IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGY:
GOAL III: TO MAINTAIN NATIVE PRAIRIE BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY
|
Objective |
Actions (Rankings) (LEAD AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS as
in 2003-2008 PCAP) |
Timetable |
Partner Update and contact information |
|
1.
Improve our understanding of native prairie biological diversity. See
also: Goal 1, Objective 1 (Promote grazing programs that are based on economically and scientifically sound principles) for related activities. |
a)
Encourage studies and research on native prairie ecosystems with emphasis on
the effects of different land management practices on key components of
native biodiversity. Ranking: Partner
Update # 4: GOOD Partner
Update # 5: 3 Partner
Update # 6: 3 (AAFC-PFRA,
DUC, EC-CWS, FNACS,
PC-GNP, NPSS, NS, RSM, SAF, SE, SSGA, SWA, Universities) |
Since 2003 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2005-2006 2004-2005 2006-2008 2005-2008 2002-2005 Since 2002 Since 2002 2004-2008 2002-2005 2003-2005 2005-2006 2005 Since 2004 2005-2007 2005 2000-2003 2001-2011 1999-2009 October 2003 2003-2004 1998-2005 1997 to 2000 Since 1996 Since 1995 Since 1965 2002-2004 Study completed in 2000 2002 2005 Since 1998 2006-2018 2006-2008 October 2005 – February 2006 2004-2005 2003 - Completed 2003-2006 September 2005 August 2004 May-September 2004 September 2003 - 2005 June1-2,
2004 Summer
2004 2004 - 2005 2005-2006 Since 1994 2005-2007 Since 2004 2004 2002 2004 2003 Summer 2004 2005-2007 2005-2006 2005-2006 2005-2006 2002-2006 2005-2006 2001-2004 |
AAFC-PFRA, through an
EC-IRF grant, contracted SRC to conduct surveys of COSEWIC listed vascular
plants to determine presence, population levels and potential management
practices and threats (contact Chris Nykoluk, AAFC-PFRA or Bob Godwin,
SRC). ·
In 2005-2006, SRC examined western
spiderwort population changes, determined key habitat variables for the
species, and investigated the impact that sheep grazing for control of leafy
spurge may have on spiderwort populations.
Surveys for hairy prairie-clover at Dundurn pasture were
conducted. BMPs that will assist in
maintaining hairy prairie-clover and western spiderwort populations and
habitat were drawn up for the respective pastures where these species occur. ·
SRC surveyed Elbow
Community Pasture (spiderwort, slender mouse-eared cress), Coteau
(spiderwort, slender mouse-ear cress), Lomond #1 (Buffalo grass) and
Coalfields (Buffalo grass); other species of interest were noted as well. ·
SRC conducted surveys
of western spiderwort and hairy
prairie clover, at Elbow, Rudy-Rosedale and Dundurn community pastures. AAFC-PFRA allows access
to community pastures for wildlife research through Right-of-Entry permits
(contact Bill Bristol): ·
In 2005 -2006, the following research was undertaken
on various AAFC-PFRA Community pastures by various proponents: genetic
analysis of western spiderwort (U of S), habitat analysis and ground truthing
at Govenlock pasture (EC-CWS), special and temporal variation in nesting
success of prairie ducks (DUC), northern pintail nest habitat and nest
survival (DUC), piping plover research , Sprague’s pipit inventory,
loggerhead shrike survey and habitat analysis, waterfowl banding (all EC-CWS), burrowing owl survey in
Weyburn District pastures, maintenance of 7 artificial burrowing owl nests on
2 community pastures, and radio telemetric study of burrowing owl foraging habitat (EC – CWS, through IRF, burrowing
animal study and badland erosion processes (U of R), ferruginous hawk
research (Northern Enviroscan), Climate change impacts on aspen forest
(Canadian Forest Service), potential nutrient limitations for sage grouse (U
of S, CSALE), riparian bird communities (DUC), burrowing owl habitat
assessment (SWA), Great Sandhills Regional Environmental Study (SE), Aspen
encroachment monitoring (U of M) . ·
In 2004 the following
research was undertaken by various proponents: Western Loggerhead Shrike
survey (EC-CWS), Piping Plover surveys (EC-CWS), Burrowing Owl habitat
assessment (SWA), Grasshopper and Baird’s Sparrow survey (University of
Missouri-Columbia), rare plant surveys (COSEWIC), Burrowing Owl survey (U of
A), Sprague’s Pipit survey (EC-CWS). AAFC-PFRA completed studies for leafy
spurge inventory and management (contact Bill Bristol). AAFC-SPARC in collaboration with NCC-Old Man on His
Back (OMB) and with funding from NCC will examine soil carbon sequestration,
and above ground biomass differences found within recently seeded land at OMB
and SPARC. All seeding will be grazed during the study (contact Mike
Schellenberg AAFC-SPARC or Cheri Sykes NCC). AAFC-SPARC, with funding
support from AAFC-MII, DUC, DUC-NPS, Nexen Canada Inc., Proven Seed, and SWFA
are collaborating in a 4 year research study on ‘Effect of different grazing
systems on forage and beef production and their contribution to soil and air
quality’ on newly re-established mixed native grasslands. Native pasture types are either simple or
diverse native specie mixtures, grazing systems are either continuous or
deferred-rotation, and other environmental factors (carbon sequestration,
biodiversity etc.) are being evaluated (contact Alan Iwaasa or Mike
Schellenberg). AAFC-SPARC, with funding
support from IRF and collaboration from AAFC-LRC, PC-GNP and AAFRR for a 3
year research study on ‘Assessment of grassland management and restoration
practices on the availability and quality of insects as food for grassland
species at risk.’ Project utilized a newly re-established mixed native
grassland (contact Alan Iwaasa or Dan Johnson) DUC is investigating duck
nest success in low, moderate and high perennial cover over a 10 year period
(contact Richard McBride). DUC is identifying
deforested sites in the Boreal Transition Zone with emphasis on wetland areas
to determine extent of deforestation and impact on wetlands and wetland types
(contact Richard McBride). EC is developing science-based, voluntary and
non-regulatory national agricultural performance standards that are
regionally sensitive for biodiversity, water, air, and pesticides as part of
the APF National Agri-environmental Standards Initiative (NAESI). This $25
million program will determine the desired state that is needed to maintain
ecosystem health (Ideal Performance Standards); and will
specify the level of environmental quality that can realistically be achieved
using currently available and recommended Beneficial Management Practices (Achievable Performance Standards)
(contact Michele Williamson). EC-CWS is conducting Western Loggerhead Shrike
and Sprague’s Pipit assessments of habitat and abundance in native grasslands
in AAFC-PFRA pastures, PC-GNP, and
CFB-Dundurn through the SAR -IRF (contact Andrew Didiuk for shrikes and
Stephen Davis for pipits). EC-CWS
conducted Western Loggerhead Shrike assessments of habitat and abundance in
farmland habitat in AB and SK (contact Andrew Didiuk). EC-CWS initiated first year of a study examining how local
and landscape factors influence use of non-native habitat by grassland birds. Study area includes private, provincial
and federal land at the north end of Last Mountain Lake, Allen Hills. Study will be expanded to se AB in 2006
(contact Stephen Davis). EC-CWS is
conducting a study examining the natural history and demography of Sprague’s
Pipit in native and non-native habitats at the north end of Last Mountain
Lake (contact Stephen Davis). EC-CWS is working with DUC, UofS, UofM, and others)
to quantify carbon fluxes in small prairie wetlands. Wetland restoration may provide significant
environmental benefits by locking up carbon, but little is known about
emissions of greenhouse gases from natural basins. Wetlands are often burned and plowed during dry periods,
possibly releasing carbon to the atmosphere and depleting soil carbon
stocks. Information about these
processes will assist the development of wetland conservation strategies
(contact Bob Clark). EC-CWS will conduct research
to compare pesticide concentrations, growth and biomarkers of stress in wood
frogs in farm ponds with those living in the boreal forest (contact Doug
Forsyth). EC-CWS found that only about
3% of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica)
in 475 ponds in SK and MB were malformed, regardless of whether they lived on
cropland or in the boreal forest.
Logistic regression analysis of habitat features associated with farm
ponds predicted that wood frogs should be present in half of all wetlands
surveyed if woodlands are located within 120m, if pH of the water is between
7.0 and 7.8, and if conductivity is 1mS/cm of less (contact Doug
Forsyth). EC-CWS is comparing winter-grazed and summer-grazed
native pastures at the Onefour Agricultural Research Station in southeast AB
to determine economic and biological benefits of replacing hay and grain with
pasture in winter. There are many
environmental reasons for pursuing alternatives to hay and grain since they
involve inputs of chemicals and carbon fuels and both result in hostile
habitats for birds. Initial results
indicate that the bird communities are the same thus eliminating the need for
replacement with hay or crop cover (contact Brenda Dale). EC-CWS is collecting information annually on grazing
patterns and bird distribution at CFB Suffield to examine response of birds
to grazing under a variety of moisture conditions. Despite being in excellent range condition, during drought
conditions, the area was not able to support those species that require
moderate cover. With improved moisture
conditions most species have returned to pre-drought levels with two notable
exceptions. Sprague's Pipit has not
fully recovered and the short cover specialist McCown's Longspur is still
more common than it was pre-drought.
This indicates that the prairie has not fully recovered from the
drought at this location. We are
exploring if other factors such as increased gas exploration might be related
to the population changes (contact
Brenda Dale). AAFC-PFRA has a long
term agreement to graze livestock at CFB Suffield Pasture and collects
grazing utilization data every two years and range condition assessment data
every ten years as part of their commitment to the partnership (contact Bill
Bristol). EC-CWS provided a plenary
lecture on current trends in agriculture and their implications on prairie
bird conservation in Canada (contact Steve Davis). EC-CWS has undertaken a rapid bio-assessment of
macro-invertebrates of wetlands at Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area
with funding support from the EC-Science Horizon’s Program and NS. The information will be baseline data for
healthy, unimpacted wetlands and lakes for the moist-mixed grassland and
aspen parkland regions of SK.
Approximately 100 macro-invertebrates were collected from each sample
for a total of 7200 invertebrates that were identified to the family level. Data analysis and associated metrics are
currently underway to determine their suitability as reference sites for
future bio-monitoring. Sites were ranked in order
of their suitability as reference sites for future bio-monitoring. Initiated
May 2003, report completed 2004 (contact Kerry Hecker). EC-CWS is correlating
habitat and geographic information with select sites along Breeding Bird
Survey (BBS) routes to associate habitat characteristics with the
distribution of priority bird species.
This work has been completed and the data set is being explored
further. Key grassland areas for the
maintenance of priority grassland birds have been identified (contact Brenda
Dale). EC-CWS has submitted 4
papers that deal with 1) breeding biology of grassland birds, 2) nest-site
selection of grassland birds, 3) effects of habitat fragmentation on
grassland bird nest success and productivity, and 4) area-sensitivity of
grassland birds. The research was
undertaken in southern SK from Estevan to Ogema and north to Pilot Butte and
Moose Jaw (contact Steve Davis). EC-CWS has been intensifying the collection of
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) information in areas with more grassland cover to
improve monitoring of grassland birds.
Comparing trends in bird distribution between areas with more
cultivation and areas with more grass cover can explain some of the perceived
declines in bird populations. For many priority species, the trends are more
positive where grass is common which tends to confirm that habitat may be the
major issue for these species. For
several other species the trends are just as poor or even worse in core
grassland areas which points to issues of habitat quality or more likely to
major problems during migration or wintering (contact Brenda Dale). EC-CWS,
AAFC, and WHC participated in a collaborative study of the effects of farming
practices in SK on the diversity of vegetation, invertebrates, aquatic
organisms and birds. The habitat and
cropland associated with wetlands on 12 clusters of sites, each cluster
consisting of a conventional farm, a minimum tillage farm, an organic farm
and a natural area (reference site), were surveyed. In general, the surveys showed that diversity was similar in
wetland margins among the four types of habitat, but that some species of
birds, insects and plants were found only on the natural areas. There was a positive association between
vegetative complexity of wetland margins and diversity of terrestrial birds
(contact Bob Clark – EC-CWS). EC-CWS, through an effort led
by the Ecological Research Division in coordination with the Aquatic Ecology
Impacts Branch of the National Water Research Institute, is continuing to
compile long-term data sets on wetland water levels. Prairie wetlands have been identified as
particularly sensitive to changes in land use and climate. These long-term data sets, along with
information on climate, land use, drainage, stream-flow, and waterfowl
numbers, have been used to develop hydrologic models. Efforts are underway to link these hydrologic
models with ecological models such as a carbon model for prairie wetlands
(contact Malcolm Conly). EC-CWS has undertaken
grazing management, and in some circumstances, prescribed burning for the
conservation of native prairie at numerous National Wildlife Areas. In some areas, chemical control of noxious
weeds and exotic species is employed.
Research continues on the effects of these management practices
(contact Ron Bennett). NPSS implemented a research
project with BP Canada Energy Co. at the Steelman Gas Plant near Estevan,
investigating abandoned tame forage stand diversification, including
investigation on controlling invasive plant species (contact Garth Wruck). NS conducted a study that
identified that habitat features important to Burrowing Owl breeding success
include abundant ground squirrel/ badger holes, presence of wetlands, and
lack of trees. This was published in
2002 in Blue Jay journal (contact
Margaret Skeel). NS demonstrated that their voluntary stewardship
program, Operation Burrowing Owl, effectively conserved grassland habitat:
grassland retention was significantly higher at OBO sites (66%) than at
random sites (49%) between 1986 and 1993.
This suggests that voluntary stewardship programs are effective in
conserving habitat. The study was
published in 2004 in Environmental Management and a summary in 2005 in Blue
Jay (contact Margaret Skeel). NS studies biodiversity in
its 6 nature sanctuaries; inventories of macroinvertebrates, lichens, birds
and plants have been conducted and reports are available. An
inventory of amphibians and reptiles was completed in 2005 (contact
Margaret Skeel). PC-GNP consulted with AAFC, EC, NCC, PCAP, SWA, SE,
SAF, UofA, UofM, UofR, UofS, USFWS, and WWF on the development of a long-term
grazing experiment. The primary objective is to determine how grazing
intensity alters spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the multi-scale
structure and function of mixed-grass prairie communities (contact Pat Fargey). PC-GNP, The University of Montana and the Bureau of
Land Management are implementing a MSc. research project on population parameters, local scale habitat relationships, and
movements of greater sage-grouse in silver sage brush communities of sw SK
and ne MT (contact Pat Fargey). PC-GNP, AAFC-PFRA, SE, AB Fish and Wildlife ,
Calgary Zoo, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and several other agencies
conducted the 3rd swift fox census in SK, AB and Montana. Results should be available in the fall of
2006 (Contact Pat Fargey –PC-GNP or Bill Bristol – AARC-PFRA). PC-GNP, SE, SRC, and SWA completed a study of sage
grouse habitat around active and abandoned leks in southwest SK. The proportion of land covered in
sagebrush community types was higher in around active leks than non active
leks. A model based on soil map
units was created to predict sites suitable as sagebrush habitat and areas of
potential sagebrush sties were mapped from digital soil coverage within the
SK sage grouse range (contact Pat Fargey – PC-GNP or Bob Godwin – SRC). PC-GNP and SRC conducted a
comparison of grazed and ungrazed land on sage grouse habitat (contact Pat
Fargey for a copy of the report). RSM in partnership with
the Canadian Museum of Nature, UofA, St. Peter’s College, Centre for Rural
Studies and Enrichment (CRSE), UofS, UofR, AAFC-PFRA, DFO, PCAP, PC-GNP, SAF,
SE, SWA and local residents initiated the Frenchman River Biodiversity
Project (FRBP). Its mission is to
assess the health of the Frenchman River watershed and the sustainability of
local activities through community driven research (contact Dr. Glenn
Sutter). The following activities have been accomplished: ·
RSM, UofS, CRSE and local residents collected water
quality and stream morphology data along course of the Frenchman River in SK
(contact Glenn Sutter). ·
RSM and UofA studied
aquatic invertebrates and water quality in and near GNP (contact Glenn
Sutter). ·
RSM, Uof A, UofR,
PC-GNP and local residents conducted a survey of aquatic invertebrates along
the course of the Frenchman River (contact Glenn Sutter). ·
RSM and UofS fostered
research on the value of action-based environmental education involving
high-school students (contact Glenn Sutter). SAF
completed a rare plant survey in Millie Pasture as part of underground water
line development (contact Don Fontaine). SAF
completed a plant survey on 4 sites in the Manitou Sandhills prime
conservation area to help guide petroleum and gas companies in restoring
sites with plant species that existed prior to disturbance. Sites were located in 2 upland areas and 2
treed areas (contact Don Fontaine). SAF, AARC-PFRA and other agencies
completed and updated Saskatchewan’s
Agri-Environmental Scan, The scan provides an assessment of
agri-environmental issues for soil, water, air and biodiversity. A
preliminary summary can be accessed through SAF’s website http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/about_us/apf/environment.asp
(contact Terry Kowalchuk). PC-GNP, SE, AAFC-PFRA & SAF participated in the annual Sage Grouse survey (contact Pat Fargey or Sue McAdam). SE initiated multi-year
Regional Environmental Study for the Great Sand Hills SE established an
independent Scientific Advisory Committee to undertake a 2 year Regional
Environmental Study of the Great Sand Hills (2005-2007). The Committee has undertaken to present to
government sustainability options for the management of the sand hills area
that will conserve their ecological integrity while allowing for appropriate
development. The study, in phase 1,
will gather baseline assessments related to the economic, social and natural
capital of the area, in phase 2, examine stresses and conduct a risk and
vulnerability analysis, and in phase 3, develop sustainability scenarios and
make recommendations. See
www.se.gov.sk.ca/GSH (contact Randy Seguin or Fred Beek). SE
completed a study on the status of exotic plant invasion in the Great Sand
Hills and conducted surveys for several species at risk (contact Ann Riemer).
SRC, through the Meewasin
Valley Authority examined the effect of past fire treatment on the control of
Kentucky blue grass in a native mixed prairie reserve (contact Bob Godwin). SRC, for the Meewasin Valley
Authority, conducted a survey of the Saskatoon Natural Grassland to examine
changes in exotic plant populations since management practices were
implemented 10 years ago (contact Bob Godwin). SWA completed a range
assessment study on its lands around the Quill Lakes to evaluate the
effectiveness of the current management plan (contact Jody Oliver). SWA is comparing
grassland bird nest abundance and success in native prairie with that in tame
pasture and hayland (contact Glen McMaster). U of S Plant
Sciences, funded by Parks Canada Innovation Fund, studied the genetic
diversity of plains rough fescue (contact Yuguang Bai). U of S Soil Science,
PC-GNP, SE and NS, funded by the SE-FWDF, studied
possible nutrient depletion in rangelands and its implications for greater
sage grouse (contact Tom King or Joe Schmutz). U of S study examined
annual survival and accidental agro-chemical poisoning in Argentina as a
contributing factor in a prairie–wide decline among Swainson’s hawks (contact
Phil McLoughlin or Joe Schmutz). U of S -W.P. Fraser
Herbarium manuscript and literature review explained the ecosystem context of
Ruppia ball formation in a prairie
lake and was highlighted in the internationally distributed NewScientist
(contact Randy Olson or Joe Schmutz). U of S Geography Dept.
received funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council for
a project that investigates the role of property regimes and understanding of
biodiversity for conservation in and around Grasslands National Park (contact
Maureen Reed). U of S ‘Sustainable Beef
Cattle Systems Research Group’ was launched including faculty from the
College of Agriculture, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, College of
Engineering and the WBDC. Research covers breeding/genetics, reproduction,
health, feeding/nutrition, and behaviour toward fostering environmentally and
economically sustainable beef production (contact Sheila Schmutz). UofS College of Agriculture
is conducting the following research studies (contact Joe Schmutz) ·
Burning of fescue
prairie and how it influences biodiversity, heterogeneity and biomass. This
UofS scholarship funded project is slated for completion in 2005 and is part
of a long-term study (contact Jim Romo). ·
Potential effects of
timing of defoliation and landscape elements such as slope on plant re-growth
after grazing. This ADF funded
project is slated for completion in 2005 (contact Jim Romo). |