The Alberta Wildlifer
Spring 2001, Vol. 12, No. 2
Editor: Troy Sorensen, Sue Cotterill, Matt Besko
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The Alberta Wildlifer |
Spring 2001, Vol. 12, No. 2 |
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Editor: Troy Sorensen, Sue Cotterill, Matt Besko |
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As I write this, the Annual Conference of the Northwest Section of the Wildlife Society in Banff is still quite fresh in my mind. By all accounts the conference was highly successful; it was a wonderful experience for me to serve as conference coordinator! I deeply appreciate the contributions of all the people that helped to make the conference a success.
I personally thank all the invited speakers, namely Morley Barrett, John Donihee, Paul Paquet, Jamie Pinkham, Hal Salwasser, and David Schindler. I also thank all the presenters and co-authors of the 46 contributed papers (9 different sessions) and the 20 poster papers. You are too numerous to name individually here, but I do want to share with all contributors the following feedback: According to some out-of-province attendees with a truly international perspective, the conference was ‘top-of-the-line’ from a professional development point of view. The other conference organizers and I express our sincere thanks to all presenters for the high-quality contributions!
Early indications are that the conference was also a financial success. The very generous grant of $14,000 from Alberta Environment and a floater loan of $1,480 (Canadian) from the Northwest Section of the Wildlife Society did a great deal to ease any early financial worries! Additionally, corporate donations which totalled $5,150 were received from 17 other organizations. It is my pleasure to thank and acknowledge those 17 companies as follows: AMEC Earth and Environmental Ltd.; Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc.; Alberta Plywood Ltd.; Alpine Helicopters Ltd.; Applied Ecosystem Management Ltd.; Arc Wildlife Services Ltd.; Aurora Wildlife Research; BHP Diamonds Inc.; Diashowa Marubeni International Ltd.; Forem Technologies; Global Tracking Systems Inc.; Golder Associates Ltd.; Great Slave Helicopters Ltd.; LOTEK Wireless; Millar Western Forest Products Ltd.; URSUS Ecosystem Management Ltd.; and Weyerhaeuser Company Ltd., Alberta Operations.
I also acknowledge and thank all the individuals who volunteered and/or supported the conference in some way that I have not yet mentioned (as follows, in alphabetical order, by last names): C. Aldridge, R. Anderson, C. Apps, H. Atkinson, R. Bechtel, R. Bennett, M. Besko, R. Bjorge, M. Boyce, S. Bradbury, E. Bruns, B. Calverley, E. Campbell, L. Cerney, B. Chruszcz, D. Collister, J. Connelly, L. Crowe, K. Crutchfield, M. Degner, C. Detbrenner, M. Dorrance, E. Dzus, D. Farr, B. Fisher, L. Fitch, J. Folinsbee, P. Folinsbee, C. Found, A. Franke, G. Fratton, A. Fulford, C. Garrett, C. Gates, W. Glasgow, C. Gray, K. Gunson, G. Hamilton, S. Hankewich, S. Hanus, M. Hebblewhite, M. Heckbert, D. Hobson, G. Hornbeck, A. Hubbs, S. Hunt, T. Hurd, S. Kowalchuk, K. Kranrod, S. Kratville, M. Jokinen, P. Jones, J. Jorgenson, A. Leach, P. Lee, R. Lewis, S. MacDougall, B. McCallum, D. McInnes, D. McKinnon, E. Merrill, I. Michaud,
J. Nicholson, S. Nielsen, C. Nietvelt, J. Nolan, D. Norcross, K. Oldershaw, L. Peleshok, D. Prescott, M. Pybus, R. Quinlan, R. Riddell, B. Rippin, I. Ross, D. Ryerson, W. Samuel, J. Schiek, L. Schrader, C. Skiftun, K. Smith, D. Soppet, T. Sorensen, C. Stambaugh, C. Stefan, H. Stelfox, G. Stenhouse, A. Stuhl, D. Sturgess, K. Sturgess, K. Talbot, B. Taylor, K. Harrison Todd, B. Treichel, M. Urquhart, K. Vallee, C. White, D. Wig, L. Wilkinson, H. Wollis, R. Wynes, P. Young, and J. Zehnder. If you count, you will realize that this list is more than one hundred strong! Many individuals made multiple contributions, and made them cheerfully. If I have overlooked anyone in this listing, I sincerely apologize. Please be assured that all contributions were appreciated!
Special events added breadth and enjoyment to the conference, including the photo contest, the auction fundraiser, and the pre-conference field trip. I thank the organizations that donated prizes for the photo contest, namely the Banff Camera Shop, Maptown and Framing Matters, and McBain Camera Ltd. I also thank all the individuals who submitted photos in the contest categories. Paul Jones, auction coordinator, acknowledges donors separately in this newsletter. Finally, I thank Parks Canada and the staff members of Banff National Park for the pre-conference field trip which they arranged and provided (individuals are named in the master list of volunteers). By all accounts, the field trip was highly enjoyable and successful, too!
To be truthful, organizing the annual conference was the largest, most complex thing that I have ever done in my career. It was also the most fulfilling thing that I have done in my career! If you have ever dreamed of organizing a large conference, I sincerely encourage you to do so. I believe that you would truly find it to be a wonderful experience. On that note, I am both pleased and excited to inform you that the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society has decided to put in a bid to organize and host the international (parent society) conference in the fall of 2004. That bid will be developed and submitted this coming summer by the executive board of the Alberta Chapter, possibly in conjunction with another chapter of The Wildlife Society. I’m sure that you will be hearing lot’s more about that in the coming months. In the meantime, please feel free to discuss the conference bid with Elston Dzus, myself, or any other member of the executive board of the Alberta Chapter.
Arlen Todd, President
Chapter NewsThe Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s annual auction generates funds to support student scholarships. This year’s auction raised $2395.00. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for their assistance during the night of the auction: Linda Cerney, Margo Pybus, Jon Jorgenson, Pat Young, Chris Garrett, Sheldon Kowalchuk, Dave McKinnon and the students of the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Lethbridge Community College; Shelley Hunt, Lisa Schrader, Lisa Crowe, Brad Taylor, Darren McInnes, and Aden Fulford – your help was greatly appreciated. A big thank you to Brett Calverley for acting as our auctioneer.
A thank you to those members who arranged for donations and assured there arrival. Last but not least to the following for donating items:
Mike Dorrance, Gordon Court, Global Tracking Systems Inc., Leo Dube, Garry Hornbeck, MapTown, Margo Pybus, Bill and Donette Samuel, Bighorn Environmental Design, Mark Boyce, Blair Rippin, Eco Edge Inc., Eldon Bruns, Arlen Todd, Ducks Unlimited, Brad Stelfox, Lisa Takats, AB Environment, Don Albright, Bruce Treichel, GeoWorks GIS, Hugh Wollis, Kirby Smith, Parks Canada, Linda Cerney, Ken Crutchfield, Robert McFetridge, Terry Clayton, Jack Nolan.
…. And a thank you to all those who came out and supported the auction.
Paul Jones, Auction co-ordinator
This past year was ambitious and productive. At the recommendation of the membership, a third scholarship was established, this one aimed at post-graduate university students. In addition, the amount for all three scholarships was set at $1000 (from $600). So, compared to a year earlier, we have gone from two to three awards, and from $1200 to $3000 total value. A third review committee was set up, and the rules for judging applications were updated and streamlined. We received sixteen applications for the three awards. This is the strongest expression of interest from students in several years, and it is probably due to three factors: 1) the addition of a post-graduate award; 2) raising the award amount from $600 to $1000; 3) the continued efforts of individual instructors in bringing the awards to the attention of students and encouraging them to apply.
The Winners:
Congratulations to our winners, and many thanks to our reviewers. These volunteers accepted their responsibilities gladly and took them very seriously. It is usually a challenge to make a final selection from a field of high-quality applications, and this year was no exception. Our reviewers were:
After two years of stellar service as our newsletter editor, Troy Sorensen is moving on! Sue Cotterill and Matt Besko are taking over the editorial duties as co-editors. I thank Sue and Matt for their willingness to take over the editing. Troy will continue as webmaster of the ACTWS website. Thank you, Troy, for your contributions, both past and present. I am looking forward to continuing to work with you in your capacity as webmaster.
Arlen Todd, President
AGM Awards1st prize for poster session: Greg Kuzyk
2nd prize (tie) for poster session: Cheryl Chetkiewicz
2nd prize (tie) for poster session: Christine Rice
1st prize for presentation: Kari Stuart-Smith
2nd prize for presentation: Lana Ciarniello
William Rowan Award for Distinguished Service: Don Thomas
ACTWS Dedicated Service Award: Kirby Smith
**See end of newsletter for photos of award winners
Chairman, Audit Committee
Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society
To: Elston Dzus
President
Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society
Date: March 4, 2001
AUDIT OF THE FINANCES OF THE ALBERTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2000.
Mr. David McKinnon (Secretary/ Treasurer) of the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society asked that I chair an audit committee to review the finances of the Chapter for the 2000 calendar year. The audit committee consisted of myself, Stephen Hanus and Len Peleshok. Mr. McKinnon provided the attached financial statement and all relevant materials and financial records for the purposes of our review including a Bank Confirmation provided to Mr. McKinnon by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
We are satisfied that the finances of the Alberta Chapter were in good order as of December 31, 2000, as summarized in the attached financial statement.
Kelly Sturgess, Audit Committee
Stephen Hanus, Audit Committee
Len Peleshok, Audit Committee
More Information on the 2004 Conference
Hi ACTWS members, ... At the annual general meeting of the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society (March 2001, Banff) the attending membership voted to pursue a bid application (non-financial) for the ACTWS to host the fall TWS conference in 2004. I’m seeking replies (at this time) only from people who would be interested in participating on a bid committee that will likely go on to form the Arrangements Committee for the Conference should our bid be accepted. Our bid must be submitted by July 31st, for a discussion by TWS at the September conference meeting in Reno.
Ultimately the Arrangements Committee (Chair, Vice-chair and 12 subcommittee chairs) will be responsible for: associated meetings, audio-visual and computers, field trips and transportation, fund raising (in partnership with TWS staff), local information, meals and entertainment, media relations and photography, merchandise, photography contest, signs, student activities, and volunteers.
The parent society is responsible for booking the conference center, all aspects of the technical program, and assumes all financial risk. The host chapter is provided a $10,000 U.S. honorarium for its efforts.
This is a huge undertaking and an incredible opportunity! The parent society has been wanting to bring the "BIG" conference to Canada, and the ACTWS has wanted to increase its involvement in TWS activities. What better way than to host the conference.
Please reply to this note if you are interested in participating on the bid committee (which as stated above will likely be the majority of the ultimate Arrangements subcommittee). Time commitments will vary depending on the role. The Arrangements Committee chair and vice chair should expect to spend 30 - 50% of their time in the 12-18 months leading up to the conference (i.e., starting approx. April 2003 for a Sept 2004 conference). Sub-committee chairs will obviously require less of a time commitment.
I know we can count the many ACTWS members to volunteer in a variety of capacities for this proposed conference, but as previously mentioned, I’m only soliciting replies from people that are willing to make a more involved time commitment and participate on the proposed bid/arrangements subcommittee. Over the next couple of months, one of the bid committee members will be approaching you again to find out if you would be interested in serving as a volunteer for the proposed conference. If you would like clarification on anything relating to this conference, please call me at home 780-623-9382 (evenings).
Thank you for your consideration.
Elston Dzus, Past-President
Box 4990,
Edmonton, AB T6E 5G8
22 January 2001
To: The Honourable David Anderson
Minister of the Environment
10 Wellington, Floor 28
Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3
Dear Mr. Anderson:
The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a non-profit organization of professionals and students in the field of wildlife biology and management. ACTWS is dedicated to wise stewardship of natural resources. Where possible, the Chapter will advise Albertans, the government and industry about the value of wildlife and ecosystems and the various land use practices that affect our natural heritage.
On behalf of the Society, I wish to express to you our concern about the recent demise of Bill C-33, the Species at Risk Act (SARA). As you are aware, there are numerous species of plants and animal that have been declared to be "at risk" in Canada, at both the federal and provincial level. The conservation of these species is of great concern to Canadians, and to our membership. We therefore believe that strong legislation is required to conserve many imperiled species. In our opinion, Bill C-33 was a laudable attempt to construct such legislation. Furthermore, the Bill was a vast improvement over its failed predecessor, the Canadian Endangered Species Protection Act, as it fosters the concepts of stewardship and cooperation. This approach recognizes that all Canadians must share in the protection and recovery of species at risk, and is consistent with the spirit of the National Accord for the Protection of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, which was endorsed by federal and provincial wildlife ministers in 1996.
Although we support in principle the concept of federal legislation to protect species at risk, we are aware that many Albertans remain concerned about the implications of the Act. These concerns are especially strong in rural areas, to the point where biologists are finding it difficult to access private land for research and monitoring activities. We therefore urge your government to continue consulting with the provinces and the public on refinements which will make the legislation more effective and palatable to the rural populace. Such consultations have driven the development of many important initiatives to conserve species at risk over the past few years, including the Habitat Stewardship Program that is now providing resources for many conservation initiatives across the country.
We seek your assurance that the government will act quickly to draft strong legislation to protect species at risk. This legislation needs to be acceptable to all Canadians, including rural landowners, and must recognize the need to work in harmony with provincial and territorial management agencies.
Sincerely yours,
David R. C. Prescott, Ph.D
Director, Conservation Programs
cc: Elston Dzus
My name is Laura Knipp and I am the vice-president of the University of Tennessee at Martin chapter of TWS. Our chapter is comprising a cookbook of wildlife dishes from North American wildlife biologists and students.
The wildlife community is a small but strong family. Our cookbook will share a theme of togetherness and breaking common bread. We ask the professionals and student professionals from all over North America to contribute to this work. We would appreciate regional dishes or any of your own favorite recipes. We do ask that these dishes be comprised of legal game. We will list sections by taxonomic classes. Unusual dishes would be a nice treat, as I know that we tend to brag about eating uncommon dishes.
The profits from this book will go to help the chapter here, as well as fund some of our various projects.
Please take the time to contribute to this project. Those who do contribute will be notified when the book is complete. When sending your recipe, please send a complete set of instructions. For citing your recipe(s), we will need your name, your organization, and job title.
Please send to:
lauaknip@mars.utm.edu OR antdford@hotmail.com
Fax: 901-587-7968 Attn. UTM-TWS ( Laura or Andy)
Address: U T Martin Student Chapter
The Wildlife Society
242 Clement Hall
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Martin, TN 38238
For more details, check out our Webpage at: www.rr.ualberta.ca/wildlifesociety
Our chapter of the Wildlife Society has become involved in several local projects. We have begun a study on a wetland reclamation site in Southeastern Edmonton. The focus of this project is to determine species richness of invertebrates, waterfowl, and vegetation in a storm-water management pond, and compare these data with those collected from nearby ponds. We have also been involved in the design of interpretive signs and brochures for this project. We will be performing an ungulate study in the city. Our group has put together a lecture series, with topics ranging from the conservation of sage grouse to the dynamics of the Serengeti. There have been many other activities our group has participated in this last year.
Stephen Taerum, Vice President
The Lethbridge Community College Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society has been active this last semester. The Chapter hosted a pot luck dinner with speakers Liz Saunders and Richard Quinlan to help raise money to attend the Northwest Section Conference in Banff. We were able to send twenty delegates to this conference. Recently we have been working on a project for the City of Lethbridge and captured, well, tried to capture, fish for the Alberta Birds of Prey Center. As of the beginning of April, a new executive was elected. We are looking forward to getting started in the fall. We are also searching for more projects to volunteer with to give students experience and knowledge of different areas of wildlife research. If your organization is in the Lethbridge area and you need some assistance with projects please contact either Andrew Clayton or Brad Taylor at this time. An updated executive list will be provided in fall when everyone has returned.
(403) 394-1136; Cell: (403) 360-1112
(403) 394-1750
Reno/Tahoe, Nevada , September 25–29, 2001
Plenary: The Endangered Species Act -- How do we make it work? Some new approaches.
Symposia
Climate Change
Workshops
Special Poster Session
Contributed Papers & Posters
North American Forest Insect Work Conference (NAFIWC). May 14-18, 2001 - Edmonton, Alberta.
Canadian Botanical Association Annual General Meeting. June 23-27, 2001 - Kelowna, British Columbia.
Managing River Flows for Biodiversity: A conference on science, policy and conservation action. July 30 - August 1, 2001 - Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Ecology of Wetlands and Shallow Lakes: Alternative Stable States, Anthropogenic Influences and Management Options. August 15-19, 2001 - Delta Marsh, Manitoba.
Moses, R.A. and S. Boutin, 2001. The influence of clear-cut logging and residual leave material on small mammal populations in aspen-dominated boreal mixedwoods. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 31(3): 483-495.
Côté, S.D. and M. Festa-Bianchet. 2001. Birthdate, mass and survival in mountain goat kids: effects of maternal characteristics and forage quality. Oecologia 127: 230-238.
Please send any references of recently published articles to sue.cotterill@gov.ab.ca. Articles of interest include those authored by ACTWS members on Alberta wildlife.
The Department of Renewable Resources (Yukon Territorial Government) is looking for a Senior Biologist and a Carnivore Biologist to take a lead role in developing initiatives, strategies, and solutions around complex and sensitive Wildlife Management issues. If you want to pursue a career as a Wildlife Biologist in one of Canada’s greatest wilderness settings, and if you are looking for challenging work in a dynamic organization, these positions will appeal to you.
COMPETITION NO: 01-ST18-01
REVIEW DATE: MAY 28, 2001
SALARY: $61,312 TO $70,927 PER ANNUM
The Senior Biologist (Biodiversity) will develop, co-ordinate and implement a biodiversity program with focus on species at risk management and protection to address biodiversity implementation priorities in the Yukon, and will co-ordinate technical support for species at risk initiatives.
Candidates should have a University Degree in Natural Sciences or related discipline. Coursework in biodiversity conservation would be an asset. You should clearly demonstrate considerable experience developing, co-ordinating and implementing a biodiversity conservation program together with the ability to communicate effectively through written media and to develop productive working relationships with government agencies or non-government organizations. Candidates, who have a Diploma in Renewable Resources and extensive experience in the areas described above, will be equally considered.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Valid Yukon Class 5 driver’s license.
The Carnivore Biologist will be responsible for the conservation and management of bears, wolves, and other large carnivores throughout the Yukon including the review and adjustments to the Yukon large carnivore management and conservation program, and for providing assistance with the formulation of management decisions within an ecosystem context.
Candidates should have a University Degree in Natural Sciences and considerable work experience in grizzly bear management in North America including the collection of field data, data analysis, and report writing. You should clearly demonstrate extensive and direct experience at the project leader level, and in the design and delivery of these projects. Considerable experience using software in database management, spreadsheets (preferably Excel), graphics and word processing (preferably MS Word) is essential. Candidates, who have a Diploma in Renewable Resources and extensive work experience in the areas described above, will be equally considered.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Valid Yukon Class 5 driver’s license; valid First Aid/CPR Certificates and Firearms Acquisition Certificate, or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
An eligibility list for both positions will be established from this competition. It will be used to fill future vacancies which may arise for identical positions in the same department and location. The eligibility list will be valid for a period of one year.
The Yukon Government is committed to employment equity.
Candidates’ applications/resumes should clearly demonstrate their related qualifications, since selection for further consideration will be based on the information provided. Statements of qualifications and job descriptions are available upon request.
The Yukon Government provides relocation assistance and a competitive benefits package. Persons who live and work in the north are entitled to significant tax incentives. French First Language and French Immersion school programs are available.
We thank all those who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
PLEASE APPLY TO:
THE YUKON GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 2703
2071 - 2ND AVENUE
WHITEHORSE, YUKON Y1A 2C6
TELEPHONE: (867) 667-5653 FAX: (867) 667-5755
EMAIL: RESUME@GOV.YK.CA
Humour Photo Category – "Sacrifice to the Plastic Chair Gods" by S. Wilson
(tie)
Scenic Photo Category – 1st Place "Montana Landscape" by J. Mao
Scenic Photo Category –2nd Place "Winter Fire Stand" by L. Peloshok
Wildlife Photo Category – 1st Place "Least Flycatcher" by Tyler Flockhart
Wildlife Photo Category – 2nd Place "#11 (Bighorn Sheep)" by D. Hobson
Robert (Bob) K. Goddard Memorial Scholarship presented to Brad Taylor from Lethbridge
Community College by George Hamilton.
Expect the next newsletter in your mailbox September 1st. You are encouraged to submit any type of article (letter to editor, research, stories, humor, poetry, conservation issues, etc.) for the next newsletter by emailing it to sue.cotterill@gov.ab.ca by August 15th.
ALBERTA CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETYFINANCIAL STATEMENT - 2000Prepared by David McKinnon |
|
| Opening balance of chequing account | |
| as of December 31, 1999 | $3,893.07 |
| Income - 2000 | |
| Membership dues | 2,580.00 |
| Conference registrations | 6,760.00 |
| Auction | 4,106.00 |
| Casino ticket sales | 87.00 |
| Corporate donations to 2000 Conference | 2,300.00 |
| Corporate donations to 2001 Conference | 850.00 |
| NWS repayable contribution to 2001 Conference | 1,480.00 |
| Registration for 2001 Conference | 892.00 |
| GIC interest paid to account | 96.75 |
$19,151.75 |
|
| Expenses - 2000 | |
| Bank charges | 62.00 |
| Corporate registry annual fee (waived) | - |
| Mike Dorrance | 8.00 |
| Scholarships | 1,800.00 |
| Postage/Stationery | 75.65 |
| PO box rental | 190.46 |
| Contribution to TWS Conference | 500.00 |
| 2000 Conference Hosting costs | 4,872.82 |
| Conference supplies | 101.84 |
| Presentation Awards | 275.00 |
| Chapter Awards expenses | 210.78 |
| Plenary gift certificates | 200.00 |
| LCC Honorarium | 300.00 |
| Student travel subsidy | 555.00 |
| Photo contest | 110.25 |
| Casino rental and tickets | 392.69 |
| Conference miscellaneous | 65.13 |
| 2001 Banff Park Lodge Deposit | 4,000.00 |
| GIC Purchases | 2,300.00 |
-$16,019.62 |
|
| Closing balance as of Dec. 31, 2000 | $7,025.20 |
| Opening balance + Income - Expenses | $7,025.20 |
| Difference | $ - |
| Total GIC Assets | $36,280.20 |
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