News

President Obama signs on for Canada’s wetland conservation efforts

March 31, 2010 | Posted by AB NAWMP

While the world watches his plans for health care take shape, U.S. President Barack Obama has also made a significant contribution to the health of continental wetlands conservation. On March 25, 2010, President Obama signed into law a bill to allow for funds raised in Canada to become eligible match for North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) projects funded for Canada.

“This is the final step in the legislation process and great news for wetland conservation efforts in Canada,” says Jeff Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, DUC. “This legislation will allow up to 50 per cent of the non-federal match for wetland conservation projects in Canada to be funded by Canadian conservation supporters.”

The increased support and engagement of Canadian partners will prove invaluable toward assembling the funding necessary to conserve many more of Canada’s wetlands.

Learn more >>

Wetland Carbon Protocol Workshop Planned

March 17, 2010 | Posted by AB NAWMP

Several years ago, Alberta NAWMP initiated the development of a wetlands protocol within the Alberta Offset System Protocol system. The intent was to create wetland protection and restoration opportunities within an emerging and regulated carbon offset market. A protocol is required to verify and formalize carbon sequestration benefits of these wetland actions and facilitate market transactions. Climate Change Central was contracted to undertake this process. In 2009, the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture (PHJV) and Ducks Unlimited Canada also became funding partners.

The protocol development process includes three phases:

  1. Scoping,
  2. Science discussion documents, and
  3. An expert workshop.

Summary findings are then translated into a draft protocol and subjected to review by experts, stakeholders and the public prior to being approved by government. The first two phases have been completed and the third is currently underway.

The scoping phase was completed with two significant findings:

  1. There is sufficient knowledge to develop a protocol to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and removals associated with conservation and restoration of wetlands in prairie Canada, and
  2. There are quantification methodology challenges that require additional attention.

The second phase addressed implementation issues and expanded previously identified quantification challenges.

The third phase will center on two science workshops scheduled for March 17 & 18 in Edmonton. The science supporting the protocol to date comes from a variety of sources: guidance documents, literature reviews of published science, and technical experts. This information will form the basis of discussion leading to consensus on key protocol factors. In a process successfully used for other protocols in Alberta, experts will be assembled and engaged. They will help address questions posed in the summary findings and provide advice and agreement on standardized protocols, methods, and best available. The workshop will produce a report (Technical Seed Document, or TSD) that will form the basis of the protocol.

For more information, please email contact Michael Barr, Alberta NAWMP Coordinator, at m_barr@ducks.ca.

Wetland Restoration Needs and Opportunities in Prairie Canada

February 24, 2010 | Posted by AB NAWMP

NAWMP partners have proposed ambitious wetland restoration targets as part of the 25-year Strategic Plan for the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Challenges in realizing these targets are various and real, and yet essential to achieve North American Waterfowl Management Plan goals. This past November, 22 invited NAWMP participants working on wetland restoration in prairie Canada met in Winnipeg with the purpose of examining this challenge and recommending future options.

A common concern for all wetland conservation programming is the need for a supportive provincial wetland policy. Following six background presentations, a facilitator led a round table discussion in which each participant offered two ideas to advance programming and funding for wetland restoration. A total of 32 ideas were identified and then ranked in importance.

Results showed 80% of all points were assigned to 13 ideas. The top ranked eight ideas represented 66% of all points assigned. Top priority is the development of an over-riding strategy for wetland conservation at the federal, provincial and municipal level. It would include a business case and a strategic approach to removal of barriers for both wetland restoration and retention.

Supporting priorities include:

  1. A significantly increased marketing/communications campaign;
  2. Completion of the Canadian wetland inventory and the establishment of a Canadian wetland monitoring program;
  3. Implementation of a program with a user pay wetland mitigation license such that revenues fund restoration;
  4. Removal of incentives for drainage by modifying rural municipal property taxes;
  5. Increasing national leadership on wetland issues by supporting the creation of a wetlands secretariat independent of government;
  6. Assessing the economics of both wetland drainage and restoration; and
  7. Undertaking a strong research and monitoring program on the ecological goods & services for prairie wetlands.

For more information, email Michael Barr, Alberta NAWMP Coordinator, at m_barr@ducks.ca.

Alberta NAWMP Science Fund Evolves

December 18, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

Just as organisms and ecological communities adapt to environmental change, the Alberta NAWMP Science Fund itself is responding to a new environment. “The Alberta NAWMP Science Fund has supported a wide variety of wetland-related research in Alberta for about 20 years,” says Michael Barr, Alberta NAWMP Coordinator. “Most research was graduate studies, with an emphasis on birds and other wetland-dependent species. More recently, the Fund’s scope expanded to assist policy and program initiatives that were of mutual benefit to the Partners and NAWMP.”

Adapting to change

Several factors coincided to bring stimulus for change. First, new sources of funding from other agencies emerged that targeted some of the same information priorities which Alberta NAWMP had identified. “Where potential overlap was identified, we adjusted and coordinated our support with those other agencies,” offers Barr.

Second, reduced budget expectations for the coming year compelled a more strategic approach to allocating this fund, or as Plato stated: Necessity, it brings the mother of invention. Third, there was a longstanding interest in moving to a more directed approach to research support. “This convergence of factors suggested now was the time to make a move,” adds Barr.

Moving forward

Looking to 2010–11 and beyond, the Science Fund through its respective committee will continue to support a variety of wetland-related research. The change will result in fewer, but more specific studies that directly advance the goals and objectives of NAWMP and the policy initiatives of partner agencies. “Science that is aligned with current data and decision-making needs translates into informed planning and policy outcomes for wetlands”, says Barr.

Water for Life action plan released

November 20, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

Action plan guides Alberta’s water management

Edmonton…Healthy aquatic ecosystems, conservation and education are priorities in the renewed Water for Life action plan. The strategy and action plan together set the direction for water management in Alberta over the next 10 years.

“Economic and population growth in Alberta over the past several years has put increased pressure on Alberta’s water supplies,” said Rob Renner, Minister of Environment. “The strategy and action plan respond to growing demand and provides the roadmap to manage and protect Alberta’s water.”

The plan lays out the actions Alberta intends to deliver over the next decade. It includes activities Alberta committed to deliver as part of its original Water for Life strategy and incorporates new actions to address the province’s emerging water challenges and current realities. The action plan also supports regional environmental objectives and Alberta’s cumulative effects management approach.

“Thanks to the success of Water for Life to date, I think all Albertans understand the need and urgency to better manage our water supplies for our communities, environment and prosperity,” said Gord Edwards, executive director of the Alberta Water Council. “This action plan signals a new era for Water for Life that we are both delighted to see and excited to embrace as we continue to work with the Government of Alberta and the entire water community to sustain our water resources long into the future.”

The Alberta Water Council’s 2006–08 implementation review acknowledged that Water for Life implementation is making good progress. The Council identified the need to: integrate and coordinate the management of land, water, air, biodiversity and the cumulative impacts of development; ensure partners have the funds and people needed to complete their work; and encourage Water for Life leaders and champions. They also made recommendations to increase focus on education and protect Alberta’s rivers, lakes and aquifers from overuse and contamination.

“The dedication and good work done by the Alberta Water Council continues to ensure Water for Life remains relevant and effective,” said Renner.

The Water for Life strategy is the blueprint for water management in Alberta, ensuring the province’s water quality and quantity supports our people, economy, and environment. Water for Life was originally released in 2003 and renewed in 2008 to meet the changing realities of our growing province. Implementation of Water for Life involves the efforts of many partners including non-government organizations, industry, provincial and other governments. The detailed action plan supports the successful implementation of the strategy’s goals and directions.

For a copy of the renewed strategy and action plan, visit www.waterforlife.alberta.ca.

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Click here for Backgrounder: Highlights of the Water for Life action plan

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cara Van Marck
Communications, Alberta Environment
780–427-6267

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310–0000.

New faces join AB NAWMP committees

October 11, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

The Partnership is pleased to welcome several new members to the Alberta NAWMP community.

The Policy Sub-committee is joined by Jason Cathcart (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development), Tracy Scott (Ducks Unlimited Canada), and Kim Schmitt (Ducks Unlimited Canada).

The Communications Sub-committee welcomes Marci Dube of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

We would also like to acknowledge those people taking on the role of Chair of the following committees:

  • Science Sub-committee Chair: Nic DeGama Blanchet, the Nature Conservancy of Canada
  • Policy Sub-committee Chair: Gerry Haekel, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
  • Communications Sub-committee Chair: Krista Tremblett, Alberta Environment

Click here to learn more about the Alberta NAWMP Board and Committeess.

Partners celebrate Alberta's largest conservation easement donation

October 4, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

Special dedication honours Calgary philanthropist

Doc Seaman memorialized in one of Alberta’s largest donated conservation easements.

Calgary, Alberta – September 4, 2009 – Just 10 kilometres from the small, south-eastern Alberta town of Dorothy, conservation history was made today. Family and friends of respected businessman, the late Daryl ‘Doc’ Seaman, along with elected officials and invited guests from partnering organizations, gathered at OH Ranch Dorothy to take part in a special dedication honouring Mr. Seaman’s commitment and contribution to preserving a significant part of the natural prairie landscape in southern Alberta. Today’s dedication, which also includes the property at OH Ranch Bassano, marks one of Alberta’s largest donated conservation easement and marks $500 million in land donations for Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts program.

“Mr. Seaman’s quiet commitment and passion for supporting various causes is legendary,” said Jack H. Hole, President, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). “He was also a long-time supporter of Ducks. We are honoured that his generosity continues through these donated conservation easements, and pleased to be able to recognize his contributions in this way.”

Hole and Doc’s son Bob Seaman were on hand to unveil a special bronze plaque mounted on a cairn at the OH Ranch Dorothy property. Also present was Ted Menzies, MP for Macleod, who spoke on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minster of Environment Canada. A similar plaque and cairn have also been placed at OH Ranch Bassano to commemorate this donation and Doc’s love of the land.

Through the vision and generosity of Mr. Seaman and his family, DUC has entered into an agreement to place and hold donated conservation easements that will help protect and conserve the integrity of the natural landscapes on two of the four properties (Dorothy and Bassano) that make up the OH Ranch operation. More than 11,250 acres (45.5 square kilometres) will be protected under these agreements, making this one of the single largest donated conservation easements in DUC history.

Encompassing more than 1,800 acres of native habitat in southern Alberta, OH Ranch Dorothy is a natural jewel on the landscape. The property contains a diversity of wetlands and native upland habitat that supports a variety of wildlife species. Securing this valuable habitat under a conservation easement protects valuable wetlands and important wildlife habitat, continuing the legacy of the Ranch and of Doc Seaman, who was passionate about caring for the soil, the water and the wildlife on his land. OH Ranch Dorothy and Bassano will continue to operate sustainably as a cattle ranch.

“OH Ranch has worked with Ducks for many years, so it was a natural fit for us to further partner with them to ensure these conservation easements were placed on OH Ranch Dorothy and OH Ranch Bassano,” said Bob Seaman. “Wetland and wildlife conservation is an important component of the OH Ranch philosophy, and it’s my father’s legacy.”

A portion of OH Ranch Dorothy has also been classified through Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts program as containing ecologically sensitive lands or sites that significantly contribute to the conservation of Canada’s biodiversity and environmental heritage.

“Conserving precious habitat like this is one of the best ways to help our ecosystems and species thrive and survive,” said Member of Parliament Ted Menzies on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Jim Prentice. “By conserving this important area in Alberta, the Government of Canada and its partners are providing critical space for species at risk, including burrowing owls, loggerhead shrikes, ferruginous hawks, short-eared owls and Sprague’s pipits.”

For more information, contact:
Anh Hoang
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (403) 827–8762
E-mail: a_hoang@ducks.ca

Vermilion watershed project begins flowing

September 30, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

Alberta NAWMP is sponsoring the development of a sub-watershed plan for the wetland-rich Vermilion River sub-basin.

Led by the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, the project seeks to demonstrate various needs including:

  • The value of finer-scale watershed planning,
  • The importance of enlisting local stakeholder support,
  • The utility of a wetland inventory, and
  • The creation of opportunities for stewardship or recognition of Environmental Services (or Environmental Goods & Services) benefits.

The committee has identified issues and is now ‘wading in’ to the more difficult task of linking issues to causes that will lead to balanced solutions.

Click here for more information about the Vermilion Watershed Project.

AB NAWMP founder receives national recognition

September 17, 2009 | Posted by AB NAWMP

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) is pleased to recognize individuals and partner organizations whose activities at the national, regional, or local level result in long-term, substantial benefits to waterfowl and other wetland-associated migratory bird populations of North America.

In fall 2009, long-time Alberta NAWMP supporter and former Board member, Ken Ambrock was awarded the National Great Blue Heron Award for his leadership in founding the original, partnerships in Alberta and Prairie Canada (PHJV). Ken recently retired as Assistant Deputy Minister for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

Learn more about the National Great Blue Heron Award.

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