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September 2022 eNewsletter
Issue no. 170


CROWSNEST CONSERVATION


Who We Are:
We are a diverse group of individuals with a passion for nature and the beautiful landscapes in the Crowsnest Pass and surrounding area. We share a strong conservation ethic and a desire to integrate this into the mainstream of our community. We are active in undertaking and supporting programs that preserve, protect and enhance nature and the landscapes we cherish, while ensuring a vibrant growing community. We are a registered charitable organization.

To learn more about Crowsnest Conservation and to support our work, visit our webpage here.
To sign-up for our monthly eNews, click here.

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

We welcome inquiries about making a difference to our community by being a member of our Board. Visit our website to explore our mission and accomplishments. Contact office@crowsnestconservation.ca for more information.

CROWSNEST CONSERVATION
NEWS

YOU COULD WIN up to $3000 cash!

CCS is excited to share our first online 50/50 cash lottery to raise funds to conserve, protect and educate!

You win and our incredible natural environment and the people and wildlife that live in it will win too!

 

Tickets are:

1 for $10

4 for $20

20 for $50

100 for $100

 

The minimum guaranteed payout is $1,200.

 

To learn more or purchase your tickets online:

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/crowsnest?fbclid=IwAR1NQvk0fgtzj1BX6K1trMCYcnfpGXqq860HVSAfBxdqM_2qcNot5e9fsmM

 

Draw will take place on Oct 2nd

 

Thanks for your support and best of luck!

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Crowsnest Community Market

We are looking for volunteers to man a table at the Community Market in Gazebo Park, Blairmore on Thursdays, September 8 and September 22. Shifts are 3-5pm or 5-7pm. Set-up (1:00-2:30pm) and take-down (7:00-7:30pm) help is also welcomed. We want two people for each shift. Crowsnest Conservation Society information and pamphlets will be provided. 

If you have any time to assist CCS, please contact Herald Kane at 403-564-4103 or heraldkane1@mac.com.

Grant Writer(s)

Fall is the time for grant applications. The Board has a 2022 Strategic Plan and has selected priorities that can guide a volunteer in writing an application to a particular funder. We also have lists of funders, calls for grant applications, and access to previous successful applications. Contact office@crowsnestconservation.ca if you are able to help us.

Events by other organizations in the region

 

September 6 - Birding 101

Event by: Nature Canada

Four online sessions to learn the basics of birding. Sessions run on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm, starting Sept. 6. Topics include equipment and where to find birds; what to notice when birding; birding behavior basics; and bird habitats. Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/birding-101-birding-for-beginners-nature-alberta-friends-tickets-399256074667

 

September 26 - AGM Great Divide Trail Association

GDTA is currently looking for board members for three (3) year term from September 2022-2025. Interested candidates should submit their names to greatdividetrail@gmail.com by Thursday, September 8. If you would like to contribute in other way, please contact the nominating committee via the email address above.

 

Crowsnest Pass News

 

From Crowsnest Pass BearSmart Association (via Facebook)

It has taken us a bit to feel settled enough to write a post about the loss of these beautiful bears and reasons behind the absolute hardest and heartbreaking decisions that had to be made. The blame is flying, fast and furious and so much of it has been directed at the officers that were tasked with doing hard part to protect the public from bears that had been habituated by those in the area with no regard, respect or consideration for the animals well being nor the safety of their neighbors.
The blame is not on the officers they do not take this lightly, the blame is directly on every single person who fed them directly and indirectly. It's on those who allowed them to hang out in their yards and threw food to get that cool picture to show on Facebook of their new mountain neighbors. It's on those who did not respect or respond to them as the wild animals they were born to be. We educate people to understand the effects of this, we banged on doors, cleaned up people's garbage, provided garbage containment options, advised heavily against bird feeders, squirrel feeders and outside storage of pet food. Hundreds of hours spent running guard and sitting in wait to keep people away from them when they went to "good bear spots". We shoulder being sworn at, yelled at even threatened because we are determined to do everything in our power to keep them wild and safe.
We have an amazing team, our volunteers are the strongest most determined people we know, District Officer John Clarke is the most passionate and caring officer when it comes to animals, especially his beloved bears, our Peace Officer Brad Larsen goes above and beyond on duty and off to make any difference possible, and our RCMP Officers are incredibly supportive and always willing to help. These bears had quite a team behind them, but nothing is stronger than the drive for food when hibernation is coming and the food sources are dwindling. Instinct is such a powerful drive, it even removes the sense of danger that comes with being too close to humans and the catastrophic result of being habituated to their presence and food, even though it was given freely.
We can do so much better, we must do better so if you were one of those who didn't contain your garbage, hung bird feeders or fed them intentionally take moment and ask if it was worth it, because to them and to us it created an end that was no where near the value of your entertainment, convenience and most of all self given right to live in their back yard.

 

Provincial News

 

Alberta releases geothermal resource development rules

The rules set out the requirements that industry must follow throughout the entire life cycle of a geothermal development (from initiation through to closure) when developing geothermal resources below the base of groundwater protection.

https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/alberta-canada-releases-geothermal-resource-development-rules/

In the Media

LOGGING & FORESTS

 

Canada’s greatest expanse of boreal forest is changing due to climate change

Water stress on trees means less resilience to disturbances like fire and insects.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/boreal-forest-canada-climate-change-alberta-saskatchewan-1.6518223

 

The best way to cool our cities is to plant more trees

Not for the usual reason scientists suggest this, but for practical human comfort reasons: they keep us cool.

https://www.treehugger.com/cool-cities-plant-more-trees-5705000?hid=6fa2eb9d9415e7dacc70ca4ed3c51450dc1989f9&did=816947-20220730&utm_campaign=treehugger-weekly_newsletter&utm_source=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_content=073022&cid=816947&mid=93417046103

ENERGY

 

How do you make oil & gas investments attractive in a climate crisis? Hire a pension executive

Lisa Baiton, the new head of CAPP, wants to sell Canada as an ethical landing pad for global capital.

https://thenarwhal.ca/capp-lisa-baiton-pensions/?utm_source=The+Narwhal&utm_campaign=756b1d501c-July+28+2022+—+Newsletter+—+non-member&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f6a05fddb8-756b1d501c-108504207

 

The nuclear hydrogen initiative says nuclear hydrogen is a critical climate solution

Nuclear power is such a problem for the environmental movement.

https://www.treehugger.com/nuclear-hydrogen-climate-solution-6273973?hid=6fa2eb9d9415e7dacc70ca4ed3c51450dc1989f9&did=816947-20220730&utm_campaign=treehugger-weekly_newsletter&utm_source=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_content=073022&cid=816947&mid=93417046103

 

UN monitors thrust into debate over what to do with oilsands wastewater

International scrutiny comes as Canada works toward new rules that could see release of treated water for first time.

https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/oil-gas/unesco-oilsands-wastewater-release

 

PARKS & PROTECTED AREAS

 

‘Victory for nature’: Grasslands west of Claresholm protected by new conservation agreement

The 643-hectare property in MD of Willow Creek will be combined with another section of wilderness already protected in the Porcupine Hills.

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/victory-for-nature-grasslands-west-of-claresholm-protected-by-new-conservation-agreement

 

Is Wood Buffalo National Park in danger? UNESCO investigators are in Canada to find out

A UN body that monitors some of the world’s greatest natural glories is in Canada again to assess government responses to ongoing threats to the country’s largest national park, including plans to release treated oilsands tailings into its watershed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/is-wood-buffalo-national-park-in-danger-unesco-investigators-are-in-canada-to-find-out-1.6553730

 

Parks users leaving trash, waste in Alberta’s green spaces

Visitors are heading to Alberta’s parks and green spaces in droves, and some are leaving a mess behind.

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/parks-users-leaving-trash-waste-in-albertas-green-spaces0810-kananaskis-litter

 

Environmental groups express concern over proposed Calgary-Banff passenger train

Conservation advocates and experts are concerned that the proposal for a passenger train from Calgary to Banff is proceeding without addressing several key environmental issues in and around the national park.

https://eminetracanada.com/environmental-groups-express-concern-over-proposed-calgary-to-banff-passenger-train/624368/

 

CONSERVATION

 

Billions rely on wild species for food, energy & more

A recently released summary reveals that people rely on 50,000 wild species of plants, animals, algae and fungi. But it warns that the global biodiversity crisis threatens the sustenance and services that these species provide.

https://news.mongabay.com/2022/08/billions-rely-on-wild-species-for-food-energy-and-more-ipbes-report/

CLIMATE CHANGE

 

It’s time to face the climate reality - there’s no time for small steps and incrementalism

The summer’s heat waves should be a wake-up call - we have to get serious about climate change.

https://www.treehugger.com/climate-reality-no-time-for-small-steps-5876652?hid=6fa2eb9d9415e7dacc70ca4ed3c51450dc1989f9&did=816947-20220730&utm_campaign=treehugger-weekly_newsletter&utm_source=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_content=073022&cid=816947&mid=93417046103%5C

 

Climate change means Alberta could see more large hail events in the future

With climate change, we could see more large hail events, but fewer days with hail overall.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/hail-storm-alberta-damage-climate-change-1.6540039

 

Where greenhouse gases come from and where they are going

There are lessons to be learned from the last Sankey chart showing the world’s energy flows.

https://www.treehugger.com/where-greenhouse-gases-come-from-going-6373961

TECHNOLOGY

 

Offshore wind’s turbulent future

The realization that turbulence created by deepwater wind turbines could upset the spring phytoplankton bloom has researchers warning the rapidly emerging industry to proceed with caution.

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/offshore-winds-turbulent-future/?omhide=true&utm_source=Hakai+Magazine+Weekly&utm_campaign=f47a5f1032-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_06_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fc1967411-f47a5f1032-121734666

 

First-of-its-kind solar tower brews jet fuel from water and C02

Technology to make carbon-neutral kerosene has moved out of the lab and into a real-world demonstration, hinting at the future of solar jet fuels.

https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2022/07/solar-tower-power-large-system-brews-jet-fuel-from-water-and-co2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=solar-tower-power-large-system-brews-jet-fuel-from-water-and-co2&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=solar-tower-power-large-system-brews-jet-fuel-from-water-and-co2

 

New heat pump design inflates efficiency and deflates costs

The remarkably simple new technology could lower the cost of owning a climate-friendly HVAC system and increase its adoption.

https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2022/08/simple-new-heat-pump-design-could-cut-emissions-and-cost/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=simple-new-heat-pump-design-could-cut-emissions-and-cost&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=simple-new-heat-pump-design-could-cut-emissions-and-cost

 

Researchers develop powerful and affordable pee-powered fuel cell

It actually runs on urea, which used to be made from urine.

https://www.treehugger.com/science-pee-powered-fuel-cell-urea-5206679

BEARS

 

What is grizzly coexistence?

Conflicts between people and bears are the number one reason why grizzly bears die in the U.S. Many of these conflicts are preventable.

https://bearvault.com/what-is-coexistence/

WILDLIFE

 

Conservation group finds record-high number of endangered blood-shooting lizards in Alberta

The lizards are known for shooting blood out of their eyes as a defense mechanism.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/greater-short-horned-lizards-alberta-1.6549156

 

Was Yellowstone’s deadliest wolf hunt in 100 years an inside job?

Veteran park service employees were involved in last year’s hunt, but one says he’s a victim of a federal ‘witch hunt’.

https://www.hcn.org/articles/wolves-was-yellowstones-deadliest-wolf-hunt-in-100-years-an-inside-job

 

Jasper has almost 4 times the roadkill compared to Banff

More than 1,000 animals have died on the highway in Jasper over the past decade vs 272 in Banff, figures show.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jasper-national-park-banff-national-park-roadkill-alberta-1.6556666

 

Northern crayfish continues its Alberta invasion, this time, in mountain parks

Under provincial regulations, northern crayfish are considered an aquatic invasive species of concern.

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/northern-crayfish-continues-its-alberta-invasion-this-time-in-mountain-parks

 

WILDLIFE CROSSINGS

 

Stoney Nakoda Exshaw Wildlife Arch is going up

After years of research and making the case, this crossing, just east of Canmore, broke ground in April 2022.

https://y2y.net/blog/onward-and-over-the-stoney-nakoda-exshaw-wildlife-arch-is-going-up/

 

Wildlife fencing project to go ahead near Sparwood

4km east of Sparwood on Highway 3 will be fenced as part of a wider project to protect people and wildlife from collisions.

https://www.nelsonstar.com/news/wildlife-fencing-project-to-go-ahead-near-sparwood/

WATER

 

In graphic detail: No coastline left untouched

Human activities on land and in the ocean are degrading shorelines around the world. No coastal region is entirely free from our influence.

https://hakaimagazine.com/videos-visuals/in-graphic-detail-no-coastline-left-untouched/?omhide=true&utm_source=Hakai+Magazine+Weekly&utm_campaign=b3786a521e-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_06_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fc1967411-b3786a521e-121734666

 

Maxed out: what in the fresh-water hell is this?

Canada has an embarrassment of fresh water, but of course, it’s not evenly distributed.

https://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/maxed-out/maxed-out-what-in-the-fresh-water-hell-is-this-5656491

BIRDS

 

Extreme heat a strain for birds already burdened by habitat loss

Habitat conservation and action on climate change are needed to lessen the threat to at-risk species.

https://thenarwhal.ca/birds-bc-heatwave/?utm_source=The+Narwhal&utm_campaign=756b1d501c-July+28+2022+—+Newsletter+—+non-member&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f6a05fddb8-756b1d501c-108504207

 

Injured eagle makes full recovery (Video)

An eagle attacked by a coyote, and possibly poisoned, found near Black Diamond, has made a full recovery.

https://highriveronline.com/articles/video-injured-eagle-makes-full-recovery

 

As more bird species go extinct, those that are left may be more alike

A global analysis predicts that as we lose more bird species to extinction, those that remain will be more similar in terms of size, beak shape, and other features.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2329952-as-more-bird-species-go-extinct-those-that-are-left-may-be-more-alike/

 

Thank you to Raymond Toal and Joni MacFarlane for the use of their images.

Do you take nature, wildlife or other photos that might be suitable for our newsletter? We'd love to see them! If you are intersested in submitting photos for us to use, please email them in jpeg, tiff, or pdf format to office@crowsnestconservation.ca.
 
Contact Information - Crowsnest Conservation Society
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 242, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0
Office: 12707-20 Avenue, Crowsnest Pass, AB (403) 583-5884

Email: office@crowsnestconservation.ca
Website: www.crowsnestconservation.ca
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Crowsnest Conservation Society, P.O. Box 242, 12707-20 Avenue, Crowsnest Pass, AB, T0K 0E0