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Peregrine falcon surveys and monitoring in the northeast Boreal region of Alberta, 2001

Description

Due to the widespread use and environmental accumulation of pesticide residues, the peregrine falcon population declined throughout North America during the 1950s and 1960s. Populations of the... More ≫

Description

Due to the widespread use and environmental accumulation of pesticide residues, the peregrine falcon population declined throughout North America during the 1950s and 1960s. Populations of the falcon improved following the ban of DDT in Canada in 1969 and efforts to protect the species. As a result of the population increase, the species was down-listed to Threatened in Alberta in 2000. Throughout the decline and subsequent recovery of peregrines in Alberta, annual monitoring has been an integral component of managing this species. In 2001, it was agreed that annual occupancy and productivity monitoring in three study areas of northern Alberta would be conducted. This report presents results from surveys in the Fort Chipewyan and Edmonton area during the summer of 2001.

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Flows required to protect water quality in the Little Bow River and Mosquito Creek

Description

To assist the development of plans for the Highwood and Little Bow River watersheds, the Science and Standards Division, Alberta Environment was asked to examine the relationship between flow and... More ≫

Description

To assist the development of plans for the Highwood and Little Bow River watersheds, the Science and Standards Division, Alberta Environment was asked to examine the relationship between flow and water quality in the Little Bow River and Mosquito Creek. This report presents an evaluation of the effects of flow on water quality. Equations were developed to predict the relationship between flow and dissolved oxygen in the Little Bow River, and the relationship between flow and total suspended solids in Mosquito Creek. These equations were used to estimate flows that should ensure suitable water quality.

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Survey of Odonata in the Canadian Shield natural region of northeastern Alberta. II, 2001 survey of La Butte Creek and Fidler-Greywillow Wildland Parks

Description

In Alberta, the Canadian Shield Ecoregion is restricted to the extreme northeast part of the province (Strong and Leggat 1992). It is subdivided into the Kazan Upland Subregion and the Athabasca... More ≫

Description

In Alberta, the Canadian Shield Ecoregion is restricted to the extreme northeast part of the province (Strong and Leggat 1992). It is subdivided into the Kazan Upland Subregion and the Athabasca Plain Subregion, located to the north and south of Lake Athabasca, respectively. There are several wildland parks that have recently been established in these two subregions. An odonate survey was conducted in the summer of 2000 (Hornung) within three of the wildland parks that are located in the Athabasca Plain Subregion, namely Maybelle River, Marguerite River and Richardson River Dunes. This survey was the first for these three parks. Two parks located in the Kazan Upland Subregion were the focus for an odonate survey in the summer of 2001, namely La Butte Creek and Fildler-Greywillow Wildland Parks. The subregion within which these two wildland parks are located contains extensive riparian and shield outcrop habitats. The purpose of the survey in La Butte Creek and Fildler-Greywillow was...

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2001 burrowing owl trend block survey and monitoring, Brooks and Hanna areas

Description

Surveys were conducted in the Brooks (K-blocks) and Hanna (H-blocks) areas during June 18 - 27, 2001. Eight burrowing owl nest sites and 2 single owls were found in the K-blocks and no owls were... More ≫

Description

Surveys were conducted in the Brooks (K-blocks) and Hanna (H-blocks) areas during June 18 - 27, 2001. Eight burrowing owl nest sites and 2 single owls were found in the K-blocks and no owls were found in the H-blocks. Productivity monitoring was undertaken in the K-Blocks between July 10 - 24 with 5.3 young per successful nest (n=6).

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Assessment report on acrylic acid for developing an ambient air quality guideline

Description

Acrylic acid is a colourless liquid with an irritating acrid odour. When emitted into the atmosphere, it will react with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and ozone, resulting in rapid... More ≫

Description

Acrylic acid is a colourless liquid with an irritating acrid odour. When emitted into the atmosphere, it will react with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals and ozone, resulting in rapid degradation. The atmospheric lifetime of acrylic acid is less than one month. Acrylic acid is used primarily as a starting material in the production of acrylic esters, as a monomer for polyacrylic acid and salts and as a co-monomer with acrylamide for polymers used as flocculants, with ethylene for ion-exchange resin polymers, and with methyl ester for polymers. The major industrial sectors contributing to acrylic acid emissions in Canada are the chemical and chemical products sector and the plastic products industries. The National Pollutant Release Inventory reports that there are no major emissions of acrylic acid from industrial facilities in Alberta.

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Rare plant inventory of the eastern edge of the lower foothills natural subregion, west-central Alberta

Description

A rare plant inventory was conducted in an area south of Whitecourt, to identify and locate rare vascular and nonvascular plant populations. The inventory was conducted in the summer of 2001, and... More ≫

Description

A rare plant inventory was conducted in an area south of Whitecourt, to identify and locate rare vascular and nonvascular plant populations. The inventory was conducted in the summer of 2001, and followed, where possible, Alberta Native Plant Council guidelines. The study discovered 14 populations representing 12 rare non-vascular plant species. No rare vascular plant populations were confirmed. Most rare plant occurrences (nine non-vascular plant populations and one lichen population) were detected on Whitecourt Mountain. Eight rare species occurrences were protected in provincial natural areas (six in Whitecourt Mountain Natural Area). Rare plants were found in a variety of habitat types, characterized by varying levels of human influence. This study resulted in the identification of potential threats to the rare plant populations discovered and of measures that may enhance their protection. Suggestions for future surveys, both in terms of logistical considerations and of...

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Survey of Lepidoptera in the Canadian Shield ecoregion of northeastern Alberta. II, 2001 survey of La Butte Creek and Fidler/Greywillow Wildland Parks

Description

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the Lepidoptera species collected in the 2001 survey, and to compare this information to previously known distribution patterns. This... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the Lepidoptera species collected in the 2001 survey, and to compare this information to previously known distribution patterns. This information will assist in land use planning and will contribute information on the conservation status of particular Lepidoptera species.

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An evaluation of the ferruginous hawk population in Alberta based on recent trend data

Description

In 1982, a ferruginous hawk monitoring survey was established in southeastern Alberta; it was repeated in 1987, 1992 and 2000. the ferruginous hawk is a threatened species under the Alberta... More ≫

Description

In 1982, a ferruginous hawk monitoring survey was established in southeastern Alberta; it was repeated in 1987, 1992 and 2000. the ferruginous hawk is a threatened species under the Alberta Wildlife Act, making it important to monitor any changes that may be occurring in the population. Data from the 2000 survey were analysed to estimate population size, document habitat changes that have occurred over time, and test for factors that may have contributed to changes in the population.

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Assessment report on acrylonitrile for developing an ambient air quality guideline

Description

Acrylonitrile is a volatile and flammable gas. It does not occur naturally and there is no evidence that chemical reactions may lead to its formation in the atmosphere. It is used primarily in the... More ≫

Description

Acrylonitrile is a volatile and flammable gas. It does not occur naturally and there is no evidence that chemical reactions may lead to its formation in the atmosphere. It is used primarily in the fabrication of acrylic fiber, resins, rubbers, and elastomers. The major industrial sectors contributing to acrylonitrile emissions in Canada, in order of importance, are the chemical and chemical products sector, transportation equipment industries and plastic product industries. The National Pollutant Release Inventory reports that there are no major emissions of acrylonitrile from industrial facilities in Alberta. No published literature could be found on the direct effects (through the atmosphere) of acrylonitrile exposure to terrestrial plants. The primary route of acrylonitrile exposure for the general public and animals would be through inhalation. However, it is unlikely that significant exposure to acrylonitrile would occur in the absence of an industrial source or hazardous waste...

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Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta : inventory, survey techniques, and management concerns

Description

This project focused on western grebes and eared grebes inhabiting the Stony Plain area, which is within the Parkland and Boreal natural regions of central Alberta. These grebe species have a wide... More ≫

Description

This project focused on western grebes and eared grebes inhabiting the Stony Plain area, which is within the Parkland and Boreal natural regions of central Alberta. These grebe species have a wide distribution across western and central North America, yet indications are that they may be declining and could become threatened over the long-term. Relatively little research and monitoring attention has been directed toward these species. To address some of these concerns, surveys were conducted to locate grebe colonies, estimate population sizes, and assess their reproductive success. Various survey methods were also developed, tested, and evaluated, thereby providing a framework for future surveys. In doing so, trend data can now be gathered for western and eared grebes, which will enable local and regional status assessment. Management implications are also provided in this report.

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