BEAVERHILL LAKEIMPORTANT BIRD AREA

CONSERVATION PLAN

by Richard Gby Richard Gby Richard Gby Richard Gby Richard G. Krikun. Krikun. Krikun. Krikun. Krikunandandandandand

Geoffrey L. HolroydGeoffrey L. HolroydGeoffrey L. HolroydGeoffrey L. HolroydGeoffrey L. Holroyd

Spring 2001Spring 2001Spring 2001Spring 2001Spring 2001

Alberta Important Bird Areas ProgramAlberta Important Bird Areas ProgramAlberta Important Bird Areas ProgramAlberta Important Bird Areas ProgramAlberta Important Bird Areas Program

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Beaverhill Lake was designated as anImportant Bird Area (IBA) in 1997. The IBAprogram is sponsored by Birdlife International andis spearheaded in Canada by its co-partners, theCanadian Nature Federation and Bird StudiesCanada. Its goals are: to identify sites that arecritical to the long term viability of bird popula-tions with a focus on bird species that meet IBAcriteria; to develop on-the-ground conservationplans through partnerships with local stakehold-ers; and to maintain ongoing local involvement inthe protection and monitoring of the species andsites.

Located 8 km east of the Town of Tofield,Beaverhill Lake is a large shallow alkaline lake.The IBA includes Dekker and Pelican Islands, theBeaverhill Lake Natural Area, and the lake itself.This IBA is used as a spring and fall migrationstaging area for globally significant populations(greater than 1% of the global population) ofGreater White-fronted Geese, Snow Geese,Pectoral Sandpipers, Black-bellied Sandpipers,and Dowitcher species. Nationally significantpopulations (greater than 1% of the nationalpopulation) of American Avocets breed atBeaverhill Lake. Many species of songbirds alsouse the IBA and surrounding habitats as amigratory stopover site and breeding area. Theendangered Piping Plover has bred on the shoreof the lake in previous years. Peregrine Falconsare a commonly seen and deer, moose, and manysmall mammals can be found around the lake.

The public land adjacent to the lake isused primarily to graze cattle under lease disposi-tions. Cultivation of crops occurs further awayfrom the shore on private land. Low impactrecreation and research activities are conductedwithin the Natural Area.

Beaverhill Lake has been recognized bymany organizations and has received designa-tions to protect species and habitats, and toincrease local, national and international recogni-tion. Designations include Special Places,Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network,Ramsar Site, Natural Area, and a National NatureViewpoint. Migrating geese have been protectedthrough a Seasonal Sanctuary regulation, andcolonial bird nesting sites on the islands areprotected under a Restricted Wildlife Arearegulation.

The Beaverhill Lake StakeholdersCommittee provided input for this conservation

plan. Members involved in the planning meeting include:local lease holders, the Town of Tofield, the County ofBeaver, Alberta Public Lands, Canadian Wildlife Service,Ducks Unlimited, Tofield Nature Center, the EdmontonBird Club, and the Beaverhill Bird Observatory.

The conservation of Beaverhill Lake will notonly maintain a staging area for bird populations, it willallow for the continued and cooperative research tofurther understand the bird species and their relation-ships with their habitats. The lake provides an excellentopportunity for educating the public on the naturalhistory of the region and the importance of maintaininghabitats. Tourism provides economic benefits for thelocal community. Hunting opportunities within the regionwill remain with healthy waterfowl populations.

Eight conservation issues were identified thatcan affect the IBA species and the habitats they use:

1) Fluctuating water levels allows cattle and mamma-lian predators to access both Dekker and PelicanIslands, which disrupts nesting of colonial birds.Low water levels may increase the concentration ofsalts found in the water, to the point of being toxicto some species.

2) High concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirdscongregate on the lake, increasing the chance ofspreading disease. Botulism outbreaks haveoccurred in previous years killing thousands ofducks, geese, and shorebirds.

3) Grazing the shoreline vegetation may limit thenesting and feeding opportunities for some birdspecies. Trampled soils provide ideal conditions forweedy plants to grow.

4) Aspen and willow groves are dominant within theNatural Area. Some clearing has been conductedthat may have effects on feeding and nestingopportunities of some species of birds, benefitingsome but to the detriment of others.

5) The grasslands and sedge meadows along theshoreline have become very dense in the NaturalArea. This may affect the grassland species compo-sition and poses a fire risk.

6) Ecotourism is a concern to private landowners andtheir property. At times, visitors go off trails, tramplethe vegetation, and leave gates open.

7) Exotic species are a concern to the ecologicalintegrity of natural areas. The extent of anyexotic species near the lake are unknown,

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8) Cultivation of lands adjacent to the lakemay increase the risk of wind and watererosion. Agricultural chemicals may beaffecting the water quality of the lake.

This conservation plan includes actionplans that will contribute to the maintenance andhealth of the lake and the populations of birdspecies that use it. Conservation of the BeaverhillLake IBA and the IBA species are listed in fourmain categories: 1) research and monitoring on themigrating populations and habitat use; 2) manage-ment of the habitats around the lake with localactivities; 3) enforcement of existing hunting andnest site protection regulations; and 4) educationof the public on the species, habitats, and properethics when visiting the lake. Each action itemwithin these categories focus on a specific issueand is prioritized based on the importance it has tothe IBA species at the lake, and stakeholderactivities. These action plans are flexible and canbe revised to accommodate the dynamic changesthat may occur to the IBA species, lake habitats,and the views of the stakeholders.

The Beaverhill Lake IBA conservationplan was completed while the Special Placesmanagement plan for Beaverhill Lake was in itsearly development stages. The IBA conservationplan was developed from the perspective of thebirding community, and therefore recommendsactions to maintain the bird communities atBeaverhill Lake. To represent the views of thebirding community as part of the stakeholdersgroup at Beaverhill Lake, this IBA plan wassubmitted to the Special Places Planners for theirconsideration to include in the Beaverhill SpecialPlaces Plan.

Contacts:Alberta Important Bird Areas CoordinatorFederation of Alberta NaturalistsGeorge Newton (780) 422-558211759 Groat RoadEdmonton, Alberta, T5M 3K6

Beaverhill Bird ObservatoryGeoff Holroyd (780) 438-1462Box 1418Edmonton, Alberta , T5J 2N5

Roy Berg, ChairmanBeaverhill Lake Stakeholders Committeec/o Town of TofieldBox 30Tofield, Alberta, T0B 4J0

Canadian Wildlife ServiceGerry Beyersbergen (780) 951-8689Environment CanadaRoom 200, 4999 – 98 AvenueEdmonton, Alberta, T6B 3X3

Alberta Public LandsWayne Holland (780) 464-7955#182 Chippewa RoadSherwood ParkEdmonton, Alberta, T8A 4R7

Ducks UnlimitedMichael Barr (780) 672-67865015-49 Street, Bay “C”Camrose Alberta, T4V 1N5

Town of TofieldDirector of Community DevelopmentJackie Kallal (780) 662-3269Box 30Tofield, Alberta, T0B 4J0

Canadian Nature FederationOne Nicholas Street, Suite 606Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7B7

Bird Studies CanadaP.O. Box 160Port Rowan, Ontario, N0E 1M0

but they have the potential to change theecology of the area.

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1 Introduction

Conservation and preservation of naturalsystems is a very important issue. Increaseddevelopment and expansion of human activities areencroaching on many habitats used by wildlife.Central Alberta is intensively used by migratingwaterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. These birdstravel thousands of kilometers to reach theirnorthern breeding grounds. Along the way, theyuse various lakes as staging areas to feed and restbefore the next leg of their long journey. Conserva-tion of staging areas is only one factor to ensurethe breeding continues and populations aremaintained.

Beaverhill Lake, approximately 8 kilome-ters east of the Town of Tofield, is used as astaging area by thousands of migrating SnowGeese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and a largenumber of shorebirds. The significance ofBeaverhill Lake as a staging area has beenrecognized by many agencies and individuals.Beaverhill Lake was designated as an ImportantBird Area (IBA) in 1997.

The Beaverhill Lake Stakeholder Commit-tee consists of local landowners, communitygroups, various organizations, and governmentgroups. This group is a key contributor to theconservation health of Beaverhill Lake as astaging area and as an Important Bird Area.

This conservation plan highlights the birdconservation issues of Beaverhill Lake. Theseissues were presented at a meeting of the Stake-holder Committee, and possible goals and objec-tives for the plan were discussed. Actions toachieve the goals and objectives incorporate localactivities to maintain the natural integrity ofBeaverhill Lake. This conservation plan is a guideto aid in achieving the goals and objectives.

2 IBA Program

The Canadian Important Bird Area (IBA)Program, together with parallel efforts in the UnitedStates and Mexico, is part of a co-operativecontinental program designed to ensure theconservation of North American bird populationsand the critical habitats that sustain these popula-tions. As an international initiative sponsored byBirdlife International, the IBA Program hasachieved significant on-the-ground conservationsuccesses in other regions of the world. TheCanadian IBA program is spearheaded by theCanadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies

Canada, the Birdlife International co-partners inCanada.

The goals of the Canadian IBA Program are to:• identify a network of sites that conserve thenatural diversity of Canadian bird species and arecritical to the long-term viability of naturally occur-ring bird populations;• determine the type of protection or stewardshiprequired for each site, and ensure the conservation ofsites through partnerships of local stakeholders whodevelop and implement appropriate on-the-groundconservation plans;• establish ongoing local involvement in siteprotection and monitoring.

IBAs are identified by the presence of birdsfalling under one or more of the following internation-ally agreed categories:1. Sites regularly holding significant numbers of an

endangered, threatened, or vulnerable species.2. Sites regularly holding an endemic species, or

species with restricted ranges.3. Sites regularly holding an assemblage of species

largely restricted to a biome.4. Sites where birds concentrate in significant

numbers when breeding, in winter, or duringmigration.

The success of the Canadian IBA Program isstrongly dependent on the development of cooperativeand effective partnerships. Regional and localstakeholders working together are best placed tosecure the future of Canada’s wild bird populationsby developing and applying practical and appropriateconservation action plans for individual sites.Conservation organizations, naturalists clubs,landowners, wildlife agencies, the federal andprovincial governments, professional ornithologists,First Nations, and interested individuals togetherhave a vital role to play in determining and applyingthe most appropriate conservation measures forCanadian bird populations through the IBA program.

The “globally significant” Beaverhill Lakewas Alberta’s first Important Bird Area. TheBeaverhill Lake IBA was selected as the pilot site forthe development of the first site conservation plan fora Canadian IBA (Chute 1997).

3 IBA Site Information

SITE: Beaverhill LakeLocation: 53°30’N, 113°30’W

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Total Area: About 18,050 hectares (includingboth aquatic and terrestrial areas)Actual Location: Located within the County ofBeaver (#9) and County of Lamont (#30)Populated Centers: Near the town of Tofield

LocationBeaverhill Lake is located about 60 km

east of Edmonton, north of Highway 14 andsouth of Highway 16. The nearest town isTofield, which is just west of the lake onHighway 14. The area of Beaverhill Lake IBAvaries due to water level fluctuations but coversabout 13,900 hectares of water on the lake andapproximately 410 hectares of terrestrial land.Dekker Islands in the northern portion of the lake,Pelican Island in the east-centre, and the NaturalArea located in the southeast combine for thetotal terrestrial area (Appendix F).

Physical FeaturesBeaverhill Lake is a shallow alkaline

lake, two to three meters deep. The depthfluctuates yearly with the amount of precipita-tion and spring runoff. Water fluctuations createa highly variable shoreline consisting ofmudflats, narrow sandy beaches and denseemergent vegetation of primarily cattails andbulrushes (Chute 1997).

Beaverhill Lake is located on the eastside of the Beaverhill/Cooking Lake morainewatershed created from the Keewatin glacier(Saley 1994). The glacier deposited hummockytill of debris and boulders which formed theknob and kettle topography of Beaver Hills westof Beaverhill Lake. These hills are 60 to 120meters higher than the surrounding country.Beaverhill Lake is a collection basin for thespring runoff from the snow collected on thehigher elevations (Saley 1994).

The moraine beneath Beaverhill Lakehas poor drainage. Historically, a creek on thenorth side of the lake made a connection to theNorth Saskatchewan River. With recent lowwater levels, the lake has no outlet (Saley 1994).

Numerous creeks feed into BeaverhillLake. Hastings, Wakinagan, Ross, and NorrisCreeks flow into the west side of the lake. Amiskand Katchemut Creeks flow into the south. Amanmade drainage system, the KropielnickiDrainage, flows into the southeast (Coopers andLybrand 1989).

The soils within the Beaverhill Lakebasin are relatively young and develop slowly

along the beach (Griffiths et al. 1996). The soil onthe west side of the lake is classified as gleyosolic.To the east and south sides of the lake the soil isregosolic with some regosolic-sandy phases(Alberta Energy and Natural Resources 1981).Regosols dry out easily and are low in fertility. Thesoils adjacent to Beaverhill Lake are only capableof producing forage crops, and flooding limits allagricultural use (Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

ClimateThe continental climate is typical of

central Alberta with hot summers and cold winters.The area receives an average 572 mm of precipita-tion annually. The majority of the precipitation fallsas rain during the summer months. The averageannual snowfall is 142.6 cm. Freeze-up begins inNovember and spring break-up begins the thirdweek in April (Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

Shoreline HabitatsThe shoreline around the lake varies from

straight and narrow sandy beaches in the south tomuddy and deeply indented reed-choked bays androck strewn points in the north (Saley 1994). Thefluctuating lake levels help create marsh andexposed mud shorelines that are important habitatsfor waterfowl, shorebirds and other land birds(Saley 1994). During dry periods the shorelinevegetative zones advance with the recedingshoreline (Saley 1994). Advancing vegetationprovides nesting opportunities for differentspecies of waterfowl and shorebirds (Griffiths etal. 1996). During extended wet periods, rising lakelevels cause the vegetation to die back and changein composition (Saley 1994). When the waterrecedes the resulting mudflats attract largenumbers of shorebirds because of the increasedfeeding opportunities (Griffiths et al. 1996).

The gradient of vegetation types fromthe shore is emergent vegetation, mudflats, sedgemeadows, willow community, and aspen uplands(Saley 1994). The shoreline consists of theemergent bulrushes and cattails. A transition zoneinto sedges and northern reedgrass occurs furtherfrom the shore. Grass and encroaching willowsoccur further away from the shoreline. Maturetrembling aspen and balsam poplar dominate theforested areas (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Theforest stands are of recent origin. Heavy floodingin the 1920’s killed most of the trees, so the forestis about 75 years old. The forest is still in transi-

Terrestrial Habitats

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Table 1: IBA Species Information 1 From Canadian IBA Thresholds, March 2000

Greater White-fronted Goose Global 50,000- 10,450 Fall and WinterAnser albifrons 100,000 Migration

Snow Goose Global 50,000- 20,000 Fall and WinterChen caerulescens 75,000 Migration

Pectoral Sandpiper Global 10,000 500 Spring MigrationCalidris melanotos

Black-bellied Plover Global 7,800 1,400 Spring MigrationPluvialis squatarola

Dowitcher sp. Global 10,000 5,000 Spring MigrationLimnodromus sp.

American Avocet National 1,000 630 BreedingRecurvirostra americana

Species Importance Numbers IBA SeasonRecorded Thresholdi

tion from willow shrubbery to mature balsampoplar forest and has not yet developed atypical forest understory (Griffiths et al.1996).

Habitats Outside IBABilyk et al. (1998) outlined 19

different bird-habitat associations surroundingBeaverhill Lake (Appendix B). Beaverhill Lakeand the surrounding habitats studied encom-passes about 466 square kilometers. Thesebird-habitat associations include both those innatural settings and those linked with land usepractices.

Significance of Habitats to IBA SpeciesThree major migratory flyways

converge on Beaverhill Lake: the Mississippi,the Pacific, and the Central (Coopers andLybrand 1989). The long broad shorelinesprovide good visibility, ideal as a staging areafor migrating waterfowl and shorebirds(Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Many agricul-tural fields in the area provide food sourcesfor the geese. Mudflats attract shorebirds andthe rocky shorelines attract plovers. Shallow

temporary wetlands around the lake are very importantto migrating birds during spring when the lake is stillice covered (Saley 1994).

4 IBA Species Information

4.1 IBA SpeciesBeaverhill Lake has been selected as an IBA

because of the significant congregations of species(Table 1) that use the lake as a staging area duringspring and fall migration. During spring migration,high concentrations of Greater White-fronted Geeseand Snow Geese have been recorded. The congrega-tions for both species is greater than 1% of the globalpopulation which qualifies them as globally significantunder IBA category 4, sites where birds congregate insignificant numbers.

Four species of arctic breeding shorebirdscongregate at the lake during migration. The migrationconcentrations of Pectoral Sandpiper, Black-BelliedPlover, and the two Dowitcher species consist ofgreater than 1% of the global population. AmericanAvocets breed on Beaverhill Lake in nationallysignificant concentrations (greater than 1% of thenational population).

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4.2 General Geese Information(from Johnsgard 1979, unless otherwise noted)

Snow Geese and Greater White-frontedGeese have similar natural histories. Geese migratenorth to the arctic during the spring migrationthrough various flyways; though their migrationroutes are flexible in response to changes in habitatand weather within migratory pathways andstopover points. The flocks are highly concen-trated during spring migration and more dispersedduring the fall.

Spring migration begins in mid-April,timed so that the geese arrive at the breedinggrounds as the snow melts. The geese have a shortsummer season in the arctic for laying eggs,hatching, and brood rearing. Staging areas are notonly used to rest, but to build up fat reserves forbreeding. Females have tremendous energy costsduring incubation and may lose up to one quarterof their body weight since they rarely leave thenest. Geese create potentially life long pair bondsat two to three years of age.

Greater White-fronted GooseGreater White-fronted Geese feed on

winter grains, vegetative parts of grasses, androotstocks of cattails and bulrushes on migration.This species has arrived as early as late March andremained in spring until June 2; in autumn theyarrive as early as August 12 and stay as late asOctober 30 (Fairweather 1995). In 1999, the firstrecorded sighting at Beaverhill Lake for springmigration was on April 3 and the last sighting wason May 12. The first sighting for fall migration wasAugust 19 and the last recorded day was onOctober 9 (Fairweather 1999).

They breed in coastal tundra habitats,edges of tundra lakes, flood plains and mouths ofarctic streams, and other grassy tundra areas. Thebreeding range is on the arctic mainland from theinterior of Alaska to the Melville Peninsula,Northwest Territories (Environment Canada 1999a).Nests are widespread and usually contain fiveeggs. The breeding season, from laying the eggsuntil the young are ready to migrate, lasts sevenweeks. Adults go through a flightless moult stageduring brood rearing.

Greater White-fronted Geese winter inCalifornia, along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana,Texas, and in Northern Mexico (Johnsgard 1975).The flocks during non-breeding are one of thesmallest of all the geese. They tend to mix withCanada Geese during non-breeding periods andmigration.

Snow GooseSnow Geese migrate in very large flocks.

Snow Geese have arrived as early as late Marchand stayed until May 25th ; then returned as earlyas August 15 and left as late as November 10(Fairweather 1995). In 1999, the earliest springmigration sighting at Beaverhill Lake was on April3 and the last was May 29. The highest migratoryconcentrations occur at the end of April. Fallmigration sightings began on September 11 andended on November 2 (Fairweather 1999).

Mating occurs during northern migration,mostly at stops just before their arrival on thebreeding grounds (Bellrose 1976). These geesebreed along the coast of Hudson Bay, onSouthhampton Island, on southern Baffin Island,and on Banks Island (Environment Canada 1989).Snow Geese are colonial nesters. Nests are in thelow grassy tundra near salt water, lakes, ponds oron river flood plains and contain four to five eggs.The entire breeding period is about eight to tenweeks. They are very successful nesters, with fewnests completely failing (Bellrose 1976). SnowGeese overwinter in central California, NewMexico, Mexico, and along the Gulf of Mexico(Environment Canada 1989).

Snow Geese have different feeding habitsthan other geese. First, cutting edges on theirmandible allow for effective clipping action.Secondly, they have the tendency to pull plants upby the rootstocks more frequently than othergeese. They feed in areas with grasses, grains,sedges and various broad-leaved herbaceousplants.

Both “white” and “blue” morphs occur inSnow Geese but most are white phase at BeaverhillLake. The blue morph is more common than whitein the western and northern regions.

4.3 Shorebird Information(from Johnsgard 1981, unless otherwise noted)

Black-bellied PloverIn spring, this plover has arrived as early

as May 7 and left by June 1 to return as early asJuly 12 and stay as late as October 25 (Fairweather1995). In 1999, this species occurred at Beaverhillfrom May 16 to May 29. Fall migration sightingswere recorded from September 7 to October 23(Fairweather 1999).

The breeding range in North America is innorthern Alaska, and throughout arctic Canada.Breeding occurs in dry stony moss, grass, orlichen tundra. They are highly dispersed through-

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out breeding grounds. Males arrive on thebreeding grounds first. The entire laying, incuba-tion and fledging period is about eight weeks.

Courtship displays have been observedduring spring migration. During migration theyare found on coastal mudflats, along lakeshores,and in freshly flooded fields. They feed on avariety of marine invertebrates, mollusks, insects,and some plant seeds. They winter over a widearea of North, Central, and South America on tidalsands or mud flats of ocean coastlines, bays,estuaries, and some inland habitats. During thistime they are found in loose flocks or solitary.

Pectoral SandpiperThis shorebird arrives as early as May 5

and has stayed as late as June 10. The autumnmigration can be very protracted since thisspecies has been recorded as early as July 3 andas late as October 31, but the peak migration isbetween September 15 to October 15 (Fairweather1995). In 1999, spring migration occurred betweenApril 25 and May 29 and fall migration fromSeptember 7 to September 29 (Fairweather 1999).

The breeding range of the PectoralSandpiper in North America ranges from Alaska toSouthampton Island (Soothill and Soothill 1982).They nest in tundra habitats associated with flat,poorly drained and wet terrain. Incubation of theeggs lasts 21 to 23 days, followed by a three weekfledging period. The males migrate first, followedby the females which leave shortly after theyoung have fledged. Young remain up to a monthafter adults have left.

During the early spring Pectoral Sand-pipers feed on cranefly larvae, then shift to midgelarvae. They eat a large number of adult insects,including crickets and beetles, and worms.

They winter in South America, fromBolivia and Peru to central Chile and Patagonia(Soothill and Soothill 1982). They occupy areas ofwet and grassy habitats in small flocks of 10 to 50individuals that are sometimes very territorial.

American AvocetAmerican Avocets have arrived as early

as March 20 and stayed as late as September 10 atBeaverhill Lake (Fairweather 1995). In 1999, thefirst sighting was on April 24 and the last sightingon September 28 (Fairweather 1999).

The American Avocet breeds onBeaverhill Lake. The lake provides ideal nestinghabitat on the sparsely vegetated shorelines, ormudflats close to shallow alkaline or subsaline

water. The nests are in loose colonies but are locatedwithin discrete nesting and feeding territories estab-lished and defended by both the male and female.Nests are mere hollows on the shoreline or mudflatslined with grasses, weed stems, and small sticks(Soothill and Soothill 1982). Avocets lay a clutch offour eggs. Both males and females incubate the eggsfor about 22 to 29 days. Fledging occurs at four to fiveweeks after hatching, but young leave the nest a fewhours after they have hatched.

The breeding season is between April andJune (Soothill and Soothill 1982). They winter in centralCalifornia, southern Texas, and in southern Mexico.During winter and migration they are found alongmarine shorelines. They are very gregarious duringthese periods. They feed primarily on crustaceans,dragonfly nymphs, beetles, flies and their larvae. Onethird of the diet consists of plants associated withwater.

Dowitchers, Long-billed and Short-billedDowitchers are difficult to separate, and on

the shorebird surveys that have been done atBeaverhill Lake, they were often lumped. Bird watcherrecords compiled by Fairweather (1995) show that thetwo species have similar migration timing at BeaverhillLake: arrive as early a May 1 and depart as late as May25 in spring, then in autumn they are at the lake fromapproximately July 1 to as late as October 20.

5 Other Elements of ConservationValue

Beaverhill Lake has many other features thatadd to its conservation importance. In addition to thelisted IBA species, it is a stopover site for many otherspecies of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Anestimated 40,000 to 70,000 ducks use the lake as astaging area and moulting area during spring and fallmigration (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Over 20,000shorebirds use the lake as a staging area duringmigration (Saley 1994). The highest single day countfor shorebirds was in May 1995, when 52,334 individu-als were recorded.

Colonial nesting birds, including AmericanWhite Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants, neston Pelican Island and Dekker Islands. However, nestsuccess of these depends on the water levels (Saley1994). Low water levels permit access by predators andcattle to the islands.

Fairweather (1995) and Dekker (1998) havelisted about 291 bird species that have been recordedat Beaverhill Lake either on the lake or in the surround-

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ing area. Common species can be seen yearly(Appendix C). Uncommon and rare species are listedin Appendices D and E.

High profile species also breed and migratethrough Beaverhill Lake. The endangered PipingPlover has been recorded nesting on the shorelineof the lake. During the 1996 International PipingPlover Survey, seven breeding pairs were recorded.Peregrine Falcons migrate through the area. From1969 to 1983, Dick Dekker recorded 880 sightings ofPeregrine Falcons in the spring, the majority in May,but only 51 sightings in the fall (Dekker 1998).

Banding records from both the BeaverhillLake Bird Observatory and Edgar Jones, a local birdbander with several decades experience at the lake,show that Beaverhill Lake is a major spring and fallmigratory stopover location for songbirds(Jungkind 1993). Jungkind (1993) reported that26,450 birds were banded at Beaverhill Lake from1980 to 1991 in which 22,000 were “woodland”songbirds, representing over 71 species. Thequality and effort in the migration monitoringbanding program at the Beaverhill Bird Observatoryhas improved since his report, and now includesdaily banding and census information throughoutthe spring and autumn migrations.

A number of mammals occur in the area aswell. White-tailed Deer and Moose are two commonungulates. Coyotes represent the top carnivore.Weasels and Snowshoe Hares are abundant. A hostof small rodents make up the prey base for many ofthe raptor species.

6 Land Ownership and Use

6.1 Land OwnershipThe majority of the land within Beaver

County is privately owned. Exposed shoreline fromthe receding water levels of Beaverhill Lake isowned by the Crown. The majority of this Crownland is leased under various dispositions. Thesedispositions include grazing leases and permits,cultivation permits and farm development leases(Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Two recreationalleases have also been issued (Coopers and Lybrand1989). The Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) islocated on the south shore within the Natural Area.The Mundare Recreational Lease is located on theeast side of the Lake. A small portion of Crown landis under a riparian rights system; the exposedshoreline is given legal title to landowners leases(Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

6.2 Historical Land UseHistorically, agriculture has been the

primary land use, with grazing and haying as thetwo most common practices. Crown land sur-rounding the lake has been leased to landownerswith surrounding patented land since the 1930’s(Alberta Energy and Natural Resources 1981).

The lake’s recreation value was recog-nized in 1925 when Beaverhill Lake was designateda Public Shooting Ground. It has also been apopular destination for naturalists andbirdwatchers. William Rowan spent 40 years,beginning in 1921, observing birds and collectingbirds at the lake and became a pioneer in researchof bird migration (Saley 1994). Bird and migrationstudies continue through efforts of individuals,such as Dick Dekker and Edgar Jones, and theBeaverhill Bird Observatory.

6.3 Current UseGrazing is the principal agricultural land

use within the Crown lands subject to leasedispositions (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Grazingof cattle usually occurs for four to five monthsfrom May to September. Many factors determinerange conditions in the grazing leases including:entry date, stocking rates, cattle preference forforage, and palatability of different types ofvegetation (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Cattlehave access to the shoreline for grazing andwatering. Grazing rotations are used both toincrease grazing capacity and to allow waterfowlnesting and production (Coopers and Lybrand1989).

Hay and cereal crops are grown under theFarm Development Dispositions or CultivationPermits. However, the majority of cropping andcultivation occurs on private lands away from thelake (Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

Existing and potential oil and gas leasesare also present in the area. Most are located tothe southwest of the lake and they include aLicense of Occupation which covers roadwayaccess to the sites (Coopers and Lybrand 1989).The current extent of the operations is unknown tous.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) has many projectswhich promote wetland development for duckhabitat. Within the Beaverhill Lake area, DUfocuses on refilling drained ponds and wetlands,as well as creating early spring habitat for thewaterfowl to use. These projects create unfrozenwater in fields to give the ducks a place to stayinstead of the frozen lake. These temporary spring

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ponds are also heavily used by the migratinggeese and shorebirds as stopover sites.

Beaverhill Lake provides a number ofrecreational activities. Birdwatching is highlypopular because of the large spring and fallmigrations of waterfowl and shorebirds (Coopersand Lybrand 1989). The majority of thebirdwatching tends to be on the southernshoreline, due to public access, and bait stationsattracting flocks of birds (Coopers and Lybrand1989). Birdwatching is a relatively low impactactivity, but does put stress on the environmentand birds with increased visitation rates. Oneannual public focus on birds at Beaverhill Lake isthe Snow Goose Festival in April when 5000participants take bus and walking tours to viewsnow geese and other early spring migrant birds.

Located within the Natural Area, theBeaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO), established in1984, observes and conducts studies on birds,amphibians, mammals, plants, and insects. It alsoprovides interpretive nature walks throughout theNatural Area. The BBO staff and volunteers act asstewards of the Natural Area. Low impactstructures have been built to accommodate thestaff through the summer months.

Hunting is allowed during the huntingseasons, except on the south side of the lake(including Lister Lake), which is designated asRestricted Wildlife Area where hunting of all gamebirds within 0.8 km of the edge of the lake isprohibited prior to November 1 (Coopers andLybrand 1989).

Trapping within the Beaverhill Lake areadoes not provide the sole income for any of thetrappers (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). In 1972-73there were no registered trap lines and only a fewtrapping permits were issued to residents in thearea (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). We are notaware of more current information on trapping atthe lake.

Power driven vessels are prohibited onBeaverhill Lake under the Boating RestrictionsRegulations (Coopers and Lybrand 1989). Non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Thisallows access to critical breeding and feedingareas of waterfowl, but regulations restrictencroachment withing one half mile of PelicanIsland and the shallow nature of the lake providessome natural protection to wildlife habitat(Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

Other recreational activities includehiking, picnicking, photography, cross-countryskiing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling.

7 Conservation and ManagementAchieved (from Chute 1997)

The importance of Beaverhill Lake to birdshas been recognized on regional, national, and globallevels. Numerous land management agreements anddesignations from international programs are in placeto help manage and conserve bird habitat throughoutthe lake.

Special PlacesBeaverhill Lake was designated under the

Alberta Special Places program in November 1999. Thedesignation includes it under the Heritage Rangelandscategory of the new Natural Heritage Act and will besubject to its regulations once the Act has passed.

Special Places created a network of protectedareas to preserve the biodiversity of Alberta. Amanagement plan, including input from localstakeholder groups, will focus on preserving thenatural heritage of Alberta with goals of heritageappreciation, recreation activities, tourism, andeconomic development (Alberta Environment 2001).

Important Bird Area (IBA)Beaverhill Lake was officially recognized as

a globally significant Important Bird Area in April1997. The IBA designation provides identification ofimportant habitat for birds. IBA status does notconfer legal protection. A conservation plan for anIBA is community based and developed by localstakeholders. The IBA designation also providesawareness of the birds and the area on local, re-gional, national, and international levels.

Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network(WHSRN)

Beaverhill Lake received designation as aWHSRN regional site in May 1996. WHSRNprovides international recognition to importantshorebird habitats. Beaverhill Lake falls into theregional criteria because it supports 5% (or greaterthan 20,000) shorebirds annually of the flywaypopulation. No legal protection is given with thedesignation, but it promotes the conservation of thearea by landowners, managing agencies and otherstakeholders. Designation also attracts internationalattention to the location.

Ramsar SiteThe Convention on Wetlands of Interna-

tional Importance, otherwise known as the RamsarConvention, designated Beaverhill Lake as a Ramsar

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Site in May 1987, because of the importance of thelake as a staging area for waterfowl.

The Convention is an intergovernmentaltreaty that provides the framework for internationalcooperation for the conservation of the world’swetland habitats. Contracting Parties to theConvention undertake to respect four mainobligations: “designation of at least one wetlandfor inclusion in the List of Wetlands of Interna-tional Importance; promotion of the wise use ofwetlands within their nation particularly throughthe implementation of wetland conservation andmanagement policies; consultation with otherContracting Parties about implementing theobligations arising under the Convention particu-larly for those wetlands shared between nations;and establishment of protected wetland areasthroughout their nation.” (Environment Canada,2000).

Designation of Beaverhill Lake as aRamsar Site offers no legal protection, but manage-ment priorities support programs and activities onthe site which are consistent with Canada’sobligations under the Convention. Presently over90% of the land within the Ramsar Site is underagricultural dispositions. The remaining land isdisposed to resource development reservations(wildlife habitat, a recreation lease, and natural gaswell sites), or is undisposed.

Natural AreaThe Natural Area was established in 1987

as a protected area under the Wilderness Areas,Ecological Reserves and Natural Areas Act (1981).The Natural Area includes Dekker Islands, PelicanIsland and Lister Lake. Some management prioritiesinclude protection of significant natural features;maintenance of habitats and communities of nativespecies; and accommodation of public apprecia-tion, education and enjoyment of the site which arecompatible with the primary intent of wildlifeprotection. Public lands designated as NaturalAreas are protected from development to ensurethe maintenance of their natural features for publicappreciation, education, and research. Facilities arelimited to staging areas, trails, and signs.

National Nature ViewpointIn 1981 the Canadian Nature Federation

designated Beaverhill Lake as a National NatureViewpoint, the second site in Canada to receivethis status. This designation is designed topromote awareness of the area and has no legalimplications.

Beaverhill Lake Integrated Land Use PlanThe draft land use planning document

applies only to Crown lands (Alberta Energy andNatural Resources 1981). It identified localdevelopment plans (LDP) for each parcel of Crownland. The LDP must conform to the land use intentfor the theme area in which the parcels fall. Thetheme areas include agriculture, agriculture-wildlife, wildlife-agriculture, wildlife, and recre-ation. Management priorities vary depending onthe theme area and physical constraints of eachparcel of land. The Beaverhill Lake Natural Areafalls in the wildlife theme area. The lake itself isundefined since the draft plan only deals with landarea.

Seasonal SanctuaryThis legal designation includes the area

within 0.8 km radius of the pelican nesting island inSection 8/Township 52/Range 17/West of the 4th

Meridian. All access is prohibited from 15 April to15 September. The management objective isprotection of the pelican nesting colony.

Restricted Wildlife AreaThis provincial regulation applies to the

southern half of the lake and all areas within 0.8 kmof the edge of the water of the southern half of thelake (i.e. the lake and adjacent lands withinTownships 50 and 51, Ranges 17 and 18, west ofthe Fourth Meridian). Hunting of game birds isprohibited until after 31 October in any year.Access for other purposes is not restricted. Theobjective is to provide a safe area for stagingwaterfowl during the peak of the migration.

8 Stakeholder Activities

The Beaverhill Lake StakeholdersCommittee is an excellent model of an effectivepartnership that the IBA program seeks to estab-lish to conserve critical bird habitat. The committeerepresents a comprehensive cross-section of thelocal communities. The stakeholders includeprivate landowners, ranchers, provincial andfederal government wildlife agencies, provincialland management agency, naturalists, localmunicipal government and County representa-tives, and a diverse selection of non-governmentalorganizations. The committee functions coopera-tively with the shared goal of conserving thenatural integrity of Beaverhill Lake and cooperat-ing with the surrounding landowners. Some

15

conservation issues at Beaverhill Lake havebeen covered in other plans and projectsincluding the land use and tourism plans.

The Beaverhill Lake StakeholderCommittee meeting was held in January, 2001 todiscuss the IBA. The individuals presentrepresented the following groups: lease holders,Town of Tofield, Ducks Unlimited, BeaverhillBird Observatory, Canadian Wildlife Service ofEnvironment Canada, County of Beaver, TofieldNature Center, Alberta Agriculture- Public Lands,and Edmonton Bird Club. A few of the issueswere discussed, but the general feeling from thegroup was that all activities should benefit thelake and its birds, and not interfere with the leaseholders’ and landowners’ private activities.

9 Opportunities

9.1 TourismTourism offers potential economic

benefits to the community. In 1996, 20 millionCanadians participated in nature related activi-ties, spending $11 billion dollars. Wildlifeviewing involved 400,000 Alberta residents whospent $1.1 billion within Canada (EnvironmentCanada 1999b). The potential for tourism in theBeaverhill area is 50,000 –75,000 tourists per yearbringing in an estimated $2 million (Saley 1994).

Birdwatching is one of the fastestgrowing recreational activities (Coopers andLybrand 1989). People travel regionally, nation-ally, and internationally to high profile areas toview wildlife and birds. For example, the annualTofield Snow Goose Festival attracts over 5000visitors over two days to watch the flocks ofSnow Geese in April. Visitors spend an esti-mated $316,455 (Hvenegaard and Manaloor2001).

9.2 Co-operative ResearchSeveral research programs, such as the

Beaverhill Bird Observatory and private indi-viduals studying songbirds, and Ducks Unlim-ited and Canadian Wildlife Service waterfowlstudies are conducted within the area. Withinthe IBA, cooperative research programs couldtarget solutions to the conservation concernsindentified in the next section. The researchprograms should include biological, social andeconomic topics to ensure the results have abroad application to the issues of concern.

9.3 EducationEducation at Beaverhill Lake has the potential

to inform the public about the local natural history, aswell as broader conservation issues. Educationalprograms about local resident species and habitats willlead to greater understanding of the ecology of thisimportant lake and associated natural lands, and theimpact of surrounding land uses. Education programsabout migrant species will improve the public’s aware-ness of the importance of Beaverhill Lake to species thatbreed in the arctic and winter from the southern USthrough Central America to South America.

9.4 HuntingWith a high concentration of geese passing

through the lake, the hunting potential is great, evenwith the restrictions on the south shore. The quality ofthe lake as a staging area should be maintained, suchthat the geese continue to migrate through the area,allowing continued hunting opportunities.

10 Conservation Issues

10.1 Water Level FluctuationsBeaverhill Lake has a history of fluctuating

water levels. In recent years, water levels have beendropping because of decreased precipitation and littlerun-off. Lower water levels have resulted in warmerwater in the lake during summer months, whichcombined with wind, have increased the rate ofevapotranspiration on the lake. As a result, BeaverhillLake has experienced a considerable net loss of waterand significantly lower lake levels. This drop in waterallows cattle and predator access to Pelican Island andDekker Islands. Various species of waterfowl nest onthe islands as well as colonies of American WhitePelicans and Double-crested Cormorants. Since the mid1990s predators had access to the island and totallydepredated the nests of pelicans and cormorants. By2000, neither of these colonial species nested on theisland. These species may have moved to nearby lakesto nest, but the net impact of the drying of the lake andsubsequent predation is unknown.

The water of Beaverhill Lake is highly saline(Griffiths et al. 1996). Drought may cause the lake toincrease in salinity to the point of being toxic to somespecies (Saley 1994). The deterioration of the water-shed may be accelerated by man-made changes. Forestclearing and the drainage ditch from Miquelon Lake toCamrose (Saley 1994) may be redirecting runoff flowsinto Beaverhill Lake.

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10.2 DiseaseWhenever wildlife are concentrated, the

potential for disease increases. With high densitiesof waterfowl in a concentrated area, the spread ofdisease may be quick and the disease may affect ahigh number of individuals.

A disease of particular concern in BeaverhillLake is botulism. Botulism outbreaks occur with lowwater levels, hot weather, and a source of organicmatter which may include agricultural fertilizers. Amain source of organic matter is dead waterfowl.Large flocks are predisposed to the disease once ithas started (Schmutz 2000). Moulting ducks areparticularly vulnerable to botulism because themoult occurs during warm summer days when thechances of an outbreak are highest.

10.3 GrazingGrazing along the shoreline is both

beneficial and harmful to different bird species.Shoreline grazing substantially reduces the vegeta-tion, which reduces the nesting cover used by someducks, shorebirds, and sparrows. However, theexpanded shoreline provides feeding opportunitiesfor some species of shorebirds and sparrows.

Cattle also trample the soil. The tramplingincreases water turbidity at the lake edge, disruptscolonization of vegetation (reduces future grazingopportunities), creates a poor cloudy physicalcondition in the soil, and increases the potential forwind erosion as the disrupted surface dries (Griffithset al. 1996). Soil compaction causes sulfate salts tobe brought to the surface, which causes an in-creased saline condition in the soil that supportsnon-native weedy species (Griffiths et al.1996).

Receding water levels and expandingshorelines allow cattle to walk around the ends ofexisting fences and enter the Natural Area.

10.4 Clearing Willow and Aspen GrovesWillow and aspen are fast growing

invasive species. When they invade grassland theyreduce the amount of forage for cattle. The expand-ing willow and aspen stands do provide nesting andfeeding habitats for both songbirds and waterfowl.The different ages of groves provide opportunitiesfor different species. Migrating songbirds thatstopover in the Natural Area also use differenthabitat types. Clearing of aspen in the Natural Areahas resulted in dense young aspen groves. Theeffects of both natural succession and cutting ofaspen on wildlife populations are unknown.

10.5 Grassland ManagementThe vegetation in sedge meadows in the

Natural Area is very dense. Little fire or othervegetation control of the grassland biomass hasoccurred within the Natural Area in more than adecade. High vegetation density could be havingan effect on the composition of grassland birdspecies. Many species of birds and plants requiremore open habitat, or early succession grasslands.The sedge fens do provide habitat for otherspecies to live in the dense vegetation.

The dense vegetation in the sedgesmeadows combined with dry years and lower lakelevels is posing a fire risk to the area. If a fire wereto occur it may be difficult to control and mayspread to adjacent lands.

10.6 EcotourismEcotourism is a relatively low impact

activity, however, a large influx of visitors can havedetrimental effects on an area. One concern is thepublic going off trails. Trampling can impact thevegetation and disturb wildlife. Another concernwith ecotourists is trespassing on private land.Problems include vehicle rutting on trails andpasture during flooding and wet periods, opengates, harassment of stock, theft, litter, anddamage and vandalism to equipment, fences andgates. (Coopers and Lybrand 1989).

The stakeholders were divided when itcame to the issue of tourism. A very large influx oftourists could damage the area and disturblandowners. However, with proper facilities,visitors can be directed to visit only specifiedareas, as has been done at Francis Point. Threeareas have been designated as view points:Francis Point on the south, the Stone Houseaccess on the north, and Mundare beach to theeast. Only Francis Point has been developed withfacilities, an outhouse and observation blind.Currently the only facilities in the Natural Area aretrail signs and the Bird Observatory, including itsouthouse.

10.7 Exotic SpeciesWith increased global trade and travel,

plants, insects, disease and other organisms arespreading around the world and in some cases,changing the ecology in their new “homes”. Theextent of introduced species in the IBA is un-known. Exotic weeds could threaten the integrityof the vegetation communities and their value tobirds.

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10.8 CultivationThe shoreline lands of Beaverhill Lake

are predominately grazing lands and Natural Area.Cultivation of lands immediately adjacent to thelake would increase the risk of water and winderosion. These lands should be maintained innative vegetation to reduce the risk of soilerosion and to maintain biodiversity.

11 Conservation Goals andObjectives

The goal of the Beaverhill Lake IBA is tomaintain the natural integrity of Beaverhill Lakeby working with the stakeholders to develop asolid conservation plan that works with all partiesinvolved. There are no timelines or strategy forthe implementation of this plan.

PrioritiesHigh Priorities- indicate current actions

or actions that will directly benefit the IBAspecies and Beaverhill Lake. Items have highsupport from members of the stakeholderscommittee or are of central concern to at least onemember.

Medium Priorities- possible actions thatwill benefit the integrity of Beaverhill Lake andthe IBA species in the long term. These itemshave some members of the stakeholders commit-tee interested, but do not feel that immediateaction is necessary.

Low Priorities- Possible long termactions, but at present are not relevant or notfeasible. These items are of little concern to thestakeholder committee.

11.1 Monitoring and ResearchResearch and monitoring is important to

obtain the baseline data that is needed todetermine whether or not the health of BeaverhillLake is being compromised. Such informationshould be used to identify other conservationconcerns, goals and objectives.

1. Create new and continue existing populationmonitoring programs of birds.· High priority.· Ongoing monitoring of migrating and breeding

landbirds is conducted by the BBO and privateindividuals; more standardized effort could bemade in monitoring the IBA species andwetland birds.

2. Research the effects of shoreline grazing regimes.Determine effects of grazing on vegetation, soilquality, and bird species (ie. nesting or feedingopportunities).· Medium priority, possible action through

cooperation of DU, BBO, and landowners.· Compare the ungrazed shoreline in the Natural

Area and the adjacent grazed lease land to findpossible effects on the shoreline and species.

3. Monitor the nesting success of the colonial nestingbirds on Pelican Island and Dekker Islands.• Medium priority.• Monitoring will determine how often the colonial

birds nest there, and if predators have access,particularly in periods of low water levels.Actions to try to promote nesting can be taken ifthe island nests are frequently depredated.

4. Monitor the water quality at Beaverhill Lake toensure that agricultural chemicals (fertilizers andpesticides) are not adversely affecting water qualityand the lake’s productivity. Monitor to determine ifsalinity increases during periods of low water levels.• Medium priority.• Action by the conservation and science groups to

provide methods of monitoring.

5. Inventory exotic plants and implement controlmeasures as appropriate.• Medium priority• Action by conservation organization and science

groups to provide and implement methods ofinventory.

6. Monitor the expansion of willows and aspengroves. Determine if the expansion has a negativeimpact on forage available on the grazing leases.Study the bird communities to see if any additionalbird species using the natural area with an olderforest, and if other species will change the use as amigratory stopover point or breeding location.• Low priority• This goal has little focus on the IBA species in

the near future.

11.2 Management1. Ensure that bait stations, or other methods ofdeterring migrating geese from feeding on crops, areeffective.• Medium priority.• Action by individual landowners to determine if

waterfowl are feeding on crops. Action by wildlife

18

agencies and landowners to determine if baitstations are effective and identify other actions todiscourage the geese from feeding on crops. Thesharing of this information among landowners iscritical.

2. Ensure that all gates and fences are in good repairand are extended to the water edge to stop cattlemovement into the Natural Area, in compliance withland lease dispositions.• Medium priority.• Action by Alberta Public Lands,

neighbouring lease holders, and BBO.

3. Restrict vehicular activities within the NaturalArea.• Medium priority.• Action by Alberta Public Lands and BBO.

Setting up visible signs that designate aparking area and informing the visitors thatvehicle access is discouraged.

4. Manage the grasses and sedges in the NaturalArea to maintain biodiversity and reduce the riskof a major fire.• Medium priority.• Develop a program that will maintain the

grasslands allowing for a diversity ofspecies and manage the vegetation tominimize the risk of a major fire.

5. Determine if the lake levels should be stabilized,and if extreme water level fluctuations can beavoided.• Low priority.• Many factors affect the water levels, and the

fact that the water fluctuations are a naturaloccurrence makes this management schemevery unlikely and if any action is attemptedit may be ineffective. If future informationdetermines a human cause to the decreasingwater levels, then action should be taken.

6. Conduct carcass removal programs in anattempt to reduce the chance of a botulism out-break.• Low priority.• Beaverhill Lake is such a large lake that it

may not be feasible to remove all thecarcasses. Studies are being conductedelsewhere that are attempting to determine ifremoving carcasses will actually stop orreduce botulism outbreaks.

11.3 Enforcement1. Ensure hunting regulations are being followed.• Low priority.• Few problems occur with the hunters,

according to members of the stakeholderscommittee.

2. Ensure that the nesting areas on Pelican andDekker Islands are not disturbed as per provincialregulation.• Low priority.• Inform residents and visitors of the regulation

and the rational for restricting access.

11.4 Visitor Education1. Provide facilities for tourist to view wildlife.• High priority.• Ongoing action by County of Beaver, County

of Lamont, Town of Tofield and Tofield NatureCenter. Construction of a viewing site atMundare Beach and adequate signage todirect visitors to the location.

2. Promote visitor attitudes and activities that arerespectful of local landowners and the naturalenvironment.• High priority.• Action by the Tofield Nature Center and BBO.

Provide information to visitors including whatis expected from visitors.

3. Provide information on all species found atBeaverhill Lake and its importance as a wetlandand stopover point for migrating birds.• High priority.• Action by BBO and Tofield Nature Centre.

Provide information brochures and checklists.

4. Clearly designate public and private lands.• Medium priority.• Action by leaseholder to properly designate

their land at their discretion.

5. Provide schools and teachers with resourcematerial so that local students can learn moreabout the wildlife and ecosystems at BeaverhillLake.• Medium priority.• Action by conservation groups and govern-

ment agencies to provide suitable material.

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Evaluating SuccessImplementation

Current actions by members of theStakeholders Committee are the first step in thesuccess of this conservation plan.

Population MonitoringOngoing population monitoring will

provide long term population trends. Thesetrends are fundamental in determining whether ornot the populations of species are declining inthe area and if the declines are due to localconditions.

EducationThe Town of Tofield has recently

applied for funding to create the viewing wall atMundare Beach and signs guiding visitors to thebeach. The Beaverhill Bird Observatory isplanning to create updated information bro-chures and species checklists for Beaverhill Laketo be distributed to visitors and other natureorganizations.

These items are the high priorityactions listed in this IBA conservation plan.When these are completed the conservation plancan be reevaluated to determine what otheractions can be taken. If major concerns developthat are not included in this conservation plan,they can be added and be addressed immedi-ately.

AcknowledgmentsWe thank George Newton, Alberta IBA

coordinator for his input into and final produc-tion of this plan. Funding was provided byEnvironment Canada’s Science Horizon program,Canadian Nature Federation, Federation ofAlberta Naturalists and Beaverhill Bird Observa-tory. The first Beaverhill Lake IBA draft wasprovided by Christie Chute of the CanadianNature Federation. The Spring Birding Map ofBeaverhill Lake was developed by the EdmontonBird Club and permission to use it was given byRoy Fairweather. Rosalind Chaundy from BirdStudies Canada provided the IBA Thresholddocument. Comments on earlier drafts of thisplan were received from Tanya Hope, MichaelBarr of Ducks Unlimited, Canadian WildlifeService staff, the Beaverhill StakeholdersCommittee, George Newton of Federation ofAlberta Naturalists, and Al Harris of Canadian

ReferencesAlberta Energy and Natural Resources. 1981. Inte-

grated Resource Plan: Beaverhill LakeBackground Information. Resource Evalua-tion and Planning Division, Edmonton.

Alberta Environment. 2001. Special Places.http://www.gov.ab.ca/env/parks/sp_places/index.html

Bellrose, Frank C. 1976. Ducks, Geese, and Swans ofNorth America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg,Pa.

Bilyk, Joshawa N., Michael Barr, and Geoffrey L.Holroyd. 1998. Migratory and Summer Bird –Habitat Associations of the Beaverhill LakeLandscape. Beaverhill Bird Observatory,Edmonton, Alberta.

Chute, Christie. 1997. Beaverhill Lake Important BirdArea (IBA) Conservation Plan, Draft.Canadian Nature Federation, Ottawa.

Coopers and Lybrand. 1989. Beaverhill Lake TourismMaster Plan – Final Report. Prepared forTown of Tofield and Beaverhill StakeholdersCommittee.

Dekker, Dick. 1998. Prairie Water. University ofAlberta Press, Edmonton, Alberta.

Environment Canada. 1989. Canadian Wildlife ServiceHinterland Who’s Who - Lesser SnowGoose. Minister of Supply and Services,Canada.

Environment Canada. 1999a. Greater White-frontedGeese—Mid-continent Population.http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/canbird/goose/wfmcx.htm

Environment Canada. 1999b. The Importance ofNature to Canadians: Survey Highlights.Minister of Public Works and GovernmentServices, Canada.

Environment Canada. 2000. Canada and the RamsarConvention - What are Canada’s Obligationsunder the Convention.http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/habitat/ramsar/CR_e05.htm

Fairweather, Roy. 1995. Calendar of Birds at BeaverhillLake. Beaverhill Bird Observatory, Edmonton,AB.

Fairweather, Roy. 1999. 1999 Beaverhill Lake SightRecords Report. http://www.connect.ab.ca/~snowyowl/99sr/99bhl_sr.htm

Griffiths, Graham C.D., Deirdre E. Griffiths, and WilliamS. Taylor. 1996. Biophysical and Significant

Nature Federation. We thank all the funders, contribu-tors and reviewers for their support.

20

Areas Inventory of the Lister Lake StudyArea. Resource Data Division, AlbertaEnvironmental Protection, Edmonton,Alberta.

Hvenegaard, Glen and Varghese Manaloor 2001.Economic Impacts of the Beaverhill LakeSnow Goose Festival on Tofield, Alberta.Augustana University College, Camrose,Alberta.

Johnsgard, Paul A. 1975. Waterfowl of NorthAmerica. Indiana University Press,Bloomington and London.

Johnsgard, Paul A. 1979. A Guide to North Ameri-can Waterfowl. Indiana University Press.Bloomington & London.

Johnsgard, Paul A. 1981. The Plovers, Sandpipers,and Snipes of the World. University ofNebraska Press.

Jungkind, Stefan. 1993. Songbird Migration atBeaverhill Lake, 1980 to 1991. Pp. 312 - 321in Proceedings of the Third Prairie Conser-vation and Endangered Species Workshop,(Geoffrey L. Holroyd, H. Loney Dickson,Mona Regnier, and Hugh C. Smith, eds.).Curatorial Section, Provincial Museum ofAlberta, Edmonton, Alberta.

Saley, Henry. 1994. Beaverhill Lake InterpretivePlan. Orchis Communications Design.Prepared for Town of Tofield, AlbertaEconomic Development and Tourism, andAlberta Environmental Protection.

Schmutz, Josef K. 2000. Community ConservationPlan for the Chaplin, Old Wives, and ReedLakes Important Bird Areas. NatureSaskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Soothill, Eric and Richard Soothill. 1982. WadingBirds of the World. Blandford Books Ltd.,Poole, Dorset.

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Appendix A: IBA Partners

BirdLife International

A pioneer in its field, BirdLife Interna-tional (BL) is the first non-government organiza-tion dedicated to promoting world-wide interestin and concern for the conservation of all birdsand the special contribution they make to globalbiodiversity. BirdLife operates as a partnership ofnon-governmental conservation organizations,grouped together within geographic regions (e.g.Europe, Africa, Americas) for the purpose ofplanning and implementing regional programs.These organizations provide a link to on-the-ground conservation projects that involve localpeople with local expertise and knowledge. Thereare currently 20 countries involved in theAmericas program throughout North, Central andSouth America.

For further information about BirdLifeInternational, check the following web site: http://www.birdlife.net/.

The Canadian Important Bird AreasProgram has been undertaken by a partnership oftwo lead agencies. The Canadian NatureFederation and Bird Studies Canada are theCanadian BirdLife International partners.

The Canadian Nature Federation (CNF)

The Canadian Nature Federation is anational conservation organization with a missionto be Canada’s voice for the protection of nature,its diversity, and the processes that sustain it.The CNF represents the naturalist community andworks closely with our provincial territorial andlocal affiliated naturalists organizations to directlyreach 100,000 Canadians. The strength of ourgrassroots naturalists’ network allows us to workeffectively and knowledgeably on nationalconservation issues that affect a diversity ofecosystems and human populations in Canada.The CNF also works in partnership with otherenvironmental organizations, government andindustry, wherever possible.

Our approach is open and cooperativewhile remaining firm in our goal of developingecologically-sound solutions to conservationproblems. CNF’s web site is http://www.cnf.ca

Bird Studies Canada (BSC)

The mission of Bird Studies Canada is to

advance the understanding, appreciation andconservation of wild birds and their habitats, inCanada and elsewhere, through studies that engagethe skills, enthusiasm and support of its members,volunteers, staff and the interested public. BirdStudies Canada believes that thousands of volun-teers working together, with the guidance of a smallgroup of professionals, can accomplish much morethan could the two groups working independently.Current programs collectively involve over 10,000volunteer participants from across Canada.

Bird Studies Canada is recognized nation-wide as a leading and respected not-for-profitconservation organization dedicated to the study andunderstanding of wild birds and their habitats. BirdStudies Canada’s web site is http://www.bsc-eoc.org

Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN)

The Federation of Alberta Naturalists is aprovincial conservation organization, founded in1970. FAN is an affiliate of the Canadian NatureFederation and is composed of corporate clubs andindividual members.

The objectives of FAN are:• to encourage Albertans to increase knowl-

edge and understanding of natural historyand ecological processes;

• to provide a unified voice for naturalists onconservation issues;

• to promote field meetings, conferences,nature camps, research symposia and otheractivities; and

• to promote the exchange of informationamong clubs and societies.

FAN publishes Alberta Naturalists four times a year.Phone: (780) 427-8124, FAX: (780) 422-2663Website: www.fanweb.ca/.

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Appendix B: Brief Description of 18 Habitats at Beaverhill Lake(from Bilyk et al. 1998)

Continously Grazed retained native grass, with significantly year long grazingGrasslands reduced amount of woody shrub cover

Conventional Hay alfalfa, wheat grass and brome which is harvested at least once

Cropland cultivated land that is seeded with cereal crops

Delayed Hay crops of alfalfa, wheat grass and brome that have had the first harvestafter July 15

Deferred Grazed retains some woody shrub cover on rotational grazingGrasslands a field of tame or native grass

Grazed Deciduous Upland stands of mature trembling aspen grazed season longand balsam poplar

Grazed Shrub Upland native shrub community with greater than 50% grazed season longcover dominated by willow & young poplar

Idle Native Grassland retained tame or native grasslands no grazing for morewith limited shrub cover than three years

Idle Deciduous Upland mature tracts of trembling aspen & balsam poplar no grazing

Idle Shrub Upland native shrub communities dominated no grazingby willow and young poplar

Shelterbelt dominated by trembling aspen & balsam poplar, mature tracts of deciduous shelter-with an understory of willow, aspen & poplar belts or windrows adjacent to

perennial cover

Large Saline Wetland saline wetlands; include emergent & riparian zones between 8 and 40 hectares

Large Seasonal Wetland freshwater wetlands; include emergent between 8 and 40 hectares andand riparian zones are present for longer than 3 years

Large Semi-permanent Wetland freshwater wetlands; include emergent from 8 to 40 hectares in size; occurand riparian zones on semi-permanent basis

Medium Seasonal Wetland freshwater wetlands; include emergent from 1 to 8 hectares in size; existand riparian zones for longer than three weeks

Medium Semi-permanent freshwater wetlands; include emergent from 1 to 8 hectares in size; occurWetland and riparian zones on a semi-permanent basis

Riparian areas adjacent to creeks and rivers and theassociated uplands

Small Seasonal Wetland freshwater wetlands; include emergent less that one hectare in size; persistand riparian zones for greater than three weeks into

the summer

Small Semi-permanent freshwater wetlands; include emergent less than one hectare in size;Wetland and riparian zones existing on a semi-permanent basis

Identified habitat type Features Land use/size

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Appendix C: 153 Species of Birds Commonly Found at Beaverhill Lake

(from Dekker 1998 and Fairweather 1995)

Pied-billed GrebeHorned GrebeEared GrebeWestern GrebeAmerican White PelicanDouble-crested CormorantAmerican BitternGreat Blue HeronBlack-crowned Night HeronTundra SwanGreater White-fronted GooseSnow GooseCanada GooseGreen-winged TealMallardNorthern PintailBlue-winged TealCinnamon TealNorthern ShovelerGadwallAmerican WigeonCanvasbackRedheadLesser ScaupWhite-winged ScoterCommon GoldeneyeBuffleheadCommon MerganserRed-breasted MergangerRuddy DuckBald EagleNorthern HarrierSharp-shinned HawkCooper’s HawkSwainson’s HawkRed-tailed HawkRough-legged HawkAmerican KestrelMerlinPeregrine FalconGray PartridgeRing-necked PheasantRuffed GrouseSharp-tailed GrouseYellow RailSoraAmerican Coot

Sandhill CraneBlack-bellied PloverAmerican Golden PloverSemipalmated PloverKilldeerAmerican AvocetGreater YellowlegsLesser YellowlegsSolitary SandpiperWilletSpotted SandpiperUpland SandpiperWhimbrelHudsonian GodwitMarbled GodwitRuddy TurnstoneRed KnotSanderlingSemipalmated SandpiperLeast SandpiperWhite-rumped SandpiperBaird’s SandpiperPectoral SandpiperStilt SandpiperBuff-breasted SandpiperShort-billed DowitcherLong-billed DowitcherCommon SnipeWilson’s PhalaropeRed-necked PhalaropeFranklin’s GullBonaparte’s GullRing-billed GullCalifornia GullCommon TernForster’s TernBlack TernRock DoveGreat Horned OwlSnowy OwlShort-eared OwlDowny WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerWestern Wood-PeweeAlder FlycatcherLeast FlycatcherEastern Kingbird

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Appendix C: 153 Species of Birds Commonly Found at Beaverhill Lakecont’d

Horned LarkPurple MartinTree SwallowBank SwallowCliff SwallowBarn SwallowBlue JayBlack-billed magpieAmerican CrowBlack-capped ChickadeeRed-breasted NuthatchHouse WrenMarsh WrenRuby-crowned KingletMountain BluebirdSwainson’s ThrushAmerican RobinAmerican PipitSprague’s PipitCedar WaxwingEuropean StarlingRed-eyed VireoWarbling VireoTennessee WarblerOrange-crowned WarblerYellow WarblerMagnolia WarblerYellow-rumped WarblerPalm WarblerAmerican RedstartCommon Yellowthroat

Wilson’s WarblerRose-breasted GrosbeakAmerican Tree SparrowChipping SparrowClay-coloured SparrowVesper SparrowSavannah SparrowLeConte’s SparrowNelson’s Sharp-tailed SparrowSong SparrowLincoln’s SparrowSwamp SparrowWhite-throated SparrowWhite-crowned SparrowDark-eyed JuncoLapland LongspurSnow BuntingBobolinkRed-winged BlackbirdWestern MeadowlarkYellow-headed BlackbirdBrewer’s BlackbirdCommon GrackleBrown-headed CowbirdNorthern OriolePurple FinchAmerican GoldfinchHouse Sparrow

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Appendix D: 69 Species of Birds Uncommon at Beaverhill Lake

Common Loon Northern Rough-winged SwallowRed-necked Grebe Common RavenRoss’s Goose Boreal ChickadeeAmerican Black Duck Brown CreeperRing-necked Duck Sedge WrenGreater Scaup Golden-crowned KingletSurf Scoter VeeryBarrow’s Goldeneye Hermit ThrushHooded Merganser Gray CatbirdOsprey Brown ThrasherNorthern Goshawk Bohemian WaxwingFerruginous Hawk Northern ShrikeGolden Eagle Loggerhead ShrikeGyrfalcon Solitary VireoPrairie Falcon Philadelphia VireoPiping Plover Cape May WarblerLong-billed Curlew Black-throated Green WarblerWestern Sandpiper Bay-breasted WarblerDunlin Blackpoll WarblerRed Phalarope OvenbirdParasitic Jaeger Northern WaterthrushHerring Gull Mourning WarblerGlaucous Gull Canada WarblerMourning Dove Western TanagerBlack-billed Curlew Baird’s SparrowLong-eared Owl Fox SparrowNorthern Saw-whet Owl Harris’ SparrowCommon Nighthawk Smith’s LongspurRuby-throated Hummingbird Chestnut-collared LongspurYellow-bellied Sapsucker Rusty BlackbirdHairy Woodpecker Common RedpollOlive-sided Flycatcher Pine SiskinYellow-bellied Flycatcher Evening GrosbeakWillow FlycatcherEastern PhoebeSay’s Phoebe

(from Dekker 1998 and Fairweather 1995)

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Appendix E: 64 Species of Birds Rare at Beaverhill Lake

(from Dekker 1998 and Fairweather 1995)

Red-throated LoonClark’s GrebeGreat EgretSnowy EgretWhite-faced IbisTrumpeter SwanBrantWood DuckEurasian WigeonBlack ScoterHarlequin DuckOldsquawTurkey VultureGreater Prairie-ChickenVirginia RailWhooping CraneBlack-necked StiltWandering TattlerSurfbirdSharp-tailed SandpiperRuffLong-tailed JaegerLittle GullMew GullIceland GullBlack-legged KittiwakeSabine’s GullCaspian TernArctic TernAncient MurreletBarred OwlNorthern Hawk-Owl

Boreal OwlBurrowing OwlBelted KingfisherRed-headed WoodpeckerPileated WoodpeckerGreat Crested FlycatcherWestern KingbirdGray JayWhite-breasted NuthatchWinter WrenTownsend’s SolitaireWood ThrushGray-cheeked ThrushVaried ThrushNorthern MockingbirdNashville WarblerChestnut-sided WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlackburnian WarblerTownsend’s WarblerMacGillivray’s WarblerConnecticut WarblerScarlet TanagerLark SparrowLark BuntingGolden-crowned SparrowMcCown’s LongspurIndigo BuntingRed CrossbillWhite-winged CrossbillPine GrosbeakHoary Redpoll

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