By Liam Verster

Caribou recovery efforts

Alberta and Canada reach agreement for conservation of woodland caribou

Oct 23, 2020 | 9:17 AM

The governments of Canada and Alberta have come to an agreement for the conservation and recovery of woodland caribou in the province.

Due to habitat changes and increased predation, Alberta’s caribou populations have dramatically declined, and through a conservation agreement under Section 11 of the federal Species at Risk Act, action can be taken to benefit caribou in Alberta and their survival in the wild.

“I am pleased to announce that the governments of Canada and Alberta have signed a conservation agreement under the Species at Risk Act that commits to taking actions required to support woodland caribou recovery in Alberta,” says Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in a release.

“The Government of Alberta, along with Indigenous Peoples, industry stakeholders, and many others have taken steps to support caribou recovery and I believe this agreement will help fulfil obligations to future generations of Canadians. The Government of Canada recognizes that at this time this collaborative approach – as opposed to an order under the Species at Risk Act – represents the best path forward for the conservation and recovery of boreal and southern mountain caribou in Alberta.”

This agreement commits Alberta to the continued work of the three caribou task forces as they help build sub-regional plans to recover caribou and their habitat, which includes:

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• Moving ahead with land use planning that enables a working landscape and supports achieving caribou recovery goals.
• Mechanisms for approving oil, gas and forestry projects that align with caribou recovery outcomes.
• Considering socio-economic implications of the conservation and recovery measures needed.
• Restoring critical caribou habitat by planting trees in historical seismic lines.
• Managing wildlife population to support caribou recovery.
• Monitoring caribou population, habitat status and recovery trends.

In a release Friday morning, the Provincial Government says Canada and Alberta are committed to sharing information and engaging with Indigenous Peoples on any work related to implement measures in the agreement. They also say there will be opportunities for collaboration as the work to recover caribou continues.

Under this new agreement, the Federal Government will not be able to issue an Environmental Protection Order, which the Provincial Government says could devastate industries operating in areas near caribou habitats, and cost Albertans jobs.

“This agreement with the federal government is consistent with Alberta’s commitment to end decades of uncertainty around caribou recovery and land use” says Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks.

“Our negotiated Section 11 agreement puts Alberta’s needs first, instead of having an order imposed on us under the federal Species at Risk Act. Alberta’s government will continue to work with our many partners on developing common-sense solutions to protect caribou populations, maintain jobs and grow local economies. Albertans want to ensure that their communities have input on caribou recovery solutions that work. That is why I established three caribou task forces made up of people who have a stake in these important caribou ranges.

“The agreement also builds on the momentum that Alberta’s government created last year through its Caribou Sub-regional Task Forces and establishes time lines for the work of the task forces, including consideration of social, economic and environmental values when advising on sub-regional plans.”

Conservation measures under Section 11 of the federal Species at Risk Act include monitoring the status of the woodland caribou in Alberta; developing and implementing education and public awareness programs; developing and implementing recovery strategies, action plans and management plans; protecting the species’ habitats; and undertaking research projects in support of recovery efforts.