in 1987. of west property a buying by retirement Wi l d Al b e r t a Yo u r Gi f t f o r Wi l d e r n e s s Every winter, Alberta Wilderness Association asks members and donors to consider making a gift to help create awareness and increase protection of our wildlands, wildlife, and wild water.

Will you help us this year? Please consider the difference you can make by taking a stand and helping AWA. Here are some ideas. • Send a cash donation by cheque, credit card, or online at http://shop.albertawilderness.ca. • Ask your employer to match your donation to AWA. • Support the Wild Lands Advocate by purchasing a subscription. • Join Wilderness Partners and become a monthly donor. • Purchase a gift membership for someone who cares about wilderness. • make a memorial donation in memory of loved ones. • make a gift of publicly listed securities and save capital gains taxes. • make a contribution to the Alberta Wilderness and Wildlife Trust – our legacy fund managed by the Calgary Foundation. • Leave a gift in your will. Our charitable business number is 11878 1251 RR0001.

photo: D. Olson

Every gift you make helps and is sincerely appreciated. For more information, call (403) 283-2025 or (toll-free) 1-866-313-0713. All charitable donations qualify for a tax-deductible receipt.

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