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A comprehensive set of interpolated climate data for Alberta

Description

We present an easily accessible database of interpolated climate data for Alberta that includes monthly, annual, decadal and 30-year normal climate data for the last 106 years (1901-2006), as well... More ≫

Description

We present an easily accessible database of interpolated climate data for Alberta that includes monthly, annual, decadal and 30-year normal climate data for the last 106 years (1901-2006), as well as climate change projections for the 21st century from 23 general circulation models. The database builds on the Alberta Climate Model and a set of five future projections that are recommended and widely used by Alberta government agencies. We added 15,000 historical and projected climate surfaces that include variables relevant for biological research and infrastructure planning, such as growing and chilling degree days, heating and cooling degree days, growing season length descriptors, frost free days and extreme minimum temperature. The database can be queried through a provided software package ClimateAB. A representative subset of these climate surfaces has been thoroughly checked against observed weather station data. We report error estimate for historical climate data and discuss...

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Industrial activity in foothills fescue grasslands - guidelines for minimizing surface disturbance

Description

Extensive tracts of foothills fescue grassland (the provincial grass of Alberta) within the landscape of southwestern Alberta have been lost due to agricultural crop production, industrial... More ≫

Description

Extensive tracts of foothills fescue grassland (the provincial grass of Alberta) within the landscape of southwestern Alberta have been lost due to agricultural crop production, industrial development, urban and rural infrastructure. As a result, a protective notation (PNT) has been placed on specified public lands known to include foothills fescue grassland. The purpose of the PNT is not to restrict development but to alert industry to the environmental and economic risk. This document serves as a supplement to the information letter designating the PNT.

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Bow Valley bear hazard assessment

Description

The Bow Valley, surrounded by federal and provincial protected areas, has been a magnet for developers and recreationists over the last decade. An influx of people and infrastructure has steadily... More ≫

Description

The Bow Valley, surrounded by federal and provincial protected areas, has been a magnet for developers and recreationists over the last decade. An influx of people and infrastructure has steadily crept into historical bear habitat and put pressure on local bear populations. As human use in the valley increases, so does the chance of bear-human conflicts. Much as been done to mitigate for conflict between bears and people in the valley. Programs such as bear-proof bins, birdfeeder bylaws, Bear Shepherding, attractant management, and the creation of wildlife corridors in highway underpasses have all required varying levels of compromise amongst stakeholders in the valley. Even with these advances, conflict continues to occur as a result of bears obtaining unnatural and natural foods in or near developments, bears becoming habituated and people not complying with local initiatives designed, in part, to reduce conflicts between wildlife and people. As this report outlines, formidable...

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Slope and break setback guidelines

Description

Setbacks are required for wellsites and associated infrastructure located near ravines or rivers where the slopes may be unstable. A setback represents what is considered a safe distance based on... More ≫

Description

Setbacks are required for wellsites and associated infrastructure located near ravines or rivers where the slopes may be unstable. A setback represents what is considered a safe distance based on information provided about the physical characteristics of a site. For the purposes of this directive, “breaks” are considered to be the point where ground instability occurs owing to slope steepness.

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