Publications

Inventory of tiny cryptanthe (Cryptantha minima) and small-flowered sand verbena (Tripterocalyx micranthus) in Alberta

Description

Alberta Sustainable and Resource Development initiated an inventory of small-flowered sand verbena and tiny cryptanthe in southern Alberta in July 2007, in order to obtain additional information... More ≫

Description

Alberta Sustainable and Resource Development initiated an inventory of small-flowered sand verbena and tiny cryptanthe in southern Alberta in July 2007, in order to obtain additional information on their populations, abundance and distribution. Priority areas for this survey included the Bow River populations, north of Medicine Hat, and near McNeill. Prioritization of these areas occurred because of the absence of other survey efforts covering these known populations of tiny cryptanthe and/or sand verbena.

Tags

Potential of rangelands to sequester carbon in Alberta : report summary

Description

This summary provides a brief overview of the findings set out in the report Potential of Rangelands to Sequester Carbon in Alberta.

Tags

Status of the whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) in Alberta

Description

This wildlife status report looks at the whitebark pine, a hardy species that is an important part of high elevation forests in the mountainous regions of western North America where it is found.... More ≫

Description

This wildlife status report looks at the whitebark pine, a hardy species that is an important part of high elevation forests in the mountainous regions of western North America where it is found. This hardy tree is a "keystone" species, as its seeds provide an important food source for a number of animals. In Alberta, the species is found in isolated populations in the Rocky Mountains from Willmore Wilderness Park south to the Canada-U.S. border. However, exact numbers of individuals are difficult to estimate because of limited stand inventory throughout its provincial distribution. This report is part of the Alberta Wildlife Status Report series, which provides comprehensive summaries of selected wildlife species intended to be useful to those managing populations of species and their habitats, and to help identify species that may be formally designated as endangered or threatened.

Tags

Vegetation and rare plant surveys of ten sites selected for maintenance/construction projects : W.A. Switzer Provincial Park

Description

No rare plant species or special plant communities were observed during the spring rare vascular plant survey. Two potentially rare species observed along the Jarvis Lake Trails should be... More ≫

Description

No rare plant species or special plant communities were observed during the spring rare vascular plant survey. Two potentially rare species observed along the Jarvis Lake Trails should be rechecked later in the season to determine to the species level. The level of confidence in locating rare plants is a function of the time spent searching, plus appropriate season. The late May 2007 rare plant survey was early for detection of rare plant species; most flowering plants were just emerging from the ground and early-flowering species such as willows were in some cases, not even out yet in leaf. None of the habitats encountered were considered unique or unusual, based on the literature review, expected and known element occurrences in the project area or region, plus professional judgement by the botanist conducting the rare plant survey. Recommended mitigation measures are indicated by site, in the aforementioned sections.

Tags

Small patch communities of Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park

Description

In July 2004, areas within Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park were surveyed to document small patch ecological communities. Small patch ecological communities add considerably to the... More ≫

Description

In July 2004, areas within Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park were surveyed to document small patch ecological communities. Small patch ecological communities add considerably to the diversity of a site, harbouring flora and potentially fauna dependent on these specialized habitats. They are, however, often overlooked in vegetation studies because they are neither extensive nor common enough to be considered representative. The focus of this study was to look within the matrix of the representative ecological communities to find and document the small patch communities that may be significant in a provincial context. The Birch Mountains are one of several highland areas in northeastern Alberta. The slopes of the Birch Mountains are classified as part of the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion while the higher plateau areas are considered within the Upper Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion. As defined by the two subregions, the Birch Mountains cover approximately 13200 sq...

Tags

Range plant communities and carrying capacity for the upper foothills subregion. Sixth approximation

Description

this guide represents the analysis of 600 plots described in the Upper Foothills subregion, near Grande Cache and west of Rocky Mountain House during the summers of 1990-2006. The 600 plots... More ≫

Description

this guide represents the analysis of 600 plots described in the Upper Foothills subregion, near Grande Cache and west of Rocky Mountain House during the summers of 1990-2006. The 600 plots represent 83 community types.

Tags

Range survey manual for Alberta rangelands. Version one

Description

In general a range survey consists of a site description, a vegetation survey, a rangeland and/or riparin health assessment, preliminary range typing and mapping, plant community type... More ≫

Description

In general a range survey consists of a site description, a vegetation survey, a rangeland and/or riparin health assessment, preliminary range typing and mapping, plant community type classification and a written summary.

Tags

Recovery plan for soapweed and yucca moth in Alberta 2006-2011

Description

Soapweed and yucca moths have both been listed as Endangered in Alberta. Soapweeds (commonly known as yucca) and yucca moths have an obligate mutual relationship such that neither species can... More ≫

Description

Soapweed and yucca moths have both been listed as Endangered in Alberta. Soapweeds (commonly known as yucca) and yucca moths have an obligate mutual relationship such that neither species can survive without the other. This plan provides background information on both species, describes the threats facing both, outlines proposed strategies to address these threats, and presents an action plan that lists priority actions required to maintain and recover the two species.

Tags

Status of the Porsild's bryum (Bryum porsildii) in Alberta

Description

This wildlife status report looks at Porsild's bryum, a nationally and globally rare, rock-dwelling moss that forms brilliant, rich green cushions on wet, generally unstable calcereous rock. It... More ≫

Description

This wildlife status report looks at Porsild's bryum, a nationally and globally rare, rock-dwelling moss that forms brilliant, rich green cushions on wet, generally unstable calcereous rock. It was first documented in Alberta in 1828 in Jasper National Park, and was next found in the province over a century later in 1966. In total, eight localities have been documented to date. This report is part of the Alberta Wildlife Status Report series, which provides comprehensive summaries of selected wildlife species intended to be useful to those managing populations of species and their habitats, and to help identify species that may be formally designated as endangered or threatened.

Tags

Fish Creek Provincial Park: Invasive plants

Description

Invasive plants are recognized worldwide as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, because of their ability to out-compete native plants. Native vegetation is the cornerstone of healthy... More ≫

Description

Invasive plants are recognized worldwide as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, because of their ability to out-compete native plants. Native vegetation is the cornerstone of healthy habitats and their relationship to other native plant species, soil, and animals is complex and delicate. This information sheet lists the invasive plants that are being targeted in Fish Creek Provincial Park and what methods are being used to mitigate their spread in the the park.

Tags