Annual Report 2013/14 2013/14 Snapshot

Our Vision • 169,988 visitors watched the • Almost 10,000 people signed An with an abundance and peregrine falcon cameras from up with AVAMP and reported diversity of wildlife, fish and their June through August 2013. over 20,000 amphibian habitats; where future generations observations. continue to use, enjoy and value our • 94.1% of employees agreed that rich outdoor heritage. they are satisfied with ACA as a • $23,658 raised in our give place to work. campaign to purchase night vison • 56 projects, received a total peregrine cameras, GPS collars for Our Mission wolverines and stock 744 fish. ACA conserves, protects and of $799,918 through the Grant enhances fish and wildlife Eligible Conservation Fund. • Harvested over 200 lbs of silver populations and their habitats for • 9 fisheries projects conducted sagebrush seed by hand and Albertans to enjoy, value and use. on 27 waterbodies; generated then planted on native restoration information on population status, sites. recreational harvest, distribution, • 1,979 acres of habitat migration and spawning habitat of conserved (acquisition/land sport fish. donation) for an additional 8 new • 22.1% of ACA’s total operating Conservation Sites. budget was generated from non-levy sources ($3,202,730). • 9,879 calls received from the public to the RAP toll-free hotline.

photo: ACA, Colin Eyo

Alberta Conservation Association 101 – 9 Chippewa Road , AB T8A 6J7 Tel: 780-410-1999 Toll free: 1-877-969-9091 Fax: 780-464-0990 E-mail: [email protected] This document is available online at: ab-conservation.com/publications

Charitable Registration Number: 88994 6141 RR0001 Annual Report 2013/14

Contents About Us...... 5 Abbreviations Index Chairman’s Report...... 6 ac acre President and CEO’s Message...... 7 cm centimetre Our People Our Culture...... 8 oC degrees Celsius Health and Safety...... 8 fish/h fish caught per hour fish/km fish caught per kilometre Human Resources...... 9 h hour Information Technology...... 9 ha hectare Business Development...... 10 h/ha hours per hectare km kilometre Conservation Programs...... 11 lbs pounds Communications...... 11 m metre Wildlife...... 12 mg/L milligrams per litre Fisheries...... 19 mm millimetre Land Management...... 25

Conservation Reports...... 33

Report A Poacher and Compensation Programs...... 34

Granting Programs...... 35 Grant Eligible Conservation Fund...... 35 ACA Chair in Fisheries and Wildlife at the University of Alberta...... 35 Grants in Biodiversity...... 35 Retention, Recruitment and Education Grants...... 35

Auditor’s Report...... 38 Summarized Financial Statements...... 40 Financial Highlights...... 41

Cover Photos: Sharp-tailed grouse, ACA, Mike Jokinen; Mountain goat, ACA, Mike Jokinen; Piping plover nest, ACA, Lisa Monsees; Wolverine, ACA Trail Cam; Bull trout, ACA, Andrew Clough Board of Directors Executive Pat Long, Chairman: Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta Member Groups Ken Ambrock, Vice Chairman: Public At Large, Northern Alberta Board Liaison Alberta Fish & Game Association Brian Bildson - Secretary: Public At Large, Business Representative Alberta Hunter Education Adam Norris - Treasurer: Public At Large, Northwest Region Instructors’ Association Tom Bateman, Past Chair: Public At Large, Board Liaison Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Directors Alberta Trappers’ Association Bill Abercrombie - Alberta Trappers’ Association Nature Alberta Vince Aiello - Pheasants Forever, Alberta Council Pheasants Forever, Alberta Council Dr. Mark Boyce - ACA/University of Alberta Chair in Fisheries and Wildlife Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Gordon Burton - Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Trout Unlimited Randy Collins - Alberta Fish & Game Association Wild Sheep Foundation Alberta Sandra Foss - Nature Alberta Chris Fowler - Public At Large, Northeast Region Robert Gruszecki - Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association John Pattison - Public At Large, Central Region Travis Ripley - Minister’s Representative, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Jeff Surtees - Trout Unlimited Canada Jaarno Van der Wielen - Public At Large, Southern Region Vacant - Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta

4 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 About Us

Since our inception as a non-profit in 1997, ACA has directed hundreds of millions of dollars towards thousands of conservation efforts across Alberta, from studies on the largest species to the securement of vast tracts of precious habitat. Every levy dollar from fishing and hunting license sales and every partnership contributes to the conservation of Alberta’s natural heritage. Together, we are securing Project: Amphibian Monitoring Using Environmental DNA the future of fish and wildlife and Partners: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada – Industrial the habitats they call home while Postgraduate Scholarships Program, University of Alberta – Brandon Booker (M.Sc. providing Albertans with access candidate), David Coltman, Corey Davis and Cynthia Paszkowski to a myriad of sustainable outdoor photo: ACA, Kris Kendell recreational activities. We love the work we do. It’s a reward to call Alberta’s big backyard our “office” and a privilege to work on behalf of Delegated Roles and Responsibilities Alberta’s hunters, anglers and other conservationists.

ACA holds special status as a delegated administrative organization (DAO), which means that we deliver responsibilities as outlined in the Wildlife Act and defined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). In our role as a DAO, results from our population studies, surveys and assessments feed directly into ESRD management plans and form the basis for fishing and hunting regulation changes and evaluations of new management strategies.

5 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Message from the Chairman

In last year’s annual report, I talked about how Alberta Conservation Association programs are ensuring our outdoor heritage is maintained by providing a multitude of opportunities for Albertans to enjoy our abundant natural resources. I state with pride that those successes have not only continued into 2013/14 but also were enhanced through the creation of new programs that reach out to industry, other agencies and Alberta’s communities. President and CEO, Todd Zimmerling indicated that he and his staff are successfully meeting the challenges involved in conserving Alberta’s wildlife, fish and habitat resources on an ever-changing landscape. Knowing how dedicated the entire organization is to their work and to finding innovative ways to engage Albertans in conserving our natural resources, I know that these resources are in good hands and will be around for a very long time.

Pat Long, Chairman of the Board

6 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 President and CEO’s Message

Once again, ACA staff, volunteers, member groups and A number of important conservation issues remain in corporate partners have made this a very successful Alberta; however, based on the success of this past year, I year. Some of the highlights that come to mind are: have a positive outlook on the future of Alberta’s wildlife raising $3.2 million in non-levy funding, including and fish populations. I believe that by working together approximately $2 million towards the conservation of we can ultimately achieve our vision of an Alberta with an additional 2,000 ac (809 ha) of land; a partnership an abundance and diversity of wildlife, fish and their project with Alberta Trappers’ Association and habitats, where future generations continue to use, enjoy University of Alberta that collected valuable data on and value our rich outdoor heritage. wolverines, increased the profile of this elusive species in the province, generated significant public and media interest, and highlighted the role that trappers can Sincerely, play in research projects; the Kids Can Catch events, Archery Days events, and Taber Pheasant Festival, which introduced hundreds of people to angling, archery and hunting, and to the fun of being outdoors with friends and family; the peregrine cameras, which have been a Todd Zimmerling huge hit, with tens of thousands of people logging-in to watch the ultimate reality TV show, the trials and President and CEO tribulations of “Growing-Up Peregrine.” The result has Alberta Conservation Association been a huge increase in the public’s awareness of ACA, our member groups and, perhaps most importantly, conservation issues in Alberta. Amanda Zimmerling and her turkey. Fears over food safety, the push for “local” food and a photo: Todd Zimmerling concern over corporate farms are contributing to a shift in societal values towards hunting, angling and trapping. You don’t have to look any further than prime-time TV to see the myriad of shows related to harvesting wildlife and fish. We may not agree with the methods, the attitudes or the premises behind some of these shows, but it is undeniable that mainstream society is beginning to look much more favourably on the consumptive harvest of wildlife and fish. I believe ACA and our member groups can benefit from this shift by introducing people to hunting, angling and trapping. Not everyone has to become a hunter, angler or trapper, but the more people who understand the value of these activities, the more success we will have in our conservation efforts, now and in the future. I was pleased to see an increase in the total number of hunters and youth hunters in Alberta in 2013/14, extending what has become a long-term trend of yearly increases. In addition, angler numbers remained at a 10-year high, despite very poor fishing conditions for much of the year in southern Alberta. ACA, our member groups and many conservation partners have contributed towards this positive trend.

7 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Health and Safety Health and safety is an essential component in today’s workplace. ACA is committed to employee safety through the integration of a comprehensive Health and Safety Our People. Our Culture. program as an essential part of our operations. All workers (be it employees, contractors, volunteers, visitors, etc.) are required to comply with ACA’s Health and Safety program for the protection of themselves and others, resulting in a safer and healthier work environment. 2013/14 Overview • Revised sections of the Health and Safety Manual, including personal protective equipment, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness and response. The intent is to provide additional safety information and resources to ACA workers. • Updated the Job Hazard Assessment and Safety Sheets, aligning safety information related to all ACA activities • Created a “Critical Activity List” as part of our CORE requirements, which identifies activities that put our staff at risk. A total of 59 activities made the list and were ranked from highest to lowest risk. • Standardized mandatory training information and its delivery mechanism, improving convenience and availability • Improved accessibility to various health and safety information, documents and forms within ACAWeb • 91% of staff scored 100% in 7 of the 13 mandatory elements on our (COR) audit • Aligned Health and Safety program with requirements established within the COR program • 40 workplace incidents reported, compared with 46 in 2012/13. This decrease is a result of increased Project: Muskeg River Core Area Bull Trout Status awareness and confidence in identifying potential hazards that require proactive Partnerships: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Stream or preventative actions before a near miss Watch Conservation Coalition, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation or incident occurs. photo: ACA, Kevin Fitzsimmons

8 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 invest in our own by promoting talent has been working closely with our Human Resources from within the organization whenever field staff to determine potential ACA accomplishes a lot of work over possible, which increases opportunities future data collection activities vast territory every year, thanks in for growth and retention. and to develop a realistic and cost- large part to our 72 permanent staff, effective plan for storage expansion, Career Fairs 15 temporary staff and numerous which potentially will reach several seasonal staff. Human Resources • Attended three career fairs at the terabytes in size. not only ensures the best people are University of , Lethbridge recruited for the job, but we are also College and University of Alberta. These 2013/14 Overview integral to keeping our most valuable fairs provided excellent opportunities • Continued to improve staff access to resource—our staff—trained, safe, to introduce ourselves and inform new documents by moving to a cloud-based educated and satisfied with the graduates about career options available structure, allowing staff to work across organization. at ACA. the province and collaborate with Year after year, it is our hardworking, Recruitment external resources as required dedicated staff both in the office • Filled 3 permanent, 3 temporary and 6 • Restructured the IT area to allow for and in the field who truly make seasonal positions. This was a successful better skill use and efficient project it possible to “Conserve Alberta’s year for recruitment of staff. Overall, the management. IT staff are actively Wild Side.” Congratulations and 12 job postings received an overwhelming involved in planning and delivering the thanks are extended to the following response from 1,036 applicants systems they oversee and maintain, individuals who achieved significant worldwide. which creates an environment of Years of Service milestones this year: accountability and strong customer 15 Years of Service – Paul Jones, support. Margaret Neufeld Information • Provided IT support to member groups by 10 Years of Service – Technology implementing a membership database Corey Rasmussen As our organization continues to for Alberta Fish and Game Association. grow, the management of, and ease This database provides the information 5 Years of Service – Colin Eyo, of access to, systems and databases needed to help local clubs manage their Don Myhre, Mike Uchikura becomes increasingly important. member base and allows them to provide 2013/14 Overview Information Technology (IT) is the services their members want and committed to finding solutions, need. Employee Survey increasing operational efficiencies • Continued updating and improving • 94.1% of employees are satisfied with and saving resources in support of financial systems to provide better online ACA as a place to work—a 4% increase this growth. access for staff in reporting, time entry and budgeting. Our goal is to streamline from last year. With changes in the workforce and system entry to make an efficient and • 86.8% of employees are satisfied with in digital technology, it has become user-friendly environment for staff, having a good work-life balance, similar essential for staff to access files from whether they are entering data or to last year. just about anywhere and to work on projects in conjunction with other retrieving information for monitoring the • 82.4% are satisfied with ACA’s benefit progress of their projects. plan, which is a slight increase from last researchers at almost any location • Provided value-added services with cell year. in the province. The IT team is committed to finding solutions by phone plans and purchases, including Benefits consulting with field staff, talking family member access to plans negotiated • Conducted a market evaluation of with partners and meeting with by ACA our benefit program and decided to experts in the field to develop a • Provided staff with newer cellular change our benefit provider, ensuring system that ensures staff are working technology while reducing costs we continue to provide a cost-effective as efficiently and effectively as plan that benefits all employees without possible. compromising service Taking advantage of changes Employee Retention in technology, our biologists are increasingly using digital • Staff turnover increased a half a percent photographs and video to collect to 5.6%. We continue to evaluate data. While these new techniques and implement ways to increase job assist with wildlife and fish satisfaction at ACA by focusing on management, they create significant professional development, mentoring issues with respect to storing and opportunities and work-life balance. We analyzing such large databases. IT

9 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 2013/14 Overview • 3 companies signed on as Corporate Partners in Conservation –– Bone Beer: Taber Pheasant Festival and Report A Poacher –– Thompson-Pallister Bait Co.: Business Development Kids Can Catch –– Travel Alberta: Let’s Go Outdoors • 2 existing corporate partners increased Partnerships with the Alberta business community are integral to achieving their funding towards projects our annual operating goals and leveraging funds for conservation projects –– Access Pipeline: Kids Can Catch and and land purchases. We’re pleased to work with so many businesses that are Enhanced Sports Fisheries program passionate about conservation in Alberta. –– Dow Chemical Canada: Kids Can Catch The Corporate Partners in Conservation program provides unique and Enhanced Sports Fisheries opportunities for Alberta businesses to take part in conserving Alberta’s program natural heritage. Our corporate partners value their affiliation with ACA and • $100,000 in advertising sales secured for the work we accomplish together. They promote our partnership through both issues of Conservation Magazine and their own communications and benefit from ACA’s promotion through our the 2013/14 edition of Discover Alberta’s communications. Wild Side: Annual Outdoor Adventure Guide Business Development is responsible for generating revenue through advertising sales to offset costs associated with communications activities on television, radio and our in-house publications, Conservation Magazine and the Discover Alberta’s Wild Side: Annual Outdoor Adventure Guide.

Fort Saskatchewan, Kids Can Catch 2014 photo: ACA, Colin Eyo

10 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 e-news YouTube • More than 94,100 people have • The wolverine project became a sensation subscribed to our monthly Wild Mail with video tales filmed in northwest e-newsletter—a 41% increase from Alberta by ACA biologist Mike Jokinen. the 66,898 people on our list last year. The first video posted in November 2013 Our average open rate is around 31%, captured the attention of 6,208 viewers. shockingly successful when compared to Overall, 39,587 people watched 19 videos Conservation industry standards for other non-profit about our conservation work. clients (average of 21.7%). Website Programs • Subscribers enjoy the variety of content and are the first to receive our flagship • Website traffic increased steadily in publications, Conservation Magazine 2013/14, with over 145,100 unique and Discover Alberta’s Wild Side: Annual visitors. Sessions increased 90% from Communications Outdoor Adventure Guide, as well as hear 151,778 in 2012/13 to 289,076 in 2013/14. Sharing our conservation work about events and activities, such as Kids Conservation Magazine Can Catch, Archery Days, Taber Pheasant with more people was the focus • We are fortunate to produce such a Festival and peregrine cameras. of our Communications program dynamic, informative and attractive this year. We created opportunities Facebook publication for free to our stakeholders. with the assistance of social media, • Our followers increased by 1,683. With This is possible for a few reasons: it is remote cameras and our own web- our engaging content, photographs and completely produced and designed programming ingenuity. All of this interaction with our followers, we earned in-house, we have a bevy of gifted staff work brought notable achievements. an amazing 1,416,329 impressions who write and supply photographs, (content on our page seen by others). many external contributors volunteer 2013/14 Overview their stories and photographs, and our Twitter App advertising space is always booked, • Our Twitter presence increased by 921 typically issues in advance. This year, • People are finding it easier to discover followers to 2,199, which generated 2,266 we restructured our online edition for Alberta’s greatest and wildest places to visits to our website. people who prefer to read our flagship fish, hunt, forage and explore with the publication online. FREE Alberta Outdoor Adventure Guide app. Peregrine Cameras Taber Pheasant Festival In all, 6,101 people downloaded the app • More than 169,988 viewers watched the in 2013/14, for a total of 34,141 users since daily lives of two peregrine falcon families • Within 3 minutes and 43 seconds, all it launched in 2011/12. unfold. The cameras captured the chicks 360 pheasant hunting times were Many people prefer hard copies to keep in hatching and feeding, and sibling and filled, thanks to the innovative online their vehicles or backpacks. We produced parent behaviour, right up until the chicks registration system devised by ACA 80,000 copies of the Discover Alberta’s Wild took their first flight, which helps the Communications. A total of 73 novice Side: Annual Outdoor Adventure Guide. public and researchers learn more about hunters and 636 hunters participated in Across Alberta, 307 retailers and visitor this species at risk. We had immense the festival, many with their faithful four- information centres received copies, and support from peregrine specialist Dr. legged friends. Of these, 75% came from thousands more were handed out at Gordon Court and from Bev and Peter more than an hour away from Taber, and tradeshows and mailed to subscribers. Fullbrandt, Aspen Properties, Wiband, 8% came from out of province (BC lower TerraGo and the University of Alberta. mainland, Island, Manitoba, Virginia and Montana). Give Campaign Donation Results Taber Pheasant Festival 2014 Pheasant Release • In early 2014, three of our projects photo: AFGA, Brad Fenson received a boost of support from many business, organizations and individuals. Our give campaign raised $23,658 towards the purchase of night vision peregrine cameras, GPS collars for wolverines and the stocking of 744 rainbow trout.

11 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 project is a testament to landowners was higher than the previous year Wildlife Program leading by example, and it continues and for grey partridge was about Wildlife projects are delivered to gain positive recognition across the same. Other components of our within four areas: 1) Ungulates, Canada. Pronghorn are easily upland work include improving 2) Upland Gamebirds, 3) Waterfowl, recognized on the prairies of hunter access and connectivity and 4) Species at Risk. southern Alberta, although the along public right-of-ways and prominence of fencing has brought working with grazing reserves In the public eye a serious physical barrier to their and landowners in northwestern Our Wildlife program carries out movement. We look at methods Alberta in a stewardship initiative inventory and habitat enhancement to improve movement within to improve habitat for sharp-tailed activities and, at its core, seeks to the existing layout of fences by grouse. elevate the value of wildlife in the creating modifications at key points. eyes of Albertans. We recognize Unfortunately, weather conditions New dawn for upland the long-term contribution that in winter 2013/14 impacted the hunting distribution of pronghorn, which landowners, hunters and trappers We’ve been enormously encouraged largely avoided our study area. have made to conservation and see by the interest and success of the the potential to make these efforts Habitat helps all wildlife Taber Pheasant Festival. We even more substantial over the co-hosted the third annual event in coming generation. There is also Our species-at-risk projects October 2013, which again ran at growing interest from the general focus on enhancing habitat that full capacity with over 600 hunters public to become directly involved supports vulnerable species with visiting the Taber area during the with conservation, and we are actions identified in recovery week-long festival. The goal is to seeking ways to integrate volunteers plans. Importantly, these actions draw hunters into the area annually, in meaningful activities. also enhance habitat for other improving the rural economy and species as well, such as mule deer, creating value for upland habitat and Alberta trappers contribute amphibians, sharp-tailed grouse and upland birds within the community. to wolverine conservation moose. Activities include gaining stakeholder co-operation and In winter 2013, we continued to Keeping it “WHILD” conducting long-term monitoring work with a group of dedicated Most of Alberta’s landscapes to determine if the recovery process trappers from the Alberta Trappers’ are in a state of change. Very is working. Our piping plover and Association on traplines spread few areas are exempt from the MULTISAR projects are good across the boreal forest to better pressures of expanding industrial examples of adaptive and effective understand the distribution of activity, recreational pursuits or conservation that benefits a variety wolverines and habitat features residential growth. The WHILDZ of wildlife. important to the species. In this (Wildlife Habitat Initiative in unique undertaking, trappers play Restoring wildlife to Low Disturbance Zones) project a significant role in collecting data identifies high-value resources for that would not otherwise be possible farmland wildlife in areas that have relatively to collect. We also collaborated on Farmland offers a unique challenge low measures of human disturbance. a PhD project led by University for wildlife. Areas converted Mineral licks are a key resource of Alberta designed to better to cropland typically offer very favoured by a variety of wildlife, understand the risks of industrial little habitat for nesting sites in and in 2013/14, we wrapped up activities on wolverines. the early spring and little habitat our fieldwork by collecting use suitable for species that remain information from a selection of licks. Landholders cornerstone of through our long winters. The These resource-rich habitats provide grassland conservation Habitat Legacy Partnership project essential nutrients to members of implements habitat enhancements the deer family as well as carnivores The grasslands of southern Alberta in collaboration with landowners during periods of dietary deficiency stretch over much of the Milk River to improve upland habitat on and increased energy demand. basin. The landowners we work with farmed landscapes. We also through the MULTISAR project conduct annual surveys for upland are fundamental to the long-term gamebirds to better understand conservation of grasslands in this long-term population trends, and system. Landowners are very much as a way to measure the benefit of involved in deciding what can be enhancement activities. Although done to improve wildlife habitat on the spring of 2013 was quite wet, their ranches and committed over brood productivity for pheasants the long term toward this end. The

12 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 2013/14 Overview • Collaborated with landowners and 4H • Spring surveys from 2013 suggest that the Clubs to raise 500 pheasant chicks that piping plover count in Alberta was similar • 17 individual wolverines identified with were released in suitable habitat at 20 to 2012 but was still down roughly 27% camera traps set at 47 sites across the weeks old from 2011. boreal forest with the help of 24 trappers • Surveyed grey partridge and ring-necked • Nearly 4,700 images of bighorn sheep and • 24 marten, 62 fisher, 2 bobcat, 10 cougar pheasants; pheasant flush count for every 1,400 images of mountain goat captured and 114 wolverine hair samples collected kilometre walked (60 km!) was nearly using camera traps at four mineral lick using non-lethal methods double that from the previous year, and sites to assess the seasonal variation of • Worked with an MSc student to develop annual reproduction was also greater use genetic markers for all amphibians in with roughly 1.4 times more chicks per • Concentrations of calcium, iron, Alberta and to develop a technique for hen pheasant magnesium and sodium were greater detecting these species from water • Sharp-tailed grouse lek occupancy was at mineral lick sites compared with samples (environmental DNA) negatively associated with greater reference sites. • Over 200 lbs of silver sagebrush seed amounts of forest cover in our study area Overall, the success of our Wildlife harvested by hand; planted these in northwestern Alberta. program activities in 2013/14 hard-won seeds on native restoration • Human observers were more reliable than involved the support of over 40 sites song meters at detecting sharp-tailed partners consisting of provincial • Completed habitat improvement plans grouse leks on a given day, but song and federal governments, industry, and reassessments on roughly 58,000 ac meters had the advantage of being left non-governmental organizations, • Identified key areas where fences limit out for a four-day period that improved universities, municipalities, pronghorn movement to help guide the overall detection of leks. leaseholders, private landowners and where fencing improvements could be • 81 status reports (14 updates) published other interested groups. undertaken by the Alberta Fish and Game on species in Alberta since 1997 Association volunteer-based Pronghorn • 2 updates on status reports published in Antelope Travel Corridor Enhancement 2013/14, including western grebe and Project hare-footed locoweed

Project: Wildlife Habitat Initiative in Low Disturbance Zones – Working with Alberta’s Trappers to Map Wolverine Distribution and Identify Conservation Risks Partnerships: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Trappers’ Association, Daishowa- Marubeni International Ltd., Environment Canada, Shell FuellingChange photo: ACA, Trail Cam

13 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Alberta Wildlife Status Amphibian Monitoring Using disturbance. We have partnered with Environmental DNA Dr. Mark Boyce, the University of Reports Alberta and Matt Scrafford (Ph.D. ACA and Alberta Environment and We are partnering with University of student) on Strafford’s wolverine Sustainable Resource Development Alberta to develop a new approach study in the Rainbow Lake area of (ESRD) publish Alberta Wildlife for surveying amphibians using northwest Alberta with the Dene Status Reports for wild species environmental DNA (eDNA). Tha on their traditional territory. that are believed to be declining Environmental DNA refers to The research examined the effect of in Alberta. These reports are the DNA that organisms leave behind industrial traffic and infrastructure essential first step for a species or shed as they pass through the on wolverine movements, to have its status assessed, and environment. Most people are distribution and their populations. they play a key role in identifying aware that this is possible with To gather this information, the Endangered and Threatened species tissue, such as hair, but the next wolverines required radio-collars. that need legal protection to keep step is collecting a DNA signature Matt and ACA field crews set and them from becoming extinct from material (mucus, feces, urine monitored a line of live traps from in Alberta. Each status report or sloughed skin) that is naturally November through April. The live summarizes the information suspended in water. This would allow traps were open for a total of 108 needed for assessing a species’ us to detect amphibian presence by days and 579 trap nights and 24 status—where it lives; the specific simply taking a water sample and wolverines, which were processed habitat it requires; its population having it analyzed in a genetics (marked with either a collar, ear size and whether its population laboratory. This technique will be a tag weighed, etc.) and three others is stable, increasing or declining; vast improvement over traditional were captured and released. GPS factors preventing it from thriving methods used for surveying telemetry data revealed that five in Alberta; and what has been, amphibians, which commonly of the 11 males had home ranges and is, being done to manage it in require highly skilled personnel covering 400-1200 km2. The project Alberta. A committee of Alberta- often working at night in remote is slated to continue for several more based scientists compares the areas. This new approach will allow years as Matt continues to work on information in each status report us to collect water samples at any his Ph.D. to internationally set thresholds time of day or night with minimal Partnerships (for population size, for example) time spent at a location, as well as Mark Boyce, the University of Alberta and recommends a status for the the flexibly to engage non-specialists and Matt Scrafford (Ph.D. student); species. Using international criteria (possibly volunteers) in sampling. Business Donors: ATB Financial, and thresholds ensures the status One of our first steps has been to Bildson Realty Ltd., Hinton Trappers assessment process is as unbiased as test our lab techniques to identify Association, Richard D. McCabe possible. The status recommended the genetic signature for all 10 Corporation, Rocky Mountain by the scientists is subsequently species of amphibians that occur in Wilderness Society, Stojan’s Motor scrutinized by an Alberta-based Alberta. We have also initiated tests Sports; multi-stakeholder committee (the to detect amphibian eDNA from Individual Donors: P. Bumstead, Endangered Species Conservation water samples collected from natural L. Elias, L. Hommy, R. Kantor, Committee) composed of land ponds and controlled aquariums. We G. Kruger, G. Macmillan, managers, academic institutions, started the laboratory work in 2013 L. Marciak, D. Middleton, S. Otto, conservation groups and industry, with a graduate student from the D. Pilon, A. Pollock, R. Reed, who provide their recommendation University of Alberta. B. Smith, J. Sorenson, W. Sullivan, on a species’ status to the Minister Partnerships N. Tait, D. Ukeniek, S. Wilson, of ESRD. The ultimate decision on Natural Sciences and Engineering M. Zapach status designation (e.g., Endangered, Research Council of Canada – Threatened) is made by the Minister. Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships Habitat Legacy Partnership In 2013/14, we published two status Program, University of Alberta – Upland gamebirds are valued for reports (western grebe update, hare- Brandon Booker (M.Sc. candidate), their showy colours, breeding footed locoweed), submitted three David Coltman, Corey Davis and displays and long history in the reports (Canada warbler, brassy Cynthia Paszkowski minnow, trumpeter swan) for review hunting tradition of Alberta. Ring- to the status assessment committees, Effect of industrial necked pheasants require a variety and initiated one update report disturbance on wolverine of habitats that provide suitable (Arctic grayling update). cover for nesting, brood rearing and travel. The Habitat Legacy Partnerships Wolverine are an elusive and mysterious creature thought to be Partnership works collaboratively Alberta Environment and negatively impacted by industrial with conservation groups, private Sustainable Resource Development

14 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 landowners, irrigation districts migration periods over all producing predator sites in greater sage-grouse and municipal districts to host oil and gas wells in the complex. Our areas, and installed a smooth bottom landowner workshops, implement weekly surveys also included flying wire (in place of barbed wire) on 12 habitat enhancements on the an established route over the entire km of fence to help pronghorn move landscape and monitor the effects complex to estimate the aggregate more freely. We also installed four of habitat enhancements. The goal number of observed waterfowl, hawk poles to increase nest site is to create key habitat components which was used to assess migration availability for ferruginous hawks, for ring-necked pheasant and gray status. We observed peak waterfowl which provide a natural means of partridge, but we anticipate that numbers during the first survey controlling ground squirrels. other species will benefit as well. In week in spring (May 9) and the third Through open communication, we 2013/14, we planted approximately survey week in fall (September 20). continue to build long-term 2,500 shrubs, including many berry- Waterfowl concentrations did not relationships and increase awareness bearing species, and continued exceed threshold levels at any well of species at risk with the maintenance on the approximately site during the 2013 migration landholders who care for wildlife. 15,000 trees and shrubs planted over periods. We also conducted a single These relationships have helped us the past four years, which provide aerial survey for bald eagle nests implement stewardship activities on food, security and thermal cover for within the complex on June 6 and 270,000 ac of land for the benefit of wildlife. We completed our annual observed nine active nests with a wildlife habitat and that complement pheasant and gray partridge brood total of 15 eaglets. the business strategy of individual survey in which we flushed almost Partnerships landholders. twice as many pheasants per hour Hay-Zama Committee, Partnerships in 2013 than in 2012. The encounter NuVista Energy Ltd. Alberta Environment and rate for partridges in 2013 was only Sustainable Resource Development, slighter higher than in 2012. To MULTISAR AltaLink, Canadian Natural engage and educate the public, we Southeastern Alberta is home to the Resources Limited, Environment hosted two well-attended advisory Canada – Environmental Damages workshops and distributed 500 highest density of At Risk wildlife in Alberta. MULTISAR is a multi- Fund, Fortis Alberta, Government pheasant chicks to 4H members and of Canada Habitat Stewardship landowners who raised them to 20 species stewardship program for species at risk focusing on the Milk Program for Species at Risk, weeks old prior to release on suitable landholders, Prairie Conservation habitat. River watershed and portions of the South Saskatchewan watershed. The Forum Partnerships program is a collaborative effort Alberta Hunter Education among landowners, ACA, Alberta Piping Plover Recovery Instructors’ Association, Cycle Environment and Sustainable Program Works Motorsports, Hays 4H Club, Resource Development, and Prairie Piping plovers are small, stubby- landowners, Municipal District of Conservation Forum. In 2013/14, we billed, Endangered shorebirds that Taber, Municipal District of Warner, completed wildlife and range surveys nest and feed along gravel beaches. Pheasants Forever – , on approximately 58,000 ac of land They face a number of threats, Lethbridge and Chinook Chapters and completed four habitat plans for including high rates of predation and Hay-Zama Wetland landowners to help them incorporate damage to their nesting and feeding wildlife habitat needs into their habitat. We are working with Monitoring ranching practices. Endangered landowners across east-central and The Hay-Zama Wetland Monitoring ferruginous hawks and greater sage- southern Alberta to improve habitat project was developed in response to grouse, as well as Threatened and promote awareness of the plight concerns about the potential impact chestnut-collared longspurs and of the piping plover. Each year, we of oil and gas activities within the Sprague’s pipits, are just a few of the also conduct piping plover counts on wetland complex on waterfowl. As a species identified on these lands. key breeding lakes, which allow us to condition of operation in the Hay- Enhancements were implemented on monitor population numbers and Zama complex, Alberta Energy six properties, including the distribution, and help us to guide Regulator requires oil and gas continued restoration of 480 ac back habitat improvement activities. We companies to monitor staging to native grass and the planting of surveyed 26 waterbodies and found waterfowl and suspend production 2,900 silver sagebrush and wild vetch 178 adults on 19 lakes, with 10 or of a well if waterfowl numbers plugs. We also installed reflectors more adults on seven of these lakes. exceed the level of 600 individuals along the top wire of barbed wire We worked with landowners to build within 30 m. To monitor waterfowl fences to reduce potential wildlife three permanent wildlife-friendly numbers, we conducted weekly collisions (e.g., sage-grouse), fences and one temporary fence, and aerial surveys during spring and fall removed two old buildings to reduce to implement seasonal grazing on

15 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 one lake to reduce vegetation, locations, but it slows down their findings to stakeholders, wildlife improving over 15 km of shoreline movements making them susceptible managers and conservation groups habitat. We also completed the to predators and in some cases across North America to help guide second year of a vegetation control strips hair off their backs causing future work aimed at removing project on two lakes and are hopeful lacerations and making them barriers to pronghorn movement. these treatments will restore over vulnerable to infection and frostbite. Partnerships 4 ha of previously suitable breeding We mapped over 67,000 km of fence Alberta Fish and Game Association, habitat to its former state. Since line in 630 townships in southeastern Bushnell, Cabelas Canada, Canadian large-scale recovery efforts began in Alberta and found that these digital Forces Base Suffield, Onefour 2002, we have improved over 57 km maps are consistent with ground Research Station, Safari Club of shoreline habitat, with the most truthing 72% of the time. We are International – Northern Alberta key piping plover habitat being assessing if specific locations along Chapter (Hunting Heritage Fund), protected or improved through fence lines can be improved using TD Friends of the Environment fencing. a treatment known as a “goat-bar,” Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Partnerships which raises the bottom fence line Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park Alberta Environment and wire. Early results from winter Sustainable Resource Development, 2012/13 suggested that pronghorn Restoring Natural Habitat for Alberta Tourism, Parks and did not selectively cross at the Wildlife Recreation, Department of National modified fence line locations. In fall Wildfire control began in Alberta’s Defence, Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2013/14, we set up cameras at 52 sites national parks in the 1930s and Government of Canada, landowners, to assess fall and winter movement on provincial forested land in the TD Friends of the Environment at treatment sites. We monitored the 1950s. Despite good intentions, this Foundation existing fence line for one month and then raised 13 sections of fence practice has resulted in changes to Pronghorn Program Phase with quick links or carabineers vegetation diversity important for to assess how pronghorn react the survival of many wildlife species. III: Facilitating Movement by to the enhancement. In summer Having an assortment of habitat Pronghorn 2013/14, we also conducted trials types with different vegetation Having evolved on the prairies of to assess how domestic livestock characteristics supports various North America, pronghorn have and pronghorn react to different- stages in an animal’s life cycle. not developed an instinct to jump coloured goat-bars (white, tan and We are working with the Alberta vertical obstacles. The proliferation green/brown). We are still analyzing Government to use disturbance- of fencing that followed cattle the data, but over the thee-month like controlled fire (prescribed ranching into Alberta since the period, we captured over 300,000 burning) and mechanical clearing 1880s poses a serious barrier to images. As results from these fence (e.g., brushing) to bring back pronghorn movement. Pronghorn modification enhancements become a more natural state of habitat may cross under fence lines in some available, we will disseminate our diversity to areas in the province

Project: Sharp-tailed Grouse Habitat Inventory and Stewardship Partnerships: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Blueberry Mountain Grazing Reserve, Wanham Grazing Reserve photo: ACA, Mike Jokinen

16 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 that are not influenced by other the site was disturbed two years nesting success for mallards, and disturbances such as commercial ago, it appears that the grouse have installing nest boxes for goldeneye logging. In 2013/14, we helped currently abandoned the site. Work and bufflehead increases potential the Alberta Government conduct at the Blueberry Mountain Grazing nesting sites. We encourage habitat surveys to determine how a Reserve was focused on collecting landowners and interested recent prescribed fire has changed baseline information on presence conservation groups to install and the vegetation patterns on Ram or absence of grouse within the maintain these nest structures and Mountain, an important area for property. Efforts from this past to monitor annual use by waterfowl. bighorn sheep. With a large portion spring did not yield any observations We provide information on of trees being killed by the fire, the of sharp-tailed grouse. waterfowl and their habitat through forest floor has opened up, allowing Partnerships field trips, presentations, and print for grasses and forbs (including Alberta Environment and and electronic media. wildflowers) to appear in spots Sustainable Resource Development, In 2013/14, we provided seven nest that were too shady to grow before. Blueberry Mountain Grazing tunnels to volunteers to install, Many tracks from bighorn sheep, Reserve, Wanham Grazing Reserve bringing our total number of elk and deer were seen in this newly installed tunnels to 280 since 2005. burned area, indicating its fresh Waterfowl Crop Damage We engaged two new conservation appeal. Aside from working with groups and two additional the government on public land, we Prevention Program landowners to participate in are working towards using similar The Waterfowl Crop Damage maintenance and monitoring of treatments on ACA titled lands to Prevention Program assists nearly half of these nest tunnels. help improve habitat. As part of this agricultural producers in reducing Our monitoring results indicate process, we evaluated the methods damage to crops caused by waterfowl waterfowl nested in approximately by which we inventory habitat to during fall migration. To improve 40% of the tunnels, and all but ensure we gather the information effectiveness and efficiency, we one of the nests appeared to have needed to make informed decisions approached counties and municipal hatched successfully. We monitored on habitat treatments. By continuing districts in 2012/13 in areas where 17 existing nest boxes, installed to improve and monitor habitats, we we previously operated scare cannon four boxes on Conservation Sites in can have a positive impact on many distribution centres and offered our Central Region, and provided wildlife species. scare cannons free of charge for one nest box to a private landowner them to incorporate into their Partnerships to install on his property. We existing equipment rental programs. Alberta Environment and also responded to 22 requests for In 2013/14, we continued to work Sustainable Resource Development information on waterfowl nesting with producers as well as counties habitat and structures, including and municipal districts to ensure Sharp-tailed Grouse Habitat distributing over 10 copies of the that scare cannons were available reprinted booklet Nest Box Guide Inventory and Stewardship where needed for waterfowl crop for Waterfowl, Alberta Edition to We modelled occupancy of sharp- damage prevention. We provided individuals and groups. We also tailed grouse leks in northwestern locations where scare cannons were hosted one field trip and participated Alberta using a combination of available for loan and crop damage in a conservation celebration at song meters and human observers prevention strategies on our website. Whitney Lakes Provincial Park to detect breeding activity over We completed decommissioning highlighting waterfowl species a five-day period. We found that of all waterfowl feeding stations in and their nesting requirements to occupancy of a given site was 2013/14. approximately 30 adults and 23 negatively influenced by the amount Partnerships youth. of forest cover within 1,600 m. Alberta Environment and Partnerships Additionally, we worked with the Sustainable Resource Development Wanham and Blueberry Mountain Alberta Fish and Game Association, grazing reserves to understand Waterfowl Nesting Habitat Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited local population levels and trends, Enhancement Canada, Syncrude Canada Ltd., as well as to create an adaptive Wildlife Habitat Canada, Windsor Loss of secure nesting habitat is pasture management strategy to Plywood match cattle grazing needs with one of the main limiting factors for retention of grouse habitat. At the mallard, goldeneye and bufflehead Wanham Grazing Reserve, we were populations in areas of Alberta interested in observing impacts of where annual crop production is the reseeding grass within a pasture predominant land use. Providing that had an active lek site. Since nest tunnels in these areas improves

17 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2012/2013 Wildlife Habitat Initiative Wildlife Habitat Initiative Partnerships in Low Disturbance Zones in Low Disturbance Zones Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, – Habitat Resources and – Working with Alberta’s Alberta Trappers’ Association, Movement Corridors in Trappers to Map Wolverine Daishowa-Marubeni International Southwest Alberta Distribution and Identify Ltd., Environment Canada, Shell Identifying resources important Conservation Risks FuellingChange for wildlife is an important step We are partnering with the Wildlife Volunteer and towards ensuring that Alberta’s wild Alberta Trappers’ Association to spaces and wild species are identified identify where wolverines occur Outreach Project and conserved. Between 2010 and in the province and to determine Volunteers have been playing a 2013, we monitored a subset of the major factors associated with crucial role in wildlife conservation naturally occurring mineral licks their distribution. In 2013/14, we efforts for many years. Vast datasets in southwest Alberta using trail focused our efforts on analyzing the collected through programs such cameras to determine seasonal responses of trappers in a traditional as the nearly 50-year-old North variation in use by key ungulates. knowledge survey as well as using American Breeding Bird Survey, We identified elk, moose, mule deer, field data from the previous winter or more recent programs, such as white-tailed deer and mountain to explore patterns of provincial eBird, would not exist without the goats using forested mineral licks wolverine distribution. The trapper efforts of volunteers. Individuals and determined that the peak survey responses indicated that they who volunteer with ACA can period of use generally occurred in were more likely to find wolverine develop skills and gain knowledge late July. As predicted, moose, deer sign on their traplines if their related to conservation and, at the and elk used forested mineral licks registered fur management areas same time, increase our capacity significantly less during the daytime were larger (the largest traplines are to deliver conservation initiatives. compared with the morning or generally found in the northern part In 2013/14, 52 participants from evening. Alpine mineral licks were of the province) and if road density the Alberta Volunteer Amphibian most frequently visited by mountain was lower within that area. Trappers Monitoring Program and Crowsnest goat and bighorn sheep, with the in the northwest Boreal and Rocky Conservation Society submitted exception of one site that had moose, Mountain areas reported the highest 155 amphibian and 44 reptile elk and deer visiting regularly as incidence of wolverine sign on their observations, including locations well. Peak activity at alpine licks lines; the northeast Boreal had the of seven snake hibernacula (dens). occurred in July and August, where lowest reports of wolverine sign. We These data represented 80% of the goats are typically present during hope that our future work will help amphibian and 78% of the reptile all hours of the day, whereas sheep to explain differences from west to species native to the province. tend to avoid the night period. east across northern Alberta. To Data collected by volunteers Based on information that we will begin answering these questions, provide a better understanding collect in 2014/15, we will complete we focused all efforts in the winter of the distribution and status of suggestions for mineral lick buffer of 2013/14 on sampling the Boreal Alberta’s amphibians and reptiles, distances and timing restrictions for Forest Natural Region, where ACA and provide valuable information industrial disturbances. staff and 24 trappers set up and for land-use planning efforts. For Partnerships monitored 50 bait and camera example, land-use planners can Alberta Environment and sites. Photographs from these use this information to incorporate Sustainable Resource Development, sites will be analyzed in summer appropriate setback distances Anatum Ecological Consulting, 2014. The commitment of trapper around breeding ponds used by Devon Canada Corporation, Parks citizen scientists to this project is sensitive species, such as boreal Canada substantial, including donating toad, into forestry harvest plans. their time and resources over a These partnerships and volunteer two-month period outside of their relationships are examples of how normal trapping seasons. And it ACA can work with a network of has become a family commitment enthusiastic volunteers to positively for some, with spouses, children, impact conservation. and sometimes even grandchildren Partnerships being involved in the set up and Alberta Environment and monitoring of sites, and the resulting Sustainable Resource Development, discussion about what makes good Crowsnest Conservation Society, wolverine habitat. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

18 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Fisheries Program Fisheries projects are delivered within three categories: 1) Enhanced Sports Fisheries (Enhanced Fish Stocking and Lake Aeration), 2) Monitoring and Evaluations, and 3) Riparian Conservation. Beginning in 2013/14, Riparian Conservation is delivered under the Land Management program. Happy anglers Enhanced Sports Fisheries (Enhanced Fish Stocking and Lake Aeration) provides Albertans with recreational angling in areas of the province where such fishing opportunities don’t otherwise exist. The result is reduced pressure on limited native fish stocks and conservation of important fish species. In 2013/14, we stocked some 120,900 catchable-sized (i.e., 20 cm) rainbow trout in 60 ponds through Enhanced Fish Stocking (EFS), creating “put- and-take” trout fisheries where anglers are allowed to harvest up to five fish per day. Since 1998, when ACA assumed responsibility for EFS, we have stocked over two million rainbow trout. To prevent interaction with native fish species, trout stocking occurs in the “white zone” (settled area of the province) only and in waterbodies that frequently winterkill. These sites are located close to urban centres, making them very popular family destinations all summer long. Among the anglers we surveyed, most were very satisfied with their fishing experience at EFS ponds and frequented these sites because they were close to home. We also installed signage at 13 waterbodies to increase public awareness of EFS. Data collected on water quality, physical characteristics of the waterbodies, and angler effort at EFS ponds will help improve efficiency and cost- Project: Enhanced Fish Stocking effectiveness of our fish stocking Partnerships: Access Pipeline, Agrium Redwater, project. Aquality Environmental, Aux Sable Energy, An impressive 16 lakes across the City of , Complete Crossings, DOW Agro Sciences province benefited from lake photo: ACA, Velma Hudson aeration last year, creating great

19 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 angling opportunities for residents grayling, bull trout, cutthroat invasive fish sampling technology of neighbouring communities. trout, rainbow trout and brook (such as transponder-tag scanner Aerated lakes are typically shallow, trout. Results from these surveys array), we lead the development of eutrophic, experience prolonged assist Alberta Environment and population status assessment tools ice-cover, and are prone to both Sustainable Resource Development for bull trout in the province. summer and winter fish kills because with fisheries management plans and of low dissolved oxygen. Through form the basis for fishing regulation 2013/14 Overview aeration, we maintain dissolved changes. They also determine the • 120,900 twenty-centimetre long rainbow oxygen at levels that promote year- effectiveness of new management trout stocked into 60 waterbodies round survival of stocked trout. strategies, such as the special walleye Except for one lake that experienced fishing licence. • 15 aerated waterbodies successfully a late winter fish kill due to an overwintered fish and prevented Our studies also generate critical atypically long winter period, all summerkills; one experienced late winter information required for developing other lakes successfully overwintered fish kill because of an unusually long key provincial conservation fish and prevented summerkills. winter period initiatives and resource management • 9 fisheries projects conducted on 27 policies, including the Alberta waterbodies; generated information on New possibilities for urban Fish Sustainability Index, Alberta population status, recreational harvest, dwellers Wildlife Status Reports, Alberta distribution, migration and spawning Landuse Framework, and State of the We collaborated with a graduate habitat of sport fish student at the University of Watershed reports under the Alberta • Sport fish surveyed: walleye, northern pike, Lethbridge to investigate the Water for Life Strategy. Arctic grayling, bull trout, cutthroat trout, suitability of stormwater ponds to Bull trout studies in the East Slopes rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout support put-and-take recreational drainages have identified key • Identified key bull trout spawning fisheries. Approximately 13% (4 spawning tributaries, overwintering tributaries, overwintering habitats of 31) of the ponds examined had habitats and subpopulations, as and inter-basin movements previously suitable water quality and habitat well as inter-basin migrations, that unknown in the East Slopes drainages to support viable stocked trout were previously unknown. In the fisheries. Toxicant concentrations Castle River drainage, we identified • 720 anglers interviewed during creel (heavy metal and pesticides) in new spawning tributaries in Mill surveys these ponds were well below federal Creek, South Castle River, and the • 112 redds counted over 60 river-kilometres guidelines, both in water samples Carbondale River system, as well as • 260 river-kilometres surveyed using and in fish tissue. Given the rapid inter-basin migrations among the electrofishing or angling pace of urban development across Castle, Crowsnest, and Old Man • 39 bull trout tagged with transponders the province and associated high river basins. The Waterton River proliferation of stormwater ponds, • Used transponder-tag scanner array to project highlights the negative monitor trap avoidance by fish the prospect of even a small impacts of anthropogenic activities proportion of them supporting (e.g., habitat degradation and Overall, the success of our Fisheries healthy stocked fish populations introduction of non-native species) program activities in 2013/14 could result in additional on bull trout. Encroachment by non- involved the support of over 30 recreational fishing opportunities in native brook trout into their range partners consisting of provincial urban centres. poses a considerable threat to the and federal governments, industry, remnant bull trout populations in watershed groups, non-governmental Conservation and the drainage. Native bull trout are organizations, counties/ recreational benefits restricted to areas where the water municipalities, universities, private landowners and other interested We conduct numerous monitoring is coldest and stream connectivity groups. and evaluation projects to provide is most intact, whereas invasive information on population brook and brown trout are captured structure, abundance, distribution throughout the drainage. In the and life history of priority sport Clearwater River system, our studies fish species. We also monitor sport suggest that despite unprecedented fisheries for angler use, harvest conservation measures, the bull and demographics. We conducted trout population is still at high risk projects at 7 rivers, 2 lakes and 16 of extirpation because adult bull ponds, as well as interviewed 720 trout abundance remains relatively anglers during creel surveys. In low. By incorporating advances our sport fish surveys, we focus in analytical techniques (such as on walleye, northern pike, Arctic occupancy modelling) and non-

20 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Clearwater River Core Area abundance. After six days and over has been reduced to approximately Bull Trout Status 24 hours of angling in April, we 31% of its historical range. Current captured a total of 33 bull trout, populations, all of which are At Bull trout is a sport fish native to including 22 individuals and 11 Risk of extirpation, exist only in the eastern slopes of Alberta. In recaptures. Estimated abundance headwater streams. Abundance response to alarming declines in of adult bull trout was between 1.5 and distribution of these remnant abundance and distribution, a and 3.2 fish/km. Our results indicate populations are unclear. We are province-wide, zero bag limit for that abundance of adult bull trout conducting a four-year abundance the species was imposed by the in the Clearwater River is relatively and spawning habitat assessment provincial government in 1995. low and, based on past assessments, in the Castle River drainage to Despite this and other conservation appears to have been low for the past update the status of these remnant measures, most remaining bull 35 years. Despite unprecedented populations. During fall 2013, trout populations in the province conservation measures, the we installed fish traps in South are considered to be At Risk of Clearwater bull trout population Castle River, Carbondale River extirpation, and several populations, appears to still be at High Risk of and Mill Creek to capture bull including the Clearwater River extirpation. trout migrating downstream. We population, are considered to be marked all adult bull trout with an at High Risk of extirpation. We Partnerships internal transponder tag to track began a project in 2011/12 to assess Alberta Environment and individuals during recapture events. the abundance and distribution of Sustainable Resource Development Unseasonably high stream flows bull trout in the Clearwater River caused trap failure at all study sites, watershed. In 2013/14, the final Distribution and Abundance which subsequently reduced fish year of the project, we estimated of the Migratory Bull Trout catch rates. We captured 81 adult abundance of adult bull trout in Population in the Castle River migratory bull trout in three major the river itself. We used angling Drainage spawning streams: 21 in South Castle gear to capture bull trout in two River, 39 in Carbondale River and reaches of the river that have Alberta’s bull trout populations 21 in Mill Creek. We conducted been assessed since the 1970s. By have declined over the last redd (fish nest) counts in spawning uniquely marking all the bull trout century because of anthropogenic streams and observed 112 redds in 60 we captured using an internal disturbances, including habitat stream kilometres: 10 in South Castle transponder tag not much larger fragmentation and degradation, River, 11 in West Castle River, 52 in than a grain of rice, we were able to migration barriers, introduction Mill Creek, and 39 in Carbondale compare the proportion of marked of non-native fish species, and River drainage. High stream fish to unmarked fish in subsequent overharvest. In southwestern flows resulted in low redd counts catches and thereby estimate their Alberta, bull trout distribution compared to previous survey years.

Project: Clearwater River Core Area Bull Trout Status Partnerships: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development photo: ACA, Brad Hurkett

21 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 We observed streambed scouring Lake Aeration province. The FSI requires basic that had likely washed out several demographic data from undisturbed bull trout redds in most spawning We use aeration as a fisheries or minimally disturbed “reference” streams. Despite these complications management technique to provide populations that will serve as from unseasonable high flows in Albertans with recreational angling benchmarks against which data from year three, we continue to gain a opportunities in areas of the more disturbed populations can better understanding of the bull province where such opportunities be measured. With its headwaters trout population in the Castle River are otherwise limited. Aerated in the Birch Mountains Provincial drainage, and we anticipate learning waterbodies are typically shallow, Wildland Park and relative absence more in 2014/15, the final year of the eutrophic, experience prolonged ice of any major industrial development project. cover, and are prone to summer and in the watershed, the Mikkwa winter fish kills. We use aeration Partnerships River is a candidate reference to maintain dissolved oxygen Alberta Environment and population for the Arctic grayling levels above 3 mg/L to promote Sustainable Resource Development, FSI. We surveyed the Mikkwa River year-round survival of stocked Alberta Stream Watch Conservation to collect demographic data to trout. In 2013/14, we aerated 16 Coalition, Devon Canada assist with the development of the waterbodies across Alberta. All of Corporation, Shell Canada Energy FSI. At survey sites, we captured our aerated waterbodies successfully Arctic grayling using backpack Enhanced Fish Stocking overwintered trout. However, a electrofishing or test angling, and partial summerkill was reported measured their length and weight. Project at Swan Lake. We identified and A total of seven Arctic grayling were The Enhanced Fish Stocking project continued to develop potential captured, one caught by angling provides anglers with increased aeration opportunities to create and six captured by electrofishing. opportunities to catch and harvest or enhance angling opportunities. Arctic grayling ranged in size from 20 cm rainbow trout in parts of Further, we established and 55 to 273 mm fork length. We Alberta where angling opportunities maintained financial and in-kind discontinued field surveys after two are limited or do not exist. Recipient partnerships for existing and new days because of the low number of waterbodies are prone to winterkill aeration projects. grayling captured despite intensive and require annual stocking of Partnerships effort. rainbow trout to maintain angling Partnerships opportunities. All rainbow trout Access Pipelines, Alberta ConocoPhillips stockings are delivered through Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta contracts with private growers. We Milk River Sauger/Sport Fish stocked a total of 60 waterbodies Tourism, Parks and Recreation, with 120,900 rainbow trout Canadian Forest Products Ltd., Clear Inventory during 84 stocking events in 2013. Hills County, County of Parkland, Fish populations in the Milk River in Approximately 60% of the stockings Daishowa-Marubeni International southwestern Alberta are influenced were completed prior to the May Ltd., Devon Canada Corporation, by international transboundary flow long weekend. We also installed Edson Forest Products, Fisheries agreements between Alberta and signage that displayed ACA’s logo Enhancement Society of Alberta, Montana. Discussions are currently and those of contributing partners Municipal District of Greenview underway regarding the timing and at 13 waterbodies. Since 1998, when No. 16, , quantity of water diverted into the ACA assumed responsibility for the Peace Country Flyfishers, Spring North Milk River and subsequently stocking project, we have stocked Lake Campground, Trout Unlimited conveyed into the Alberta portion of over two million rainbow trout in Canada – Yellowhead Chapter, the river. Nineteen fish species are 1,376 stocking events. Village of Spring Lake documented in the Alberta portion of the river (approximately 170 km Partnerships Mikkwa River Arctic Grayling Access Pipeline, Agrium Redwater, of stream). Three of these species— Aquality Environmental, Aux Sable Population Assessment St. Mary’s sculpin, western silvery Energy, City of Fort Saskatchewan, Arctic grayling is a strikingly minnow and stonecat—are listed as Threatened under the Species At Complete Crossings, DOW Agro colourful fish, which occupies many Risk Act, and two others—sauger Sciences boreal and foothills streams in and brassy minnow—are listed as Alberta. Alberta Environment and “of special interest.” However, the Sustainable Resource Development most recent data on fish populations is developing a new tool, the Alberta in the Milk River system are more Fish Sustainability Index (FSI), to than a decade old. The goal of our bring consistency to individual project is to generate data on fish fish stock assessments across the

22 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Alberta Stream Watch Conservation Coalition, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Summer Sport Fishery on the Peace River, Alberta, 2013 The portion of the Peace River located in northwest Alberta is categorized as a cool-water fishery that supports sport fish species such as walleye, northern pike, goldeye and burbot. Angling is typically concentrated at the mouths of tributaries flowing into the mainstem. However, little is known Project: Mikkwa River Arctic about recreational angling pressure Grayling Population Assessment along this portion of the river. We Partnerships: ConocoPhillips surveyed anglers along a section of photo: ACA, Troy Furukawa the river around the town of Peace River (i.e., between the confluences of the Smoky and Cadotte rivers) to distribution and abundance, which trout populations in the province provide Alberta Environment and can be used to review the status of are considered to be At Risk of Sustainable Resource Development fish species as well as contribute to extirpation, and several populations, with current data regarding the sport decisions regarding flow control including the Muskeg River fishery. We interviewed anglers at regimes. In 2013/14 (planning year), population, are considered to be two locations, at Heart River/Pat’s we held discussions with Alberta at High Risk of extirpation. In this Creek in the town of Peace River and Environment and Sustainable first year of a two-year project, we at the Whitemud River confluence, Resource Development to determine attempted to estimate abundance from June 3 to September 25, 2013. the priorities, objectives and of adult bull trout in the river using To determine ratio-of-use along the broad project direction for ACA’s mark-recapture techniques. We survey section, we counted anglers participation in the inventory. used angling and raft electrofishing by boat. We estimated that 53% of Researchers from the University gear to capture bull trout in two anglers fished from the two survey of Alberta will survey sculpin and reaches that have been assessed sites and that total angling effort western silvery minnow in the periodically since the 1990s. Each along the survey reach was 1.0 h/ha. upper and lower reaches of the bull trout captured was implanted Catch rates were low at both access Milk River, and we will determine with a transponder tag to allow us sites for all species, with 0.3 fish/h population estimates for sauger and to identify individuals. We only captured at Heart River/Pat’s Creek fish community composition in the captured 10 bull trout in the two and 0.8 fish/h captured at Whitemud middle reaches of the river. Data study reaches (14 km), but we angled River. 34 bull trout in just 2 km of river collection and reporting will begin Partnerships in 2014/15. while scouting upstream of the Canada Summer Jobs Partnerships study reaches. We suspect flooding prior to our sampling affected bull Alberta Environment and trout distribution in the river. Our Trout Stocking Evaluation Sustainable Resource Development low catch in the two study reaches Stocking trout to create put-and-take precluded us from estimating adult fisheries is a popular management Muskeg River Core Area Bull bull trout abundance in the river. tool for providing recreational Trout Status In 2014/15, we will make a second fisheries. ACA stocks about 60 lakes Bull trout is a sport fish native to attempt to estimate the abundance with approximately 121,000 trout. the eastern slopes of Alberta. In of bull trout in the river, and we will Initial results suggest that put-and- response to alarming declines in describe the distribution of juvenile take sport fisheries are composed of abundance and distribution, a bull trout throughout the upper populations of many fewer fish than province-wide, zero bag limit for Muskeg River watershed. previously believed and that their the species was imposed by the Partnerships close proximity to municipalities makes them popular destinations. provincial government in 1995. Alberta Environment and Despite the stocking program’s cost Despite this and other conservation Sustainable Resource Development, measures, most remaining bull and importance, little information

23 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 exists on the suitability of these lakes methods during the summer of 2013. gear to describe the range of to support populations of stocked The SWLs for walleye <43 cm total bull trout in the Waterton River fish and a sport fishery. To assess the length at Iosegun and Smoke lakes watershed in relation to existing suitability of these lakes for stocking, were 2.9% and 1.9% subscribed, sport-fish communities, human- we collected water quality and respectively, whereas the SWLs for made barriers to fish movement, bathymetry data from 10 lakes and walleye 43 to 50 cm total length were and stream temperature. We data on angler effort, temperature fully subscribed at both lakes. We used a grid-like sampling pattern and dissolved oxygen from six lakes. interviewed 215 and 246 anglers and across the watershed to detect Stocked lakes varied considerably in estimated angling effort to be 3,203 h bull trout and obtain a detailed size (0.4 to 4.0 ha, mean = 1.6 ha), and 1,545 h at Iosegun and Smoke picture of the existing sport-fish shape and depth. Water quality lakes, respectively. Harvest rate at community. We used dataloggers parameters varied widely between both lakes was 0.1 fish/h. Release to monitor instream temperature our 10 study lakes, with pH varying rate was 1.5 fish/h at Iosegun Lake at 29 stations across the watershed. the least and nitrates varying the and 2.3 fish/h at Smoke Lake. No We electrofished roughly 63 km most. Estimated angler effort ranged illegal harvest (harvest without an of stream in the watershed at 71 from 57 angler-hours to 811 angler- SWL) was observed at Iosegun Lake. reaches on tributaries, the entire hours. Water temperature ranged Four walleye of the wrong size and Dardanelles and Waterton River, from 9.3°C to 25.1°C and reached the two walleye harvested without an and the perimeter of Maskinonge upper threshold for rainbow trout to SWL were observed at Smoke Lake. Lake. In all, we captured 281 survive (25°C) on only one four-hour Partnerships bull trout of which 94% were occasion at one lake. Dissolved Alberta Environment and captured in four short tributary oxygen ranged from 0.0 mg/L to Sustainable Resource Development, reaches where the water is coldest 16.8 mg/L and reached the lower Canada Summer Jobs, Municipality and stream connectivity is most threshold for rainbow trout to of Fox Creek intact. Overall, the Waterton survive (3 mg/L) at all lakes except watershed is dominated by non- one, ranging from 4% of the Waterton River Watershed native fish species, particularly recording period to 99% of the brook trout, which were captured recording period. Bull Trout Status Assessment in every flowing waterbody. Non- Partnerships Bull trout is an important indicator native rainbow trout were equally of stream health and is a valued TD Friends of the Environment dominant in the Drywood-Yarrow sport fish. Once among the most Foundation sub-watershed, and brown trout were widespread native stream fishes to well established in the Waterton Walleye Selective Harvest, occupy Alberta’s coldest streams River. Brook trout appear to be a and rivers, our provincial fish is significant threat to remaining bull 2013 now considered Threatened by trout populations; we captured bull A restrictive management strategy the Committee on the Status of trout x brook trout hybrids in nearly due to the overharvest of walleye in Endangered Wildlife in Canada. every tributary where bull trout Alberta has resulted in increases in Populations are fragmented and were captured. Our findings will walleye numbers but few large fish. pushed to the western periphery help fisheries managers decide how Explanations for the large number of of the species’ historical range and where to best conserve Alberta’s small yet old walleye include density in Alberta. Knowledge of the provincial fish, while maintaining compensation resulting in stunted species’ current distribution is viable recreational fisheries for growth, size-selective mortality of essential to identify and prioritize Alberta anglers. larger fish, or selective harvest remediation efforts; however, Partnerships resulting in genetic changes in the species’ widespread decline Alberta Environment and growth rate. Paradoxically, the has made detection difficult in Sustainable Resource Development, management solutions for these many watersheds. According to Nature Conservancy of Canada – problems are in opposition: either a recent assessment by Alberta Waterton Park Front, Parks Canada, harvest more or harvest less. A Environment and Sustainable University of Lethbridge Special Walleye Licence (SWL; that Resource Development, bull trout is, a draw and tag system) was are at High Risk of extirpation in designed to increase the number of the Waterton River watershed. Their medium- to large-sized walleye. The historical decline in the watershed goal of this project is to evaluate the is well documented, but current effectiveness of this regulation to information on their distribution is reverse size-selective harvest. We lacking. conducted creel surveys at Iosegun In 2012 and 2013, we completed an and Smoke lakes using single-access intensive study using electrofishing

24 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Landowners also play a key role Conservation Sites across Alberta, Land Management in our conservation efforts and covering over 121,000 acres (48,967 Land Management projects are successes. Our Landowner Habitat ha) of habitat. This work is not delivered within three categories: Program is designed to conserve key accomplished alone; volunteers, 1) Habitat Conservation, 2) ACA wildlife and fish habitat and enhance member groups and partners are Conservation Site Management, recreational access on privately extremely valuable and assisted us 3) Riparian Conservation and owned lands using term agreements. immensely. 4) Recreational Opportunity Two new agreements were added As part of Land Management, we Initiatives. Beginning in 2013/14, to the program in 2013/14. We also manage 28 fisheries access Riparian Conservation (previously currently manage 48 agreements sites, which provide anglers access delivered under the Fisheries conserving over 8,000 acres to 4 rivers and 24 lakes across program) is delivered under Habitat (3,237 ha) of important wildlife and Alberta, thereby increasing angling Conservation. fish habitat. opportunities for the public. Managing these sites is achieved Conservation impact Habitat management and through a variety of partnerships, The primary goal of our Land recreational benefits both in-kind and financial, with Management program is to conserve Land management is considered a volunteer stewards, industry, important wildlife and fish habitat bit of an art, which requires a lot of government, municipalities, various across Alberta. This habitat, known heart and creativity. Habitat is the corporate partners and other as Conservation Sites (see Discover essential element in maintaining organizations across the province. Alberta’s Wild Side: Annual Outdoor wildlife and fish populations. Adventure Guide), spans hundreds Recognizing this, our goal is to Conserving riparian habitat of thousands of acres across Alberta. maximize habitat potential on our Riparian areas are zones that are Each site has its own unique Conservation Sites and privately rich in biodiversity. Riparian habitat characteristics and provides an owned lands by implementing is an important ecosystem and vital array of opportunities to hunt, fish, various management and to a staggering array of organisms. forage or view wildlife. Conserving enhancement techniques to make These moisture-rich areas support habitat in perpetuity and habitat attractive to a variety of a diversity of plants, which provide providing sustainable recreational wildlife and fish species. ideal foraging areas for a variety opportunities—and working with of wildlife species. These areas are landowners and member groups to Our Conservation Site Management also favoured by insects, which achieve these goals—is what ACA’s program involves actively managing provide an essential food source for Land Management program is all and maintaining Conservation Sites birds, amphibians and fish to thrive about. we own or manage (Crown land). To guide management, we develop on. We work with landowners and Each year we acquire new detailed management plans, which lessees to conserve riparian habitat Conservation Sites by securing provide short- and long-term on priority creeks and rivers. We habitat through land purchase objectives on how the sites are to be are currently working on the Edson and gracious land donations from managed. These plans are a River, Owl River, North Raven and private landowners across Alberta. collaborative effort between ACA and Raven Rivers, Beaverlodge River This work is achieved through a other conservation partners who are and various creeks in the Oldman collaborative effort between ACA, actively involved in the management watershed basin. Working with private donors, our corporate of these sites. Managing landowners, we use management partners and other conservation Conservation Sites involves activities tools such as streambank fencing, organizations. Notably, Suncor such as installing fences, repairing habitat lease agreements, bank Energy Foundation, Shell Canada fences, installing signage, controlling stabilization, off-channel watering Energy, TransCanada Pipelines, invasive species, repairing for livestock, and education and Government of Canada Habitat infrastructure, completing baseline outreach to enhance, maintain Stewardship Program for Species at inventories, monitoring sites, and conserve riparian habitats and Risk, and many other partners were mitigating access issues, managing overall ecosystem health. instrumental in their continued contracts, addressing land-use In total, we delivered 14 on-the- support for retaining key habitats referrals, and planning and ground riparian enhancements, in the boreal and grassland regions implementing a variety of habitat including planting willows, installing of Alberta. This collaborative effort enhancement and restoration projects livestock exclusion fencing, signing resulted in eight new Conservation on over 200,000 ac (80,937 ha). In habitat lease agreements to idle Sites, including two land donations, 2013/14, ACA staff and seasonal riparian habitat, and installing off- conserving nearly 2,000 acres employees spent over 13,000 hours channel watering systems and spring (809 ha) valued at over $2 million. inspecting and maintaining over 175 developments. Together, our projects

25 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 protected approximately 4.5 km of The great outdoors: 2013/14 Overview streambank and conserved over 85 ac (34 ha) of riparian habitat. yours to discover • 8 new Conservation Sites secured TheDiscover Alberta’s Wild Side: (acquisition/land donation) totaling We also conducted several Annual Outdoor Adventure Guide 1,979 ac (800 ha) community outreach activities, profiles 746 Conservation Sites including hosting demonstration • $2,100,000+ in lands secured covering over 294,215 ac (119,064 ha) tours, planting willows, and working (approximate value) across Alberta. Secured by ACA and with watershed groups, landowners • 10-year partnership celebration event our partners, these sites offer a and lessees to highlight riparian held with Suncor Energy Canada; variety of sustainable recreational projects and increase public interest partnership received finalist at the opportunities including hunting, in maintaining healthy riparian Emerald Awards angling, foraging and wildlife areas. Over 200 volunteers and 60 viewing. They include 631 sites • 477 acres (193 ha) of habitat protected high school students participated in where you can hunt and 148 sites by executing 2 new landowner habitat a variety of events. where you can fish. The popularity retention agreements We gratefully acknowledge the co- and reach of the Outdoor Adventure • 195 Conservation Sites inspected operation and support of our many Guide continues to increase year • 38 Conservation Sites underwent habitat partners and private landowners; after year: we distributed 80,000 enhancements without their support and copies in 2013/14. The inclusion of • 365,000 trees and shrubs planted on our involvement, these accomplishments Alberta Fish and Game Association, Conservation Sites could not have been achieved. its affiliated clubs, and Ducks • 13,500+ hours spent on Conservation Site Unlimited Canada Conservation management and maintenance Sites makes this one of the most • 28 fisheries access sites maintained, extensive outdoor guides available. of which 5 received upgrades and enhancements • 29 Conservation Site signs installed, including boundary and “Foot Access Only” signs on 27 sites • 37 Conservation Sites required recommendations on land-use referrals • 35 management plans completed • 14 on-the-ground riparian enhancements protecting over 4.5 km of streambank and conserving over 85 acres (34 ha) of riparian habitat • 10 sites inspected on the North Raven River where we have habitat lease agreements

Overall, the success of our Land Management program activities in 2013/14 is a testament to the support and efforts of over 80 partners, including government, industry, non-governmental organizations, counties/municipalities, leaseholders, private landowners, corporate partners and other interested groups. These vital partnerships reduce the amount of levy dollars required to Project: Provincial Habitat Securement Program conserve and manage over Partners: Alberta Fish and Game Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada, 200,000 ac (80,937 ha) of habitat. Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, Joseph and Laura Di Santo, Parkland County, Pheasants Forever – Calgary and Chinook Chapters, Steve Nickolayuk, Western Sky, Wild Elk Federation photo: ACA, Marco Fontana

26 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Beaverlodge Riparian and coordinated an interactive event We also completed enhancement Conservation with Beaverlodge Regional High projects on 38 Conservation Sites, School students to plant willows. The including planting over 365,000 trees In 2002, aerial videography was Beaverlodge Riparian Conservation and shrubs! Tree and shrub planting used to assess riparian health on project is a collaborative effort with and other vegetation enhancements the Beaverlodge River and two of West County Watershed Society, will benefit habitat for ungulates, its tributaries, Beavertail Creek County of , and Cows upland gamebirds and waterfowl. and Steeprock Creek. Degraded and Fish. Our riparian conservation Recreational enhancements at seven riparian habitat along these systems efforts are resulting in incremental of the sites, such as access gates is primarily attributed to livestock improvements in riparian habitat and vehicular controls, also benefit grazing and watering, feedlot in the Beaverlodge River watershed outdoor enthusiasts. We installed operations, vehicle fording, land and are influencing how landowners 29 Conservation Site signs and clearing and instream alterations. steward their lands. provided recommendations on 37 Since 2004, ACA, in partnership Partnerships land-use referrals. We also managed with landowners, provincial and ConocoPhillips, County of Grande public access on two sites through municipal governments, and Prairie, Cows and Fish, Penn West, a reservation system. Numerous other conservation groups, has West County Watershed Society partners across Alberta participate delivered riparian restoration and in and support our work. conservation projects throughout Conservation Site Partnerships this drainage. We completed Alberta Environment and riparian health inventories and Management Sustainable Resource Development, assessments, riparian enhancement We currently manage and maintain Alberta Fish and Game Association, projects, bi-annual water quality 195 Conservation Sites, which Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks analysis and monitoring, and include over 200,000 ac of titled and Wildlife Foundation, Alberta public education events. In 2013, and Crown land in Alberta. Our Trail Riding Association, Bow we completed six riparian health Conservation Site Management River Irrigation District, Buffalo assessments and two riparian health program is responsible for the Lake Naturalists, Calfrac, Cameron inventories, delivered one solar- stewardship of these conservation Development Corporation, Canon powered watering system, completed assets in accordance with site Evergreen, County of Lethbridge, spring and fall water quality analyses management plans. In 2013/14, , County of for which several parameters we inspected and maintained 195 Warner, Ducks Unlimited Canada, exceeded recommended guidelines, Conservation Sites across Alberta. Eastern Irrigation District, and Area Land Trust, Grande Prairie District Junior Forest Wardens, Junior Forest Rangers, landowners, MULTISAR, Municipal District of Smoky River, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Pheasants Forever – Calgary and Chinook Chapters, Prairie Conservation Forum, Robert Bateman, , Shell Canada Energy, Strathcona Wilderness Centre, Suncor Energy, The Carbon Farmer Inc., Thunder Lake Provincial Park Operations, Total E&P Canada, Tree Canada, volunteer stewards, Westlock Whitetails Junior Forest Warden Club, Wildlife Habitat Canada

Project: Beaverlodge Riparian Conservation Partners: ConocoPhillips, County of Grande Prairie, Cows and Fish, Penn West, West County Watershed Society photo: ACA, Melissa Buskas

27 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Corporate Partners Program Partnerships fish community, water quality and Alberta Fish and Game Association, riparian habitat health. For the past Over the last decade, our Corporate Shell Canada Energy, Suncor Energy three years, we have monitored Partners Program has made Foundation water quality at five monitoring significant contributions to habitat stations. We will continue to focus conservation in Alberta. Our goal is Edson River Riparian on riparian enhancement projects to continue working with corporate Conservation with landowners, including the use partners to secure important of livestock exclusion fencing, off- habitats for wildlife and fish In 2010, we identified the Edson site watering systems and Riparian species and to enhance recreational River watershed as a priority for Habitat Agreements, to mitigate opportunities for Albertans. The riparian conservation. Aerial negative impacts on riparian habitat program is guided by focus areas, videography surveys conducted in and instream fish habitat. that year showed that almost half which help prioritize securement Partnerships efforts and opportunities, and (49%) of the Edson River riparian Fisheries and Oceans Canada by term agreements developed areas were degraded. Livestock grazing, erosion and water quality collaboratively with corporate are contributing to the decline of Fisheries Access Site partners. Corporate partnerships the sport fishery in the watershed, Management and collaborations with other particularly to declines in Athabasca conservation organizations allow Our Land Management program rainbow trout and Arctic grayling us to maximize our conservation encompasses activities intended populations. Through rehabilitation impact and overall effectiveness of to conserve, protect and enhance and enhancement of riparian our securement efforts. In 2013/14, wildlife and fish habitat and to areas, our goal is to improve we acquired four parcels of land, increase sustainable recreational instream conditions to support the opportunities, such as angling and resulting in three new Conservation recolonization and maintenance hunting. One activity in the program Sites and an expansion of an existing of sport fish populations. Data is the delivery of the Fisheries Conservation Site. These acquisitions collected from 2010 to 2012 were Access Site Management program, amount to 762 ac of high-quality used to determine the current which provides access to key habitat with an estimated land value state of the drainage; identify streams, rivers and lakes throughout of approximately $600,000. impacted areas; and assess the the province. We inspected and

Corporate Partners Program Securement Transactions in 2013/14

Project Name Corporate Partner Size (ac) Special Features

Lac Cardinal West Suncor Energy Foundation 130 This site is located 20 km west of Grimshaw on the shores of Lac Cardinal SW-01-084-25-W5M Lake. Habitat at the site is a mixture of hayland, sedges and other riparian vegetation along the lake, and several stands of aspen/willow. Wildlife found here includes moose, elk, deer and small furbearers. During spring and fall migration, a variety of waterfowl and swans stage at the lake.

Leddy (Expansion) Suncor Energy Foundation 320 This site is located about 32 km northwest of Peace River. Habitat at the NE-10-085-23-W5M site is undisturbed mixedwood forest consisting of aspen, poplar and SE-10-085-23-W5M white spruce. Wildlife found here includes moose, deer, elk, black bear, small furbearers and many songbirds.

North Kamisak Lake Suncor Energy Foundation 161 This site is located approximately 35 km southwest of Vegreville and NW-34-071-12-W6M increases connectivity between Musidora, Musidora 2, South Plain Lake and Plain Lake Conservation Sites. It provides excellent habitat for deer, moose and elk.

Flatbush 7 Shell Canada Energy 151 This site is located about 65 km north of Westlock and increases NW-01-066-02-W5M connectivity on the landscape between the Pembina River and adjacent ACA Flatbush Conservation Sites. It also provides excellent habitat for deer, moose, elk and black bear.

TOTAL 762

28 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 maintained 28 fisheries access sites Landowner Habitat Program habitat for wildlife and to provide in 2013/14. We upgraded five sites reasonable public foot access. This In 2013, Alberta’s population grew with improvements to parking was the sixth year that we offered by 136,000 people. Four million facilities (East Dollar Lake and these agreements to landowners. Birch Lake), walking trails (Mitchell people now call Alberta home, and In 2013/14, 10 active LHP Lake) and fences (Windsor Lake), the province continues to grow agreements that protect 265 ac of as well as new infrastructure, such at a rapid pace. Alberta’s natural riparian habitat were transferred as floating docks/casting platforms land base is under intense pressure to ACA’s provincial Riparian (Mitchell Lake) and signage (Brooks from a variety of sources, such as Conservation Program. One new Aqueduct). We engaged 15 partners agricultural, industrial and urban landowner and one landowner in 2013/14, who generously provided development, which contribute to with an expired agreement signed financial or in-kind support. We habitat loss, fragmentation and 10-year agreements. These two continued discussions with Alberta degradation. In 1986, Alberta Fish agreements protect approximately Environment and Sustainable and Wildlife Division launched the 477 ac of high-quality habitat and Resource Development and other Landowner Habitat Program (LHP) provide reasonable public foot potential partners to expand an to prevent the loss and destruction access for sustainable recreational existing site in our Northwest of native habitat on privately opportunities. Three expiring Region. owned lands. ACA assumed agreements are scheduled to be signed in 2014/15. We currently Partnerships responsibility for the program in 1997. The program was structured manage 48 LHP agreements Alberta Environment and to compensate landowners who across the province, which protect Sustainable Resource Development, agreed to retain wildlife habitat approximately 8,142 ac of wildlife Alberta Fish and Game Association, on their land by signing a legally and fish habitat. Clearwater County, County of binding agreement. While the Partnerships Newell, County of Warner, Devon program provided a cost-effective Canada Corporation, Municipal Landowners tool for preserving habitat, it did not District of Greenview, Municipal guarantee recreational access to the District of Northern Lights, Management Plan habitat. Municipal District of Rocky View, Development North Raven River Working Group, In 2008, we modified the LHP We are dedicated to conserving Peace Country Flyfishers, Shell agreement to include recreational priority wildlife and fish habitats Canada Energy, Trout Unlimited access as a condition of the and providing safe and enjoyable Canada – Central and Yellowhead agreement. The program requires outdoor recreational opportunities. Chapters, County landowners to retain and idle Our management plans are

Project: Landowner Habitat Program Partners: Landowners photo: ACA, Randy Lee

29 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 developed to provide clear direction upland habitat being protected. In Owl River Riparian for managing our Conservation some cases, fencing or watering site Conservation Sites. These plans also outline the improvements are required to enable roles and responsibilities and other landowners to take over maintenance The Owl River is the primary activities that are agreed upon by and to expand the riparian buffer spawning river for Lac La Biche our conservation partners. Once area under protection. In 2013/14, walleye. Since 2006, the provincial a new acquisition is secured, we we negotiated with three landowners government has stocked nearly work with our partners to develop and signed two new agreements 200 million walleye fry and a management plan for the site. protecting a total of 73 ac of habitat, fingerlings in Lac La Biche to restore Once finalized, we and our partners an additional 31 ac from original walleye populations. However, review and update the management BFW agreements. All three BFW potential reductions in water plan as required or on a term basis agreements were terminated. We quality and spawning habitat in the (every five years) to evaluate our completed two fence improvement Owl River from riparian habitat effectiveness at addressing the goals projects totaling 515 m of fence degradation could limit the success and objectives identified in the plans. repaired or constructed, and we of the provincial government’s In 2013/14, we reviewed and updated installed one off-site watering system. restoration program. Since 2011, 30 management plans and developed We also installed signs at six sites to ACA has used previously collected five new management plans for sites recognize participating landowners. baseline data on riparian health to focus restoration activities along acquired since 2012. We used $17,500 in partner funds for a 30 km stretch of the Owl River. lease agreements and improvement Partnerships Focal areas for restoration include projects in 2013/14 and submitted an Albert and Pirkko Karvonen, leased and private lands where application to Environment Canada’s Alberta Environment and livestock grazing is occurring. To Environmental Damages Fund Sustainable Resource Development, date, we have installed over 7 km of for $50,000 for the 2014/15 fiscal Alberta Fish and Game Association, wildlife-friendly livestock fencing year. We continued to partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada, Pheasants on one grazing lease, effectively , which supports Forever – Chinook Chapter, conserving over 8 km of riparian a 50% cost-sharing agreement for Shell Canada Energy, Strathcona habitat used by spawning walleye any new improvement projects with Wilderness Centre, Suncor Energy and fry. The conserved area equates landowners in Red Deer County. We Foundation, Wild Elk Federation to over 600 ac of aquatic, riparian, also partnered with Trout Unlimited wetland and upland habitat. In Canada for year two of a five-year North Raven River Riparian 2013/14, we worked with Alberta agreement, which supported lease Conservation Environment and Sustainable payments on the North Raven River. Since 1997, ACA has been responsible Resource Development to develop for maintaining livestock exclusion With the support of local an application to place a protective fences and watering and crossing landowners, we continue to notation on the riparian habitat sites associated with the Buck for negotiate new riparian habitat lease that was removed from the grazing agreements and terminate old BFW Wildlife (BFW) Streambank Fencing lease, which would ensure long- agreements. In 2014/15, we plan Program. As infrastructure aged, it term protection of this wildlife and to approach three landowners and became logistically and financially fish habitat. We continue to work hope to negotiate new agreements towards an agreement on another prohibitive to continue to deliver to conserve approximately 32 ac of quarter section under the same this program. Therefore, existing riparian habitat on priority streams. grazing lease, with the potential to agreements were terminated, and We estimate 1.5 km of fencing secure an additional 40 to 50 ac of maintenance responsibilities were will be required, and we plan on riparian and wetland habitat. transferred to landowners. To ensure installing two off-site watering continued protection of riparian Partnerships systems to facilitate new agreements. habitat on priority streams, we Alberta Environment and developed a new program structure Partnerships Sustainable Resource Development, to be delivered in our Central County of Red Deer, landowners, Syncrude Canada Ltd. Region. We offered landowners on Penn West, Trout Unlimited Canada Clear Creek, North Raven River and Raven River new habitat lease agreements for five- to 15-year terms, where financial compensation was intended to facilitate stewardship. We paid a maximum of $75/ac annually for riparian habitat and $10/ac annually for any additional

30 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Project: Southern Riparian Conservation Partners: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society (Cows and Fish), Beaver Creek Watershed Group, County, County of Lethbridge, Drywood/Yarrow Conservation Partnership, Lyndon Creek Watershed Group, MULTISAR, Municipal District of Ranchland, Municipal District of Willow Creek, Oldman Watershed Council, Penn West, Pincher Creek Watershed Group, Southwestern Alberta Conservation Partnership, Todd Creek Watershed Group, Trout Unlimited Canada, Waterton Watershed Group photo: ACA, Deanna White

Provincial Habitat conservation groups, industry, wildlife and fish habitat. Past Securement Program various companies and private projects involved working with individuals allow us to maximize landowner-driven watershed groups, Alberta’s natural land base is under our conservation impact and namely Beaver Creek and Todd intense pressure from a variety of the efficiency of our securement Creek watershed groups, as well sources. The provincial population efforts. Together in 2013/14, we as individual landowners. Several grew by 136,000 in 2013—the largest conserved 1,217 ac across five sites, more watershed groups in the census gain on record—to reach including two land donations, two south have been engaged, and key four million. As the population land acquisitions and one split conservation groups view ACA as an has increased, urban areas have land donation/acquisition. These instrumental partner. In 2013/14, we expanded, contributing to ongoing lands have an estimated value of completed five spring developments, habitat loss and fragmentation. In approximately $1,520,000. one off-site watering system and 2011 and 2012, the Government of Partnerships one riparian fencing project, which Alberta auctioned off more than enhanced over 6 km of streambank Alberta Fish and Game Association, 90,000 ac of public land in the and 10 ac of riparian habitat. We Ducks Unlimited Canada, County of Mackenzie in northern participated in the annual Pincher Government of Canada Habitat Alberta. This trend will likely Creek Watershed Group’s “Blueweed Stewardship Program for Species continue as Alberta’s population Blitz” weed pull and education day at Risk, Joseph and Laura Di Santo, increases and demand for land with over 100 volunteers. We also Parkland County, Pheasants Forever for agricultural, municipal and re-inventoried all 12 riparian sites on – Calgary and Chinook Chapters, industrial development continues. the Sandstone Ranch Conservation Steve Nickolayuk, Western Sky, Wild Site. Workshops and meetings with Our Provincial Habitat Securement Elk Federation Program conserves important other watershed groups, partner wildlife and fish habitat through Southern Riparian conservation groups and interested land purchases, land donations Conservation parties were also attended. Strong on private land, and protective working partnerships continue to notations on Crown lands. Securing For over a decade, ACA has be maintained with Southwestern habitat ensures these lands will supported riparian enhancement Alberta Conservation Partnership remain conserved in perpetuity to initiatives in southern Alberta, and the Oldman Watershed benefit our valued wildlife and fish resulting in over 30 enhancement Council, and future projects are resources and to provide Alberta’s projects in seven watershed being initiated. As an ongoing outdoor enthusiasts with year- sub-basins in the Oldman member of the Oldman Watershed round, sustainable recreational watershed basin. These projects Council Rural Team, we once again opportunities. Twenty-seven priority include riparian fencing, spring participated in the 8th annual focus areas help guide securement developments, and off-site watering “Holding the Reins” landowner efforts and opportunities. systems, and provision of technical conference in Fort Macleod. We Collaborative partnerships with advice on livestock grazing strategies also partnered with Cows and Fish for the purpose of improving to plan the Westslope Cutthroat

31 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Trout Workshop at Chain Lakes. Yarrow Conservation Partnership, Our continued involvement with Lyndon Creek Watershed Group, watershed groups and their partners MULTISAR, Municipal District of will be valuable to facilitating on- Ranchland, Municipal District of the-ground change. Willow Creek, Oldman Watershed Partnerships Council, Penn West, Pincher Creek Alberta Agriculture and Rural Watershed Group, Southwestern Development, Alberta Environment Alberta Conservation Partnership, and Sustainable Resource Todd Creek Watershed Group, Development, Alberta Riparian Trout Unlimited Canada, Waterton Habitat Management Society Watershed Group (Cows and Fish), Beaver Creek Watershed Group, , County of Lethbridge, Drywood/

Habitat Securement Program Transactions in 2013/14

Project Name Securement Tool & Partners Size (ac) Special Features

Parkland A private land donation to ACA and 160 This site is located west of Edmonton, near . Habitat SW-13-053-06-W5M Alberta Fish & Game Association at the site consists of diverse forest cover, muskeg and wetlands, which support a wide variety of wildlife. It is an important travel corridor and wintering area for many ungulates. Mature aspen has colonized much of the uplands, with low moist areas containing dense stands of black spruce and tamarack. Good understory habitat is present for numerous songbirds and small furbearers.

Walter A private land donation to ACA and 68 This site is located 73 km east of Edson and 110 km west of NW-25-053-10-W5M Alberta Fish & Game Association Edmonton along Highway 16 south of Chip Lake. It contains undisturbed black spruce bog habitat with a rich understory containing species such as Labrador tea. The habitat on this site is very healthy—game trails and wildlife sign are evident throughout the site. There is potential for the development of interpretive signage at this site. Di Santo A split land acquisition/donation between 148 This relatively undisturbed site is located approximately 18 km SE-35-034-05-W5M ACA, Alberta Fish & Game Association and north of Sundre. The forest cover consists of aspen, poplar, white Western Sky spruce and lodgepole pine, with wood lilies, death camas, elephant head, buffalo berry and willow for understory. The site offers opportunities for hiking, photography, wildlife viewing and hunting, and provides excellent habitat for moose, deer, upland gamebirds, songbirds and small furbearers.

Bull Trail A collaborative acquisition between ACA, 529 This large parcel of land is located 2.5 km north of Cypress Hills and NE-05-009-02-W4M Alberta Fish & Game Association, Ducks consists of rolling prairie grasslands and small wetlands. It supports SE-05-009-02-W4M Unlimited Canada, Government of Canada a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, pronghorn, sharp-tailed NE-08-009-02-W4M SE-08-009-02-W4M Habitat Stewardship Program for Species grouse and waterfowl. Several species at risk are found here, SW-09-009-02-W4M at Risk, Pheasants Forever – Calgary including the Threatened Sprague’s pipit and ferruginous hawk. and Chinook Chapters, and Wild Elk Federation. Silver Sage A collaborative acquisition between 312 This site is located 15 km south of Manyberries. It expands the Silver (Expansion) ACA, Alberta Fish & Game Association, Sage Conservation Site, creating a 1,900-acre parcel of land that is SW-05-004-05-W4M Government of Canada Habitat being restored and managed towards a native grassland community NW-32-003-05-W4M Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, type. It provides important habitat for pronghorn and sharp-tailed and Pheasants Forever – Calgary Chapter grouse. This site will also help improve the quantity and quality of habitat for several species at risk in this area.

TOTAL 1,217

32 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 ACA Conservation Reports All reports were completed and published in the 2013/14 fiscal year.

Fisheries Wildlife

Judd, C., and M. Rodtka. 2014. Ranger, M., and C. Rasmussen, Abundance of bull trout in Editors. 2013. Delegated big Clearwater River, Alberta, game surveys, 2012/2013 survey 2012 – 2013. Data Report, season. Data Report, D-2013- D‐2014‐001, produced 006, produced by Alberta by Alberta Conservation Conservation Association, Association, Sherwood Park, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Alberta, Canada. 14 pp + App. 63 pp. Patterson, W., T. Furukawa, and Wright, K.D. 2014. Hay-Zama M. Buskas. 2014. Summer sport lakes waterfowl staging and fishery and the special harvest bald eagle nesting monitoring licence for walleye at Iosegun program, 2013. Data Report, and Smoke lakes, Alberta, D-2014-004, produced by Alberta 2013. Data Report, D‐2014‐002, Conservation Association, Peace produced by Alberta River, Alberta, Canada. 21 pp + Conservation Association, App. Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. 16 pp + App. Project: Hay-Zama Wetland Monitoring Buskas, M., and W. Patterson. Partners: Hay-Zama Committee, NuVista Energy Ltd. 2014. Summer sport fishery on the Peace River, Alberta, photo: ESRD, Lyle Fullerton 2013. Data Report, D‐2014‐003, produced by Alberta Conservation Association, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. 10 pp + App.

33 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Report A Poacher and Compensation Programs

Report A Poacher 2013/14 Overview Compensation Report A Poacher (RAP) is available • 9,879 calls from the public to the RAP Programs for all Albertans—not just hunters toll-free hotline ACA takes pride in fostering and anglers—to protect our • 1,931 calls related to suspected illegal good working relationships with wildlife, fish and natural habitats. activity landowners. For producers whose In addition to providing education • 361 charges laid livestock are killed or injured by about poaching, perhaps the most • $49,900 in rewards paid to individuals predators (eagles, cougars, bears and important RAP tool is the toll-free whose call and information led to an wolves) or hunter activities, relief hotline, which people can use to call arrest or fines is provided through the Wildlife in offences. Enforcement officers Predator Compensation and Shot often rely on these calls; the eyes and • Promoted RAP at 14 tradeshows and Livestock Compensation programs. ears of individuals and communities events, including Fort Saskatchewan provide important information that Kids Can Catch, Sherwood Park Archery Similar to Report A Poacher, often leads to investigations and Days, and at Camp Wainwright during the we are responsible for program convictions. hunting season promotion and compensation • Increased RAP promotion through social fund management, while Alberta The toll-free phone number media, television, radio and print Environment and Sustainable (1-800-642-3800) is operated 24 Resource Development is responsible hours a day, seven days a week. for incident investigations and The RAP program is jointly determining payouts. delivered by ACA and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, under a Memorandum of Understanding. Wildlife Predator Claims Compensation ACA is responsible for promotion and education to enhance public Eagle 3 $2,808.13 awareness of poaching and the RAP Cougar 18 $4,325.91 program. We are also responsible for administration of program funds. Black Bear 15 $16,661.79 Alberta Justice and Solicitor General retains sole responsibility for liaising Grizzly Bear 53 $72,665.21 with informants, investigating reports and enforcing laws. Wolf 167 $221,269.99 Unknown Predator 11 $8,386.78

TOTAL 267 $326,117.81

Shot Livestock 8 $10,978.26

34 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Granting Programs

Grant Eligible Grants in Biodiversity ACA Chair in Fisheries Conservation Fund The ACA Grants in Biodiversity and Wildlife at the program awarded 21 graduate Alberta’s hunters and anglers student projects a total of $224,122. University of Alberta contribute directly to conservation The projects include studies on the The ACA Chair was established through levies on their hunting and effects of industrial noise on owls, through an endowment to the fishing licences. A portion comes to toad classification, plant biodiversity, University of Alberta, providing ACA, and one of the many things respiration in the , educational initiatives to wildlife we do is support community and foraging patterns of grizzlies, and professionals. As part of ACA’s research conservation efforts via our fish restoration. commitment to science, research Grant Eligible Conservation Fund. and education, we endowed $20,500 Grants support a variety of projects Students undertaking Alberta- in 2013/14. each year, which benefit our wildlife based research from universities and fish populations, as well as the across Canada and the United States By addressing issues and problems habitats they depend on. The fund is received grants this year. Twelve relevant to Alberta’s biological administered in two parts: grants were awarded to students resources, the Chair, Dr. Mark Part A: Conservation Support and pursuing master’s degrees, and Boyce, supports ACA’s goals for long- Enhancement nine grants were awarded to PhD term sustainable wildlife and fish candidates. resources. A contribution to teaching Funds conservation activities in is also an essential duty of the Alberta by individuals, organizations The ACA Grants in Biodiversity position. The ACA Chair is expected and communities that contribute to: program is funded by ACA and to contribute to the activities of the healthy wildlife and fish populations, operated through the Alberta Department of Biological Sciences healthy environments for fish and Cooperative Conservation Research and to the university as a whole. Dr. wildlife, and the understanding, Unit—a partnership between the Boyce’s expertise is internationally appreciation and use of those University of Alberta, University recognized, and he has significantly environments. of Calgary and University of enhanced ACA’s efforts to conserve Lethbridge. Part B: Research Alberta’s wildlife and fish resources. Funds high-quality research projects The 20-year-old ACA Grants in For more information and for a list on wildlife, fish and habitat, which Biodiversity program has now of publications, visit www.biology. inform the effective management awarded over $4.3 million to 423 ualberta.ca/faculty/mark_boyce. of wildlife and fish populations and researchers. The research supported their habitats in Alberta. by the program ultimately aims to conserve, protect and enhance Hunter, Trapper and 2013/14 Overview Alberta’s wildlife, fish and natural habitats. Angler Retention, Part A: Conservation Support and Recruitment and Enhancement For more information, visit www.acabiodiversity.ca. • Received 70 funding applications Education Grants requesting almost $1.28 million Projects that increase participation • Funded 35 projects for a total of $469,917 in and awareness of outdoor opportunities, while developing Part B: Research knowledge and respect for • Received 26 applications requesting just conservation, are funded by this over $900,000 grant program. This year, we • Funded 21 research projects for a total of awarded 47 grants for a total of $330,001 $456,280.

35 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 2013 ACA Grants in Biodiversity Recipients

Recipient Supervisor(s) Institution Project Title

Brandon Allen (MSc) Sean Rogers University of Calgary Integration of genetics into adaptive management strategies: Genetic population responses to size-selective harvest pressures in Alberta walleye (Sander vitreus)

Natasha Annich Cynthia Paszkowski University of Alberta Utility of Ducks Unlimited's Wetland Classification for predicting amphibian distribution (MSc) and abundance with an emphasis on Canadian toads

Vincent Del Bel John Spence University of Alberta Effects of disturbance and recovery of lodgepole pine forest on carabid and staphylinid Belluz (MSc) assemblages (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Staphylinidae)

Mallory Hazell (MSc) John Gamon University of Alberta Detecting functional plant biodiversity via airborne imaging spectrometry

Cheryl Hojnowski Justin Brashares University of Assessing recreation impacts on large mammal ecology in , Alberta (PhD) California, Berkeley

Gregory Holmes Robert Laird University of Interactions of the leaf galling wasp Aulacidea pilosellae, rust fungus Puccinia hieracii and (MSc) Lethbridge their invasive hawkweed host, Pilosella caespitosa, and their impact on plant growth and reproduction

Mark Hornsby (PhD) Andrew Hurly University of Spatial orientation and navigation in fathead minnows: Impacts from ecological Lethbridge conditions and naturally- and anthropogenically-induced perturbations

Joseph Kermish- Marco Musiani University of Calgary Human and natural factors influencing foraging patterns and kill rate of grizzly bears Wells (MSc)

Jamie Lantz (MSc) Shelley Alexander University of Calgary Interactions amongst humans, domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), livestock and coyotes (Canis latrans) on Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Alberta

Preston Lennox Joseph Rasmussen University of Establishing the link between fish biodiversity and biomass production in freshwater (PhD) Lethbridge ecosystems

Yan Liu (PhD) Jana Vamosi University of Calgary Genetic diversity of Mimulus guttatus from putative Pleistocene refugia in Alberta

Brian Meagher Sean Rogers University of Calgary Collaborative phased fish restoration project in the Hidden Lake and Corral Creek (MSc) drainage of

Ahmed Najar (PhD) Nadir Erbilgin University of Alberta Alberta's Achilles heel: An investigation of the features of susceptibility of Albertan balsam poplar to Septoria musiva

Eric Neilson (PhD) Stan Boutin University of Alberta Wolf-mediated effects of oil sands development on moose survival and abundance

Jennine Pedersen Scott Nielsen and University of Alberta Use of assisted migration to mitigate the effects of climate change on rare plants in (MSc) Ellen MacDonald Alberta

Gabriel Pigeon Fanie Pelletier Université de Constraints to the recovery of a population of bighorn sheep (PhD) Sherbrooke

Heather Polan (MSc) Rebecca Rooney University of Biodiversity and abundance of waterbirds and aquatic invertebrates for the assessment Waterloo and conservation of non-permanent marshes in the Northern Prairie and Parkland Region of Alberta Julia Shonfield (PhD) Erin Bayne University of Alberta Effects of industrial noise on owls in northeastern Alberta

Jarvis Singer (MSc) Leland Jackson University of Calgary Role of nitrogen and phosphorus in photosynthesis-respiration in the Bow River, Alberta

Linhao Wu (PhD) John Spence University of Alberta Influences of habitat heterogeneity and disturbance on temporal variability of ground beetle assemblages in the mixedwood boreal forest

Daniel Yip (MSc) Erin Bayne University of Alberta Understanding detection distances of rare nocturnal and diurnal animals using automated recording units

36 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Auditor’s Report

Piping Plover Recovery Program Partnerships: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Department of National Defence, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Government of Canada, landowners, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation photo: ACA, Lisa Monsees

37 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 38 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 39 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

40 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Financial Highlights

Summarized Expenditures by Program Revenue by Source Financial Statements Often stakeholders want to Approximately 22.1% of ACA’s total determine what funds are being operating budget was generated In 2013/14, ACA received directed towards their particular from non-levy sources ($3,202,730). $11,305,999 in levy revenue from passion. When examining the This represents a decrease of hunting and angling licences, which Expenditures by Program, please approximately $2.3 million from is a $225,258 increase from the keep in mind that the numbers the previous year, which was largely previous year. This continual upward shown are somewhat arbitrary attributable to the flooding in trend in levy revenue demonstrates and do not necessarily represent Alberta; many companies focused strong interest in hunting and all projects that may relate to a their efforts on supporting flood angling in Alberta. particular program area. For recovery initiatives, delaying land Together, our Wildlife, instance, fisheries access sites, purchases to the following year. Fisheries, Land Management, which are directly related to Land donations and purchases in Communications, Report A Poacher, increasing angling opportunities, 2013/14 conserved approximately Compensation, and Granting are administered, and budgeted 2,000 ac (809 ha) for future programs had expenditures totaling for, under our Land Management generations. $9,243,637 plus an additional program instead of the Fisheries $1,387,759 in land purchases and program. 2013/14 Overview donations (for accounting purposes, Based on last year’s annual report, • $11,305,999 received from levies on these funds are recorded as assets, expenditures in our Wildlife, hunting and fishing licences not direct operational expenditures), Fisheries and Land Management • $3.2 million received in non-levy revenue meaning that approximately 94% of programs appear to have declined • $10,631,396 in value directly applied the levy value collected went back this year. In past years, we have towards the conservation of Alberta’s into conserving Alberta’s resources split the Report a Poacher and wildlife, fish and habitats (expenses plus increase in habitat Compensation programs and assets). the Granting programs between • Administration costs kept to 13.0% of revenue ACA received approximately Wildlife, Fisheries, and Land $3.2 million in non-levy revenue Management programs, based on • A surplus of $658,890 (not including (including $1,387,759 in land the specific expenditure. This year, investments gains) recorded for 2013/14 donations and funds for land to provide greater clarity around The following charts summarize the purchase). These funds came from our expenditures, we have elected total operating expenditures in each a variety of donors, including to show the Report a Poacher and program area. We encourage you to individuals, corporations, Compensation programs and review the entire annual report to granting foundations, the federal Granting programs as separate gain a greater understanding of the government and other conservation expenditures, even though the conservation projects undertaken organizations. specific projects funded in these within each program and how programs directly relate to Wildlife, they may relate to your particular Administrative costs were held to Fisheries and Land Management. 13.0% of total operating revenue passion. If you have any questions, (including funds for land purchase please do not hesitate to contact and donations). our President and CEO, Todd Zimmerling.

41 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Revenue by Source

Percentage of Revenue Total Dollars 47.85% Hunting 6,942,016 30.08% Fishing 4,363,983 8.87% Partner 1,286,619 3.64% Other 528,352 9.56% Land Purchases/Donations 1,387,759

TOTAL 14,508,729 *Not including unrealized gains on investments.

Expenditures by Program Levy Partner Total Percentage of Expenditures Dollars

13.52% Land Program 1,462,525 409,504 1,872,029 15.60% Wildlife Program 1,649,540 511,567 2,161,107 10.98% Fisheries Program 1,458,599 62,742 1,521,341 11.10% Communications Business Development 1,384,589 152,744 1,537,333 4.50% Finance 605,184 18,518 623,702 2.03% Information Technology 280,719 280,719 1.67% Human Resources 231,305 231,305 1.40% Health and Safety 193,351 193,351 13.64% Administration 1,889,368 1,889,368 4.03% Report A Poacher and Compensation 426,664 131,544 558,208 11.51% Granting Programs 1,593,619 1,593,619 10.02% Land Purchases/Donations 130,538 1,257,221 1,387,759

TOTAL 11,305,999 2,543,840 13,849,841 Operational surplus not including investment gains.

42 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 Alberta Conservation Association wishes to thank our Corporate Partners in Conservation who have provided multi-year financial contributions in support our conservation programs and projects. Together we are conserving Alberta`s natural heritage for generations to come.

43 Alberta Conservation Association – Annual Report 2013/2014 TE P RA AR O T P N R E

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#101 – 9 Chippewa Road, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 Tel: 780-410-1999 • Fax: 780-464-0990 Toll Free: 1-877-969-9091 ab-conservation.com reportapoacher.com