The Alberta Wildlifer
Winter 2001, Vol. 12, No. 4
Editors: Sue Cotterill and Matt Besko
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The Alberta Wildlifer |
Winter 2001, Vol. 12, No. 4 |
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Editors: Sue Cotterill and Matt Besko |
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These are interesting times to be serving as your president! On one hand, we are living and working in a province blessed with riches and opportunities, which of course creates unique challenges for some professionals who work in the wildlife field. On the other hand, the very current down-turn in the economy is creating other kinds of challenges for many people in our society, and doubtlessly for some people in our professional society as well. Yet, recent events such as those in New York City on September 11th remind us all how ephemeral human life can be, and how fragile economies can be. I am also struck, though, by how resilient the human spirit can be in times of great need. Perhaps an appropriate "Irish blessing" for the day is: "May we be good neighbours globally, while also being good ancestors". Each of us can make a difference in these challenging times, while doing our best to leave a legacy that our children’s and grandchildren’s generations will value and appreciate.
The same mix of pressures and opportunities is apparent in a partial review of issues and undertakings that the executive board of ACTWS has been involved in over the past several months, as follows:
When I consider our other, routine undertakings, such as publishing the "Alberta Wildlifer" (thanks Sue Cotterill and Matt Besko, and kudos to Anne Hubbs behind the scenes!), maintaining the web site (thanks Troy Sorensen!), paying the bills and keeping the books (thanks Dave McKinnon!), administering the annual
scholarships (thanks Blair Rippin and committees!), it is obvious to me that we are a productive and dedicated group of individuals. Yet, there is still a silent majority out there: For example, No one answered my call for feedback in the "President’s Message" in the fall issue of the "Alberta Wildlifer". Once again, you are more than welcome to comment on the president’s message in this current issue (Phone: 403-297-7349; e-mail: arlen.todd@gov.ab.ca).
There are a myriad of ways to get involved in the affairs of your professional society. For one, if you are really interested in any of the issues and undertakings that I listed in the bullets above, please contact either myself or any other member of the executive. For a second way, contact Harry Stelfox and nominate a deserving individual for the William Rowan Award, and/or the Dedicated Service Award, (Harry’s phone number is 780-427-2044, his e-mail is harry.stelfox@gov.ab.ca). Each one of us knows one or more deserving candidates for each of our two awards. Express that by making nominations! For a third possible way of getting involved, contact Lorne Fitch who is heading up our search for nominees for the executive for 2002-2003. I can guarantee that Lorne would deeply appreciate hearing names of individuals that would either be suited for some spot on the executive, or even be willing to serve on the executive. Why not get in touch with Lorne if you know one or more persons who fit one or both of those criteria? Lorne’s phone number is 403-382-4358; his e-mail is lorne.fitch@gov.ab.ca.
Thank you all, once again, for your support, and for the pleasure of serving as your chapter president.
Arlen Todd, PresidentSuccessful Bid!!The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society will be hosting the 2004 Conference of the Parent Society of The Wildlife Society in Calgary. see below for details |
By Elston Dzus
Bright lights, neon signs, slot machines, concrete …Reno, Nevada … two weeks after the September 11 tragedy I took to the air en route to join 1,800 people at the 8th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. This trip was co-sponsored by the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society (ACTWS) and my employer, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. The ACTWS sponsorship goes back two years when the chapter membership decided to begin sending the Past-President to annual conference in recognition for their service to the chapter and in an effort to increase our exposure to the activities of our international organization.
The conference program was a busy one featuring a variety of workshops, symposia and contributed paper or poster sessions. Alberta researchers were well represented throughout these sessions. Highlights for me included a workshop on adaptive management, a symposium on bison ecology and management and various papers too numerous to mention. Many thanks to Mark Boyce, Scott Nielsen and whoever else organized the "Canadian" mixer that allowed the Canucks to visit old acquaintances and make new ones. I attended the ‘Leaders Lunch’ on Friday where the chapter-of-the-year and the student chapter-of-the-year were recognized. Recipients highlighted the activities that they participated in, and there were many. A plenary speaker addressed the audience with some counsel on delivering messages and influencing using TWS as a vehicle for change (this was a very good speech, so good I requested a digital version of the presentation. Contact me if you’d like to see a copy of it). As with any conference, there was much camaraderie with colleagues from across North America. All in all it was a good conference, but we can do better!
The preceding comment refers to additional function of this trip. While in Reno, several of the Alberta chapter members attending the conference were also actively lobbying TWS council members for our bid to host the 2004 conference. As you may or may not have known, the Alberta and Manitoba Chapters submitted a Canadian bid to host The Wildlife Society’s biggest annual function. In July we submitted a bid outlining the level of depth and commitment from both Canadian chapters, including numerous letters of support from various agencies. The Tourism Bureaus of Edmonton and Calgary also put together bid packages for accommodations and conference facilities. While at the conference, Dr. Rick Baydack (Manitoba chapter representative and long time TWS active member) and I addressed TWS council with highlights of our commitment and enthusiasm to host the 2004 conference. I also spent a lot of time talking to the Arrangements Committee co-chairs for the 2002 conference (Bismark, ND). All in all I left feeling reasonably confident that we had a better than average chance of being successful in our bid.
As I am a biologist I could not leave Reno having only spent time in the Hilton, so Troy Sorensen and I spent a half day touring the mountains. We meandered through pines on our way to Lake Tahoe (one deeeeeep lake: average depth 800 feet, maximum depth = 1600 feet). A two hour hike at 8,000 feet got my heart going. The return trip took us through a sage-filled valley and back to the gambling Mecca of Reno.
In closing, thank you for the opportunity to serve the ACTWS as president (2000-2001) and for the opportunity to represent the chapter at the annual TWS conference.
With gratitude , Elston Dzus (Past-President, ACTWS)
Post-Script: October found Arlen Todd (ACTWS president and proposed Arrangements Committee Chair for 2004) spending three days hosting Sandra Staples-Bortner (TWS conference coordinator) on a site visit in Calgary and Edmonton. Conference centers and hotel facilities were toured in each city while in the company of the respective cities’ tourism bureau representative. I joined Arlen and Sandra in Edmonton for a day. We’d like to thank past-presidents Brad Stelfox and Ian Ross; U of A Student Chapter reps (Scott Nielsen – President & Mark Boyce – Advisor); ACTWS director Evelyn Merrill; and long-time TWS supporter Morley Barrett for joining Sandra for supper. This show of involvement is greatly appreciated. And guess what? Drum roll please! …… WE GOT IT!! …see message below.
It is a distinct pleasure for me to advise all of you that it is now official; the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society (ACTWS) will be hosting the 2004 Conference of the Parent Society of The Wildlife Society (TWS) in Calgary. Our partners in the venture are expected to include the Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife Society, the University of Alberta Student Chapter, the Lethbridge College Student Chapter, and many wildlife employers in the province. More information will follow in the weeks and months ahead.
We had been competing with the Alaska Chapter of The Wildlife Society (and Anchorage) to host the 2004 conference. TWS has now offered the Alaska Chapter the option of hosting the annual conference in either 2005 or 2006. So, we can commence making both official and unofficial announcements about the 2004 conference. Information will follow in both ACTWS and TWS publications.
This is an exciting development. The TWS conference has had in the range of 1500-2100 attendees each year over the past ten years, so it will be a big event. It will be wonderfully stimulating for the province, ACTWS, wildlife employers, and other partners in the venture. So please share in spreading the news and building enthusiasm!
I personally thank everyone who supported, in some way, our bid to host the 2004 conference of TWS. I look forward to working with you, and many others, to make this conference a reality and a great success!
Best Regards!
Arlen Todd
President, Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society
The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society is seeking Nominations for the following two awards:
The William Rowan Distinguished Service Award is presented to an Alberta wildlife biologist who has made outstanding contributions to the management and conservation of wildlife and their habitats. These contributions might involve excellence in research, teaching, public allocation (hunting, non-consumptive use), habitat protection and development, land use planning, impact assessment, endangered species management, work in professional associations or any other area of the wildlife management profession.
The awards committee is asking for nominations from the membership for this prestigious award. A nomination involves a letter of support from a Chapter member along with the candidate’s curriculum vitae/resume. The letter should explain the value of the nominee’s contributions in the areas outlined above.
The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society Dedicated Service Award is granted to an ACTWS member in recognition of exceptional individual dedication to the Chapter and Chapter activities. The awards committee is asking for nominations for this award.
Please submit your nominations for both these awards, by January 4, 2002, to:
Harry Stelfox
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
2nd Floor, 9920-108th St., Edmonton, AB
Phone: (780) 427-2044, Fax: (780) 422-9557
E-mail: harry.stelfox@gov.ab.ca
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The Alberta Chapter annually presents academic student awards to promote interest and reward excellence in the field of wildlife conservation. This year there are three $1000 awards being offered to successful candidates enrolled in: a) technical programs; b) university undergraduate programs; and c) university graduate programs.
Student submissions for each award category are reviewed by ACTWS member committees and awards will be presented to successful candidates at the ACTWS annual conference at Edmonton in March 2002.
Details of each award, including submission requirements, are outlined below.
For further information please contact Blair Rippin, Awards Committee Chair:
(780) 464-1626 or rippin@telusplanet.net
Candidates will be students who are presently enrolled in a technical program in the Province of Alberta, focusing on wildlife biology or management. Program examples include, but are not limited to: Renewable Resource Option (NAIT), Fish and Wildlife Major (Lakeland), Renewable Resource Management Diploma or Fish and Wildlife Technology Certificate (LCC). Please note that programs in conservation enforcement are not eligible for this award. Candidates should have a demonstrable interest in wildlife management.
Applications must be received by January 26, 2002.
Send applications to:
Ian Ross
Chair, Scholarship Committee
Alberta Chapter – The Wildlife Society
3219 Kinsale Rd SW
Calgary, AB T3E 4S1
The year 2002 award is now open for applications from students planning a career in wildlife management and preparing to enter their final year in September 2002 in a 4-year Alberta university program in Biological Sciences, Forest Science, Animal Sciences, Zoology, or related field of study.
The objectives are to reward excellence in the new generation of wildlifers and to encourage student participation in the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the profession of wildlife management and should submit an essay of 300 words or less indicating career plans and relevance to this award. The application should also include an outline of relevant work and volunteer experience, a letter of reference from a faculty member or other professional biologist, a transcript of marks for courses taken, and a list of courses planned for their final year.
The award will be officially announced at the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society conference in Edmonton in early March 2002. The award funds will be disbursed upon confirmation of registration for the next year of full-time enrollment.
Applications must be received by January 15, 2002. Send to the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Box 4990 Edmonton, AB T6E 5G8, Attn: Scholarship Committee.
For more information contact: Blair Rippin, Awards Committee Chair:
(780) 464-1626 or rippin@telusplanet.net.
The year 2002 award is now open for applications from students planning a career in wildlife management and accepted into a full-time post-graduate degree program at an Alberta university in Biological Sciences, Forest Science, Animal Sciences, Zoology, or related field of study.
The objectives are to reward excellence in the new generation of wildlifers and to encourage student participation in the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the profession of wildlife management and should submit an essay of 300 words or less indicating career plans. The application should also include an outline of relevant work and volunteer experience, a letter of reference from a faculty member or other professional biologist, a transcript of undergraduate marks, and marks for any graduate courses completed, a list of courses planned, and an outline of proposed thesis work.
The award will be officially announced at the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society conference in Edmonton in early March 2002. The award funds will be disbursed upon confirmation of registration for the next year of full-time enrollment.
Applications must be received by January 15, 2002. Send to the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Box 4990 Edmonton, AB, T6E 5G8, Attn: Scholarship Committee.
For more information contact: Blair Rippin, Awards Committee Chair:
(780) 464-1626 or rippin@telusplanet.net
[Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel - March 7, 8, 9, 2002]
"Challenges and Opportunities for Riparian and Wetland Management in Alberta".
The plenary speakers have been selected:
We need Auction items
The Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society will hold a silent/live auction to raise funds for our student scholarship. Members attending the conference are asked to bring along a "Wildlife-Related" item to be auctioned. This can be done several ways:
Let’s start thinking about what we can bring to the auction - it will be fun!
Those intending to bring an auction item are asked to contact Len Peleshok as soon as possible.
Please contact Len Peleshok for ACTWS pamphlets or more information. len@arc.ab.ca; work: (780) 632-8312 home: (780) 662-2628
We're asking members of the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society to electronically submit their favourite photos for a contest that will be judged at the Chapter’s annual conference in March 2002.
Full details on Photo Categories, Contest Rules, Submission Guidelines, and Photo Judging are available on the ACTWS website (www.albertadirectory.net/actws).
Contest Prize Donation
The contest would greatly benefit from any contributions towards prizes from members, chapters, organizations, or businesses. The conference organizers are open to any type of prize donation (clothing, camera supplies, frames, arts and crafts, field equipment, etc.). Financial donations to the contest will be used to buy prizes.
To donate prizes for the contest contact Troy Sorensen (Troy.Sorensen@telus.net, (780) 778-7116).
All contributions from chapters, organizations, or businesses will be acknowledged at the conference and within chapter newsletters.
Let’s make this a great Photo Contest!
University of Alberta Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society: September Update
Hey all! We had our first seminar on September 20. Mark Hebblewhite, a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences, gave a presentation on interactions between wolf and elk populations in Banff National Park. We had our first meeting afterwards (47 people attended), and we filled up our vacant executive positions. The 2001/2002 University of Alberta TWS Executive looks like this:
2001/2002 U of A TWS Executive/Project Leaders |
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Name/Position |
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Scott Nielsen, President |
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Stephen Taerum, Vice President |
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Tammy MacMillan, Treasurer |
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Steph Neufield, Secretary |
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Marc Plamondon, Secretary |
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Christine Rice, Activities |
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Cam Aldridge, Fund Raising |
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Jess Dunford, Membership |
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Lisa Cockburn, Education |
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Curtis Stambaugh, ALPAC Representative |
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Nicky Koper, Wetland Coordinator |
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Tara MacDonald, Wetland Coordinator |
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We will be continuing the wetland project and the urban deer project this year. Sampling for the wetland project begins September 30, weather permitting.
Well, that’s all for now… if there are any questions, just e-mail me or Scott.
Stephen Taerum, Vice President
The Arthur S. Einarsen Award was established in 1966 to recognize outstanding service to the wildlife profession by individuals residing in the area encompassed by the Northwest Section of The Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Administrator Award was designed to recognize and reward excellence in the areas of wildlife program development and administration. The Awards Committee encourages nominations from the membership of the Section by 4 January 2002 for both awards. Nominations benefit from supporting documentation so please contact Lowell Suring, Committee Chair, for more details if you have deserving candidates in mind.
Lowell Suring; Rocky Mountain Research Station; 316 East Myrtle Street; Boise, ID 83702; Voice: (208) 373-4351; Fax: (208) 373-4391; e-mail: lsuring@fs.fed.us.
The executive board of ACTWS has made a commitment to donate $5000 to The Fish and Wildlife Historians Club in support of the development and production of a new book project that will document the history of fish and wildlife management and conservation in Alberta. Members are invited to contact the executive for more information on the commitment.
The proposed title of the book is "Fish, Fur and Feathers – A Historical & Pictorial Review of Fish and Wildlife Management in Alberta, 1905 to 2005", and if you think that you may be able to contribute information to this effort, please read on…..
The Fish and Wildlife Historians Club is currently seeking information for a new book project to document the history of fish and wildlife management and conservation in Alberta between 1905 and 2005. If you know the answers to any of the above questions, or have a few "firsts" of your own you’d like to ask, please contact Petra Rowell at prowell@telusplanet.net or (780) 458-5560. Answers to these and other historical questions will appear in future articles. Stay tuned!
Here’s your chance. The Fish and Wildlife Historians Club is currently working on a book project to document the history of fish and wildlife management and conservation in Alberta between 1905 and 2005. We are currently looking for student volunteers with a flare for research and nonfiction writing to contribute short biographies of prominent historical figures such as R.B. Miller, J. Dewey Soper and William Rowan. Writers will be acknowledged in the final published project. If interested, please contact Petra Rowell at prowell@telusplanet.net or (780) 458-5560.
Crayfish are an important component of aquatic ecosystems and foodwebs, playing key roles as predators, prey and detritivors. World-wide, numerous native populations of crayfish have become imperilled by habitat alteration and degradation, chemical pollution, and by introduction of non-indigenous crayfish species. Non-native crayfish may also negatively affect a number of other taxonomic groups including algae, macrophytes, macroinvertebreates, amphibians, and fish.
Alberta is home to one native crayfish species, Orconectes virilis, the virile crayfish. It occurs naturally in the Beaver River drainage, but has been introduced to several other waterbodies, including the North Saskatchewan and Battle rivers. Occurrence of non-native crayfish species in Alberta has yet to be officially documented, however, reports of crayfish at other locales suggest additional introductions of our native species or potentially, introduction of non-native species.
Within Alberta, limited information exists on the diversity and distribution of this freshwater group. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division is interested in documenting crayfish occurrences throughout the province to determine distribution and species composition. If you have observed crayfish in Alberta, please forward the details of your observations, including date, location, species (if you know it) and any other notes to:
Sue Cotterill, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
sue.cotterill@gov.ab.ca, Phone: (780)
422-3400
There were a number of media reports concerning West Nile Virus (WNV) this summer and I know a number of staff received calls from the public. The following is a brief update, based on information received this week from the US National Wildlife Health Centre:
To date, there have been no cases in western North America and no reason to believe that WNV occurs here. However, we will continue to monitor the spread and as it comes closer we will implement appropriate programs to detect presence/absence of the virus in wild birds.
There is no active surveillance in Alberta at this time. We continue to investigate any report of dead wild birds and determine appropriate follow-up for WNV or any other disease concern - just as we have always done.
Detailed information is available from:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/info/wnv_e.html
http://wildlife.usask.ca/english/frameWestNile.htm
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/west_nile/west_nile.html
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/whats_new/wha/wha0102.html
Margo Pybus, Wildlife Disease Specialist
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
Phone: 780-427-3462, Fax: 780-422-9685x
As you may remember from the last issue of the Alberta Wildlifer, we profiled a letter to Premier Klein regarding the Meridian Dam Project Proposal, written by Dave Prescott on behalf of the ACTWS. The Chapter has received return correspondence on this issue from Premier Klein, and Environment Minister Lorne Taylor. These letters are provided in the Adobe Acrobat version of the Newsletter
Next IssueExpect the next newsletter in your mailbox February 1, 2002. You are encouraged to submit any type of article (letter to editor, research, stories, humor, poetry, conservation issues, etc.) for the next newsletter by e-mailing it to sue.cotterill@gov.ab.ca by January 2002. |
