Defending Wild Alberta Through Awareness and Action

Home , Banff National Park, Kakwa Wildland Park, The Beehive (Alberta)

2006 - 2007

ANNUAL REPORT Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action

Alberta Wilderness Association

1 ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION Annual Report 2006 - 2007

Provincial Office – Hillhurst Cottage School 455 – 12 St NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Y9

Phone 403.283.2025 • Fax 403.270.2743 Email: [email protected] AlbertaWilderness.ca

Contributions to the Annual Report by AWA board and staff members and final editing by J. Hildebrand are gratefully acknowledged.

Cover Photo Along Powderface Trail CHRISTYANN OLSON

Table of Contents

WILDERNESS FOR TOMORROW ...... 1 NUCLEAR POWER ...... 34

WHO WE ARE ...... 3 PUBLIC LANDS ...... 35 WATERSHED PROTECTION ...... 35

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ...... 5 PROTECTED AREAS PROGRESS ...... 36

MISSION, VISION, VALUES & STRENGTH AND CAPACITY ...... 37 OBJECTIVES ...... 7 Vision ...... 7 ALBERTA WILDERNESS RESOURCE Values ...... 7 CENTRE ...... 38 Objectives ...... 8 Program Goals ...... 8 WILD LANDS ADVOCATE ...... 39 WWW.ALBERTAWILDERNESS.CA ...... 39

WILDERNESS CONSERVATION, WIN (WILDERNESS NETWORK) ...... 40 STEWARDSHIP & EDUCATION ...... 9 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM ...... 40 WILD SPACES, WILD LANDS ...... 10 COMMUNITY WORK PLACEMENTS ..... 41 AREAS OF CONCERN ...... 12 Bighorn Wildland ...... 12 Primrose-Lakeland ...... 15 FINANCING WILDERNESS Crown of the Continent Ecosystem 16 PROTECTION ...... 41 Prairie Grasslands and Parkland Ecosystems...... 22 REVENUE ...... 42 Northwest Alberta ...... 26 NorthernAlberta ...... 28 EXPENDITURES ...... 43 Northeast Alberta ...... 29 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ALBERTA’S WILDLIFE – POSITION ...... 43 SPECIES AT RISK ...... 30 TATEMENT OF PERATIONS ...... 45 Bison ...... 30 S O Grizzly Bears ...... 30 ALBERTA WILDERNESS AND Caribou ...... 31 ILDLIFE RUST ...... 46 SARA ...... 31 W T Wildlife Economies ...... 32 Annual Guest Lecture ...... 46 Wilderness Defender Awards ...... 47 FORESTS...... 33 Mountain Pine Beetle ...... 33 Forest Fires ...... 34 HOPE FOR TOMORROW ...... 41

ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION

Wilderness for Tomorrow “In wildness is the preservation of the world.” Henry D. Thoreau

ot a day goes by without the hope and vision we carry for Wild Alberta being challenged by the stark reality of development and unsurpassed growth in Alberta. As we struggle with learning all we need to know, N hoping that the strategies we employ and the work we do will make all the difference, we are aware of a degree of simple believer’s faith. It is a belief that in some naïve and innocent way, wisdom will prevail and there will be wilderness for tomorrow. The passion of our founders burns in each one of us at AWA as strongly as it ever did, and we believe in achieving a wilderness legacy. Our very existence, our well-being, and our own personal health depend on wilderness. We must make a difference; we must work tirelessly as individuals, as an association, and as colleagues with other conservation and like-minded groups, with industry, government, Albertans, and with seemingly unlikely allies. Constantly challenged to measure our success, we must have an impact and be an important, relevant part of present-day society and the far-reaching decisions being made about Wild Alberta. The inextricable links among water, wildlife, and wild lands are constant reminders of the need for staff to discover and know every corner of Alberta, and we have – on foot, in the air, in cars and buses, and on horseback. We know we need to grow in membership and in recognition throughout the province. Our slow and steady growth through 42 years needs an exponential increase to make our voice relevant and well-known throughout the province. Today, we represent 172 communities throughout the province – five more than last year. Next year there will be more. Day-to-day, the work is as hard as it comes. The outcomes are not always significant in the measure of land conserved or wild species saved, but we know we are making a difference. The staff and Board of Directors are a passionate, formidable force, and we strategically plan our direction and the use of our human and financial resources. Our vision for the future is clear. We are dependent on our members and supporters for their assistance financially and on the ground as advocates and community leaders. None of our accomplishments would be possible without their support and that of the non-profit, foundation, corporate, and government sectors. This annual report reviews the work we have achieved and underlines the promise of ongoing work to defend Alberta’s wilderness.

Christyann Olson, Richard Secord, Executive Director President

Who We Are

The Alberta Wilderness Association was formed in 1965 by backcountry enthusiasts, ranchers, and outfitters in southwest Alberta. Born of frustration and concern about changes to habitat and the loss of wilderness, people like Steve Dixon, Floyd Stromstedt, and William Michalsky led the way for conservation in Alberta. Since then AWA has grown to include a wide diversity of individual backgrounds and skills in its membership and its staff. More than four decades of dedicated volunteerism, philanthropy, and belief in the vision of AWA have contributed to the rich culture that is AWA. Today Steve Dixon remains a voice for conservation and others like my colleagues Cliff Wallis, Vivian Pharis, and Christyann Olson are tenaciously forwarding AWA’s mandate and representing the public interest for conservation. AWA has always had a clear vision about the protection needed for our diminishing wilderness and our threatened and endangered wildlife and watersheds. In November AWA launched a new web page www.savethegrizzly.ca. The grizzly population stands at less than 500 bears in Alberta. Years from now, people will judge the decisions we made when we still had a chance to protect our lands and save the last grizzlies in Alberta. Today there is an even greater urgency, and the scars of just one more incursion leave a bleak picture on the landscapes of Alberta. AWA remains Alberta’s frontline advocacy organization advancing the establishment of truly protected wilderness areas. For more than 40 years, AWA has helped people to recognize these diverse and unique wilderness values in Alberta. Preserving wilderness may someday be seen through the eyes of our children, politicians, and historians as the most important contribution societies made to the health of our global environment and planet. AWA is people who know the value of wilderness and who work to protect those values. – Richard Secord, President

Board of Directors President: Richard Secord, Edmonton Past-President: Cliff Wallis, Calgary First Vice-President: Heinz Unger, Cochrane Second Vice-President: Vivian Pharis, Cochrane Secretary/Treasurer: Cliff Wallis, Calgary Directors: Hyland Armstrong, Elkwater Frank Calder, Edmonton James Campbell, Calgary Gerald Hall, Calgary Owen McGoldrick, Calgary Director Emeritus: Herbert G. Kariel, Calgary

Board members at AWA Wild West Gala, Calgary September 14, 2007. (left to right) Christyann Olson, ED; Richard Secord, President; Heinz Unger; Jim Campbell; Jerry Hall; Owen McGoldrick; Frank Calder; Vivian Pharis; Cliff Wallis

Mission, Vision, Values & Objectives Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action

lberta Wilderness Association (AWA) is the oldest wilderness conservation group in Alberta dedicated to the completion of a protected areas network and the conservation of wilderness throughout the A province. Founded in 1965 in rural southwest Alberta by backcountry enthusiasts, ranchers, and outfitters, AWA has grown into a province-wide organization. With more than four decades of success, it is known for its tenacity, corporate memory, and integrity. AWA is a non-profit, federally registered, charitable society. It has a provincial office and resource centre in Calgary and active members and volunteers throughout Alberta. The staff of the Association includes professionals and specialists in management, conservation biology, economics, education, outreach, communications, and accounting.

VISION

There will be a comprehensive system of protected wild areas. There will be a society with decision-making processes, policies, and laws that recognize the value of nature for its own sake. AWA will be an effective and credible advocate that fosters awareness and helps Albertans protect wild areas and wildlife. AWA will have sufficient resources to speak independently on wilderness issues.

VALUES

Ecocentredness We recognize the inherent importance of Nature and humankind’s place in it, and the role of AWA is to be an advocate for that which cannot speak for itself. Integrity We conduct our advocacy with truth, honesty, and respect for others, within the full limits of the law. Respectfulness We develop rapport with individuals and communities through active listening, openness, and free access to information in a democratic way.

Participation We promote effective environmental decision-making through an empowered and knowledgeable public that is inclusive of all segments of society. Tenacity We will steadfastly advocate for Nature in a manner true to our principles through innovation, persistence, and passion. Passion We are free to feel, demonstrate, and encourage an emotional and spiritual connectedness with Nature.

OBJECTIVES

To promote the protection of wildland areas and wild rivers in Alberta in an attempt to preserve them in their natural state. To safeguard and work to restore the wild, natural ecosystems of Alberta. To enable Albertans to communicate effectively with government, industry and other sectors of society on matters concerning the wild, natural ecosystems of Alberta. To educate Albertans on the value, ecologically sustainable use, and conservation of wilderness, and of natural lands, water, and wildlife. To foster among Albertans a sense of connectedness to and passion for wild places, wildlife, and Alberta’s natural landscapes.

PROGRAM GOALS

To promote the completion of a network of protected wilderness lands and waters in Alberta. To ensure that this network of protected areas includes sufficient wilderness lands and waters to represent each of the diverse Natural Regions and Sub-Regions in Alberta; to protect unique and outstanding areas of wilderness; and to meet the public’s demand for such wild places. To ensure that this network of protected areas is legally protected from human development, including industrial activities, settlement, cultivation, and motorized use, and is left in a wilderness state in perpetuity. To promote the protection of the wilderness authenticity and ecological integrity of existing protected areas.

Wilderness Conservation, Stewardship & Education “Wilderness exists where large areas are characterized by the dominance of natural processes, the presence of the full complement of plant and animal communities characteristic of the region, and the absence of human constraints on nature.” Alberta Wilderness Association

he following pages provide a brief review of our work in an exciting and rewarding year. Our resources, both human and financial, are allocated based on our ten-year action plan, which is reviewed annually and T revised as necessary to remain relevant and set priorities. We have not achieved our vision and greatest goals of protection for critical wild spaces, yet we are encouraged with the progress made. We have struggled with threats, broken promises, and wanton disregard for wild things as humans race to harness Nature. We are encouraged as our members and supporters remain steadfast and help us remember the value of smaller goals achieved along the way. We know that hope lies in the deeds of solitary individuals who build for all. Christyann Olson, Executive Director

Female ferruginous hawk watching her fledglings from a nearby perch, Suffield National Wildlife Area CHRISTYANN OLSON

WILD SPACES, WILD LANDS There is no better way to preserve ecological biodiversity than through a network of representative protected areas. Our quality of life and quality of opportunity depend on it.

Wild Spaces and Areas of Concern are the names we use to refer to areas that are critical to a network of protected representative landscapes in Alberta. These areas are the basis of our Wild Alberta map. This map has evolved through the years from initial hand-drawn “bubbles” to a more refined version that uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to detail known critical values in Alberta’s landscapes. The map is shared regularly with colleagues in government, industry, and the environmental field to create a better understanding of critical ecological values and to recognize the significance of Alberta’s natural capital. It is perhaps one of our most effective educational tools. The map is available in large poster format and has been presented to a number of schools throughout the province. It is posted on our website to create greater accessibility. As we continue to refine each Area of Concern, the individual maps are also posted to our website. We have developed some in-house ability to prepare the maps we need for presentations and as educational tools. Developing a more reader-friendly format for each of the AWA’s Areas of Concern maps continues to be our goal.

Making amendments to existing maps, creating new data and maps, and using all the data at our disposal to analyze and extract important information from existing maps and data is an important part of our work. We contract this work out when our needs are beyond our in-house staff abilities.

WILD SPACES, AREAS OF CONCERN

BIGHORN WILDLAND

This past year saw a persistent effort in AWA’s attempt to protect this important area of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. AWA finished one major research project in the Bighorn area and began another, in addition to continuing long-standing programs, all of which have helped to build awareness and support for the Bighorn Wildland. Unfortunately, we also saw examples of why AWA must maintain tenacity in its efforts to achieve protective status for the Bighorn Wildland. Most recently, in July 2007, Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) informed AWA that for the first time in 20 years, individuals on off- highway vehicles violated the Forest Land Use Zone (FLUZ) of Blackstone-Wapiabi, entering into an area where meadows had finally recovered from prior years of abuse and damage by motorized recreation. Illegal activities such as this continue to weigh heavily on the Bighorn Backcountry, alongside oil and gas exploration, increasing motorized recreation, and inadequate management of this large, intact wilderness.

Crescent Falls, Bighorn Wildland CHRIS WEARMOUTH In response, AWA persisted in its efforts to have the provincial government fulfill its 1986 promise to create the Bighorn Wildland Park through direct communication with government officials and a number of projects specifically aimed at research, building public awareness, and stewardship.

Bighorn Wildland Recreational Trail Monitoring Project 2006-2007 saw the completion of the Bighorn Wildland Recreational Trail Monitoring Project after four years of monitoring the 76-km system of motorized and non-motorized trails in the Upper Clearwater-Ram FLUZ. The research uncovered three major usage trends that are of concern for the future of the Bighorn: • The willingness of backcountry users to abide by FLUZ regulations is decreasing. Neither regulated use nor voluntary compliance is reducing the amount of illegal use. • Current levels of recreational activity are causing severe environmental degradation. • Use of the trails is increasing. With increased use comes the likelihood of an increase in degradation.

General location of AWA’s study area within the Bighorn Wildland is shown by the coloured square near the centre of map.

With the release of the project’s final report in March, AWA concluded the evidence strongly suggests that current management in the Bighorn Backcountry will not protect the environment from degradation caused by recreational impacts. Our findings highlight the need for our continued work in building a better protection framework to manage the Bighorn area. Following the release of the

final report, AWA board members and staff met with SRD’s Bruce Cartwright and his staff to discuss the findings and future management and/or restoration work. Subsequently, we also met with SRD Minister Ted Morton, Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture Minister Hector Goudreau, and Premier Ed Stelmach. As an extension of the study, this past summer AWA began carrying out a widespread survey of recreational users in the Bighorn area. The purpose of the survey is to get user statistics and to build a clear picture of the priorities and concerns of the individuals and organizations who recreate in the area. Surveying will continue into early next year and the final report will be published before the end of 2007.

Preliminary R11 Forest Management Plan The Bighorn Backcountry is currently managed under the R11 Forest Management Unit (FMU). In June AWA received a copy of SRD’s Preliminary R11 Forest Management Plan. While it takes a more ecological approach to forest management, AWA sees a lack of overarching considerations for the Bighorn outside of forest health, such as recreation and industrial interests. AWA responded to the R11 Draft Fire Management Plan with a formal letter to SRD. In the letter, AWA stated that without overall management planning, a number of sub-plans, like Access Management and Fire Management, are being developed. They are often taking planning in directions – or establishing priorities – that were not intended by the Eastern Slopes Policy or the Integrated Resource Planning, which provide basic directives for managing the area. Summer Hikes Program AWA’s Summer Hikes program included three great days out in the Bighorn this year. Visiting Siffleur Falls, Ram Ridge, and Ya Ha Tinda, participants traveled through some of the spectacular country that makes up this relatively pristine wilderness. Led by people who are active in the area, the Summer Hikes Program is a terrific way to inform the public about the issues surrounding the Bighorn while enjoying a beautiful day out.

Trail Maintenance This year also saw another successful trip out to the historic Bighorn Trail. AWA has a long-standing commitment to help maintain the trail through the Alberta government’s Adopt-A-Trail program. This year four volunteers and nine horses went out to clear deadfall and report on the condition of both the trail and established camps along it. Our continued efforts are recognized by many, including SRD’s Robert Popowich, who has called the work “invaluable to the stewardship of the Bighorn Backcountry.” As increased recreation, industrial development, and insufficient management continue to threaten the Bighorn Backcountry, AWA will remain vigilant in its efforts to achieve protection for this vital piece of Alberta’s wilderness heritage.

PRIMROSE – LAKELAND

During the past year, AWA continued its efforts to secure better protection for the Primrose-Lakeland area. AWA will continue working toward the restoration and maintenance of a healthy intact ecosystem that protects watersheds and forests, sustains viable wildlife populations, and provides long-term sustainable and diversified economic opportunities for nearby communities.

Kinnaird Lake, Primrose-Lakeland Area of Concern JOYCE HILDEBRAND

Some priorities are finalizing a Management Plan that protects the ecological integrity of this area, preventing further vehicle access into the protected area, advocating for a systematic ecological study of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range with a view to establishing one or more protected areas on the Range, and extending the boundaries of the protected area. In order to increase awareness about Lakeland and the need for increased protection, AWA organized a three-day canoe trip in June 2007. Seven paddlers enjoyed the beauty of several lakes on Alberta’s only canoe circuit, although the serenity was broken too frequently by the noise of large motorboats and jet-skis. We will continue to advocate for restricted access of motorized vehicles on the trails and lakes of Lakeland Provincial Park and Recreation Area. Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area is threatened by the resurrection of a proposal to extend Highway 881 through its lakes and wetlands. Proponents of the highway want a more direct route to the Athabasca tar sands. AWA opposes the proposal and stresses the ecotourism potential of the Primrose-Lakeland area if it is given true protection.

Primrose-Lakeland covers approximately 6,000 km2 east of Lac La Biche and includes much of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. Lakeland Provincial Park (147 km2) and Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area (443.3 km2) were established in 1992, leaving 5,400 km2 with no legislated protection. The area’s many lakes provide critical breeding and nesting habitat for birds such as great blue herons and loons. Bogs and fens contain rare plant species, and a significant portion of the region constitutes part of the Primrose caribou herd’s range. Primrose-Lakeland’s astounding biodiversity includes almost 200 bird species, 41 different mammals, and both cold-water and warm-water fish. The area faces intense petroleum development, logging, encroaching settlement, and high-impact recreation such as off-highway vehicle use. Extensive degradation from extractive industries has already occurred, and subsurface leases for petroleum and natural gas occupy roughly one-third of the area. The region’s old-growth forests are particularly at risk. The fish stocks of many of the lakes are depleted from commercial fishing, and hunting and trapping activities continue. AWA will continue to work toward the restoration and maintenance of a healthy and intact ecosystem in Primrose-Lakeland that protects watersheds and forests, sustains viable wildlife populations, and provides long-term sustainable and diversified economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

CROWN OF THE CONTINENT ECOSYSTEM

For many years, AWA’s focus in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem (CCE) has been to achieve legislated protection of the Castle Wilderness. While this area is where our roots are, we are also fully engaged in protecting the areas we have identified as wild spaces necessary for a truly protected network throughout the CCE. From the Montana border to the southern parts of Kananaskis, AWA has a number of projects, concerns, collaborative efforts, and interests. Protection and better management of wilderness throughout the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, particularly in those areas we have identified as wild spaces, are the core of our efforts in the CCE. These

areas, from Waterton National Park to southern Kananaskis Country, have been the focus of a number of collaborative initiatives. AWA is pleased to have the support of LaSalle Adams Fund, Wilburforce Foundation, and Alberta Conservation Association for the work we do in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. This year AWA published a position paper, The Forests of Alberta’s Southern Eastern Slopes: Forests or Forestry? (July 2007). The paper argues that the values of forests in the region – watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation – deserve greater consideration and that these forests must not be managed with the primary objective of supplying timber. AWA met with the Premier Stelmach and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton and Tourism Parks, Recreation and Culture Minister Hector Goudreau. Among other items, this concern and AWA’s position paper were discussed. Forestry operations in the region fall within two management regimes: the Forest Management Agreement (FMA) of Spray Lake Sawmills and the C5 Forest Management Area. Both areas have draft management plans under review, and AWA provided input into both processes.

Castle Wildland The Castle area, where AWA cut its teeth as a fledgling organization in the 1960s, continues to be a major focus as protection eludes this critical biodiverse area of Alberta. AWA works in cooperation with a number of groups seeking protection for the Castle area as the Andy Russell Wildland, in the memory of this tireless wildland defender. During the summer of 2007 AWA’s research program in the Castle continued with studies of invasive plants, whitebark pine regeneration, and linear disturbance reclamation efforts by Shell Canada in the Prairie Bluff subalpine area. The research was supported by the Alberta Conservation Association and Shell Canada. Four Front Range Canyons (Yarrow, Spionkop, South Drywood, and Pincher) were surveyed for invasive plant species. The survey began at the uppermost Shell infrastructure in each of the canyons and proceeded upstream until invasive and weedy species were no longer observed. The survey followed the linear disturbance corridor, which is a product of past seismic and OHV use and is being continued through cattle grazing. The upper limit of invasive and weedy species more or less coincided with the upper limit of cattle grazing. Reg Ernst, who conducted the surveys for AWA, concluded that appropriate levels of cattle grazing may help to control agronomic species but active removal and continued control are necessary to eliminate weed species. As part of the disturbed site reclamation assessment, an abandoned truck trail was surveyed for natural recovery in the alpine on Prairie Bluff. No treatments were applied to this site; all recovery was through natural processes. Although cover values were higher on the control (undisturbed site), by 15 years post-disturbance, natural recovery on the disturbed area was well advanced. This indicates that in the

absence of non-native species, native plant communities can recover on high elevation disturbed areas. Our work on whitebark pine regeneration is in progress and a report will be included in next year’s annual report. During the summer of 2006, we searched large portions of the Castle area to locate whitebark pine stands suitable for surveying. We were able to establish 20 plots on 13 of the 16 drainages visited. The data collected included tree density, cone production, and tree health. All plots contained trees infected with blister rust; only 16 percent of the trees were rated as healthy. Cone-producing trees were found on 15 of the 20 plots, but cone production averaged only 3.7/100 m2. Although whitebark pine is widely distributed in the Castle area, it faces severe threats, particularly from blister rust and from competing species such as spruce and fir. AWA works closely with Reg Ernst, who is passionate about the Castle region – its biodiversity, its landscapes, and the need to protect this area. Reg leads our research efforts and involves volunteers, helping others to know more about the region and its unique values. AWA seeks improved management in the Castle area, not only from Alberta SRD, but from industrial operators in the area as well. Shell Canada has begun reclamation of old wells and industrial roads and has consulted on issues related to these reclamation efforts. AWA provided comments on the draft C5 Forest Management plan for the region, which is currently on hold pending a review by the Oldman Watershed Council. Plans for industrial logging in the Castle area are a significant concern, and it is hoped that SRD Minister Ted Morton will heed principles of the Eastern Slopes Policy and protect these critical

watershed forests.

View to Font Mountain, Castle Wildland NIGEL DOUGLAS

A spectacular three-day backpacking trip and a day hike in the Castle front ranges were organized as part of AWA’s summer hikes program. With the goal of introducing the values of backcountry adventures, Nigel Douglas and Reg Ernst led

the backpacking trip for eight participants. It was one of our most successful programs.

Waterton Parkland AWA opposed plans for an ore-processing plant on the Gulf Refinery site, Drywood Creek, arguing that water quality concerns had not been adequately addressed, and that local residents had not been suitably consulted. Another extraordinary proposal for a bizarre development in Cardston County, named Mandyland (including mock tank battles, go-carts, swamp buggies, jet boats and dragsters), was also strongly opposed

Livingstone – Porcupine The Livingstone-Porcupine area has become a more prominent area of concern in the past year. AWA has been an important contributor to collaborative projects with landowner organizations in the region. We are deeply involved in the Southern Foothills Study, a multi-stakeholder group involving industry, landowners, and environmental groups looking at long-term planning in the region. A report on the first two phases of the project is now available on AWA’s website, and the third phase – an investigation of “best practices” for different sectors – is in progress. AWA has also been working closely with the Energy Utilities Board (EUB) and landowner groups in the region, as a “clarification” exercise is undertaken into EUB’s information letter IL93-9. This information letter has provided guidelines on development in the southern Eastern Slopes since 1993, and industry has requested clarification of the letter. AWA’s contribution to the process emphasizes the need for regulations that require public input and the highest possible standards for operators in this priceless and

irreplaceable landscape.

Vivian Pharis leads interpretive hike in Porcupine Hills CHRIS WEARMOUTH

Don Getty Wildland and Beehive Natural Area are shown in green. Forestry cutblocks outside the protected areas are prominent.

Beehive Natural Area AWA is volunteer steward for the Beehive Natural Area in the headwaters of the Oldman River. This is a popular venue for our hikes program, as is the Whaleback area. We are increasingly concerned with the incursion of forestry and off-highway vehicle activity adjacent to the Beehive area: aerial images show the Beehive as an “oasis” in an increasingly fragmented landscape. AWA’s new Oldman Headwaters

brochure gives a graphic indication of this.

Kananaskis Country Monitoring of management activities in Kananaskis Country and working toward further protection and better management are our objectives for this Area of Concern. We have provided input into the Draft Forest Management Plan for the Spray Lake Sawmills Forest Management Agreement area, which includes

Kananaskis Country. Over-reaction to the perceived pine beetle threat is a real risk to forest health in southern Alberta, and our goal is to ensure that science rather than economic interest is the driving force behind management for the beetle. We maintain our role as steward for Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. Petro- Canada has acquired the mineral rights for the area, and AWA has cooperated with Petro-Canada and monitors their development plans. Kananaskis Country continues to feature in AWA’s Summer Hikes Program, with hikes in winter and summer. A trail-maintenance trip scheduled for the Great Divide Trail in August 2007 was postponed due to a forest access ban because of high risk for fires in the area this summer. AWA continues to work with volunteers from the Great Divide Trail Association.

Ghost-Waiparous AWA involvement in seeking an access management plan for the Ghost-Waiparous area has been ongoing since the 1980s. Access management planning (for motorized access) has continued for the past three years, and AWA is a member of the Ghost Stewardship Committee. AWA continues to work toward a policy for this area that will protect wilderness values, particularly non-motorized access, wildlife, and clean watersheds. As the Ghost-Waiparous area borders on to the Ghost River Wilderness, Banff National Park, and the Don Getty Wildland, access management monitoring and planning for the area is essential to protect wilderness, wildlife, and water quality and quantity values.

Ghost River, Devils Head mountain in background VIVIAN PHARIS

PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS & PARKLAND ECOSYSTEMS

Rumsey The Rumsey area is the only large, relatively undisturbed area of aspen groveland on hummocky disintegration moraine left in Canada. It is representative of a landscape that is almost extinct and provides a valuable ecological benchmark. AWA wants the expedited removal of oil and gas development from Rumsey and real protection of this grassland. Industrial development is inappropriate in a protected area and yet this has continued to be approved. AWA was justifiably disappointed and angry that a coalbed methane well was approved without public consultation or notification of key stakeholders, including AWA, Alberta Native Plant Council, and Red Deer River Naturalists. AWA believes the approval was completely unacceptable and contravenes the requirement for public consultation contemplated in the Regionally Integrated Decision. AWA submitted objections to the Energy and Utility Board and we are assessing our legal options, including a judicial review to seek remedy for this situation. The entire Rumsey Block must be managed as one unit and Rumsey Natural Area JOYCE HILDEBRAND the public must be engaged in the management of the area. There must be no new fragmentation of the rough fescue grasslands, old disturbances must be restored to native condition, and invasive species removed. In October 2007 we met with Minster Hector Goudreau and made our position known, requesting dialogue with the Ministries of Energy and Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture to further efforts for the area’s greater protection.

Middle Sand Hills (Suffield) The Middle Sand Hills region includes a number of environmentally significant areas along the South Saskatchewan River close to the eastern border of Alberta, such as the South Saskatchewan River Canyon, Prairie Coulees Ecological Reserve, and the Suffield Military Reserve. Areas not protected are under threat from oil and gas activity. In 2003 the Suffield National Wildlife Area (NWA) was designated. This area lies with CFB Suffield, along the western edge of the

Prairie Coulees – Middle Sand Hills/Suffield JOYCE HILDEBRAND South Saskatchewan River, and is one of the last six remaining large native grasslands left in the glaciated northern plains. A mere two years after the designation of the Suffield NWA, EnCana proposed drilling up to 1,275 wells in three years, essentially doubling the number of wells in the area that were drilled in the last 30 years. A coalition of environmental groups, including AWA, is asking the federal government to prohibit all new industrial activities in the Suffield NWA. The coalition comprises Alberta Wilderness Association, Federation of Alberta Naturalists, Grassland Naturalists, Nature Canada, Southern Alberta Group for the Environment, and World Wildlife Fund. The proposed EnCana project is slated to go to a joint federal/provincial panel hearing early in 2008. AWA, Grasslands Naturalists, and Nature Canada will be intervenors at the hearing. EnCana’s performance in Koomati, an environmentally sensitive area of CFB Suffield, doesn’t bode well for the company’s plans for the NWA. Internal government documents reveal that an audit of a “minimal disturbance” shallow gas infill drilling program in Koomati found significant impacts on native grassland. Impacts included multiple access routes to wells, significant disturbance at lease sites, invasive species, disregard for species-at-risk, improper waste management, and lack of promised monitoring.

Northern Plains Conservation Network (NPCN) The Northern Plains Conservation Network (NPCN) represents a far-sighted, broad-based vision for North America's grassland region: to restore, in some parts of the Great Plains, the wildlife spectacle that supported our aboriginal peoples and thrilled Lewis and Clark, John Palliser, and other nineteenth-century visitors.

A major social benefit of this project will be an increase in opportunities for present-day inhabitants to use and enjoy large areas with abundant wildlife. AWA supports and is a member of this network. Work to develop this network has slowed down due to a lack of resources. NPCN members participated in a workshop on wild bison in Montana in the fall of 2006. AWA staff Christyann Olson and Shirley Bray attended the meetings sponsored by the American Conservation Society.

Cypress Hills The Cypress Hills, which span the border between southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, are recognized internationally as a significant native grassland area. In the Cypress Hills Fringe Area Structure Plan, Cypress County recognized the importance of preserving the ranchlands surrounding Cypress Hills

Interprovincial Park. When wind farms were proposed in the Fringe, the buffer zone surrounding the park, AWA was one of a number of groups and individuals who spoke out in favour of the intent of the Fringe plan, which opposes industrialization in the area. Following a public hearing, County councilors decided to allow wind farms in the Fringe, contrary to the guidelines and intent of the Fringe plan. AWA, along with colleagues from Grassland Naturalists, continues to oppose development in the Fringe Area and to be constantly vigilant as issues with wind power development threaten the native prairie in this region. Cooperative planning with Grassland Naturalists for a forum on wind energy development was initiated this year; the forum will occur in 2008.

Wainwright Dunes AWA continues to serve on the advisory group for the Wainwright Dunes and to monitor implementation of the management plan approved in 1999 for this nationally significant parkland sand dunes and wetland wilderness.

Milk River As a founding member, AWA continues to serve on the Milk River Natural Area Management Society, which oversees the management of this nationally significant grassland and river wilderness in southeast Alberta. The group has recently funded surveys of breeding birds (including an intensive bird of prey survey), leopard frogs, rare plants and grassland condition. There is a renewed emphasis on monitoring and vehicle use, the next area to be explored. The area is being managed well and represents the longest-term multi-factor biodiversity monitoring site in Alberta’s grasslands.

The Whaleback evokes a sense of awe – this hike is one of our most popular. CHRIS WEARMOUTH

NORTHWEST ALBERTA

Hay-Zama The Hay-Zama Lakes Complex, a lowland wetland region in the northwest corner of Alberta, encompasses marshes, lakes, swamps, river deltas, woodlands, and wet meadows. In 1982 the region was designated an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention. A portion of the area (486 km2) was established as a Wildland Park under the Provincial Parks Act in 1999. In addition to providing habitat and a movement corridor for woodland caribou and other ungulates, the Complex is used by a wide array of waterfowl, shorebirds, and marshbirds. Hay-Zama is the only site in the province selected for reintroduction of wood bison, which have thrived in this habitat. The area is an ecological island in a highly degraded landscape, sitting above a productive oil and gas reserve that has been actively developed since the 1960s. Established in the 1980s, the Hay-Zama Committee was re-activated in 1994 to cooperatively resolve conflicts between development, especially oil and gas, and protection. The Committee includes representatives from the First Nations community, government, Ducks Unlimited, Alberta Wilderness Association, and the energy industry.

Hay-Zama Lake oil well AWA FILES

AWA initiated the twinning of Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Park with the Dalai Lake National Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia, China, another Ramsar site. Dalai Lake is part of the most extensive remaining temperate grassland in the world, and both Hay-Zama and Dalai Lake affect minority peoples. The celebration of the formal twinning of these two areas and the official dedication of the Wildland Park will take place in May 2008. AWA will continue to participate on the Hay-Zama Committee in order to accelerate the winding down of industrial activities, particularly in high-risk zones. AWA promotes the Hay-Zama Committee’s consensus-based, collaborative process as a model for phasing out “non-conforming” uses in other proposed and existing protected areas in Alberta.

Cardinal Divide The Cardinal Divide area is adjacent to the eastern side of Jasper National Park, southeast of the town of Hinton. The area spans the continental divide; one side drains to the Arctic Ocean and the other to the Hudson’s Bay. Resource extraction in the Cardinal Divide area is jeopardizing a refugium that is home to incredible biological diversity. High elevations of the Cardinal Divide are thought to have been a nunatak, an area that remained ice-free during the last period of glaciation. This attribute would explain the diverse and unique population of plant and insect species found there. AWA’s vision for the area is protection of the entire area (including Folding Mountain, Red Cap, and Cardinal River Headwaters, Cheviot Mine site) through a 467-km2 addition to Whitehorse Wildland Park. Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park currently occupies an area of 174 km2. AWA would like to see 467 km2 of surrounding area added to the park and will continue to work with local activists in the coming year to develop plans for seeking protection of the area.

Little Smoky Located between Hinton and Jasper National Park along the front ranges of the Rockies, the Little Smoky area represents a critical portion of Alberta’s Upper and Lower Foothills Natural Subregion. In Alberta, only 2 percent of the Foothills is protected. The Little Smoky has long been recognized as provincially significant, as it supports many ESAs, including the Donald Creek drainage, Middle Berland River, and the Little Smoky caribou range. Unique wildlife resource potential exists for natural heritage appreciation in the region. The area supports the Little Smoky caribou herd, which has been given the provincial status of “at immediate risk of extirpation” as well as “threatened” under the both the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Species at Risk Act. This species and the Foothills region itself are at risk from the lack of designated protection, as well as from the cumulative impacts of industrial activity and recreational disturbance. AWA continued to push for the Alberta Caribou Recovery Team’s recommendations that a moratorium be placed on new development in caribou range until full assessment is made of the effects on herds. This recommendation, made in 2004, has not been implemented. The government’s controversial use of a wolf cull to stem predation on woodland caribou is continuing. AWA has been vocal on the wolf cull issue and has noted its objections directly to the government departments and ministers.

Kakwa The Kakwa Area of Concern, situated in Alberta’s “elbow” north of Willmore Wilderness Park, is a relatively pristine region that contains one protected area, the Kakwa Wildland Park, and the Kakwa and Narraway rivers. Compared to the Little Smoky region, there has been relatively little industrial activity here, but this is changing daily. The area provides excellent grizzly habitat and contains the ranges of the Narraway and A La Peche woodland caribou herds. Threat of pine beetles has forced acceleration of forestry operations under the management plan developed by Alberta SRD. AWA voiced its opposition and continues to press for the implementation of the Caribou Recovery Team plan in this area. Much of this northern Eastern Slopes area is considered pristine, and no special operating procedures are in place for the oil and gas industry as they are in the southern Eastern Slopes. AWA requested a meeting with the chair of the Energy and Utilities Board to discuss formalizing special management policy. No meeting has been held. AWA continues to work with Weyerhaeuser and hopes to have a joint meeting with Weyerhaeuser and SRD in the next year.

NORTHERN ALBERTA

Caribou Mountains Caribou Mountains Wildland Park (5,910 km2) is adjacent to Wood Buffalo National Park north of Fort Vermilion. The area contains sensitive wetlands, fragile permafrost, and rare fens and palsas. The relatively undisturbed and lichen-rich forests provide crucial habitat for an important population of endangered woodland caribou that ranges over almost all of the Wildland Park. Up to 120 wood bison live in the Wentzel Lake area. Due to the area’s isolation, a lack of good biological information, and minimal solidarity toward preservation, the Caribou Mountains are vulnerable to exploitation. The area contains substantial geophysical exploration disturbance. Timber harvesting has occurred along the southern edge of the caribou range, and trapping, hunting, and guiding-outfitting occur in the park. The park’s caribou herd has declined by more than 40 percent since 1995, and increased motorized access would further stress this endangered species. If the insulating organic cover is disturbed by human activity, the permafrost beneath can melt, damaging vegetation, soils, and water flow regime. In 2006 AWA was invited to participate on the local advisory committee in order to finalize the Draft Management Plan for the Wildland Park. In early 2007, we submitted extensive suggestions for improvement of the Plan with a view to maintaining the area in its relatively undisturbed state. Our advocacy for a professionally prepared, ecosystem-based Management Plan for the park focused on the following concerns: meaningful public consultation; the use of the

precautionary principle; appropriate recreational and commercial access restrictions; wildlife baiting; stewardship education; and monitoring and enforcement. The priority for this region must be protection of ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and watersheds, along with sustainable, appropriate park use. The revised plan was to have been sent back to committee members in the fall of 2007, after which public consultation on the plan is to take place.

NORTHEAST ALBERTA

McClelland Lake Watershed The spectacular McClelland Lake Wetland Complex, 90 km north of Fort McMurray, is a boreal treasure deserving of World Heritage status. The Complex and its entire 330-km2 watershed are threatened by tar sands open-pit mining, which will destroy half of the world-class patterned fen southwest of the lake and negatively impact the entire watershed. Petro-Canada’s plan to mine the fen has been approved; the company has already begun activities in the watershed. AWA opposes mining in the fen. We have met with Petro-Canada and with representatives of the Government of Alberta to discuss our concerns. We are pursuing a diversity of strategies to save this priceless watershed from the tar sands shovel. The effects of tar sands mining on wilderness must be seen to be believed. With the help of graduates of the Youth Animation Project, we have used images of this stunning landscape and of tar sands devastation to produce a short video about the plight of McClelland Lake from the air JOYCE HILDEBRAND McClelland Lake, which we plan to distribute as widely as possible. We are working with other concerned conservation groups and individuals toward protection of this watershed.

ALBERTA’S WILDLIFE – SPECIES AT RISK

BISON

There are very few wild (without genes from hybridization with cattle) plains bison left in North America. Most bison are owned and bred for commercial purposes. Some ranchers are growing bison for a combination of domestic use and free- ranging herds on large tracts of private land. In Alberta, bison are listed as domestic livestock and are not included in the Wildlife Act. These are some of the many factors contributing to the controversy over the future of bison. There is a great concern that commercialization is altering the wild genome of the bison in favour of qualities that would render bison more suitable for ranching. A three-day American bison conference, sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), attracted an array of interests, from bison ranchers to Wild plains bison are an essential part of grasslands conservation biologists to ecosystems CHRISTYANN OLSON indigenous groups. AWA staff Christyann Olson and Shirley Bray attended the conference. The most difficult issues relating to domestication of this wildlife species remain unresolved and were not discussed in any extensive way at the meeting. The concern was identified by the conference attendees and organizers and subsequent meetings are planned to address the issue more fully.

GRIZZLY BEARS

Year three of the government’s five-year detailed genetic study of grizzly populations has led to revised estimates of a provincial population of less than 500 bears. This compares to 1,000 bears estimated in 2002, though how far this is an actual decline and how far it is a reflection of more accurate counting remains unclear. Following the temporary suspension of the spring grizzly bear hunt in 2006, attention has shifted to the long-term need for protected grizzly bear habitat if they are going to survive in Alberta.

CARIBOU

AWA released nine public statements calling on government and industry to honour their commitments to caribou conservation in this past year. The province implemented a wolf-culling program without addressing long-term habitat protection issues. This action contradicts caribou management plans dating back 30 years and the opinions expressed by members of the Alberta Caribou Committee, AWA, and the public. Applications for energy development, including improved roads, wells, and pipelines, continue without resistance from government officials. National environmental groups sent a petition to the Commission on Environmental Cooperation claiming that the federal government has failed to protect critical habitat for endangered species, with specific reference to woodland caribou in Alberta. The Commission is the environmental watchdog of NAFTA and was set in place to ensure that partner nations enforce their own environmental laws (i.e., to minimize trade advantages for countries in violation of domestic environmental laws). Commission rulings are non-binding but politically significant. In 2006, the provincial government directed forest companies like Weyerhaeuser to log forests in critical caribou habitat in order to minimize impacts from recent mountain pine beetle attacks. The goal of this strategy is the widespread conversion of older forests, which are susceptible to beetle attack, to plantations of younger trees. The provincial strategy to combat the beetle is in direct contradiction to previously established caribou management agreements. In the meantime, the woodland caribou’s future in Little Smoky is not encouraging, as the area has been already been subjected to intense industrial activity. Furthermore, the herds in the relatively pristine Kakwa region appear to be next in line, with oil and gas development being added to the existing forestry activity. AWA is following the issue closely and is in contact with the Alberta Caribou Committee to follow its progress.

SARA (SPECIES AT RISK ACT)

During 2006 four species were added to the provincial endangered species list: burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, short-horned lizard, and mountain plover. Efforts to have the grizzly bear listed have not been successful. A coalition of environmental groups including AWA submitted a formal petition to the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC), a component of the NAFTA process that was set up to hold member countries accountable to domestic environmental legislation. Although the premise behind the CEC is to protect other countries from unfair trade conditions, and the CEC itself cannot legally force governments to act, action by the CEC can be politically “motivating” for national

governments. The petition highlights the plight of B.C.’s spotted owl and Alberta’s woodland caribou as species that have not been adequately protected by provincial efforts. The coalition alleged that Environment Canada, Parks Canada Agency, the Minister of the Environment, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are failing to enforce SARA with regard to listing, recovery planning, and national enforcement through the Safety Net and Emergency Orders. The federal government responded in February to the 2006 CEC petition, claiming that SARA is a “new and complex” piece of legislation, that the case of the spotted owl is currently before the courts, and that the spotted owl case will affect the outcome of woodland caribou recovery. They go on to claim that the completion of “only 23 out of 133 recovery strategies” is a “broad based allegation” that “should not be considered.” The CEC is now reviewing the federal government’s response to the 2006 petition.

WILDLIFE ECONOMIES

AWA supports living wildlife economies that promote the conservation of wildlife populations in their natural habitats and as a public resource. AWA opposes the privatization, domestication, and commercialization of wildlife, including game farming. Throughout 2006 and 2007, cases of chronic wasting disease were confirmed in wild deer, primarily in the vicinity of Empress and Acadia Valley along the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. Herd culling eliminated almost 2,000 deer. The Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance keeps accurate records of the numbers of cases and the map indicates Alberta cases and shows an annual increase. AWA believes that the only effective defence against chronic wasting disease is to eliminate game farming. A long- term plan to eliminate the disease in wildlife must be coordinated and enacted as early as possible and must be fully funded for long- term surveillance and monitoring, carcass removal, and additional measures as required. The class action lawsuit brought by game farmers against the federal government continues in case management.

FORESTS Two key issues have emerged from Alberta’s forests this past year: mountain pine beetle infestation and fire suppression policy. Both are significant issues on their own, in terms of both geographical extent and financial impact, but the two are increasingly seen as highly interrelated. Anticipated impacts of climate change on our forests add another level of concern.

MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE

Over the decades, Alberta has been relatively immune to the natural cycles of mountain pine beetle infestations due to the physical barrier of the Rocky Mountains and the cold winters that killed beetle populations in large numbers. Alberta’s warmer than average winters, however, have allowed the beetles to survive in Alberta in large numbers in more northern and eastern areas than their usual habitat. This is causing great concern for the Alberta government, the forestry industry, and communities that rely on forestry. It is widely recognized that in addition to possible impacts from global warming, the proliferation of the mountain pine beetle in Alberta is partially due to a homogeneous forest age structure resulting from decades of fire suppression policy. This policy has resulted in large sections of forest with a continuous blanket of 80- to 120-year-old lodgepole pines, providing prime conditions for the expansion of the beetle. Trees in this age bracket have considerably less-effective internal natural defences, and homogeneous tracts of closely spaced equal-aged trees provide an extended pathway for the beetle to march eastward, especially without the deep, killing winter temperatures. In 2005/06, the Alberta government spent $10 million in pine beetle control programs. The projected budget for 2006/07 is “a little more than $22 million” (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development 2006). This was government-approved emergency funding on an extended war on the beetle to keep it from destroying large areas of lodgepole pine and to prevent it from infesting the boreal forest, which could devastate the boreal forest across Canada.

FOREST FIRES

For many years, AWA has supported establishing natural fire regimes in Alberta’s parks and protected areas with a science-based adaptive fire management strategy. This would allow the forest to manage pests naturally, as it has for millennia. AWA has also stressed the need for overall management plans (not only fire management plans) for Alberta’s

Two years after the Lost Creek forest fire, near Blairmore NIGEL DOUGLAS parks.

Nuclear Power During this year, attention on the potential for nuclear power has grown in Alberta. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers estimate that production from Alberta’s oil sands will hit at least 3.5 million barrels per day by 2015. However, it is highly likely that production will be constrained by limited supplies and/or high prices of natural gas, which is currently the most available and cheapest fuel for production of bitumen. To resolve the problem of dwindling reserves of natural gas, oil sands producers are considering the option of constructing nuclear power plants in northern Alberta. Domestic and French companies are promoting this option in Alberta. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources estimates that the oil sands will need 20 large nuclear reactors, or 120 small ones, by 2015 to meet its energy requirements. Due to the serious environmental and economic risks of nuclear energy, AWA believes that nuclear power development is not consistent with the maintenance of wilderness or with healthy, economically diverse, and sustainable human communities. Safer, cheaper, and more reliable options, as well as improved energy efficiency, must be pursued for the development of Alberta’s oil sands.

PUBLIC LANDS AWA’s vision for Alberta’s public lands is for large tracts of forest, grassland, mountain wildlands, and natural waterways, all with intact natural processes, the full complement of wild species, and unencumbered foot access for public enjoyment, sustainable harvest, stewardship, and spiritual renewal. Alberta’s public lands will exist in perpetuity for the benefit of all generations and for the conservation of indigenous wildlife. AWA has been seeking a publicly developed overarching public lands policy for more than three decades. Throughout the past year, the Alberta government has been working on various management frameworks to deal with the seemingly never-ending issues surrounding public lands. AWA has accepted invitations to participate in a number of processes led by the government, including an initial focus group led by the Canada West Foundation. In the beginning of the summer, AWA joined a cooperative effort by Alberta Environment Network to develop rules of engagement as the government continued to initiate processes that did not have clear goals or targets. During 2007 the Alberta government’s Sustainable Resource and Environmental Management produced two significant projects: the Integrated Land Management program, and the Land-Use Framework initiative. AWA believes that through these processes we must see policies that favour wilderness protection, free right of access, and responsible management.

WATERSHED PROTECTION Watersheds and related issues are core concerns that continue to be incorporated in all aspects of AWA conservation work. We are concerned with the provincial government’s implementation of the Water for Life strategy and participated in efforts this year to comment on the renewal of the policy.

Athabasca River where it meets the Miette CHRISTYANN OLSON

Premier Stelmach recognized that circumstances have changed in the four years since Water for Life was released and mandated Environment Minister Rob Renner with developing recommendations to “renew and resource” the strategy. Water for Life is steered by the Alberta Water Council, a multi-stakeholder, consensus-based organization of which AWA is a member. The three goals of the strategy will not change: (1) safe, secure drinking water supply; (2) healthy aquatic ecosystems; and (3) reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. AWA supports these goals and recognizes that they are all connected. Our specific focus, however, is on the second goal – healthy aquatic ecosystems – especially as it relates to the protection of the watersheds where our rivers and lakes have their source. The industrial and recreational pressures on the headwater areas in the Eastern Slopes are of special concern. The Alberta Water Council’s Review of Implementation Progress of Water for Life, 2005-2006 agrees that source water protection should have higher priority in the implementation of Water for Life. We participate in the Alberta Environment Network’s Water Caucus meetings and discussions, which deal with province-wide watershed and water-related issues. For the eighth year, AWA, in association with the University of Calgary, provided a program to students in the Masters of Teaching program. This year the content focused on Alberta’s wild rivers. A comprehensive review of AWA’s involvement in water-related issues during the past 40 years is in progress as we prepare a water web page to document our work and commitment to the wise use of Alberta’s water resources and the history of water resource management and protection in Alberta.

PROTECTED AREAS PROGRESS The Government of Alberta approved the acquisition of 3,246 acres (1,314 ha) of ranchland near Calgary from the Harvie family that will be designated as Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park will legislatively protect this spectacular and increasingly threatened landscape along the north shoreline of the Bow River between Calgary and Cochrane. This new park will also provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase Alberta’s rich ranching history and culture. By including these landscapes representative of the Foothills Parkland Subregion of Alberta, this site fills several key gaps within the Parks and Protected Areas network.

STRENGTH & CAPACITY A hallmark of AWA’s strength is its ability to adapt, reorganize, and be relevant in times of change.

AWA continues to have an excellent staff, complemented by individuals on its Board of Directors who volunteer and provide tremendous support to the research, advocacy, and outreach work that is required throughout the province. Staff members have changed during this year. Shirley Bray, long-time member, volunteer, and director of the Wilderness Resource Centre, retired from her position. We were able to plan for the transition and have hired replacement staff based on the skill sets that best complement the existing team of staff and the strategic plan for our work. Carolyn Campbell and Chris Wearmouth are new conservation specialists and Jennifer Bobrovitz is our new librarian. Work carried out by AWA’s conservation staff includes research, program planning and implementation, community forum presentations, position statements, research and development, displays, media liaison, speaking tours and presentations, and meetings with MLAs, government officials, industry representatives, relevant advisory committees, and concerned members.

AWA’s conservation staff (left to right) Carolyn Campbell, Joyce Hildebrand, Chris Wearmouth, Christyann Olson, Nigel Douglas.

Staff members are supported with continuing education opportunities to attend conferences and workshops. We work cooperatively with like-minded conservation organizations to avoid duplication of effort and to make our work more effective. Of particular significance to our conservation program has been a broadening and growth of our network. We have achieved greater exposure in the media and we have been able to document success in strategic communication activities. Our technological infrastructure has improved this year, but further enhancements are needed in the coming year. Ongoing improvements to our databases and our ability to manage our member and supporter database have made a difference. Our members are the force and means of Alberta Wilderness Association. We continue to evaluate operations, develop capacity, and reorganize based on strategic directions. AWA displays leadership capacity by reinvigorating its organization, developing staff skill, and renewing efforts with strategies and tactics to meet our mission. AWA is determined to continue to play a leadership role, build community partnerships, and focus on our grassroots connections. Our members and supporters are of utmost importance. Indeed, there is no more important role for AWA than to ensure that our members and the public at large are informed on wildland issues in a way that motivates people and leads to positive outcomes for wildlands and wildlife.

ALBERTA WILDERNESS RESOURCE CENTRE The Alberta Wilderness Resource Centre (AWRC) houses a specialized and dynamic collection of information on the conservation of Wild Alberta from the 1960s to the present. It represents Alberta’s corporate memory of wilderness. Our mandate is to provide a comprehensive collection of materials that is publicly available for education, research, networking, and advocacy and that will facilitate the conservation of Alberta’s wilderness. The AWRC encompasses a well-organized in-house library and a comprehensive website. Our collection includes print and electronic materials, photographs, maps, and audiovisual materials. It contains information about Alberta wilderness, wild waters, and wildlife: their conservation, the impact of human activities, what we have done and what we can do through public involvement, and government policies and laws to protect our most important natural resources. Many of our materials are unique or difficult to locate elsewhere, making our collection very valuable for writers, researchers, educators, and the interested general public. The Resource Centre had 420 visits and 736 requests this year. The AWRC is an important link in the network of citizens interested in wilderness issues in Alberta. In addition to work by AWA’s staff and Board, active correspondents among our members, supporters, and the general public provide regular information on areas and issues of concern. The AWRC’s comprehensive collection of materials on the conservation of Alberta’s wilderness will be a legacy for generations to come.

WILD LANDS ADVOCATE The Wild Lands Advocate (WLA), AWA’s news journal, is one of our most successful and valuable education and outreach tools. It has been Alberta’s premiere wilderness conservation magazine since 1970. Our well-researched articles are written by staff and other writers chosen for their knowledge and expertise. Our mandate is to provide information and perspectives on Alberta’s wilderness that will facilitate its conservation through awareness and action; to provide news and information about the work of AWA and its supporters; and to tell the stories of Wild Alberta and the people involved in its conservation. The WLA is produced six times a year and is printed on Forest Stewardship Council- certified paper. It is distributed to almost 5,000 subscribers, both in print and electronically through our listservs, and is available free of charge on our website. In 2005 we began to produce the journal in colour, thanks to the generous support of our printer, Topline Printers. Joyce Hildebrand is the editor of the journal, and this year, we have appointed an Editorial Advisory Board and plan to conduct a review of the Wild Lands Advocate.

WWW.ALBERTAWILDERNESS.CA AWA’s website is widely recognized for its outstanding content. The site acts as both an up-to-date source of information and an archive. Information covers our areas and issues of concern, our events, the latest news, our stewardship activities, and other information about AWA. The site undergoes periodic redesign and is maintained in-house. All staff members contribute information to the site, and we continue to expand the amount of information we offer. Our vision for AWA’s website is to promote awareness of and facilitate action for the conservation of Wild Alberta

through an easily accessible, high-quality venue.

ALBERTA WILDERNESS INSIDERS NETWORK AWA’s Wilderness Insiders Network (WiN) program gives people the opportunity to have an active voice in some of the decisions being made that affect Alberta’s wilderness and wildlife. The more than 700 WiN participants are contacted by regular mail service as well as through the on-line listserv. Throughout the year, WiN alerts were sent out on a variety of issues, including grizzly bears, the federal Species at Risk Act, and logging in Kananaskis Country. AWA receives numerous copies of letters and emails sent by WiN participants as part of this program.

STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM – WILDERNESS WATCH Throughout the past year, AWA has worked on the development of a model for a Stewardship Program for members who wish to gain meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience. Stewardship volunteers would become part of a network of concerned and interested individuals who monitor observations in AWA-designated wild spaces. Observations may include wildlife numbers, measurement of ground disturbance, and/or documentation of activities in an area, including recreational. The Stewardship Program will be an opportunity for members to learn about Alberta’s natural landscapes while contributing in a positive way and it will allow AWA to collect valuable data for use in projects. One of the most important elements of the program is that it will include real time, interactive, Internet-based reporting tools. The program will be launched during 2008.

Bighorn Sheep along the Ram River in Bighorn Wildland CHRIS WEARMOUTH

COMMUNITY WORK PLACEMENTS AWA takes pride and pleasure in providing workplace opportunities for students.

Masters of Teaching Program For the eighth year, AWA ran its fall education program for first-year student teachers with the University’s Masters of Teaching program. Nineteen student teachers received in-service education on the subject of Alberta’s wild rivers, and then gave presentations to 105 classes in 35 schools, contacting 2,485 children.

Masters of Teaching students reviewing presentations with Nigel Douglas CHRIS WEARMOUTH Some students from the program continued to deliver presentations on a voluntary basis after the program had finished. Nigel Douglas and Vivian Pharis manage the

Masters of Teaching work-placement program for AWA.

Youth Animation Project AWA also works as a community partner for the Youth Animation Project. Through this program, groups of at-risk youth participate in a full-time three- month project, learning animation, social, and business skills. AWA has worked closely with this project to provide environmental training and hands-on wilderness experiences to the participants. The completed animation projects produced by participants in this program have been inspiring and were featured at an Open House talks evening and at the Climb for Wilderness Environment Expo.

SAIT Library Program We were able to support a library student practicum in our Wilderness Resource Centre. Work revolved around cataloguing our map collection and a number of other specific projects. The partnership with SAIT has been important in developing the collection and the specific nature of our resource centre.

University of Calgary Pro Bono Law Students Program AWA committed resources to assist two law students in the Pro Bono Law Program to develop awareness and experience in the field of environmental law. The projects, related to public land use and regulatory implications, are still in progress.

Financing Wilderness Protection Financial statements prepared by AWA’s auditors, Roberts and Company Chartered Accountants, show that AWA completed this fiscal year in a strong financial position. The Association’s working capital remained strong throughout the year. We have worked to diversify our revenue sources, and we are striving for increased financial independence through a strengthened member and supporter base. As the fiscal year came to a close, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also conducted an audit of two earlier years. Our charitable status is secure and we are recognized by CRA as having good book-keeping and record-keeping.

REVENUE This past year, funds received from donations by members and supporters grew to 51% of our total revenue; fundraising represents 13% and grants made up 34% of the total revenues. Membership grew during the year and reached 3,311, representing 172 communities in Alberta and including memberships across Canada and internationally.

Granting Organizations

Alberta Conservation Association Alberta Government STEP ASRPWF LaSalle Adams Fund Wilburforce Foundation Yellowstone to Yukon Partners Grant

Climb for Wilderness Platinum Sponsor

Shell Canada Ltd

EXPENDITURES

The main focus of our organization is wilderness stewardship, conservation, and outreach; the expenditures in this category include the Alberta Wilderness Resource Centre. This category accounts appropriately for the largest portion of our expenditures (67%). Development costs include expenses incurred in applying for grants as well as actual fundraising expenses. The costs for building a donor base and creating broader awareness of the association and its mandate “Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action” are included. AWA funding generated through fundraising events is dependent on our annual Earth Day event, Climb and Run for Wilderness, the Wild West Gala in the fall, and the Wild about Wilderness Gala in the spring. Funds raised at casinos also fall into this category. Casinos are offered to AWA approximately every two years. Fundraising and gifts from donors allow AWA to be financially independent and free to speak out for wilderness protection. General and administrative costs of 10% represent an efficient and carefully managed Association. Rent, insurance, telephone, office equipment and supplies, bank charges, audit charges, travel, and non-recoverable GST are included in General and Administrative costs.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Statement of Operations

ALBERTA WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE TRUST Alberta Wilderness and Wildlife Trust is a permanent endowment fund for Alberta’s wilderness and an integral part of wilderness for tomorrow. Carefully nurtured, the fund will grow over the generations to come. Years from today, that fund will continue to provide for the care and protection of Alberta’s natural landscapes.

Cottonwood leaf in the fall DAN OLSON

The Trust began in 1986 as a memorial fund established as a tribute to biologist Orval Pall. Throughout the years, families seeking to remember their own loved ones have found solace and strength in devoting resources to the memorial fund, which was dedicated to support the protection of wilderness in Alberta. On the fifteenth anniversary of the fund, AWA established the Trust as an endowment fund with the Calgary Foundation in order to support the long-term sustainability of the Association. The Trust supports wilderness programs and research that contribute to the protection, understanding, and appreciation of wilderness, wild waters, and wildlife. The current fund balance is almost $24,000. Each year the endowment fund distribution is dedicated to the Annual Guest Lecture and the Wilderness Defender Awards.

ANNUAL WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE TRUST GUEST LECTURE

Each year in November, AWA hosts the Alberta Wilderness and Wildlife Trust Annual Lecture, given by a renowned guest speaker. The annual lecture is an opportunity to present the ideas of researchers in a field related to conservation of wilderness. The lecture is meant to challenge us as well as to inform. Dr. Bill Donahue was the annual guest lecturer for 2006. His speech, “Water in the Western Prairies: The Basis for Conflict,” was challenging and warned of the frightening future we face over our water.

WILDERNESS DEFENDER AWARDS

On the same evening as the annual guest lecture, we recognize outstanding achievement in conservation by individuals with the Alberta Wilderness Defender Awards. The Awards are dedicated to individuals who have inspired us with their love of Alberta’s wild lands, wild rivers, and wildlife, and with their efforts and achievements for conservation. Each individual recognized for his or her outstanding contribution to conservation in Alberta receives a plaque and is featured in our journal, the Wild Lands Advocate. The plaques are exhibited on a wall of recognition in our Calgary office, where they can be viewed by the public.

Vivian Pharis one of this year’s award recipients along the historic Bighorn Trail. Vivian has been a formidable force maintaining trails, cleaning up back country camps and seeking legislated protection for Bighorn Wildland CHRISTYANN OLSON

These individuals have recognized that Alberta’s wilderness is among the most pristine in the world and cannot be taken for granted. They know that our wild places are the source of our health, wealth, and quality of life and that we must take an active role in their conservation. This year, awards were presented to Vivian Pharis, Peter Sherrington, and Herb Kariel.

Hope for Tomorrow This year we were fortunate to take a tour with AWA members through the Suffield National Wildlife Area. It was an inspiring thrill to see this magnificent wild land. As this Annual Report was being prepared, Shelley Willson-Cross used the quotation below in her column in the Calgary Herald. Without question, the sentiments of the quote and the need for Albertans to speak up and defend wild spaces are inextricably linked. Albertans are at an opportune time in history and I believe the awareness we work so hard to create is a noble cause. We must persevere to help others learn more and be free to speak up.

– Christyann Olson

Suffield National Wildlife Area, July 2007 CHRISTYANN OLSON

“First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then, they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then, they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time, there was no one left to speak up for me.” – Pastor Martin Niemoller, 1945