"Eco" implies the environment and "system" is a complex of coordinated units. Literally ecosystem management would mean to manage all components of a very complex environment. Obviously we have no control over the weather so we can focus our attention on terrestrial and aquatic life forms. To make it a little easier let us focus on the prairie ecosystem as we are sitting in the middle of one of the largest tracts of unbroken prairie in Canada.
Of all the species at risk in Alberta, 73% rely on the prairie. Over 200 species are listed at risk in Canada and 1/3 of these species occur on the prairie. Most recovery efforts focus on the species that are listed "at risk". At risk means that they are classified as vulnerable, threatened, endangered or extirpated. This classification system can give the impression that these are unique organisms. The numbers of listed species speaks to a larger concern that these species are indicators of a prairie ecosystem under stress.
It is important to restore and protect species at risk, but this is only one component of what should be a comprehensive approach to addressing the ecosystem. There needs to be more focus on the conservation of systems and the maintenance of healthy natural environments that support these "unique" organisms. There are a few programs and many partners that are working to alleviate the impact that humankind has on the environment. One of these programs is the Alberta Fish and Game Association's, Operation Grassland Community.
Initiated in 1994, Operation Grassland Community (OGC) is fashioned after and parents the highly successful Operation Burrowing Owl (OBO) program. OBO was initiated in Alberta in 1989 and is modelled after the OBO program that began in Saskatchewan in 1987. OGC profiles various species that are at risk as representatives of the various habitats that make up the grassland community. The main goals of the program are to raise awareness of the profile species at risk, to encourage landholder involvement by voluntarily protecting habitat and to conduct an annual Alberta population census of the profile species.
Operation Burrowing Owl raises awareness of some of the factors affecting the owl. Some of the known factors include: the loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat due to urban, industrial and agricultural activities; the use of some insecticides; vehicle collisions; shootings; and the lack of understanding about their migration route or wintering areas. It was recognized that these factors and the habitat protected for burrowing owls affected many other species as well.
The loggerhead shrike was profiled in 1994 and herptiles (amphibians and reptiles) will be highlighted in 1996. Landholders are encouraged to protect habitat whether the profiled species are present or not. OGC provides landholders with an opportunity to integrate wildlife into their operations by providing them with the information necessary to make knowledgable decisions. OGC is also asked to consult on industrial and urban activities which affect the prairie landscape.
OGC is approaching the concept of ecosystem management from a multispecies approach. By highlighting various species at risk, raising awareness of their habitat requirements and the factors affecting their decline, OGC is assisting people to reexamine their practices and their impact on wildlife. A healthy wildlife community is one of the indicators of a healthy environment.
Operation Grassland Community is not alone in its work. Many other professionals in different levels of government and non government organizations like the Eastern Irrigation District and North American Waterfowl Management Plan, are consulted and encouraged to provide input into the program. Any success at an ecosystem level can only be achieved through the cooperation of many different aspects of society. Ecosystem management can not be attained solely by biologists trying to recover species at risk. This concept has far reaching implications that has a lot to do with individual, grassroot efforts like recycling and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.
Become involved, contact your local Fish and Wildlife office to learn more about the "critters" that we share this landscape with, get involved with a birding or naturalist group, check to see if there are any sustainable community initiatives in your area, contact organizations like OGC that are doing something. If nothing else, take a moment at the end of the day to reflect on your activities and ponder what you have done to give something back to this wonderful planet that we share with so many other "neighbours".
For more information contact:
Phone: (403) 362-1400
Fax: (403) 362-6206
Email: dscobie@eid.awinc.com
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