| January to May 2003 For the sake of brevity, these archived updates have been edited. Items such as job postings, which are of little interest after the date has past, have been omitted. | CMI Members’ Update for January 23, 2003 |
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1. CMI News
The “Climate Change in the Columbia Basin” workshop held last weekend in Cranbrook attracted about 140 registered participants, double the number originally anticipated by the organizing committee. Presentations were on the past and future changes in climate in the Basin, and on impacts of climate change on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The workshop report will be available on our web site in early April. This was a “first steps” kind of workshop, with overview talks. There is clearly a need for more detailed climate change information and interpretations of what that information means for each sector. As climate change research continues, CMI will be involved in bringing research results to the public. CMI worked with the following partners in hosting this workshop – BC Hydro, Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Network, Columbia Basin Trust, District of Invermere, East Kootenay Environmental Society, and the Ministry of Water, Lands, and Air Protection (Climate Change Branch). 3. Economic Value of Wildlife Recreation
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has produced a report on the economic value of wildlife recreation: http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/pubaffrs/adding_it_up.htm 4. Columbia Basin F&W Compensation Program Handbook Available On-line
Would you like to know more about current and past Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program projects? Detailed information on this year's 47 fish and wildlife projects is contained in the 2002-03 Fish & Wildlife Project Handbook, a resource guide recently distributed to educators, scientists, resource managers and conservation groups in the region. The handbook can be downloaded from www.cbfishwildlife.org . This website also includes reports from hundreds of completed projects on a variety of fish and wildlife species found in the Columbia Basin. If you prefer to look at a print copy of the handbook, contact Barry Bartlett, 250-352-6874 or email him at barry.bartlett@bchydro.bc.ca. 5. Funding for Environment Projects
The Green Source is a resource guide prepared by Environment Canada that will help you locate numerous sources of funding for environmental projects. It includes information on public and private sector programs and organizations that provide assistance, labour costs or in-kind donations to community groups. It is now available in a searchable database format located at:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/grnsrc/index_f.cfm If you are a member in good standing, and have signed a “Research Associate Memorandum of Understanding” with the CMI, we may be able to help you access funds that are not available to individuals. Note that CMI does not have charitable status. 6. Workshops and Conferences Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network ON-LINE Workshops These workshops address northern issues but you may find items of interest. The "Climate Change and Infrastructure" workshop has already happened but you can view the proceedings, some attached documents, and a list of participants for C-CIARN North's first online workshop, at: http://www.taiga.net/c-ciarn-north/online1.html A second online workshop is scheduled for February 5-6. The theme is "Climate Change and Resource Development". For more details, visit: http://www.taiga.net/c-ciarn-north/online2.html Building Sustainable Communities: Living with Wildlife
Corridors, Structures and Community Development in an Evolving Landscape
March 18-20, 2003
Canmore, Alberta This field seminar brings together a diversity of perspectives based on the last decade of practical experience in Canmore, the Bow Valley and Banff National Park. Speaker topics range from urban development to wildlife ecology; from real estate to conservation management. The speakers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and all have practical hands-on experience in finding ways to support the coexistence of healthy wildlife populations with vibrant communities. This event is co-sponsored by the Urban Development Institute, Canmore Chapter and the G8 Environmental Legacy Project. Access Management 2003
Calgary Alberta
March 18-19, 2003 The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists invites you to attend a two-day conference that explores the ongoing debate surrounding Access Management. The roles of stakeholders and approaches to ecological and natural resources sustainability are discussed. Implementing of effective Access Management continues to be a mitigation factor for cumulative effects in sensitive ecosystems in Canada. The debate surrounding this complex management issue ranges from policy level issues, to balancing the needs of the public (users), industry and sustainability of resources. Information is posted at the ASPB website: www.aspb.ab.ca 2003 International Association of Landscape Ecology Symposium
Banff Centre, Banff, Alberta
April 2-6, 2003 For more information on this workshop or to submit an abstract, please visit:
http://www.zoo.utoronto.ca/US-IALE_2003/ Water Stewardship: How Are We Managing?
56th Canadian Water Resources Association Annual Conference
June 11-13, 2003
Vancouver, BC This conference will provide a forum for exchange of knowledge and discussion of important issues pertaining to the usage of water resources. The conference theme has been selected to reflect the current challenges, issues and questions faced by professionals today: aquatic habitats; source protection; floodplain management; groundwater; watershed management; storm water management; legislation, liability and policy; and water supply and monitoring. http://www.cwra.org/events/arts/vancouver_03/van03promo1en.html World Summit on Salmon
June 2003
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC Despite the efforts of advocates, academics, governments, fisheries managers and a concerned public, the world's salmon continue to wither under numerous environmental and economic pressures. Simon Fraser University and its partners will host a world summit on wild salmon. The summit is meant to be a special forum for the globe's leading salmon scientists, conservationists and managers. The four main themes are:
to review the prognosis and prospects of the world's wild salmon; to identify knowledge gaps and directions for future research; to advance full-cost assessment of wild salmon; and to provide a framework for action. For more info: http://www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/calendar.htm Call for Papers
52nd Annual Wildlife Disease Association Conference
August 11-14, 2003
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The international scientific meeting of the Wildlife Disease Association will consist of presentations and posters on all aspects of wildlife disease, with special sessions on the population effects of disease, immune function and other bioindicators of disease, and cervid diseases. For complete information, please visit the conference web site at http://wildlife.usask.ca/WDA2003 Call for Papers
World Wolf Congress 2003 - Bridging Science and Community
September 25-28, 2003
Banff, Alberta The Central Rockies Wolf Project is inviting the world community to share scientific and community approaches to wolf management and conservation. This congress will bring together an international delegation of scientists, government agencies, hunters, ranchers, conservationists, members of the business community, artisans, and the general public to discuss wolf ecology and conservation. We invite you to submit an individual paper or poster abstract submission for the World Wolf Congress 2003. Abstract submissions must be received by March 15, 2003. For information visit: www.worldwolfcongress.ca Mountains as Water Towers - Banff Mountain Summit 2003
Banff Alberta
November 23-26, 2003 Part of the United Nations International Year of Fresh Water and Canada's Wonder of Water celebrations, this conference spotlights the worldwide importance of mountain watersheds. It is expected to draw scientists, researchers, writers, government officials and environmental agency representatives from across North America and around the world. One-half of the world's people drink water that originates in mountain areas. As downstream demand increases, the potential for conflict over the ownership and use of that water increases. As global climate changes and airborne pollution increases, the quantity and quality of water available downstream becomes compromised. Issues include water shortage on the prairies due to shrinking Rocky Mountain glaciers, mountain water ecosystems, water ownership, effects of climate change, and mountain watershed management. For more info contact: debra_hornsby@banffcentre.ca
| CMI Members’ Update for February 19, 2003 |
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1. On-Line Climate Change Information
Indicators of Climate Change in British Columbia 2002
Those of you who attended our "Climate Change in the Columbia Basin" workshop probably picked up this booklet from the handout table. It is also available on-line. The report documents how the climate in British Columbia changed during the 20th century and the rates at which these changes occurred. It outlines the potential impacts of these changes on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems and on human communities. The report also describes how climate change is likely to affect the province during the 21st century. Visit: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/air/climate/indicat/index.html 2. Notice of New Prices for Historical Climate and Water Data
The Meteorological Service of Canada has changed the prices for historical climate and stream flow data, both for CDs and for customized requests for data. This notice applies to the CDCD daily climate CDs for Eastern and Western Canada and the HYDAT CD containing stream flow, level and sediment observations for Canada. ISO images of each CD can now be downloaded from their web site free of charge. Once downloaded, ISO images can be made into CD's using the appropriate CD writer and software. Off-the-shelf values for these CD’s are $100 and more. For more information visit:
http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/climate/newPriceAnnounce_e.cfm 3. Workshops and Courses Forestry Continuing Studies Network Courses
Here are just a few of the FCN upcoming courses: - Raptor Inventory Training
- GPS Training for Field Operators
- Developing A Due Diligence Program
- Forest and Grassland Songbird Inventory Training
Visit their web site at www.fcsn.bc.ca to see the complete list of courses, dates, costs, etc. You can be put on a list serve to be notified of new courses. The Leading Edge - Stewardship and Conservation in Canada 2003
University of Victoria, Victoria BC
July 3-6, 2003 This conference will focus on how Canadians steward and protect their natural and cultural legacy. The event will showcase progressive practices and share the most innovative tools, techniques and visions found in Canada. For more info:
www.stewardship2003.ca
| CMI Members’ Update for March 28, 2003 |
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1. CMI News
The report for the Climate Change in the Columbia Basin workshop is now available on our web site. CMI Links Section has been Revamped
I have completed a thorough re-vamping of the Links section on the CMI web site. Lots of new links are now available. Additional links will be posted in April. If I’ve missed a link that you think the members would like to know about, please send me the web site address and I’ll put post it. CMI Member Updates Now Archived on Web Site
Take a look at the “Resources on this Web Site” section of www.cmiae.org and you’ll find an archive of past CMI Member Updates. The archive will always be a few months out of date. After all, receiving the email bulletins in a timely fashion is a privilege of membership in the CMI! But if you want to check up on an item that you no longer have on your computer, now you can just look in the archive. If you want me to resend an email that isn’t archived yet, just drop me a line at office@cmiae.org. 2. High Priority Private Land in BC Acquired for Critical Wildlife Habitat
A group of leading British Columbia land conservation organizations has acquired the 4,037-hectare Hofert/Hoodoos property in the East Kootenays. Known for the distinctive "Hoodoos" formations on its southern edge, this property between Fairmont Hot Springs and Invermere contains numerous red and blue-listed species and provides vital winter range, migration corridors, and staging ground for a variety of animals. The property was purchased by a partnership led by The Nature Trust of British Columbia, the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the BC Conservation Foundation, and the Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Fund. To find out more, visit the web site of the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program at:
http://www.cbfishwildlife.org/ 3. Short-Eared Owl and American Bittern Sightings
The Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program is sponsoring a survey of Short-eared Owls and American Bitterns in the Columbia Basin. The project seeks to determine the breeding distribution of these two species, and identify hot spots and conservation issues. One component of the project is to draw on the considerable local knowledge of residents to refine the inventory. If you have specific knowledge of these species or wish to volunteer on the project, please contact John Krebs at john.krebs@bchydro.bc.ca . The survey will be conducted between April 15 and June 15, 2003. 4. Bulkley Valley Centre for Natural Resources Research and Management
There is a new non-profit society base in Smithers, British Columbia, called the “Bulkley Valley Centre for Natural Resources Research and Management”. The group’s aim is to undertake high quality research into temperate, Montane, and Boreal ecosystems that will advance scientific knowledge of the sustainability of natural resources. Research results and demonstrations of sustainable management will be provided to the public (hmm, sounds familiar!). Further information on the Centre and membership information can be found on their website, at http://www.bvcentre.ca . 5. Funding Sources/Calls for Proposals The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program for the Americas The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program has announced its 2003 competitions. The program is a collaboration among Canon U.S.A., Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the US National Park Service. The program will be awarding eight US$78,000 scholarships to Ph.D. students throughout the Americas (Four scholarships go to the North Americans outside of the USA) in support of conducting research critical to conserving the national parks of the region. Research projects in the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences are eligible, as well as projects in the new category of technology innovation in support of conservation science. Applications must be received by 15 May 2003. For complete information visit: http://www.nature.nps.gov/canonscholarships/ . 2003 Grassroots Minigrant Proposals Sought
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative’s Minigrants Program, a funding opportunity for grassroots activists that belong to the Y2Y Network, has been extended to a sixth year. The purpose of the minigrants program is to provide funding to small projects and organizations that support the Y2Y mission and vision. The Y2Y Conservation Initiative will distribute these funds to grassroots organizations, individuals, and scientists who are pursuing efforts conducive to Y2Y's vision. No single grant will exceed CDN $3,000. The application deadline is April 25, 2003. CMI is eligible to sponsor these projects on behalf of members, but note that we need lots of lead time to review project descriptions and budgets. Questions about the minigrants program should be directed to Rowan Hill (403-609-2666 extension 6; hub@y2y.net). Earthwatch Institute: Call for Proposals Research grants are available from the Earthwatch Institute. Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that supports scholarly field research worldwide in the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences. Field research grant awards are derived from funds contributed by Earthwatch members who serve as volunteer participants on the research projects. Volunteers are educated and motivated individuals who are recruited and screened by Earthwatch to meet scientists' needs. Scientists, resource managers, and qualified professionals involved in basic and applied research are eligible to apply as individuals or as teams. Principal Investigators must be present in the field and oversee all research activities.
Earthwatch awards research grants on a per capita basis; the total grant amount is determined by multiplying the per capita grant by the number of Earthwatch volunteers participating on a project. Earthwatch grants cover the cost of maintaining volunteers and principal research staff in the field. For more information visit:
http://www.earthwatch.org/research/ 6. Conferences and Workshops Streambank Restoration Workshop - Using Soil Bioengineering Techniques
April 24-25, 2003
Prince George, BC
Cost: $150.00 This two day class and field streambank restoration workshop will be taught by David Polster. It will focus on soil bioengineering techniques and options involved in restoration and reclamation of damaged ecosystems and streambank sites using a combination of structural materials, vegetative cuttings and other specialized techniques. For more information visit:
www.unbc.ca/conted/ World Wolf Congress 2003 – Bridging Science and Community
September 25-28, 2003
Banff, Alberta, Canada This conference is hosted by the Central Rockies Wolf Project. Note that the early bird registration date of April 1 is almost here. For information visit:
http://www.graywolf.ca/worldwolfcongress/index.shtml Understanding Disease in Wildlife Populations:
A Short Course in Wildlife Epidemiology
April 30, May 1 & 2, 2003
Saskatoon, SK, Canada This is a short course for biologists, resource managers, conservation officers, park wardens, veterinarians and others interested in disease in wildlife populations. For more information and to register, visit:
http://wildlife.usask.ca/english/content.htm 7. Great Canadian River Series Features Canadian Columbia River Discovery Channel
Friday, April 4; 7:30 p.m. PST
Repeat Times: Friday, April 4 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 5; 7:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. PST From their web site: "The Columbia is the most dammed river in North America, and a ghost of its former self. But the Columbia also has the longest stretch of undisturbed wetlands in North America. This vast maze of ever-changing ponds, streams, and channels is a nursery for millions of birds and diverse wildlife species. The 2000 kilometre-long Columbia River begins it complex path in southeastern British Columbia, and courses through interior desert, wet forest, and mountain ranges before crossing the US border 800 kilometres from its source. A large scale effort is underway to restore the Columbia's diverse ecosystems—a remarkable and inspiring story of biological ingenuity. The river will be forever linked to the great navigator David Thompson, who reached the mighty river's mouth in 1811, the first person to navigate the river’s entire length." Length: 30 minutes
| CMI Members’ Update for May 20, 2003 |
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CMI has a new email address and fax number! Please update your records.
New email: office@cmiae.org (matches our web site address, www.cmiae.org)
New Fax: 250-837-9311 (same as our phone number) 1. CMI News CMI Annual Researchers' Meeting
Twenty-eight people attend the CMI Annual Researchers' Meeting on April 29-30 at the Blue Lake Centre. Great presentations, lots of talking (no kidding, what talkative group!) and the informal setting made for a successful meeting. Many thanks to Ian Adams for coordinating the meeting, and to the presenters for coming to tell us about their projects and initiatives. A concrete example of the benefits of CMI-style information exchange: John Woods learned that Coeur d'Alene salamanders were found last year along Highway 23 North in a number of places between Revelstoke and Mica. He got some habitat info from Penny Ohanjanian who did that survey, and then went looking for them. And voila - a new vertebrate species for Mount Revelstoke National Park! CMI Executive and Directors take over as of the AGM
Congratulations to our new board of fifteen Directors! The names of the current Directors are: Ian Adams, Karen Bray, Patrick Daigle, Jenny Feick, Susan Hall, Ed Hill, Rachel Holt, Bruce McLellan, Garth Mowat, Ian Parfitt, Chris Steeger, Del Williams, Brendan Wilson, Guy Woods, and John Woods. At the first meeting of the new Board on May 8, the Board chose the Executive committee. Our Executive committee is: President, Karen Bray; Vice President, Ian Adams; Treasurer, Del Williams; and Secretary, Susan Hall. Many thanks to our out-going Directors, Colene Wood and George Richardson, for their willingness to stand as CMI Directors for the past two years. A list of the names and contact information for Directors for 2003-2004 is available to CMI members; just give me a call at the office. Biographical notes for each Director will be posted on our web site in the near future. The Annual Report for 2002-2003 will be posted soon on our web site. Members can obtain our financial statements by calling me at the CMI office, 250-837-9311. 2. Video Imaging Device for Wildlife Researchers
Kyle Abernathy, who works with a special department in National Geographic Television, has developed a remote-controlled, collar-mounted video transmission system that allows real-time monitoring of wildlife from distances of up to 5 km. He used this system on lions in Africa and is looking for people who would like to try it in North America. For more information, contact: Kyle Abernathy, Associate Producer, National Geographic Television & Film - Remote Imaging, phone 202-857-5802, fax 202-429-5759, kabernat@ngs.org 3. Toad Researcher Awarded Grant
Every year the Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks award a $5000 grant to a researcher whose work in human or natural history supports a better understanding of the two national parks. This year's grant went to Jesse Dykstra, a student at Okanagan University College. Jesse's project is to monitor the Western Toad in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks and in the area surrounding Revelstoke. For more information about the grant (not the project), visit: http://www.friendsofmtrevelstokeandglacier.bc.ca/ 4. Great Blue Heron Breeding Inventory Continues
In the summer of 2002, Marlene Machmer of Pandion Ecological Research conducted a Great Blue Heron Breeding Inventory through the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (view the report at www.cbfishwildlife.org). With funding from CBFWCP and the Columbia Basin Trust, this inventory is being extended for one more year to cover the entire basin. Marlene encourages any of you who come across heron breeding sites or aggregations of herons to report these locations on line (www.cbfishwildlife.org). Alternatively, you can contact Marlene directly by email (mmachmer@netidea.com) or telephone (250 354-0150). If you are conducting aerial surveys in the Columbia basin this spring/summer (in conjunction with riparian/fisheries work), and have room for an extra spotter, please let Marlene know. She is hoping to get a look at several areas from the air to supplement the ground-based surveys. 5. Courses and Workshops The Mysteries of Operational Trials Unravelled
May 27, 2003 - Vancouver
May 29, 2003 - Prince George How do you set up a trial to measure specific effects of certain treatments? How do you change or vary from a default value or standard? How can you test your forest management practices to ensure that they are meeting objectives? These questions and others can be answered through the use of operational trials. The change to a Results-Based Code, downsizing in government, and the certification process all require that licensees be able to establish and monitor their own operational trials. This workshop is presented by FORREX, the UBC Alex Fraser Research Forest, the BC Ministry of Forests, and Lignum Ltd. For more information and to register please visit the Forestry Continuing Studies Network website at http://www.fcsn.bc.ca - click on 'Conferences' and then on the link titled "FORREX - The Mysteries of Operational Trials Unravelled." Water Stewardship: How Are We Managing?
56th CWRA Annual Conference
June 11-13, 2003
Vancouver, BC Land use changes as a result of urban, forestry, power, mining and agricultural use of watersheds has increased stress to the point where the quantity and quality of our water supply has been called into question or compromised. The incidence of extreme hydrological events and new and unforeseen climatic records is on the increase, and the decline in the fishery has underscored the importance of habitat protection. Authors from across Canada will present 65 papers over three days covering a vast array of current, and topical subject matters of interest to water resources professionals and stewards. For more information visit http://www.cwra.org/ Pathways to Recovery Conference: Species At Risk 2004
March 2-6, 2004
Victoria, British Columbia The Species At Risk 2004: Pathways to Recovery conference will explore a diversity of topics and issues about species and ecosystems at risk. Species and ecosystems at risk do not recognize political boundaries. Cooperation across political, organizational and jurisdictional boundaries will be important in achieving the recovery of species and ecosystems at risk. By
bringing together delegates from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and share information, this conference offers an exciting opportunity to create a brighter future for species and ecosystems at risk. For more information visit: http://www.speciesatrisk2004.ca/ 6. Proceedings of 2001 Conference "Restoring Nutrients to Salmonid Ecosystems" Now Available
The proceedings of the 2001 American Fisheries Society conference are now available in a book titled "Nutrients in Salmonid Ecosystems: Sustaining Production and Biodiversity". It includes recent information on the role and importance of marine-derived nutrients in salmonid ecosystems. The authors examine how this research can be used effectively to assist in rebuilding salmonid stocks in the Pacific Northwest. The book contains: (1) Description and management of historical and current nutrient regimes in salmonid ecosystems; (2) Ecological linkages between salmon and productivity of freshwater ecosystems and the ecological impacts of a diminished salmon nutrient shadow; (3) Dispersal mechanisms of marine-derived nutrients in Pacific Northwestern freshwater ecosystems; (4) The effects of hatcheries, harvest, and other resource management regimes on nutrients and their dispersal; and (5) An incorporation of nutrient management into ecosystem restoration. Cost $60.00 ($US) plus shipping. Order the book at: http://www.fisheries.org/publications/catbooks/x54034.shtml | 
