Publications

Population characteristics of grizzly and black bears in west central Alberta

Description

This study investigated the population ecology of grizzly bears in the boreal upland ecoregion in the Berland and Little Smoky rivers area in west central Alberta. Specific objectives of the study... More ≫

Description

This study investigated the population ecology of grizzly bears in the boreal upland ecoregion in the Berland and Little Smoky rivers area in west central Alberta. Specific objectives of the study were to determine the size, density, productivity and stability of this grizzly bear population. Because grizzly bears occurred sympatrically with black bears, the study also obtained data on the population characteristics of black bears.

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Physical mixing patterns of water and contaminants in the North Saskatchewan River

Description

A ten day field campaign was carried out on North Saskatchewan River to study the physical mixing with the ambient river water of effluent from the Goldbar Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP),... More ≫

Description

A ten day field campaign was carried out on North Saskatchewan River to study the physical mixing with the ambient river water of effluent from the Goldbar Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Capital Region WWTP and Agrium Redwater operations. In this report we present rhodamine concentrations, depth averaged water velocities, and flow depths across surveyed sections in reaches downstream of each plant. The objectives of the study were twofold. The primary objective was to determine the downstream distance required to achieve full mixing of the effluent. Full mixing was defined as the location where tracer concentration was uniform across the section. The second objective was to measure spatially distributed tracer concentration and water velocity in the mixing zone, such that dispersion patterns could be determined.

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Occurrence and prevalence of chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibian species of Alberta

Description

Infectious diseases are one of a suite of factors implicated in the declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. One such disease, chytridiomycosis, is caused by the chytrid fungus... More ≫

Description

Infectious diseases are one of a suite of factors implicated in the declines and extinctions of amphibians worldwide. One such disease, chytridiomycosis, is caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytrid fungus was discovered in Alberta in 1999 from necropsies of several specimens of boreal toads and northern leopard frogs collected near Caroline. In late 2006, a pilot-study was conducted to determine whether Bd was present at northern leopard frog sites in southern Alberta. The detection of Bd at multiple sites, and in a provincially Threatened species, led to the expansion of Bd surveillance to other areas of the province, and to other amphibian species between 2007 and 2010. The results, reported in this study, provide a base-line for the occurrence and prevalence of Bd in Alberta. This information is required for the effective conservation and management of a broad suite of amphibian species, many of which are of high conservation concern in Alberta.

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Synthesis of recent knowledge on water quality, sediment quality and non-fish biota in the North Saskatchewan River with special emphasis on the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region Water Management Framework reach

Description

The main objective of this report is to provide a succinct overview of the technical studies conducted in support of the Water Management Framework for the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region... More ≫

Description

The main objective of this report is to provide a succinct overview of the technical studies conducted in support of the Water Management Framework for the Industrial Heartland-Capital Region (IH-CR). The IH-CR supports a population of over one million people and a large segment of Alberta’s resource processing heavy industry, and the region is expected to continue to experience industrial and population growth. Unless this growth is managed carefully, cumulative impacts on the river from point and non-point source loading of contaminants could lead to the deterioration of water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. The Water Management Framework for the IH-CR focuses on the management of current and future municipal and industrial impacts.

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Looking back and moving forward : three years of working well : pilot program report 2008-2011

Description

Over the past three years, the Working Well pilot program has delivered community-based workshops, information resources and community outreach to private water well owners. These program elements... More ≫

Description

Over the past three years, the Working Well pilot program has delivered community-based workshops, information resources and community outreach to private water well owners. These program elements have ranged in audience reach and scale, some in local communities (workshops) and others being province-wide (information resources).

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Muskeg River watershed management framework second annual report

Description

In 2008, Alberta Environment adopted a management framework for the Muskeg River watershed. The management framework defines criteria for evaluation of water quantity and water quality in the... More ≫

Description

In 2008, Alberta Environment adopted a management framework for the Muskeg River watershed. The management framework defines criteria for evaluation of water quantity and water quality in the Muskeg River watershed. Observed conditions are compared against scientifically established limits that have been developed specifically for the Muskeg River Watershed. These limits are based on data collected within the watershed, as well as more broad information on streamflow, water quality and requirements of the aquatic ecosystem. One of the key recommendations of the management framework was the development of an integrated monitoring program for the Muskeg River watershed to coordinate offlease monitoring activities that are currently conducted by individual companies and Alberta Environment. The main purpose of the integrated monitoring plan is to support the recommendations of the management framework which specify targets and limits for water quality and water quantity. This report...

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Quantification protocol for direct reductions in greenhouse gas emissions arising from changes in forest harvesting practices. Version 1.0

Description

This quantification protocol describes the process for quantifying annual greenhouse gas emission reductions/removals arising from a change in forest harvesting practice from full tree harvesting... More ≫

Description

This quantification protocol describes the process for quantifying annual greenhouse gas emission reductions/removals arising from a change in forest harvesting practice from full tree harvesting with tree length hauling and chipping in a wood room at the mill to chipping using portable chippers.

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Quantification protocol for reducing the age at harvest of beef cattle. Version 2.0

Description

This protocol quantifies decreases in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the raising of beef cattle by reducing the number of days required to get a feeder calf from birth to harvest. This... More ≫

Description

This protocol quantifies decreases in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the raising of beef cattle by reducing the number of days required to get a feeder calf from birth to harvest. This applies to youthful cattle, or those cattle under 24 months of age. In this context, feeder cattle that spend less time in backgrounding lots, on pasture and in the feedlot result in decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Withdrawn as of March 31, 2020.

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A desk-top method for establishing environmental flows in Alberta rivers and streams

Description

This report identifies a method to estimate an ecologically-based flow regime on the basis of reductions from natural flow or the per cent exceedance from natural flow. It also provides background... More ≫

Description

This report identifies a method to estimate an ecologically-based flow regime on the basis of reductions from natural flow or the per cent exceedance from natural flow. It also provides background information and a jurisdictional review of current environmental flow (instream flow needs) knowledge in North America and international rivers. The report was prepared in support of outcomes and goals identified in the provincial Water for Life strategy and action plan.

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An assessment of sediment quality, benthic invertebrates and epilithic algae in the North Saskatchewan River based on 2007 and 2008 data

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) collected sediment, benthic invertebrate and epilithic algal samples from 25 river water-quality monitoring sites on the NSR in the fall of 2007 and 2008. Several sites... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment (AENV) collected sediment, benthic invertebrate and epilithic algal samples from 25 river water-quality monitoring sites on the NSR in the fall of 2007 and 2008. Several sites were sampled on both the left and right banks (facing downstream). Sediments from depositional areas were analyzed for a wide range of contaminants, including nutrients, metals and trace organic contaminants (e.g., extractable priority pollutants, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and flame retardants). Benthic invertebrates were sampled from both erosional (Neill cylinders) and depositional (kick samples) areas; invertebrates were enumerated and identified. Epilithic algal communities were sampled from erosional areas, and were analyzed for chlorophyll-a content, as well as taxonomically.

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