Photo by The Good Planet Project
Carnivores and Communities Program
Video on use of electric fences
in conflict mitigation with large carnivores
Electric fences continue to be an effective tool for decreasing conflict with large carnivores like bears, wolves, and cougars. The Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (has joined with Jay Honeyman of Alberta Environment and Parks (also a member of WBRA’s Carnivore Working Group) in a new video called ‘Zapped! Managing Bear Conflict in Southern Alberta’ which showcases the use of electric fences in large carnivore conflict prevention in the Province of Alberta.
Have a look, and feel free to contact Jeff Bectell, our Carnivores and Communities Program (CACP) Coordinator, at jbectell@watertonbiosphere.com if you think electric fencing might be something we could help you with to solve your large carnivore problems. Cost sharing between Waterton Biosphere Reserve landowners and the CACP is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss a potential project.
|
|
Stewarding Trumpeter Swans Through the Seasons in the Waterton Biosphere Reserve
Year 2 of our project is under way which means – it’s time to report your swan sightings
That’s right, the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association is flying into year two of our Stewarding Trumpeter Swans Through the Seasons project! Even though it feels like we just wrapped up year one of the project, there is no denying that trumpeter swans are on their way and we need to be ready.
As we launch into year two of our project, we want to know where and when you see swans– maybe the swans are there temporarily during migration or maybe they’ll stay for the summer either breeding or loafing (akin to teenagers just hanging out). However they choose to spend their time, we want to hear about it! You can report your sightings to swans@watertonbiosphere.com or to Elizabeth at 403-563-0058.
You can view our project infographic here to learn more about reporting sightings and to learn even more about trumpeter swans and our project, you can view our project webpage here.
We want to send a huge thank you to Shell Canada-Foothills Legacy Fund, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership for funding our Stewarding Trumpeter Swans Through the Seasons project this year. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to diving even deeper into this project in the months ahead!
Project Volunteer Call
Want to be a volunteer birder for our swan project this spring? Here’s what you can expect:
- We provide training on how to identify trumpeter swans compared to tundra swans and how to collect and document your findings.
- Areas are assigned based on previous data on swan use of waterbodies and volunteer proximity.
- Volunteers go out once a week over an 8- to 12-week period to survey wetlands visible from roads in an assigned area, though some choose to go out more frequently.
- Multiple volunteers from further afield may be paired to allow more flexibility in scheduling.
- You get out to explore areas you might not have otherwise, while contributing information on swan use of the area that helps guide conservation actions.
We will soon be coordinating and training volunteers in swan identification and data collection for our spring swan migration monitoring. This training session will likely be held between March 10th – 15th and will be 2 hours in length. If you would like to join our trumpeter swan project this year or would like more information, please reach out – swans@watertonbiosphere.com or 403-563-0058.
Photo by Asher Warkentin
Photo by Ryan Peruniak
WBR 2022-2026 Cooperation Plan
Forums
The Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association recently hosted two public engagement forums – February 15th and 17th – for our 2022 – 2026 Cooperation Plan. Thank you to everyone who attended. Your presence, interest, and support of the Waterton Biosphere Reserve and the future of the region is greatly appreciated! The care that people have for this place is unquestionable.
Next Steps
We will be spending the next few months sorting the input gathered from the survey, forums, targeted meetings, and emails we’ve received and working on putting together our new Cooperation Plan that will guide us through the next five years. Stay tuned as we aim to distribute the new plan come July!
