Operation Grassland Community
Final Report - 1995

Table of Illustrations

	FIGURES
1.	Historic and present breeding range of the burrowing owl in prairie Canada
2.	Historic and present breeding range of the loggerhead shrike in Canada
3.	Table and graph showing the results of OBO census
4.	Table and graph detailing number of agreements and area protected from 1989- 1995

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1.0 Introduction

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) was listed as a Threatened species in Canada in 1978 by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (Wedgewood 1978; Hjertaas et al.1995). The owl has had full protection under Alberta's Wildlife Act since 1985. Due to continued population decline, an update on the status of the burrowing owl was completed in early 1995. In accordance with the recommendations of the update, the burrowing owl was moved from the Threatened category to the more severe Endangered category in April 1995 (Wellicome and Haug 1995; COSEWIC 1995). The Recovery of Nationally Endangered Wildlife (RENEW) (Hjertaas et al.1995) lists loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat as a primary factor contributing to the decline of the burrowing owl (See Figure 1).

The most significant threats to the owls' existence are : 1) the loss of habitat to urban and agricultural development and 2) the indirect loss of nest burrows resulting from intense control of burrowing mammal activities (Zarn 1974). Other factors have been identified as probable causes of the decline and these include: vehicle collisions, shootings, secondary poisoning by insecticide applications, increased predation pressure, and a limiting food supply (Ratcliffe 1986; James and Fox 1987; Fox et al 1989; Haug and Oliphant 1990).

On December 22, 1995, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada (1995) released its Decision Document regarding carbofuran (Furadan). This document explains the results of the review for each use of carbofuran. Operation Burrowing Owl was instrumental in publicizing the effect that this chemical had on the burrowing owl and other wildlife. The discontinuation of the sale of Furadan 480F (Liquid Formulation), effective December 31, 1995, is an important step in addressing the known limiting factors affecting burrowing owls.

The Western loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus exucubitorides) population is listed by COSEWIC (1995) as Threatened and the Eastern loggerhead shrike (L.l. migrans) is listed as Endangered (See Figure 2). The most probable reason for decline is habitat loss (Prescott and Collister 1993). Other suspected causes include pesticide contamination (Busbee 1977, Anderson and Duzan 1978, Morrison 1979), increased heterospecific competition, increasing human disturbance (Cadman 1985, Hands et al. 1989) and climate change (Cadman 1985). It is estimated that 5,000 pairs of loggerhead shrike are in Alberta during the breeding season (R. Bjorge pers. comm.).

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2.0 Synopsis of Operation Grassland Community

Operation Grassland Community (OGC) was initiated in 1994 and is an umbrella program for the highly successful Operation Burrowing Owl (OBO) program, that began in Alberta in 1989. Operation Grassland Community profiles species as representatives of the various communities that make up the grassland ecosystem. The concept of linking a charismatic species, like the burrowing owl, to other species that rely on the grassland, became the premise of the new program. The loggerhead shrike was the first species to be profiled by OGC.

Operation Grassland Community is one of the habitat programs of the Alberta Fish and Game Association (AFGA), a non-government organization of the hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts of Alberta. The AFGA assumed responsibility for Operation Burrowing Owl in 1990. In 1993 the AFGA endorsed the expansion of OBO into the multi-species program Operation Grassland Community.

There are currently 243 members in OGC protecting over 26,000 hectares of habitat. An OGC member is someone who has signed a five year voluntary habitat protection agreement.

The main goal of OGC is:

During coming years, OGC will profile other species and habitats. Herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) are an important component of the prairie's natural history and food web; they could be used as indicator species of the health of the landscape. OGC offers an opportunity for people to participate in understanding more about the grassland ecosystem through projects such as population monitoring, habitat enhancement and stewardship.

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3.0 Program Support

OGC and OBO have been based at the Brooks Pheasant Hatchery in Brooks, Alberta since 1990. Alberta Agriculture acquired responsibility for the facility from Alberta Environmental Protection in 1993. The use of the office, the services of a receptionist and access to the provincial government's Regional Information Telephone Exchange (RITE) system have greatly reduced overhead costs. The RITE line is well publicized by OGC as a toll-free way to report sightings, to request information or to respond to the annual census. The support of the Brooks Pheasant Hatchery has been a valuable asset to the program. Brooks is centrally located in the grassland of Alberta and is well established and recognized as OGC headquarters.

The Brooks Pheasant Hatchery is in the process of being privatized and this has forced OGC to seek other office space. The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) has graciously made temporary office space available for the 1996 season in their office building in Brooks.

The coordinator was assisted by summer student Heidi Hargrove in 1995. Volunteer assistance was supplied by: Alberta Fish and Game Association staff, Kathy Scobie, OGC Coordinator and Fish and Game Clubs including Medicine Hat, Brooks and District, Sarcee and Calgary.

Operation Grassland Community is a nonprofit, charitable program and we would like to thank and acknowledge the generous financial support in 1995 of the following agencies: Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Endangered Species Recovery Fund (Canadian Wildlife Service and World Wildlife Fund), Environmental Partners Fund (replaced by Action21 in 1996), and Wildlife Habitat Canada.

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4.0 Communications

4.1 Annual Mail-out

The format of the 1994 OBO newsletter was well received and was adopted for the 1995 issue take a trip to OBO in Saskatchewan . Alberta and Saskatchewan OBO coordinators alternate compiling the newsletter. In 1995, Alberta was responsible for assembling the newsletter with input and coediting from the OBO Saskatchewan coordinator, Heather Dundas. Many thanks to Troy Wellicome, Geoff Holroyd and Alberta Environmental Protection - Education Branch for their contributions to the newsletter. Saskatchewan will be responsible for compiling the newsletter in 1996. The newsletter, census post card, and a member brochure were included in the annual mail-out.

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4.2 Brochures/Pamphlets

A flyer was developed in response to the uplisting of the burrowing owl from the Threatened to the Endangered category. Approximately 1500 of these flyers were distributed to Fish and Wildlife Offices, the public during public presentations and as a handout at various other venues where the display was set up.

A brochure on the loggerhead shrike was developed. This brochure gives a brief life history and describes the limiting factors as well as discussing OGC. A mail-in form is attached and contact information provided to encourage response. Approximately 2,000 of these brochures were distributed to various public displays throughout central and southern Alberta. The distribution of these brochures coincided with the release of Alberta Environmental Protection's brochure, Alberta's Threatened Wildlife: Loggerhead Shrike and also mentions OGC.

Operation Burrowing Owl brochures were distributed to various venues along with a brochure detailing Alberta landowner habitat programs (including OGC). An updated brochure on the burrowing owl and a brochure on Operation Grassland Community are in the final stages of production.

Operation Burrowing Owl was a contributor to, and consulted for, the development of the Burrowing Owl Teacher's Guide (AEP 1995). This teacher's guide is intended for elementary age students with activities that focus on developing knowledge of the burrowing owl's habitat requirements and limiting factors, and the ways people can help the burrowing owl.

Alberta Environmental Protection, Canadian Wildlife Service and the World Wildlife Fund supplied educational brochures and pamphlets that were made available to the public through OGC.

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4.3 Media

Operation Grassland Community provided information for the Saskatchewan River Basin Interpretation Project. This project was lead by Banff National Park Staff.

The World Wildlife Fund's video, Before Its Too Late, began airing nationally on various television networks in the spring of 1995. This programs features a segment on Operation Burrowing Owl and associated efforts. This program continues to be aired nationally.

Several film crews were accommodated by OGC during 1995. This resulted in several productions that may appear on the Discovery Channel in 1996. Missing Link Productions, Calgary, Alberta is currently marketing a production, Night Moves, that Operation Grassland Community assisted in by supplying discrete locations for the filming of burrowing owls. Operation Grassland Community was also interviewed for an ACCESS Network Alberta Grade 12 Biology teleconference video that will be incorporated into a curriculum in 1996.

In late April 1995, Operation Grassland Community was featured in a CBC Calgary News segment 1995 that dealt with the uplisting of the burrowing owl to the Endangered category. Various print media articles were also intiated or profiled OGC or OBO.

Operation Grassland Community is on the Internet as a link to the Dinosaur Provincial Park Home Page. This link will be updated in 1996. The URL address for this page is http://www.worldweb.com/AEP/parks/Dinosaur/oprgrass.html

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4.4 Liaisons

A working relationship is maintained with Alberta Agriculture, Alberta Environmental Protection, Canadian Wildlife Service, North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Ducks Unlimited, Eastern Irrigation District as well as various consultants, petroleum companies, naturalist groups and interested individuals.

The OGC display was set up in the interpretive centre at the Brooks Pheasant Hatchery that was visited by over 2000 tourists in 1995. The display was also set up at the Alberta Ecotrust's Annual General Meeting, the Calgary Boat and Sportsman Show, the 4th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Workshop, the Brooks Trade Show, the Brooks Envirofair and the Alberta Fish and Game Association's Annual Conference.

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5.0 Results

5.1 Census

The census postcards were mailed out with the annual newsletter to all members of OBO. Every year something new has been tried to encourage the mail-in portion of the census; in 1995 postage was added to the postcard and a 50% return rate was achieved on the mail-in portion. The remaining members were contacted by phone. Ninety-five percent responded to the census. The results are presented in Figure 3.

Despite an increase in the membership over the years, the census results continue to imply a decline in the number of returning burrowing owls. Most landowners have good knowledge of their land and are alarmed at the decrease in burrowing owls returning to their areas.

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5.2 Renewals

Ninety-three agreements were due for renewal in 1995. Eighty-three agreements were successfully negotiated with over 1900 hectares added to these agreements. Eight agreements were cancelled and two were mailed out and have not yet been returned.

All members who joined in 1990 were contacted and a site visit arranged at the landholders convenience. Those members who could not be contacted were mailed their renewal form. The renewal involves changing the date on the original agreement and the OGC representative and the landholder initialing the changes; in some cases, the agreement was completely rewritten. Concerns about the owls and a variety of other issues were discussed with the landholder. An opportunity to include more habitat is extended to recognize changes in land use or owl habitation. A summary of this information is presented in Figure 4.

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5.3 Database

Significant development of the database was accomplished in 1995. All available burrowing owl and loggerhead shrike locations have been entered into a relational database. A relational database allows more flexibility in organizing, finding and presenting data. Compared to a flat file database, a relational database is also more easily adapted to other applications such as a Geographic Information System (GIS).

OGC contributed to a poster display (Duncan et al. 1995) at the 4th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Workshop held in Lethbridge, February 1995. A base map using NOAA Satellite Imagery provided a visual representation of burrowing owl distribution according to habitat association. Burrowing owl nest site data from Alberta (1980-1994), Saskatchewan (1987-1994) and Manitoba (1982-1994) were assimilated and mapped at the Manitoba Conservation Data Center. This map gives an interpretation of burrowing owl distribution at the ecosystem level and is an excellent example of interprovincial cooperation.

OGC provided input for the development of a biodiversity database which is being developed by Alberta Environmental Protection. This database should be ready for preliminary testing in 1996 and OGC has offered to assist in "field testing" the data collection forms.

OGC's database is currently being adapted for input into the EID's GIS system. This merging of wildlife data with the existing system offers many exciting possibilities.

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5.4 Land-Use Referrals and Mitigation

There was some intense oil and gas activity on the prairies in 1995. The OGC database allows for rapid response to inquiries regarding development. Alberta Environmental Protection and many consultants recognize this database as one of the most complete and accessible for the profile species. OGC has, on occasion, released burrowing owl locations on public lands, but will not release the OBO database until issues surrounding the confidentiality of the landholders in the program can be addressed.

OGC responded to more than 40 referrals in 1995, mostly from the petroleum sector. PanCanadian Petroleum and NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd displayed extraordinary sensitivity to nest sites. Projects were rescheduled and in some cases artificial nesting structures were installed to lessen the impact of a disturbance.

OGC represented the AFGA during the Express Pipeline project National Energy Board (NEB) Hearings. This project involves 435 km of 24" pipeline that traverses three natural regions from Hardisty to Wildhorse, Alberta. A brief was prepared for the NEB Hearings and OGC has agreed to participate in an Environmental Advisory Committee. The Committee will make recommendations on factors such as seed mixtures, soil handling, reclamation and wildlife issues. Over 75% of the 435 km pipeline will traverse the grassland natural region.

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6.0 Recommendations

Encourage landholders' involvement to protect/enhance habitat whether the profile species are present or not.

Develop OGC Internet Home Page with information on the program, the natural history of profile species and links to other pages (e.g., Nature Saskatchewan).

Establish mechanisms to ensure confidentiality of members when sharing information with outside organizations.

Recommend that any Endangered Species Legislation should respect the efforts of OGC members.

Continue to advocate and lobby for a multispecies/ecosystem-based flagship program to address the prairie landscape.

Continue to work with multiple agencies and jurisdictions to strengthen partnerships and thus avoid duplication and overlap of programs.

Continue to develop educational materials that highlight the profile species and encourage public/landholder involvement in OGC.

Emphasize the critical situation facing the burrowing owl in Canada.

Incorporate herptiles into OGC, encourage landholder involvement though habitat retention/enhancement, promote Alberta Environmental Protection - Amphibian Monitoring Kits and become involved in the Declining Amphibian Populations in Canada (DAPCAN) Task Force.

Continue to develop and solicit volunteer assistance.

Highlight the ban of Carbofuran as a proactive step in addressing the known limiting factors of the burrowing owl and other wildlife.

Continue to work with Recovery Teams and research projects.

Maintain high profile of program and species through media, public presentations and the Internet.

Work with other organizations and act as a lead agency in research projects.

Continue as resource for mitigation involving development activities.

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