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VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 3 | FALL 2010 SUGGESTED RETAIL: $7.50 CDN
Nature Alberta C E L E B R A T I N G O U R N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E
HIKING CASTLE’S TABLE MOUNTAIN. SUE GUERRA
feature article The Castle –
Crown of the Continent!
N A T U R E A L B E R T A
AT WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK. RICK PRICE
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Nature Alberta: FALL 2010 1
Celebrating our natural heritage Nature Alberta is composed of natural history clubs from across the
province. The aims of the Federation are:
(a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase
in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological
Contents
processes;
(b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views
among natural history clubs and societies in Alberta;
(c) To foster and assist in the formation of additional natural history clubs
and societies in Alberta;
(d) To promote the establishment of natural areas and nature reserves, to
N AT U R E A L B E R TA V O L U M E 4 0 , N U M B E R 3 , FA L L 2 0 1 0
conserve and protect species, communities or other features of interest;
(e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, field meetings,
Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO .................................................................... 2 nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or
dissimilar nature;
Letters to the Editor ............................................................................... 3 (f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions
relating to the conservation of the natural environment may be
Alberta Issues in Brief............................................................................. 5 discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and to
provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions.
First Hand:Thrilling Sightings! BY DENNIS BARESCO ........................................ 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nature Alberta News .............................................................................. 9 PRESIDENT: Chuck Priestley
VICE PRESIDENT: Ted Hindmarch
Book Review: This High, Wild Country: A Celebration of SECRETARY: Vacant
TREASURER: Peichen Gu
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park........................................... 11 PAST PRESIDENT: Sandra Foss
Up Close Naturally: Leaves BY MARGOT HERVIEUX .......................................... 12 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Dennis Baresco, Dawn Dickinson, Jim Gendron,
Peichen Gu, Ted Hindmarch, Chuck Priestley, Don Stiles
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta BY JOHN WARDEN ............... 14 ELECTED DIRECTORS: Chrissie Smith (ANPC); Claudia Cameron, (BLN); Scott
Jubinville (CFNS); Lu Carbyn, (ENC); Grant Henry (FMFNS); Marty Drut,
My Experience with the Little Brown Bat (GN); Ted Johnson (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN);
Tony Blake (RDRN); Iris Davies (VRNS);
(Myotis lucifugus) 2007 – 2009 BY ROBERT DANNER .................................... 16 STAFF: Philip Penner (Exec. Dir.); Christine Brown; Vid Bijelic
The Castle – Crown of the Continent! BY CAROLYN ASPESLET ........................ 20 CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS
Nature Diary: Black Bear Guests! BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN......................... 26 Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB
T6G 2T5
Eyes on IBAs BY CHUCK PRIESTLEY ................................................................. 27 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0
Nature Calgary (CFNS), Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4
New Parks Legislation & the Recent Stewards Conference ................. 30 Edmonton Nature Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1
Fort McMurray Field Naturalists Society, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB
The Future of Alberta’s Protected Areas? BY LINDA KERSHAW........................ 32 T9H 4R9
Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8
May 2010 Bird Species Count BY JUDY BOYD .............................................. 33 Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0
Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4
Nature Alberta Conservation Strategy for Large Carnivores in Alberta .. 35 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2
Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2
In Memoriam: Barb Kuz ........................................................................ 37 Vermilion River Naturalists, 5707 - 47 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5
Celestial Happenings BY JOHN MCFAUL ........................................................ 38 AFFILIATES:
Alberta Lake Management Society Friends of Jasper National Park
Nature Alberta Club Page...................................................................... 39 Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild Grant MacEwan Mountain Club
Alberta Mycological Society Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada
Birds of Western Canada: A Funny Field Guide ..................................... 40 Alberta Stewardship Network J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation
Beaverhill Bird Observatory Lee Nature Sanctuary Society
Beaver River Naturalist Club Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
Big Lake Environmental Support Society Purple Martin Conservancy
P U B L I S H E D Q U A R T E R LY B Y N AT U R E A L B E R TA , BowKan Birders Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society
1 1 7 5 9 G R O AT R O A D , E D M O N T O N , A B T 5 M 3 K 6 Calgary Bird Banding Society Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas
PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Cochrane Environmental Action Association
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A Committee The Wagner Natural Area Society
Crooked Creek Conservancy Society Weaselhead/Glenmore Park
SUBSCRIPTION $30.00 PER YEAR; $55 FOR TWO YEARS Crowsnest Conservation Society Preservation Society
Edmonton Naturalization Group Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake
Ellis Bird Farm Stewardship Assoc.
EDITOR.DENNIS BARESCO
Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society Wood Buffalo Bird Club
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A Friends of Blackfoot Society
C I R C U L AT I O N . T E D H I N D M A R C H
L AY O U T. B R O K E N A R R O W S O L U T I O N S I N C .
P R I N T I N G . P E R C Y PA G E C E N T R E . I S S N 0 3 1 8 - 5 4 4 0
CELEBRATE NATURE ALBERTA
THANKS TO THE PROOFREADERS WHO ASSISTED IN PRODUCING THIS ISSUE:
IT’S OUR 40TH BIRTHDAY IN 2010!!!
E L A I N E C AT H C A R T, S A N D R A F O S S , M A R I LY N R O S S , VA L S C H O L E F I E L D ,
JUNE VERMEULEN.
MANY THANKS TO THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER
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2 NatureAlberta
Editor’s Page
BY DENNIS BARESCO
NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE! for the conservation of habitat parks and greenbelts and protected
Some things you just can’t let pass and species, not slowed, stopped areas.” However, on a local, regional,
without comment. That’s the way I or ignored them as claimed in provincial and national level, all
felt after reading Margaret Wente’s her column. She apparently those things, and a great many more,
column, “Can environmentalism be hasn’t noticed our continuous are steadfastly being addressed by
saved from itself?” (Globe & Mail, accomplishments, probably environmental groups.
Nov 27, 2010). In it – and referring because, compared to the climate
Many letters to the Editor pointed
to the “environmental movement” change issue, we are grossly
out that if we do not do something
– she states, in her typical self- underfunded, have a very difficult
about climate change, all the other
assured way: “For years, its activists time getting the media’s attention
“important work” will eventually
neglected almost everything but and have a volunteer base that is
become irrelevant. Very true, but that
climate change.” Her message stretched to the limit. Yes, we “have
doesn’t address Margaret’s point, and
was that we have been doing important work to do” – and we’re
I wish the Globe & Mail had included
practically nothing useful – that doing it! She should probably go
some comments that did.
before they were sucked into the ask Nature Canada, Bird Studies
giant vortex of global warming, Canada, or any of the provincial Also true is her statement: “The
environmentalists did useful things.” umbrella groups like Ontario delusional dream of global [political]
Things like working to protect Nature or Nature Alberta, what action to combat climate change is
nature from direct threats. Back we’re up to – and then start paying dead. … Public interest in climate
then, we “believed in conservation attention to us and the work we’re change has plunged, and the
– conserving this beautiful planet doing! media have radically reduced their
of ours from the worst of human climate coverage.” Because of this,
That’s the message I sent to her
despoliation.” Her final advice: she said, “The biggest loser is the
and the Letters section of the Globe
“Please grow up, people. You have environmental movement.” Well no,
& Mail. It wasn’t published, but I
important work to do.” Margaret. The generation or two
know Margaret reads her e-mails,
following ours and a healthy natural
Well, sorry Margaret, but you really so perhaps next time she may
world helping provide quality of life
must get out more. Naturalists and think a little bit before making
to its inhabitants (human and wild) are
environmentalists across Canada sweeping pronouncements about
the biggest losers. The death of global
have increased their focused efforts the environmental movement.
action, plunging of public interest and
She listed some of the important minimal attention span of the media
things environmentalists did, as if does not change reality, regardless
we no longer did them, such as: of how much politicians, the public
“protested against massive Third and the media attempt to delude
World dams that would ruin both themselves.
natural and human habitats . . .
Meanwhile, my final advice to
warned about invasive species and
Margaret, politicians, the media and
diseases that could tear through
all who behave like spoilt brats is:
our forests and wreck our water
“Please grow up, people. You have
systems…fought for national
important work to do.”
THERE ARE MANY EXCELLENT REASONS WHY NATURALISTS WORK SO HARD TO PROTECT THE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT; IN THE PHOTO ARE TWO OF THEM. IAN FOSS
FALL 2010 3
L E T T E R S
E D I T O R
T O T H E On the Covers:
FRONT COVER
The Castle-Crown is one of the most naturally
amazing regions in Alberta. As the Feature Story
Coyotes, Foxes and Long- illustrates (pg 20), there seems to be no end to
tailed Weasels the ecological splendour. Opportunities which
respect nature abound for people to enjoy the
While the Long-tailed Weasel was placed Castle-Crown, including hiking the high country.
on the list of endangered species in Perhaps even more amazing is that the Castle-
Alberta, there has never been a lack of Crown, as a site of international significance, has
Coyotes. In fact, they are everywhere. so very little permanent protection.
Are the two connected? In the Spring
2010 issue [Nature Alberta. Vol 40, # 1; INSIDE FRONT COVER
pg 4], Dawn Dickinson expresses a doubt Like the Castle-Crown, Waterton Lakes
[in response to Dr Dekker’s Letter to National Park, its neighbour, is a godsend
the Editor, “Coyote Density”], although for photographers. Rick Price has spent
much time there with his cameras and, as
she does not appear to have any first-
the photo shows, has been well rewarded!
hand knowledge on the subject of canid
predation on mustelids.
Who has ever seen a pair of Coyotes
teaming up to catch a weasel in open INSIDE BACK
country? Well, I have. I also know first- COVER
hand that our (supposedly rare) weasels And a great time
now climb trees and bushes at the least was had by all!
sign of danger. I consider this an anti- Nature Alberta’s
predator response, to get away from their September Board
canid enemies. There indeed is good meeting at Deer
scientific evidence that Coyotes (and foxes) Valley Meadows
are deadly on weasels, not just here but in took Directors and
the USA and Europe. guests where naturalists are supposed to be:
in nature! See the story on pg 9.
For instance, I have closely followed the
invasion of Red Foxes in Holland. In a Important Bird Areas, like Eagle Lake, are
precisely that: areas of great importance for
very large coastal national park, where
birds. Such areas exist across Alberta. If you
there were no foxes at all before and
would like to be involved in stewardship of
plenty of Weasels, Stoats, and Polecats, IBAs, let Nature Alberta know! See the story,
all of these mustelids became very rare pg 27.
soon after foxes arrived and became
common. The Stoat (the equivalent of our When you are as tiny as a hummingbird and fly all the way
Long-tailed Weasel) went locally extinct. to Mexico for the winter, you need all the nectar you can get.
Researchers were puzzled. They too had However, a “hummer” also eats smaller insects and spiders, many
seen the last of the weasels climb trees. of which it finds on the nectar flowers: hors d’oeuvres, perhaps?
This pointed to a shortage of rodents,
the biologists thought. And by way of BACK COVER
explanation, they wrote in their papers Black Bears, like Grizzlies, are omnivores,
eating virtually anything that could be classed
that the weasels apparently were starving
as food. Perhaps somewhat surprising is that
and now forced to hunt for birds and bird about 80% of their diet is vegetarian. In
nests in the bushes. In correspondence autumn, ripe berries are favoured, along with
insects and nuts – or whatever happens to
wander by their claws!
4 NatureAlberta
with them I pointed out -- based
on my Alberta observations -- that
National Parks Priorities?
tree-climbing by weasels is an I have just received my copy of
anti-predator strategy to escape the Summer issue. You’ve done
from the fox. This view is now a great job as usual. I loved
well accepted in Holland and the article about the Woodland
elsewhere. Today the stoat is Caribou in Jasper.
still practically extinct in coastal Are you familiar with some of
Holland where the fox is king. the highway down to Belly River.
the changes proposed for the You can see how enlarging paved
As to Red Foxes and Coyotes in area around Cameron Falls in parking lots at the expense of
Alberta, I have written widely Waterton? Parks Canada wants to green space fits right in with the
about their running battle, enlarge the parking lot in order park’s mandate!!!!!
observed at first hand over many to accommodate “large buses and
years. In British Columbia, I horse trailers”!!!! Many trees have Let me know if there is anything I
interviewed several naturalists already been cut down. A petition can do for the cause.
and government zoologists. Those was circulated this past summer SANDRA HAWKINS
with long-term field experience and many people have already
confirmed that the Red Fox, once voiced their discontent with the
locally common, disappeared after project. I have attached a photo
the relatively recent arrival of its of a plaque that is located along
bigger and aggressive cousin.
DICK DEKKER, PH.D.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Dr Dekker and Dawn Dickinson (a Nature Alberta Director) have started an interesting discussion. I invite readers of
Nature Alberta to join in the dialogue with your thoughts, whether from a professional aspect or through personal
experience. In particular, we would be interested in the Alberta situation; for example, are there substantial differences in
different parts of Alberta from what Dr Dekker has observed? Please email your thoughts to wildhavn@memlane.com.
Advertising in Nature Alberta
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are available at:
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online: www.naturealberta.ca
Ad rates vary from $35 (business card size) to email: na@naturealberta.ca
$249 (full page), X2 for colour. phone: (780) 427 – 8124
FALL 2010 5
A L B E R T A I S S U E S I N B R I E F
Withdrawn…temporarily!
In late November, the Alberta stakeholder groups over the next and patronize Albertans. As Red Deer
Government withdrew Bill 29, while and then reintroduce the Advocate columnist Bob Scammell
the updated Alberta Parks Act, bill, with some amendments, in the said, Bill 29 “continues the trend of
following province-wide anger. The spring. However, she insisted that this government to weaken the few
new Act would have essentially she will not scrap the bill altogether: environmental protections that are in
left ecological protection of our “I’m not starting at square one,” said place and ignore the wishes of the
parks up to the whims of the Parks Minister Ady. people in favour of corporations and
Minister (which means the whims development.”
The Minister’s statements ignore the
of Cabinet elites, in essence). It
fact that many different groups have A coalition of groups is fighting the
would have given the government
spent the past few years talking proposed bill, including Nature Alberta,
legal authority to pretty well do
and providing detailed input to the Alberta Wilderness Association,
whatever it wants, behind closed
Parks about parks and protected Stewards of Alberta Protected Areas
doors, with only a requirement for
areas – and an overwhelming Association [see article pg 39), Canadian
public ‘notice’ rather than public
majority of Albertans in general Parks and Wilderness Society and the
consultation and hearings.
have been very clear in expressing Sierra Club. It is not an exaggeration
Tourism, Parks and Recreation their desire for more protection and to say that at stake is the natural and
Minister Cindy Ady said the more parks. More talk seems to be ecological integrity of Alberta’s entire
province would talk with just a desperate attempt to placate parks and protected areas system.
Perfect Storm for Alberta Caribou
A new Alberta Caribou ‘policy’, “New development is allowed, For more information, contact
which does nothing to protect new cutting is allowed, new Nigel Douglas, AWA’s conservation
severely-threatened woodland roads are allowed,” says Wallis. specialist, at (403) 283-2025.
caribou, is one more nail in “Nothing is getting turned down
–From AWA News Release (Nov 24,
the coffin for this beleaguered except new protected areas for
2010): “Perfect Storm for Alberta’s
species. An open-door policy caribou and stronger legislation
Caribou: Bill 29, Tar Sands, and Another
on tar sands development, and for protected areas. It’s full speed
Worthless Caribou Policy”
proposed changes to protected on development and go slow on
areas legislation in Bill 29 guarantee protection.”
doom for woodland caribou in
north-eastern Alberta.
“The draft policy guarantees that
caribou are doomed, and caribou
protection will never prevail in
land-use decisions,” says Cliff
Wallis, AWA President. “Despite
knowledge of critical caribou
habitat, everything government has
said or done shows they have no
intention of protecting that habitat.”
DAVE FAIRLESS
SLS LOGGING ROAD CUTBLOCK ON THE WAY TO
6 NatureAlberta COMMONWEALTH CREEK. JOHN MCFAUL
Spray Lake Sawmills Goes for Certification
Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) has skiing, equestrian and off-highway
decided to work towards Forest vehicle trails system there.
Stewardship Council (FSC)
SLS has indicated that they
certification. The work necessary is
are always willing to discuss
similar to the work done voluntarily
concerns that are brought to
by SLS in the McLean Creek area a FSC certification, forests are certified
them. They have been certified for
few years ago. against a set of strict environmental and
many years under the industry-
social standards, and fibre from certified
SLS is a private, family-owned initiated program, ForestCare,
forests is tracked all the way to the
company that has been logging in where they have achieved high
consumer through the chain of custody
what is now known as Kananaskis scores for their sustainable forest
certification system. The end result is
Country for more than sixty-seven practices. Check out: www.
products in the marketplace carrying
years. Many of the recreational spraylakesawmills.com/.
the FSC ‘check-tree’ logo. Consumer
trails in Kananaskis Country were
FSC is a voluntary international demand for FSC-certified products
created when the areas were
certification and labeling system encourages forest managers and owners
logged. Some log haul roads in the
indicating that the forest products to become FSC-certified. Independent
bush are “put back” to re-grow,
you purchase come from third-party auditors conduct all FSC
but many are now used as part of
responsibly managed forests and certification audits. For details on FSC,
the hiking, cycling, cross-country
verified recycled sources. Under go to: www.fsccanada.org/.
Mackenzie Gas Project
In November, the Governments Despite claiming they Joint Review Panel that studied
of Canada and the Northwest have accepted most of the environmental impacts of the
Territories released their final the recommendations, the proposed Project.
response to the environmental Governments have actually
The governments’ response
assessment of the proposed accepted only 11 of the 115
plainly dismisses the principles of
Mackenzie Gas Project. recommendations from the
sustainable development by rejecting
recommendations on the grounds that
they would constrain development.
The governments’ refusal to commit
to implementing all of the Panel’s
recommendations creates the
unsustainable conditions that the
Panel warned about in October.
Nature Canada is deeply concerned
about the devastation that could
be unleashed on important wildlife
areas across the Northwest Territories
as a result of the Government’s
aggressive stance against the Panel
recommendations. Nevertheless, the
National Energy Board approved the
project in December.
From Nature Canada, Thursday Nov 18, 2010
FALL 2010 7
Potatogate!
The Alberta Government’s proposed law requiring public input or even the
sale of 25 sections (16,000 acres) informing of Albertans of public land
of public land in southeastern HABITAT FOR????? WIKIPEDIA COMMONS for sale before it’s gone. The Minister
Alberta to SLM Spud Farms for suggested that the province has been
growing potatoes created a unified amount of water required; the selling land like this for 100 years, so
outcry seldom seen before. Almost lack of openness, transparency what’s the problem? The government
everyone was appalled by this or opportunity for public input; it was either clutching at straws – or truly
unsavory deal. was bad for Alberta; it flew in the convinced that Albertans have no right
There were so many reasons why face of the Land Use Framework to question or even know what the
so many objected that it was hard process; and the government didn’t government is doing with land we own.
to keep count, among the reasons: even follow their own standard
In early November, SLM Spud Farms
the massive loss of native prairie procedures for sale of public land.
withdrew the application, allegedly at
and associated wildlife; loss of The media reported the issue
the urging of the government. This freed
fine grazing land; loss of hunting fully, with many commentators
the government from admitting anything
and other recreation opportunities; expressing sincere anger.
and freed them from setting a precedent
already a glut of potatoes; huge The government’s response to by turning the proposal down; it allows
the outcry was somewhat bizarre. them to continue whatever land policies
They misrepresented the role and methods they wish. Nature Alberta
of conservation land trusts. The volunteers and staff worked very hard
premier maintained there is no on this issue; we will continue to stay
on top of it because it is likely that the
issue is only delayed, not over. Vigilance
“WHERE THE DEER AND THE ANTELOPE ONCE is the byword.
PLAYED”? RICK PRICE
Running over Nature
Every so often, an ad appears on TV are quads, trucks, 4 x 4’s, SUV’s, Naturalists can make a difference when
or in magazines showing a roaring snowmobiles or any other type of they see such ads simply by writing
vehicle of some kind excitedly vehicle. Ads like these send the the manufacturer and/or the media
challenging that formidable foe, wrong message entirely, especially outlet. Equally important is to contact
Mother Nature – oft times, in the to younger drivers. NA stated in the Advertising Standards Canada and
process, damaging Mother Nature. letter that we “would hope Jeep lodge a complaint; that can be done
In many cases, it appears that the Canada would be more responsible electronically at www.adstandards.com.
activity could be illegal and contrary in the future in its advertising of You could also tell your nearest dealer
to a wide variety of legislative products, in not promoting practices of the vehicles involved. A copy of
protections. that create ecological damage.” Nature Alberta’s letter can be found on
our website (www.naturealberta.ca).
Most recently, ads for Jeep showed It should be noted that such
a vehicle driving in a creek (or ads may have been produced
river). Nature Alberta (NA) sent a on authorized or established
letter to Jeep Canada expressing watercourse fords and trails, or on
our concern about an ad which a manufacturer’s test field. Still, the
appeared to promote blatant message being delivered is one of
disregard for the environment. As conquering nature wherever we
an organization, Nature Alberta wish to go – authorized or not.
advocates responsible use of off-
A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IN ACTION (NOT
highway machines, whether they
FROM THE AD). WIKIPEDIA COMMONS
8 NatureAlberta If you have a first-hand experience with nature, send it in and share it with other naturalists.
After all – there are 8 million stories in the Nature City. Yours…could be one of them.
First Hand:
Thrilling Sightings!
BY DENNIS BARESCO
Naturalists are famous for coming up with thrilling sightings of wildlife as they hike
through woods and prairie, canoe waterways – or simply watch the goings-on in their
backyard.
FIG 4. RICHARD KLAUKE
Since birding is the most heavily Holle and Hans Hahn spotted A sub-adult
practiced of the wildlife-watching some Evening Grosbeaks (Fig 3) male Anna’s
“arts” many of the sightings are of at their feeder and “had to shoot Hummingbird
the avian kind. through 2 panes of glass to get (Fig 5) at Casa
this close,” said Holle. “We always Vista Estates
Not all sightings are birds though,
had the odd one, but never this southeast of
as Holle Hahn’s backyard Western
many…pretty shy birds compared Gibbons was
Toad proved; her sighting was
to Blue Jays.” present from
written up in the Summer
late September
2010 edition of Nature
until Oct 31, 2009; it was one of two
Alberta (Vol 40, # 2).
Anna’s reported in the province that
Imagine Don and Sean
fall. There were
Gordon’s surprise of seeing
also several records
two moose in an arid
indicating a reverse
badland along the South
FIG 3. HOLLY HAHN fall migration event
Saskatchewan River (Fig
in BC. The photo
1)! Sometimes, as Rick Price’s Seeing a species that is a record
was taken by
Waterton Black Bear photo shows, is always very exciting. The
John Farquhar of
it’s hard to tell who’s watching accidental reverse migration of the
Gibbons.
whom and which one finds the Green-tailed Towhee, a southern
sighting most thrilling! (Fig 2). U.S. species, was a first Canadian A late migrant sub-
Winter record and only the second adult male Rufous
FIG 1. SEAN GORDON documented Hummingbird
occurrence in (Fig 6) was FIG 5. JOHN FARQUHAR
the province. It photographed on a frosty Oct 6th in a
showed up in Fort McMurray suburb, seeking nectar
Jasper townsite in from an end-of-season Hollyhock. This
early Dec 2009 sighting was both very late and outside
and remained of normal range limits for Rufous
FIG 2. RICK PRICE
through March Hummingbirds.
10, 2010. The Cathy Mountain
photo (Fig 4) of Fort McMurray
was taken on took the photo.
Feb. 15, 2010
by Richard
Klauke of
Vilna AB.
FIG 6. CATHY MOUNTAINFALL 2010 9
Nature Alberta NEWS
NEW CLUB NEW VENUE FOR MEETING After dinner on Saturday evening,
The Alberta Mycological Society The location for Nature Alberta’s Judy Boyd (former Nature Alberta
(AMS) is the latest group to join last Board of Directors meeting Director and Executive member)
Nature Alberta as an Associate on Sept 25-26 was considerably gave a fascinating presentation on
Club. The Society’s Mission different from where meetings are her work with the Medicine River
Statement is: “To provide normally held. Instead of the city, Wildlife Centre; she even brought
educational, recreational, we moved to a location along the a Great Horned Owl along! Later,
scientific and culinary Red Deer River near Alix AB, the President Chuck Priestley took
opportunities for Albertans who Deer Valley Meadows Resort. folks into the dark of the night to
are interested in the fascinating give a demonstration on banding
An excellent facility in lovely
world of mushrooms and fungi.” Saw-whet Owls.
surroundings made this meeting
Formed in 1987, AMS has much more fun and relaxing than On top of all that, the Directors
approximately 165 members. usual as attendees hiked, canoed, accomplished a lot of business.
Most are amateurs with a variety strolled the woods and indulged Perhaps it was the surroundings,
of interests in nature, including in enjoyable conversation. Wayne but discussions of finances and
ecological roles of fungi in the Houcher and Charley Bird set administration seemed much
environment, medicinal uses up and interpreted their displays more interesting under the giant
of mushrooms, edibility of of, respectively, birds’ eggs and A-frame of the Deer Valley
mushrooms and the recreational insects. Meadows lodge!
and cultural aspects of mushroom
picking. As AMS stated
in its application:
“Fungi are typically the
ignored Kingdom but
are ecologically and
intricately involved with
all other forms of life.
Without fungi, nature in
Alberta would not be as
it is.”
Nature Alberta warmly
welcomes AMS to our
family of member clubs.
NATURE ALBERTA DIRECTOR
MARTY DRUT SHARES STORIES
WITH JUDY BOYD AND OTIS.
JORDAN BROWN10 NatureAlberta
A NUMBER OF INTERESTING NATURE TRAILS
RADIATE THROUGHOUT THE DEER VALLEY
MEADOWS RESORT AREA. JORDAN BROWN
FALL COLOURS – AND EVEN THE OCCASIONAL FLOWER – GREETED THE DIRECTORS. CHUCK PREPARES TO BAND ONE OF THE
JORDAN BROWN SAW-WHET OWLS CAPTURED IN A MIST NET.
JORDAN BROWN
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS. LEFT TO RIGHT: PHILIP PENNER, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR; TED HINDMARCH, VICE-PRESIDENT AND NATURE ALBERTA
A GROUP OF
CIRCULATION MANAGER; CHUCK PRIESTLEY, PRESIDENT. JORDAN BROWN
NATURALISTS HIKED
DOWN THE HILL
AND THEN CANOED
FOR SEVERAL
HOURS ALONG THE
BEAUTIFUL RED DEER
RIVER. JORDAN BROWN
WHILE WAITING FOR THE LUNCH CROWD TO ARRIVE, OFFICE
ADMINISTRATOR CHRISTINE BROWN CHECKS THE DISPLAYS SET UP
BY WAYNE HOUCHER AND CHARLEY BIRD. JORDAN BROWNFALL 2010 11
B O O K R E V I E W
This High, Wild Country:
A Celebration of Waterton-Glacier International
Peace Park
REVIEW BY: SANDRA C. HAWKINS
Although I have had the good revels in a discussion of the ever-
fortune to visit many of the world’s changing spectrum of trees, shrubs,
most beautiful natural places, my flowers, mosses, and lichens along
heart always returns to Waterton. with their resident complement of
It shall always remain my favourite avian and terrestrial fauna.
place, and I was honoured when
The book is in no way a scientific
asked to review This High, Wild
treatise, although the author
Country: A Celebration of Waterton-
presents a wealth of information
Glacier International Peace Park.
in a most palatable package. For
For those individuals who possess those who wish to learn more, an Text by Paul Schullery/Art by Marsha
a visceral love for mountains, this appendix filled with a wide variety Karle, University of New Mexico Press,
first person account will have strong of additional reference material is Albuquerque NM, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-8263-
appeal. Writing with a passion, included. 4602-5 (paper), $34.95
joy and respect for nature, the Wolf and the Grizzly Bear populations
Multiple cautionary tales about the
author takes us on a sentimental in both parks. The designation of the
negative implications arising from
journey into the Waterton-Glacier 7.8 million acre Northern Continental
human interference with natural
International Peace Park. Beautiful Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and a
ecosystems compose my favourite
watercolour paintings and pen variety of other lands that border the
part of the book. For example,
and ink drawings help bring this parks was instigated by the need for
White Pine Blister Rust (a non-native
journey to life. Both the author and additional habitat. He hopes this is only
disease found on seedlings imported
illustrator are former “parkies,” and a beginning, and that the future will
from Europe) is responsible for
their experiences while employees witness an animal corridor that stretches
altering both the ecosystems and the
with the US National Parks Service from Yellowstone to the Yukon (Y2Y).
photogeneity of both parks. Massive
add a refreshing, personalized
changes also ensued when park Favourite hiking trails and back country
dimension to the account.
lakes were stocked with non-native camping sites, historic Glacier lodges, red
After presenting a brief history on fish for the purpose of sports fishing. “jammer” buses, boat rides on the M.V.
the founding of the two parks and Although this practice has since International, the Prince of Wales Hotel
their subsequent joint designation ceased, the parks’ aquatic ecosystems in Waterton, Chief Mountain, Going-to-
as an International Peace Park and and native fish species such as the the-Sun Road and the reaction of his
World Heritage Site, in 1932 and Bull Trout are still suffering the trekking llama upon encountering the
1995 respectively, the book focuses consequences. famous Gunsight Pass goats all constitute
on macro topics such as the area’s some of the author’s favourite memories
The author sums up his feelings and
shared geology and its alteration of the parks, and those memories are
wears his heart on his sleeve when
by forces of glaciation, avalanches, well worth the read.
he writes about the “pricelessness
climate, weather and time.
of authenticity” and “....the humilityWith a Canadian bias, however, I had
In order to experience the living of accepting nature on the terms it hoped for more detail specifically about
treasures of the mountains, the offers rather than succumbing to the Waterton National Park. Although the
author describes the joys of arrogance of thinking we can always flora, fauna, geology, and climate are
“Zone Walking”. Starting from just fix things even if they show no similar for both parks, historical, political,
above tree line with its patches of evidence of being broken” (p. 63). and literary references do not always
“inorganic landscape” and then overlap. Regrettably, Kootenai Brown,
All news is not grim. The author
moving ever downward through
takes hope for the future of the Gray for one, garners no mention in the text!
increasingly lush vegetation, he12 NatureAlberta
Up Close Naturally:
Leaves
BY MARGOT HERVIEUX
WHAT TO DO WITH THEM getting energy for themselves and decomposition by breaking the leaves
Do you always feel overwhelmed returning nutrients to the soil. into smaller pieces. Simply run over the
by all those leaves in your Plants also benefit from a mulch leaves with a lawnmower before raking
yard? Well, save yourself some of leaves. The leaves hold them among your shrubs or onto your
work and benefit a multitude of moisture and insulate the soil, garden and flower beds.
creatures by leaving them where protecting tender roots and Nature has been recycling fallen leaves
they lie. seeds. Nutrients released by for millions of years. So why strain
Fallen leaves provide important decomposers feed the plants, and ourselves by trying to tidy up the
food and habitat for a surprising tunnels created by leaf-hunting process?! The forest floor is just one
number of plants and animals. earthworms increase air flow and more place where the diversity of life
Poke around in the leaf litter allow water to penetrate further abounds.
and you will find beetles, ants into the soil.
and spiders hunting insects, and Leaves also provide shelter for WHAT NATURE DOES WITH THEM
daddy-long-legs and centipedes animals looking for a safe place It takes a lot of energy for plants to
scavenging for bits. to over-winter. Wood Frogs, grow leaves, yet every fall those leaves
Not only are the insects and Mourning Cloak Butterflies and are discarded in an effort to conserve
spiders helping to control queen bumble bees spend the water. Fallen leaves aren’t wasted,
unwanted pests but they are also cold months in the leaf litter. however. They become part of an
food for ground feeding birds. There they freeze solid but remain
During the fall, watch for arctic- unharmed because increased
sugars in their blood prevent SOIL BACTERIA: ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
nesting sparrows like White-
tissue damage. DECOMPOSERS. DENNIS KUNKEL/FORCES.SI.EDU
crowned and Tree Sparrows
shuffling through the leaves when When the soil is insulated by
they stop for fuel on their long leaves, frost doesn’t penetrate
migration. as deeply and that improves
The leaves themselves are food the survival chances for animals
for an amazing number of wintering underground.
soil organisms. Chipmunks have been asleep
Everything from since early September, curled up
earthworms and in a network of seed and sleeping
slugs to bacteria storage chambers as much as a
and fungi help metre below the surface.
to break down For those of us willing to leave
the leaves, our leaves, we can help speed
Margot also writes a column for the Peace Country Sun, archived
copies of which are available at www.peacecountrysun.com.FALL 2010 13 impressive natural recycling system that helps fuel our entire planet. Leaves actually start to break down before they even drop from the trees. As the days shorten and the nights cool, plants remove the valuable chlorophyll from the leaves for future use. With the green gone, the reds, oranges and yellows are revealed before the leaves are sealed off from the rest of the plant and they drop to the ground. Once leaves reach the ground, the process of decay begins in earnest. The first step is breaking the leaves into smaller pieces. This job falls primarily to the many invertebrates that feed on fallen leaves – including millipedes, slugs, beetles and different sorts of worms. Birds and mammals also help break up dead leaves. Grouse and other ground nesting birds will use dead leaves in their nests while mice, voles and chipmunks use bits of leaves to line their winter shelters. Weather and the activities of large mammals like Moose also speed the crumbling process. One of the best known leaf decomposers is the earthworm. Earthworms pull leaves into their tunnels where they slowly shred and eat them. This activity not only breaks down the dead plant material and releases nutrients, but worm tunnels also aerate the soil and increase water percolation. Small leaf pieces become food for the leaders in the decomposition business: the fungi. If you dig around in the leaf litter you will likely find white threads on some of the leaves. These are mycelia – masses of fine fungal fibres. The mycelia absorb some nutrients to feed the fungus and release others into the soil. Other types of fungi, including some molds, coat the surface of dead material in either a dry or slimy crust. Once the leaves have been broken into small enough pieces, bacteria can go to work. Millions of these microscopic, single-celled organisms further change the leaves, releasing nutrients and creating organic particles that become an integral part of the soil. This natural recycling process not only cleans up huge amounts of dead material but is also responsible for the creation and maintenance of the soils which support both natural and agricultural systems. Without the waste management, fertilization and soil building services provided by decomposers, our world would be a very different place.
14 NatureAlberta
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta
Ichi Go – Ichi E
BY JOHN WARDEN
It’s a good image. I’m really pleased with what I got – it speaks to me. It’s
almost perfect, but…it could use a bit more depth of field.
JOHN WARDEN
A couple of more f-stops and the Japanese phrase “ichi go – ichi My karate Sensei and I had the
of course a tripod – once again, e” from my Sensei, my teacher. good fortune of being able to
I had left my tripod at home. I He used it in the context of our train together for many years,
resolved to go back out to Elk training in the ‘dojo’ or training but then one day, he was gone.
Island National Park and take hall. As the senior student, I had He moved away, and we no
the photo again, but this time, the opportunity of training with longer had those moments. We
properly. the Sensei and he would tell me no longer had those opportunities
to ‘focus, train harder’, we only to train together. But I have
A week later I was back out at
have this one moment, this one carried his teachings and the Zen
the park. It was the same day of
opportunity to train together. practices of the martial arts into
the week and the same time of
my photography. For me, nature
day and I knew exactly where Most resources attribute the
photography is about becoming
the trees I wanted to photograph phrase “ichi go – ichi e” to the
completely absorbed in the energy
were located. But when I got Zen esthetics of the Japanese tea
of that exquisite natural moment.
there, it was all different. The light ceremony. The tea master has
It’s about being part of something
was different and the trees were one moment, one opportunity to
so much bigger than yourself, but
different. It wasn’t the same. It create the perfect setting and the
being in harmony with it. It’s an
wasn’t anything special at all. The perfect bowl of tea. While the
opportunity to be part of a perfect
moment was gone. It was like I phrase may have originated in
moment in time. And then that
was in a different time and place. the tea ceremony, its concept, its
moment is gone and there’s no
I was standing at the same point philosophy has been absorbed
going back.
in the river but the water had into all of the Japanese arts, from
moved on. flower arranging, to painting and But another moment and another
brushwork and into the combat opportunity are right there, right
“Ichi go – ichi e”: One moment,
arts. In feudal Japan, sword now.
one opportunity.
training was literally a matter of
I was a police officer for thirty
I studied Japanese martial arts for life and death. In actual sword
five years, and I can tell you that
nearly twenty years and I learned combat, there would only be one
my career was full of moments
moment and one opportunity.FALL 2010 15
JOHN WARDEN
and opportunities. Most people yield small understandings. Pile
don’t really associate policing with them up, one on top of the other
the word Zen, but one person and you have a journey, a journey
who did was Janwillem van de going forward, based on the small
Wettering. understandings of each moment “Ichi go – Ichi-e” ...
Van de Wettering was a Dutch
and each opportunity. One moment, one
author who wrote a series of I don’t expect to find that exact opportunity.
police procedural novels set in same image of aspen trees at Elk
Japan. I’ve read nearly all of Van Island National Park again, but
Time stops,
de Wettering’s fiction, but one of maybe what I learned from the In my camera lens -
his titles has always stayed with opportunity of looking for them
me – Inspector Saito’s Small Satori. is my own small satori, my own One moment
Satori is a Japanese word for understanding that we only have
sudden enlightenment or sudden the moment, so … I better bring - HAIKU BY JOHN WARDEN
understanding. my tripod!
I like the idea of small
enlightenments, small
understandings. Perhaps that’s
what life is all about, a series of
moments and opportunities that16 NatureAlberta
My Experience with the
Little Brown Bat
(Myotis lucifugus) 2007 – 2009
BY ROBERT DANNER
Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) are the most frequently encountered and most
common bat in Alberta. Average measurements: 89 mm long (3.5 inches); weight 7.5 g
(0.25 oz); wingspan 22.8 cm (9 inches).
Colour: olive brown to dark females exhibit high site fidelity, loft which has the door nailed back
brown or nearly black on back; often returning to the same site. (Fig. 3), the third on an abandoned
underside conspicuously lighter in These nursery colonies are made cabin (Fig. 4). All three are within a
colour. Range: over a large part of up of adult females, their young, span of 1.8 kilometres.
North America, south into central and perhaps a few immature
All bat houses are single celled,
Mexico. See map, Fig. 1. males.
with a cell size of: width - 40.64
cm (16.0 inches); height - 60.97
2007 cm (24 inches); back 81.28 cm
During the early spring, three (32.0 inches), with the back inside
bat houses were built and later surface covered with plastic
(May 10 and 11) placed at mesh, depth 38 mm (1.5 inches).
different locations southeast of Houses were painted dark brown
Two Hills, Alberta. One was to enhance solar heating, and
located on a Black Poplar oriented southeast, south, and east
(Populous balsamifera) (Fig. respectively. House entrances are
2), the second on an abandoned 2.29 metres (7.5 feet) above ground.
log barn at the entrance to the hay
FIG. 2 Black Poplar House FIG. 3 Log Barn House FIG. 4 Cabin House
FIG. 1 Distribution of Little Brown Bat
In spring, after hibernation,
nursery (maternity) colonies begin
to form. They are characterized
by hot dark conditions, often
poorly ventilated, and located in
a wide variety of places: man-
made structures, rock crevices,
tree hollows, and under bark. TheFALL 2010 17
The houses were monitored in by 22:35 no bat had
June and again in July. On July emerged; therefore, the
11 while at the log barn house, detector and recorder
a scratching sound was heard; were turned off and
on closer inspection, movement removed. The decision
was seen behind the loft door. was made to monitor
On the ground below, a large the east-facing house
amount of mice-like droppings on the log home (Fig 6)
was observed. These droppings because of the location
were observed in previous of a favorable tree to
years but were thought to be FIG. 5 Old Log Home West-facing Wall House secure the equipment.
rodents. Having to leave that day, Monitoring commenced
On May 24 and June 16, counts
no observations were possible on the evening of May 24 and
were made at the house on the
that evening. Returning July 26, ended on June 11, for a total of
west facing wall of the log home;
observation began that evening at six nights. When listening to the
respectively, fourteen and ten
21:30; at 22:10 the first of ten bats recordings, it is not possible to
bats were counted. No counts
emerged, the following night seven discern if you are hearing one
were made on the house of the
bats, and the next night none. bat or more than one or the same
east-facing wall of the log home,
During September, the house on bat again. Therefore an occupied
but the quantity of bat guano that
the log barn was moved a short minute was employed – meaning
collected below each house was
distance east to the west-facing that if a bat pass was heard in
very similar.
wall of the old log home (Fig. 5). that minute or even if the minute
was completely full of passes,
2009
2008 it was counted as one occupied
This year a different tactic was minute. Table 1 shows the results
In early spring, another bat house
employed; not only would visual of those nights, and Graph 2 is a
was built and on May 18 placed
counts be made, but a site would compilation of nights expressed
on the east-facing wall of the old
be acoustically monitored all in percentage of occupied
log home (Fig. 6); thus, four bat
night from sunset to sunrise. A minutes. Both table and chart are
houses were in play, plus the log
frequency division bat detector a measure of relative bat activity
barn loft door. The five locations
connected to a digital voice in relation to time, and not a
were monitored for guano (bat
recorder would accomplish this measure of abundance.
feces); also, a bat detector was
task. The log barn loft door was
used in the evening as an aid to
selected because of the high
ascertain if bats were present.
count in 2008. The bat detector
There was no indication of use
and recorder were set in a wood
of the Black Poplar or cabin bat
box having both ends open
houses. Graph 1 shows usage of
and secured to a tree with two
log barn loft door.
bungee cords, set at a
height above which
cattle could reach,
opposite the loft door.
Monitoring commenced
on May 23 at 22:00, but
GRAPH 1 Note: On July 20-24 videos taken, no counts made. FIG. 6 Old Log Home East-facing Wall House18 NatureAlberta
TABLE 1 Summary of Six Nights
GRAPH 2 Compilation of Six Nights GRAPH 3
During the summer, checks were Note: July 20, bats in house, no DISCUSSION
made at log barn loft door; only a count; count made at west-wall Examining Graph 2, bats started
few bats were observed with no house. Even though only one exiting the bat house (nursery
new bat guano detectable on the bat was counted on July 21 at colony) at 22:10 with peak
ground below. The Black Poplar 22:08, there was much bat activity emergence occurring from 22:25
and old cabin houses remained around old log home; therefore, to 22:39; by 22:54 all or most
unused. Visual counts were made moving to the west side, a bats had exited. From 22:55 to
at old log home on both east- and spectacular show was witnessed 00:54 (2 hours), there was low
west-wall houses. At the west- of swooping and diving bats until bat activity in the area. Activity
wall house: June 11 – forty-three well after 22:30. begins to increase at 00:55 but
bats; July 20 – forty-two bats. See stays relatively flat to 02:39 (1.75
Graph 3 for east-wall house.FALL 2010 19
hours), thereafter rapidly increases (2) The upper part of the log barn Frequency Division Detector: An
and peaks at 03:25 to 03:54, then is constructed of boards allowing ultrasonic detector that divides
rapidly decreases with no activity for more rapid cooling; it lacks the frequency of an incoming
by 04:40. thermal stability. In contrast, the ultrasonic signal by a defined
bat houses on old log home are factor, thus bringing the signal
The number of bats at log barn
mounted on walls constructed into the human range of hearing.
loft door dropped from 120 in
of logs, giving greater thermal
2008 to only a few in 2009, while Bat-Pass: A sequence of two or
stability.
an increase occurred in both west- more echolocation calls registered
and east-facing bat houses on old (3) The two bat houses on old log as a bat flies within range of a
log home; from fourteen in each home will have darker interiors ultrasonic detector.
house in 2008, to forty-three and than log barn loft door. In the
Ultrasonic: Any sound above 20
fifty respectively in 2009. Why the future, it will be interesting to see
kHz, which is generally inaudible
apparent move to the west- and if and when the two bat houses
to human hearing.
east-facing houses of the old log on old log home reach maximum
home? The following may be a carrying capacity. Will they again
References
few reasons why this occurred. use the log barn loft door as a
Pattie & Fisher 1999. Mammals of
nursery colony?
(1) Even though log barn loft Alberta Pp. 220-221. Lone Pine
door being south facing is better The availability of suitable Publishing; Edmonton AB.
oriented to achieve maximum maternity sites may be a limiting A.W.F. Banfield 1974. The Mammals
of Canada Pp. 40-45. University of
solar heating, it is open along factor to the distribution and
Toronto Press, Toronto ON.
all outside edges (perimeter), abundance of the species (van C.G. van Zyll de Jong 1985. Handbook
therefore allowing for ample air Zyll de Jong 1985). of Canadian Mammals #2, Bats Pp.
circulation, thus not allowing 68-77. National Museums of Canada,
the space to achieve optimal ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Ottawa ON.
temperature. The east and west I thank Nick and Pearl Ewashko Maarten Vonhof 2006. Handbook of
bat houses mounted on old Inventory Methods and Standard
for allowing access to their land. Protocols for Surveying Bats
log home, even though lacking
in Alberta. Glossary Pp. 43-44.
optimal orientation for solar GLOSSARY Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division,
heating, are open only at the Edmonton AB.
Bat Detector: Any device used to
bottom (entrance), with little air
render the ultrasonic calls of a bat
circulation – thus are better able
audible to the unaided human ear.
to approach optimal temperature.
“The promotion of growth is simply a sophisticated way to steal from our children.”
DAVID BROWER20 NatureAlberta
F E A T U R E A R T I C L E
The Castle –
Crown of the Continent!
BY CAROLYN ASPESLET (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CCWC)
I am sitting in my office overlooking Pincher Creek, contemplating how best to tell the story
of the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition. How does one tell the story of over twenty years
of hard work, research and stewardship that the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition has
accomplished in its quest to have the Castle Wilderness designated as a Wildland Park?
It would be easy to get lost in the the Castle needs to be recognized that are rare provincially and 38 that
beauty of the mountain ranges in that context: hence the “crown” are considered rare nationally: more
that make up the Castle in the in our name. species of rare plants than any other
distance and be beguiled into unprotected place in Alberta. With this
Why is this area so important?
believing that our Vision should botanical richness comes – amongst other
Simply put, in the dry language of
not be so hard to achieve: things – rare bryophyte communities,
science, it is unique in packaging
the additional treat of butterflies, many
“A world in which wilderness five distinct natural eco-regions
species of which are found nowhere
survives so that wild lands and into such a narrow belt of land
else in Canada, and…should I mention
wildlife may thrive, and future between the man-dominated
the rare spiders, the list of which is still
generations can know their prairies and the Great Divide:
growing?
natural beauty and diversity.” alpine, sub-alpine, montane,
foothills fescue grasslands As the nexus of both north-south and
If you are not familiar with
and foothills parkland are all east-west movement corridors that are
southern Alberta, the Castle
represented here, even though currently still viable, the Castle is seen
Wilderness now goes by the
the montane, foothills fescue as critical to the long-term survival of
unwieldy and unappealing
grassland and the foothills Grizzly Bear, Wolverine and Canada Lynx
handle of the “Castle Special
parkland are underrepresented in south of the 49th parallel; these species
Place/Management Area (Forest
the protected areas of Alberta. It depend on genetic connectivity with
Land-Use Zone)”. That aside, it
is also, latitudinally, a botanical the rest of the Crown of the Continent
remains the narrow band of the
transition zone, where some ecosystem. Apart from the loss of bison,
foothills and Front Ranges of the
southern cordilleran species are the Castle still provides home ranges for
Rockies bordering the north side
at the northernmost limits of their the full complement of the animals that
of Waterton Lakes National Park
ranges, while other northern were here 150 years ago, including such
and running to the Crowsnest
communities find their southern icons as the River Otter and Bull Trout,
Pass. In total, it comprises 1000
limits. What this means on the which (just barely) can still survive in the
sq kms. The Castle is vital to the
land, in terms of the richness of Castle’s twenty-three headwater streams.
long-term health and integrity of
species biodiversity, is that the The watershed as a whole contributes
the tiny gem that is Waterton Park.
Castle-Waterton area is home almost one-third of the water flowing to
As a significant part of the Crown
to over half of Alberta’s 1600 Southern Alberta communities from the
of the Continent ecosystem that
plant species and includes 160 Oldman River Basin. None of these great
includes Glacier Park in Montana,You can also read
