DOCSLIB.ORG

A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy for Species at Risk in the Milk River Basin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy for Species at Risk in the Milk River Basin A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy for Species at Risk in the Milk River Basin: Year 1 – Progress Report Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 72 A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy for Species at Risk in the Milk River Basin: Year 1 – Progress Report Compiled and Edited by Richard W. Quinlan, Brad A. Downey, Brad N. Taylor, Paul F. Jones, and Terry B. Clayton Technical Editor Kathryn A. Romanchuk Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 72 March 2003 Publication No. I/113 ISBN: 0-7785-2850-2 (Printed Edition) ISBN: 0-7785-2851-0 (On-line Edition) ISSN: 1496-7219 (Printed Edition) ISSN: 1496-7146 (On-line Edition) Cover photo by: Sam Wirzba For copies of this report, contact: Information Centre- Publications Alberta Environment/ Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Main Floor, Great West Life Building 9920- 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Telephone: (780) 422-2079 OR Information Service Alberta Environment/ Alberta Sustainable Resource Development #100, 3115- 12 Street NE Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7J2 Telephone: (403) 297- 3362 OR Visit our web site at: http://ww3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/riskspecies/ Suggested citation formats: Entire report Quinlan, RW., B.A. Downey, B.N. Taylor, P.F. Jones, and T.B. Clayton (eds.). 2003. A multi- species conservation strategy for species at risk in the Milk River basin: year 1 progress report. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 72, Edmonton, AB. 229 pp. Chapter of the report Downey, B.A., and B.N. Taylor. 2003. Loggerhead shrike surveys of the Milk River basin. Pages 136-144 in Quinlan, R.W., B.A. Downey, B.N. Taylor, P.F. Jones, and T.B. Clayton (eds.). A multi-species conservation strategy for species at risk in the Milk River basin: year 1 progress report. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 72, Edmonton, AB. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................ viii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................... x CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO THE MILK RIVER BASIN SPECIES AT RISK PROJECT Introduction ……………………………………………………… 2 Richard W. Quinlan Study Area ……………………………………………………….. 5 Brad N. Taylor and Brad A. Downey Summary of Species at Risk in the Milk River Basin …………. 8 Brad A. Downey CHAPTER 2 – FISH AND WILDLIFE INVENTORIES Milk River Basin Fisheries Project: Overview ………….……… 11 Terry B. Clayton Milk River Basin Tributaries Project …………………………... 22 Terry B. Clayton Fish Species of Concern Survey on the Milk River ……………. 38 P&E Environmental Consultants Ltd. Milk River 2002 Aerial Raptor Survey …………………………. 73 Richard W. Quinlan, Gary L.Erickson, and Brad N. Taylor Loggerhead Shrike Surveys of the Milk River Basin ………….. 85 Brad A. Downey and Brad N. Taylor Amphibian Surveys of the Milk River Basin …………………… 93 Brad N. Taylor and Brad A. Downey Reptile Surveys of the Milk River Basin ………………………… 104 Brad A. Downey and Brad N. Taylor i Page CHAPTER 3 – HABITAT SUITABILITY INDEX MODELS Introduction ................................................................................. 115 Paul F. Jones Species Selection Process............................................................. 122 Richard W. Quinlan Sharp-tailed Grouse……………………………………….. 127 Paul F. Jones Loggerhead Shrike …………………………………………. 136 Brad A. Downey Sprague’s Pipit ……………………………………….…….. 145 Julie P. Landry Short-horned Lizard ………………….………….………… 154 Brad N. Taylor Weidemeyer’s Admiral …………………………………….. 161 Brad N. Taylor CHAPTER 4 – BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE MILK RIVER DRAINAGE Rangeland Conservation Service Ltd. Introduction ..................................................................................... 167 Study Area........................................................................................ 167 Methods ............................................................................................ 168 Natural Processes of the Milk River Basin Area.......................... 168 Overview of Grazing Management................................................ 175 Grazing Systems .............................................................................. 179 Beneficial Management Practices for Sharp-tailed Grouse ........ 204 Literature Cited............................................................................... 212 ii Page CHAPTER 5 – CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Richard W. Quinlan Conclusion ……………………………………………………... 225 Recommendations ……………………………………………… 226 APPENDICES Appendix A – Sampling Site Photographs ............................................................... 32 Appendix B – Sampling and Fish Data..................................................................... 49 Appendix C – Habitat Data....................................................................................... 60 Appendix D – Active Raptor Nests .......................................................................... 81 Appendix E – Inactive Raptor Nests......................................................................... 82 Appendix F – Raptor Observations........................................................................... 83 Appendix G – Loggerhead Shrike Habitat Data Sheet ............................................. 90 Appendix H – Route Call Survey Data Sheet........................................................... 102 Appendix I – Habitat Data Entry Form..................................................................... 103 Appendix J – Snake Den Survey Data Sheet............................................................ 108 Appendix K – Roadkill Snake Monitoring Program ................................................ 111 Appendix L – Short-horned Lizard Data Sheet ........................................................ 112 Appendix M – Site Evaluation – summer 2002........................................................ 113 Appendix N – Histograms of habitat variables for occupied sites (sharp-tailed grouse lek sites on the Milk River Ridge, n=42) and available lek sites…………………………………………………………… 133 Appendix O – Potential sharp-tailed grouse habitat within the Milk River Basin ... 135 Appendix P – Potential loggerhead shrike habitat within the Milk River Basin...... 144 Appendix Q – Potential Sprague’s pipit habitat within the Milk River Basin.......... 153 Appendix R – Potential short-horned lizard habitat within the Milk River Basin.... 160 Appendix S – Potential Weidemeyer’s admiral habitat within the Milk River Basin ................................................................................................. 165 Appendix T – Summary of species at risk within the Milk River Basin (map)…….. 230 iii LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1.1 Birds....................................................................................................... 8 Table 1.2 Fish......................................................................................................... 9 Table 1.3 Herptiles................................................................................................. 9 Table 1.4 Mammals................................................................................................ 9 Table 2.1.1 Common and scientific names, species codes, and status for fish species collected from the Milk River basin, 1979-2002 ............... 11 Table 2.1.2 Numbers per fish species captured in Milk River drainage tributaries in 2002 .................................................................................. 24 Table 2.1.3 Catch-per-unit-effort by electrofishing by stream for fish species captured in Milk River tributaries in 2002 ................................ 25 Table 2.1.4 Catch-per-unit-effort by electrofishing at individual sites for fish species captured in Milk River tributaries in 2002 ......................... 29 Table 2.2.1 Number of sites sampled in each study section during the fish species of concern survey on the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002........................................................................................................ 41 Table 2.2.2 Percent composition of fish species encountered in the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002............................................................................ 43 Table 2.2.3 Percent occurrence of fish species encountered at 35 sites in the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002 ................................................................ 44 Table 2.2.4 Catch rate summaries for fish species encountered in the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002............................................................................ 45 Table 2.2.5 Summary of biological characteristics of fish species sampled from the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002 ................................................. 45 Table 2.2.6 Summary of the water quality characteristics at sites sampled during the fish survey on the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002......... 46 Table 2.2.7 Summary of the habitat characteristics at sites sampled during the fish survey on the Milk River, 22 to 27 October 2002 ……………… 47 Table 2.3.1 Numbers of raptors observed on the Milk River 2002 aerial raptor survey..................................................................................................... 74 Table 2.3.2 Numbers of non-raptorial birds observed on the 2002 Milk River aerial raptor survey...............................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Milk River – Sage Creek: Coming to Terms on a Grassland Wilderness by Cliff Wallis
    ALBERTA WILDERNESS ARTICLE ASSOCIATION Wild Lands Advocate 9(5): 5-7, October 2001 Milk River – Sage Creek: Coming to Terms on a Grassland Wilderness By Cliff Wallis This is the story of how the AWA became a founding member of the Milk River Management Society in which it is still an active member today. Situated between the Cypress Hills and the Canada-U.S. boundary, Milk River-Sage Creek is one of the least fragmented, most extensive and most diverse prairie upland, wetland and valley landscapes on the glaciated plains of North America. This 5000 sq. km area is hard to describe in anything less than superlatives. Its size, unique geology and diverse ecosystems make it a national treasure. The Great Plains has been profoundly altered by human activities. In just over 100 years, more than 70% of Canada's grasslands have been destroyed by cultivation. Direct loss and fragmentation has changed species' distributions and numbers while transforming entire landscapes and natural ecological processes. It is one of the most endangered natural regions in North America. Despite this, less than 1% of Alberta's remaining grasslands are "protected". This has contributed to the high numbers of species at risk. Of Alberta's vertebrates at risk, over half occur at Milk River-Sage Creek. The area abounds in unique and rare phenomena, but it is the variety in both the rare and the common features that gives Milk River-Sage Creek its tremendous value. Resting atop a badland butte and gazing across the Milk River canyon and rolling grasslands to the forested Sweetgrass Hills, one can contemplate the natural majesty of the Great Plains.
    [Show full text]
  • August 2015.Pub
    “Environment is but our looking glass.” James Allen August 2015 Lethbridge Waste Diversion Policy SAGE Meetings—no The City of Lethbridge approved Council members were also tion followed by the introduc- meeting in August. a Waste Diversion Policy on briefed on potential five-, sev- tion of surcharges on tipping June 20th which sets a five-year en- and 10 year implementa- fees for targeted materials at Riparian Restoration Work- target of a 30-per-cent overall tion schedules for a diversion the landfill and, in the final shops. August 21st, 28th per-capita waste disposal reduc- strategy for waste from the phase, regulations which could and 29th in Turner Valley. tion by 2021 and a 15-year tar- local ICI/C&D sectors, which include mandatory recycling Registration $50 at Sustain- get of 50 per cent by 2030. together comprise about 75 per and/or disposal bans.” ability Resources. cent of the waste that enters the From the City of Lethbridge: landfill each year. Each pro- The Industrial, Commercial Lethbridge Sustainable Liv- “Existing residential recycling posed implementation schedule and Institutional Recycling ing Association is planning programs divert about 20 per would include a three-phase Implementation Strategy de- AppleFest for August 29th. cent of residential waste from approach, starting with educa- scribes the plan which includes See their website for details the landfill. The draft policy focused stakeholder engage- and apple-picking opportu- proposes to increase residential ment and the development of nities: waste diversion to 50 per cent by best practices to help Leth- www.lethbridgesustainableli 2021 and 65 per cent by 2030.
    [Show full text]
  • Range Management Assessments and Planning for Livestock and Wildlife
    Range Management Assessments and Planning For Livestock and Wildlife WE PROVIDE A COMPLETE RANGE OF RANGE AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN ALL ECOSYSTEMS Comprehensive Range Inventories: Range and Riparian Health Assessments, Detailed Vegetation Transects, Robel Pole Assessments, Browse Assessments, Invasive Species Inventories, Soil Assessments, and Production Clips Land Classification and Mapping: Plant Community Classification, High Quality Map Production, Land Use, and Management Planning Maps Range Management Planning: Comprehensive Analysis and Presentation of Data, Multivariate and Univariate Statistical Analysis, Calculating Sustainable Carrying Capacities, Creation of Grazing Plans, Creating Complex Plans for Multiple Stakeholders: Integration of Recreation, Multiple Species, Rare Species, and Habitat Protection into Management Plans SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND ABILITIES Expert Plant Taxonomists: Authors of the Common Plants of The Western Rangelands, Three Range Team Award Winning Rangeland Agrologists and Taxonomists Real World Management Experience: Personnel have managed ranches and rangelands privately and professionally We have extensive experience creating rangeland management plans for livestock and wildlife. We are experienced completing plant community mapping, range health assessments, detailed baseline transects, and creating comprehensive management plans for all forms of large grazing/browsing animals including livestock and wildlife species. We have provided dozens of long-term management plans for public lands management
    [Show full text]
  • Download the 2015-2016 Annual Report
    2015-2016 Annual Report Defending Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action for 51 years 2 ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016 Buffalo Lake Alberta - Dan Olson Alberta Wilderness Association Provincial Office – Hillhurst Cottage School 455 – 12 St NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Y9 Phone 403.283.2025 • Fax 403.270.2743 Email: [email protected] Web server: AlbertaWilderness.ca Contributions to the Annual Report are provided by AWA board and staff members. COVER PHOTO – VIEW FROM POCATERRA RIDGE – ANDREA JOHANCSIK 3 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS WILDERNESS FOR TOMORROW ................................................................................................................... 8 WHO WE ARE ................................................................................................................................................ 9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................................................................ 10 STAFF ........................................................................................................................................................... 10 MISSION, VISION, VALUES, OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................... 11 Vision ...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Values ....................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta Volumes 1, 2 and 3
    Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta Volumes 1, 2 and 3 Prepared by: Sweetgrass Consultants Ltd. Calgary, AB for: Resource Data Division Alberta Environmental Protection Edmonton, Alberta March 1997 Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta Volume 1 Prepared by: Sweetgrass Consultants Ltd. Calgary, AB for: Resource Data Division Alberta Environmental Protection Edmonton, Alberta March 1997 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Large portions of native habitats have been converted to other uses. Surface mining, oil and gas exploration, forestry, agricultural, industrial and urban developments will continue to put pressure on the native species and habitats. Clearing and fragmentation of natural habitats has been cited as a major area of concern with respect to management of natural systems. While there has been much attention to managing and protecting endangered species, a consensus is emerging that only a more broad-based ecosystem and landscape approach to preserving biological diversity will prevent species from becoming endangered in the first place. Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) are important, useful and often sensitive features of the landscape. As an integral component of sustainable development strategies, they provide long-term benefits to our society by maintaining ecological processes and by providing useful products. The identification and management of ESAs is a valuable addition to the traditional socio-economic factors which have largely determined land use planning in the past. The first ESA study done in Alberta was in 1983 for the Calgary Regional Planning Commission region. Numerous ESA studies were subsequently conducted through the late 1980s and early 1990s. ESA studies of the Parkland, Grassland, Canadian Shield, Foothills and Boreal Forest Natural Regions are now all completed while the Rocky Mountain Natural Region has been only partially completed.
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
    54078 US Hwy 2 West Glasgow, MT 59230 November 16, 2012 Governor’s Office – Sheena Wilson Clay Vincent, Hill County Planner Montana State Library, Helena A.T. Stafne, MFWP Commissioner Montana Department of Environmental Quality Representative Kris Hansen Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks David Aageson Director’s Office BFW Land Company Fish and Wildlife Division Donna Greytak Lands Section Arnold Hall Parks Division Healy Family, LP Commission Secretary James Hirst Legal Unit Lee and Roxanne Laeupple Montana DNRC Northeastern Land Office John Schaller Environmental Quality Council Steve and Wanda McIntosh MT Environmental Information Center Evelyn Wanke State Historic Preservation Office Trevor Wolery Hill County Commissioners Mark Aageson Dear Interested Party: You recently received documents relating to the proposed action of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) purchasing 2,992 acres of property for a Wildlife Management Area located approximately 42 miles northwest of Havre. The property is located along the Milk River and consists primarily of Milk River riparian habitats and associated uplands. The primary purpose of this proposal is to conserve and enhance native areas that provide important habitat for game and nongame species and to provide additional recreational opportunities for the general public. This habitat provides critical winter range for big game species and the Milk River serves as a migratory corridor for many species. Protecting and enhancing the existing habitat is expected to increase use by game animals, including mule deer, elk, white-tailed deer, antelope, pheasants, sharp- tailed grouse, and waterfowl along with a variety of native nongame species of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the 2018-2019 Annual Report
    Alberta Wilderness Association Annual Report 2018 - 2019 1 2 Wilderness for Tomorrow AWA's mission to Defend Wild Alberta through Awareness and Action by inspiring communities to care is as vital, relevant and necessary as it ever was. AWA is dedicated to protecting our wild spaces and helping create a world where wild places, wildlife and our environment don't need protecting. As members and supporters, you inspire the AWA team; your support in spirit, in person and with your financial gifts makes a difference. We trust you will be inspired by the stories told in this 2018 – 2019 annual report. Contributions to the Annual Report are provided by AWA board and staff members with thanks to Carolyn Campbell, Joanna Skrajny, Grace Wark, Nissa Petterson, Ian Urquhart, Owen McGoldrick, Vivian Pharis, Cliff Wallis, Chris Saunders and Sean Nichols. - Christyann Olson, Executive Director Alberta Wilderness Association Provincial Office – AWA Cottage School 455 – 12 St NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Y9 Phone 403.283.2025 • Fax 403.270.2743 Email: [email protected] Web server: AlbertaWilderness.ca Golden Eye Mother and Chicks on the Cardinal River and Mountain Bluebird at her nest © C. Olson 3 Contents Wilderness for Tomorrow .............................................. 2 Contents ......................................................................... 3 A Successful Year ............................................................ 6 Board and Staff ............................................................... 7 Board of Directors .........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 29 Years of Baillie Fund Grants
    42 Years of Baillie Fund Grants Projects supported by the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation 1978-2019 Please note that the Fund’s Trustees also help the Ontario Bird Banding Association and the Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society allocate their annual awards. As these may be awarded jointly with Baillie Fund grants, they are included in the listing below. 2019 Baillie Fund Grants Regular Grants Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas, Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas, SK Manitoba International Shorebird Survey (ISS) Training and Outreach Project, Nature Manitoba, MB Western Purple Martin Foundation, Western Purple Martin Foundation, BC 10 Year Bird Migration Monitoring Project in Eramosa River Conservation Corridor (Pilot Year), rare Charitable Research Reserve, ON Studying and Conserving Bird Species at Risk in Pemberton, Pemberton Wildlife Association, BC, Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society Award Assessing habitat use of two species at risk: Monitoring Barn Swallow and Bank Swallow populations at small craft harbours in PEI, Island Nature Trust, PEI Station de baguage du Rocher-Blanc et festival d’oiseaux au printemps 2019, Observatoire d’Oiseaux de Rimouski (UQAR), QC, joint Baillie and Wasserfall Award Formation sur les inventaires ornithologiques et leurs protocoles et réalisation d'inventaires d'engoulevents d'Amérique (Chordeiles minor) et de hiboux nocturnes dans le Nord-du-Québec, FaunENord, QC Barn and Cliff Swallow Monitoring in the Little Campbell River Watershed, A Rocha Canada, BC Rapid population decline
    [Show full text]
  • Status of the Prairie Falcon (Falco Mexicanus) in Alberta
    Status of the Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) in Alberta Dale Paton Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 42 Status of the Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) in Alberta Dale Paton Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 42 March 2002 Published By: i Publication No. T/010 ISBN: 0-7785-1855-8 (Printed Edition) ISBN: 0-7785-1856-6 (On-line Edition) ISSN: 1206-4912 (Printed Edition) ISSN: 1499-4682 (On-line Edition) Series Editors: Sherry Feser and Robin Gutsell Illustrations: Brian Huffman For copies of this report, contact: Information Centre - Publications Alberta Environment/Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife Division Main Floor, Great West Life Building 9920 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Telephone: (780) 422-2079 OR Information Service Alberta Environment/Alberta Sustainable Resource Development #100, 3115 - 12 Street NE Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 7J2 Telephone: (780) 297-3362 OR Visit our web site at : http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/status/reports/index.html This publication may be cited as: Paton, D. 2002. Status of the Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) in Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, and Alberta Conservation Association, Wildlife Status Report No. 42, Edmonton, AB. 28 pp. ii PREFACE Every five years, the Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development reviews the status of wildlife species in Alberta. These overviews, which have been conducted in 1991, 1996 and 2000, assign individual species “ranks” that reflect the perceived level of risk to populations that occur in the province. Such designations are determined from extensive consultations with professional and amateur biologists, and from a variety of readily available sources of population data.
    [Show full text]
  • The Milk River Basin Project a Multi-Species
    MULTISAR: The Milk River Basin Project A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy For Species at Risk: Year 2-Progress Report Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 87 MULTISAR: The Milk River Basin Project A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy For Species at Risk: Year 2-Progress Report Richard W. Quinlan, Brad A. Downey, Brandy L. Downey and Paul F. Jones (eds.) Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 87 March 2004 Publication No. I/147 ISBN: 0-7785-2983-5 (Printed Edition) ISBN: 0-7785-2984-3 (On-line Edition) ISSN: 1496-7219 (Printed Edition) ISSN: 1496-7146 (On-line Edition) Illustrations by: Brian Huffman For copies of this report, contact: Information Centre- Publications Alberta Environment/ Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Main Floor, Great West Life Building 9920- 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Telephone: (780) 422-2079 OR Visit our web site at: http://ww3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/riskspecies/ Suggested citation formats: Entire report Quinlan, R.W, B. A. Downey, B. L. Downey and P. F. Jones. 2004. MULTISAR: The Milk River Basin Project, A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy For Species at Risk: Year 2- Progress Report . Alberta Sustainable Resource Management, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No. 87, Edmonton, AB.111 Pp. Chapter of report Downey, B.L. 2004. Burrowing Owl Surveys in the Milk River Basin, Pages16-24 In Quinlan R.W, B. A. Downey, B. L. Downey and P. F. Jones. 2004. MULTISAR: The Milk River Basin Project, A Multi-Species Conservation Strategy For Species at Risk: Year 2- Progress Report . Alberta Sustainable Resource Management, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Report No.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Alberta Environmental Group Box 383, Lethbridge AB T1J 3Y7
    Southern Alberta Environmental Group Box 383, Lethbridge AB T1J 3Y7 20 July, 2004 Secretary, Canadian Section Delivered by Email: [email protected] International Joint Commission 22 Floor, 234 Laurier Ave. W. Ottawa ON K1P 6K6 Dear Sir/Madam: Re: Public Consultation on St. Mary and Milk Rivers Apportionment Through our local media we have learned that a request has been made by Governor Judy Martz of Montana to review the 1921 International Joint Commission (IJC) order which implements the provisions of Article VI of the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and defines the apportionment between the United States and Canada for the Milk and St. Mary Rivers. Review of the IJC website informs us that the Commissioners are holding a public consultation process to obtain facts related to water supplies in the basin, current and projected water uses, and any matters regarding the current implementation of the 1921 Order. The Southern Alberta Environmental Group (SAEG) is participating in the process with the intention of contributing information which will assist in the decision about how best to proceed. SAEG is a registered society based in Lethbridge, Alberta whose members work on environmental matters in our community. Our goals are to inform, to advocate for environmental protection and to work cooperatively with others who share common goals. For two decades members have dealt with water management challenges in the Oldman and Milk river basins in Alberta. SAEG’s most recent involvement includes representing the ecosystem protection interest on the Oldman River Basin Public Advisory Committee as part of the South Saskatchewan River Basin planning process, participating in projects of the Oldman River Basin Water Quality Initiative, and presenting a submission regarding a study of water storage options in the Milk River basin.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta Volume 2 Prepared By
    Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta Volume 2 Prepared by: Sweetgrass Consultants Ltd. Calgary, AB for: Resource Data Division Alberta Environmental Protection Edmonton, Alberta March 1997 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Large portions of native habitats have been converted to other uses. Surface mining, oil and gas exploration, forestry, agricultural, industrial and urban developments will continue to put pressure on the native species and habitats. Clearing and fragmentation of natural habitats has been cited as a major area of concern with respect to management of natural systems. While there has been much attention to managing and protecting endangered species, a consensus is emerging that only a more broad-based ecosystem and landscape approach to preserving biological diversity will prevent species from becoming endangered in the first place. Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) are important, useful and often sensitive features of the landscape. As an integral component of sustainable development strategies, they provide long-term benefits to our society by maintaining ecological processes and by providing useful products. The identification and management of ESAs is a valuable addition to the traditional socio-economic factors which have largely determined land use planning in the past. The first ESA study done in Alberta was in 1983 for the Calgary Regional Planning Commission region. Numerous ESA studies were subsequently conducted through the late 1980s and early 1990s. ESA studies of the Parkland, Grassland, Canadian Shield, Foothills and Boreal Forest Natural Regions are now all completed while the Rocky Mountain Natural Region has been only partially completed. Four factors regarding the physical state of the site were considered when assessing the overall level of significance of each ESA: representativeness, diversity, naturalness, and ecological integrity.
    [Show full text]