Our Brown Bag Lunch presentations have the support of both the Registered Professional Foresters and Forestry Technologists Associations (CAPF, CAPFT). “There is a fit under our Level 1 General/Technical”, says Doug Krystofiak with CAPF, “…..it is worthy of CC credit”.   Barb de Groot , CAPFT, sees the “importance of attending events jointly where topics are of shared interest.”

The Canadian Model Forest Network is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the J. Michael Waldram Memorial Model Forest Fellowship 2010.

The Fellowship, valued at $1,000, is open to Canadian Aboriginal youth enrolled in either a degree or diploma program in natural resource management at an accredited Canadian university or college. The Fellowship is jointly administered by the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) and the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) and is awarded annually. Four fellowships have been awarded since 2008.

To Educators – The CMFN would be pleased if you were interested in nominating a student for consideration for this Fellowship. An original of the completed nomination form must be received by registered mail or courier to the Canadian Model Forest Network national office by MARCH 31, 2010.   To read more and download nominations forms click here: http://www.modelforest.net/cmfn/en/

If you have any questions, please contact the CMFN at (613) 258-8400 or at cmfn@cmfn-rcfm.ca.

The scientific scope of the conference will gather researchers, administrators and conservation managers from a wide spectrum of regions and disciplines. Results will aid in designing scientifically well founded strategies to deal with current threats to forest biodiversity.

Where: City of Sundsvall , on the coast of central Sweden

When: August 9-13, 2010

Why: particularly relevant to those interested in the ecology, conservation and management of old-growth forests.

Please Note that abstracts are due March 1, 2010 and early registration by April 1, 2010.

For more information and to register follow this link to the conference website www.prifor2010.org

Make 2010 the year that the world has decided to halt the decline in biodiversity!

Little is known about the population status of Arctic grayling in mid-sized streams because these water bodies are not suited for traditional sampling procedures.  These streams are too deep to use backpack electro-fishing field methods and too shallow for boat-based electro-fishing so another method has to be found.  The goal of this research was to determine whether or not snorkeling in intermediate sized streams is a feasible and safe technique for estimating Arctic grayling population size.

To view, download and share the just released report on this research click here.

Good News! On February 2, 2010, the Athabasca Watershed Council was designated by Alberta Environment as the 10^th Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) in Alberta .  WPACs are multi-stakeholder, non-profit organizations that assess the conditions of their watershed and develop plans and activities to address watershed issues.  Currently, ten watersheds have organizations formally recognized as WPACs. Over the next year, the Athabasca WPAC will begin work on a State of the Watershed report.  Time and effort will also be directed to raising the profile of the Athabasca Watershed Council and making it a fully functional organization.

A special thank you to Athabasca Watershed Council Initiation Group for their hard work, determination, and persistence to get the foundational and governance documents in place.

Contacts / Links:

Athabasca Watershed Council
Website: Not yet available
Chairperson: Lavone Olson

E-mail: lolson@moradnet.ca

Alberta Environment contacts:

Richard Chabaylo
Phone: 780-427-7050
E-mail: richard.chabaylo@gov.ab.ca

Lori Adams
Phone: 780-427-7066
E-mail : lori.adams@gov.ab.ca

We are pleased to announce that Krista Paniec , currently Controller of Hinton Wood Products, a Division of West Fraser Mills Ltd., has agreed to join Foothills Research Institute as Treasurer.  Krista comes fully qualified with a B.Sc. in Forestry, an MBA and is a Chartered Accountant. Prior to joining Hinton Wood Products, Krista was an Auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers.

GeoConnections is pleased to announce four additional English sessions in a series of national workshops offered to those interested in learning more about finding and using geospatial framework data. Based on the recently completed Framework Data Guide (http://www.geoconnections.org/publications/framework_data_guide/index.htm), these workshops will be of particular interest to practitioners in the following communities of practice:

• public health,
• public safety and security,
• environment and sustainable development, and
• Aboriginal matters.

The schedule for the upcoming workshops is as follows:

• Calgary, Alberta – February 17, 2010
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – February 24, 2010
• Peterborough, Ontario – March 5, 2010
• Vancouver, British Colombia – March 19, 2010

If you would like to participate in a workshop or obtain more information, please contact: Kathleen Yung by e-mail at kyung@hal.ca or by phone at 613-273-2220.

The First Nations Forestry Program, a joint Natural Resources Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada program, publishes a monthly electronic newsletter.   FNFP’s national newsletter has been created to share good news stories from First Nations people about forestry projects and activities supported by the Program in their communities.

If you would like to subscribe to e-news or have a story idea to highlight FNFP achievements in your community, please send an email to bulletin@fnfp.gc.ca.   To learn more about the FNFP click here.

AFGO’s Forest Offsets Workshop #2 will take place on May 6, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  This workshop will work towards identifying the business case for forest based carbon credits. Discussions and information from this meeting will provide input into the September conference.

Further details on this workshop and the fall conference will be posted in the near future.

For more information on this workshop please contact the Foothills Research Institute at 780-865-8330 or fran.hanington@gov.ab.ca.

The next presentation in our Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series is Friday March 12th, 2010 in room 134 at the Hinton Training Centre. The speaker is Sharad Karmacharya with AB Sustainable Resource Development here in Hinton , AB.  Bring your lunch, a friend and come hear about an approach being used to guide future land-use decisions for the reclaimed Luscar and Gregg River Mine areas 43 kilometres south of Hinton along Highway 40.

For more information on the brown bag lunch lecture click here.

In the March 2010 Partner Perspective read about how the Grizzly Bear Program at Foothills Research Institute draws on tools and techniques based on remote sensing and satellite imaging, through geography and forestry specialists at the Canadian Forest Service in Victoria, the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary and the University of Victoria.

To read more about this project and the challenges, solutions and results or to view, share, and download this or any Partner Perspective click here.

The Alberta Forest Growth Organization held their first workshop, Forest Offsets, on January 20, 2010 in Edmonton, Alberta. The presentations from that workshop are now available.  If you would like to view, share or download the presentations click here.

The next presentation in our Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series is Friday March 12th, 2010 in room 134 at the Hinton Training Centre. The speaker is Sharad Karmacharya with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development here in Hinton, AB. Bring your lunch, a friend and come hear about an approach being used to guide future land-use decisions for the reclaimed Luscar and Gregg River Mine areas 43 kilometres south of Hinton along Highway 40.

For more information on the brown bag lunch lecture click here.

Click the image below to view, download, and share the invitation to FRI-Days Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series #7.

The next presentation in our Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series is Friday March 12th, 2010 in room 134 at the Hinton Training Centre. The speaker is Sharad Karmacharya with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development here in Hinton, AB. Bring your lunch, a friend and come hear about an approach being used to guide future land-use decisions for the reclaimed Luscar and Gregg River Mine areas 43 kilometres south of Hinton along Highway 40.

For more information on the brown bag lunch lecture click here.

Click the image below to view, download, and share the invitation to FRI-Days Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series #7.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is hosting an interactive electronic lecture series on FRI’s Natural Disturbance Program titled “Solutions, Not Just Answers”. This series of lectures will run from March 3 to April 21, 2010 for approximately one hour on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm MST and will feature the researchers and partners as they talk about the merits of the program. Hear about the tools developed and being used, how new knowledge is applied, how policy and practices have been affected, the benefits of a working partnership, etc.

Follow the link to the CIF e-lecture website to register for this lecture series http://www.cif-ifc.org/site/electure.  Scroll down the webpage to view the poster and download a registration form. Once registered, an email will be sent out to you with the speakers’ presentation attached and the step by step instructions for participation. At the time of the lecture, you simply call into the teleconference and follow along with the presenter on your computer. All that is required is a computer and a phone (preferably with a speaker).

Several Provincial RPF and RFT organizations have evaluated the lecture series for their continuing education programs. The CIF also has a voluntary continuing education credit system that you can earn credits for through the lecture series. If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to contact them (questions@cif-ifc.org).

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is hosting an interactive electronic lecture series on FRI’s Natural Disturbance Program titled “Solutions, Not Just Answers”. This series of lectures will run from March 3 to April 21, 2010 for approximately one hour on Wednesdays at 11:30 am MST and will feature the researchers and partners as they talk about the merits of the program. Hear about the tools developed and being used, how new knowledge is applied, how policy and practices have been affected, the benefits of a working partnership, etc.

Follow the link to the CIF e-lecture website to register for this lecture series http://www.cif-ifc.org/site/electure.  Scroll down the webpage to view the poster and download a registration form. Once registered, an email will be sent out to you with the speakers’ presentation attached and the step by step instructions for participation. At the time of the lecture, you simply call into the teleconference and follow along with the presenter on your computer. All that is required is a computer and a phone (preferably with a speaker).

Several Provincial RPF and RFT organizations have evaluated the lecture series for their continuing education programs. The CIF also has a voluntary continuing education credit system that you can earn credits for through the lecture series. If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to contact them (questions@cif-ifc.org).

Overview

The primary responsibility will be to conduct stream crossing inspections on the Foothills Research Institute land base, and may also assist with other aspects of research relating to stream crossings such as fish presence or absence studies and habitat assessments. Land-use infrastructure including roads, bridges and culverts will be a major focus. The technician will participate in data collection relating to fish biology, stream channel morphology, hydrology, forestry and engineering for use in watershed remediation planning. Also, spatial (GIS) analyses with reporting may be completed, if time permits during the contract period. For more information on the Foothills Stream Crossing Program please see our website at http://foothillsresearchinstitute.ca/pages/ProgramsFoothills_Stream_Crossing/default.aspx

Job Description
1. Work with the Foothills Stream Crossing team while conducting projects identified within the work plan of the Foothills Stream Crossing Program;
2. Inspect stream crossings within the West Fraser Forest Management Area;
3. Conduct electrofishing sampling and aquatic habitat assessments;
4. Identify equipment required for the delivery of the program and assist with maintenance, upkeep, and inventory of field equipment;
5. Participate in data entry, evaluation and reporting if time permits during the contract period;
6. Practice safe work procedures as consistent with the Foothills Research Institute safety program.

Job Qualifications:
1. A minimum of one year in natural resources, forestry, fisheries or other environmental diploma or degree program is required.
2. At least one season of related field experience.
3. Highly motivated and able to work in a team environment.
4. A solid foundation in data management and natural sciences is required.

Employment Term:
May 1 to August 31, 2010

Salary:
Will be based upon the level of education and previous experience of applicant.

We thank all applicants in advance; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Description

The Foothills Research Institute (FRI), with its office located in Hinton, Alberta, is seeking a motivated individual to be part of the Willmore Wilderness Research Project and the Foothills Research Institute GIS Program. If you would like to join a dynamic and innovative team and live in the foothills near a national park for the summer, this job is for you! Reporting to the FRI GIS Coordinator, the incumbent will support the Willmore Wilderness Project by providing project assistance including wilderness field work, setting up and managing technical equipment, forming relationships with park users, directing & collecting surveys, and data entry. When not working on the Willmore Project, the incumbent will work on FRI GIS Program tasks and projects. Some of these projects will include the maintenance of datasets, handling data requests, database management, spatial analysis, cartography, training and technical support to staff and program partners. The position requires both field and office skills, therefore we are seeking candidates that are dynamic and flexible.
Additional information on the FRI and associated program areas can be found at: http://foothillsresearchinstitute.ca/pages/home/Default.aspx

Knowledge and Skills

o Experience in ArcGIS 9.x software pertaining to natural resource based research.
o Experience using Python/Model Builder would be an asset.
o Enthusiastic and motivated to enhance and learn new GIS skills.
o Experience in Microsoft Access and Excel.
o Perform tedious data entry.
o Familiarity with GPS units and technology and a keenness to potentially learn how to use and manage other field equipment and gadgets.
o Field work may be conducted in wilderness settings. Wilderness experience is preferred and sensible backcountry judgment is critical.
o Ability to deal with potentially stressful situations such as insects, bears, and time in the office is a must.
o Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
o Ability to meet multiple deadlines and the balancing of multiple priorities.
o Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

Qualifications
o Minimum 6 months work experience or working knowledge of ESRI software, especially ArcInfo, ArcGIS 9.x software.
o Proficient with either Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access software.
o Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive).
o Can be returning to school or a post-secondary graduate (can be a prior certificate, degree, or diploma etc.) within the past 2 years.
o Legally entitled to work in Canada.
o Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Employment Term - May 1 to August 30, 2010

Salary

Mel Knight, MLA for Grande Prairie-Smokey, moved over from the Ministry of Energy during the recent cabinet shuffle. Check out the following the links to read the biography for Honourable Mel Knight (PC) http://www.melknightmla.com/or http://www.srd.alberta.ca/

It is with great sadness that we convey that Dave Neave passed away from a heart attack on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. A service celebrating David’s life was held at Christ Church Anglican Bells Corners, 3681 Richmond Road on Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s memory to Christ Church Bells Corners. Condolences, tributes or donations may be made at http://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/donations.php

Mark your calendars for March 25-27, 2010 for an upcoming wetland symposium being held in Edmonton, Alberta called “Reclamation and Restoration of Boreal peatland and Forest Ecosystems: Toward a Sustainable Future”. This conference will showcase the leading research in boreal, terrestrial and wetland ecosystems related to reclamation and restoration. Check out the following link for more information about the conference and to register www.peatnet.siu.edu/form_edmonton/

The Canadian Model Forest Network Board of Directors is seeking an energetic, visionary and results oriented President/General Manager who will lead the evolution, strategic growth, and oversight of an aggressive and expanded business plan necessary to support future sustainability. For more information on this opportunity click here.

The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is hosting an interactive electronic lecture series on FRI’s Natural Disturbance Program titled “Solutions, Not Just Answers”. This series of lectures will run from March 3 to April 21, 2010 for approximately one hour on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm MST and will feature the researchers and partners as they talk about the merits of the program. Hear about the tools developed and being used, how new knowledge is applied, how policy and practices have been affected, the benefits of a working partnership, etc.

Follow the link to the CIF e-lecture website to register for this lecture series The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is hosting an interactive electronic lecture series on FRI’s Natural Disturbance Program titled “Solutions, Not Just Answers”. This series of lectures will run from March 3 to April 21, 2010 for approximately one hour on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm MST and will feature the researchers and partners as they talk about the merits of the program.. Scroll down the webpage to view the poster and download a registration form. Once registered, an email will be sent out to you with the speakers’ presentation attached and the step by step instructions for participation. At the time of the lecture, you simply call into the teleconference and follow along with the presenter on your computer. All that is required is a computer and a phone (preferably with a speaker).

Several Provincial RPF and RFT organizations have evaluated the lecture series for their continuing education programs. The CIF also has a voluntary continuing education credit system that you can earn credits for through the lecture series. If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to contact them (questions(at)cif-ifc.org).

IMAGINE (Integrated Management and Geospatial Information Network for the Environment Canada) announces a number of important upcoming Integrated Land Management (ILM) events, opportunities (publishing opportunities and conferences), and international ILM resources.

Please check the site Imagine Canada site for new and additional information as it comes in. http://imaginecanada.cyansolutions.com/. (more…)

The first of four partnership workshops for the Upper Athabasca Healthy Landscape Project (part of the new Healthy Landscape Program) took place in Edmonton on February 3rd, 2010. Representatives from over 30 different forestry and energy companies as well as government agencies were invited to jointly develop, evaluate, and compare several “healthy” landscape policy and planning scenarios.

The process being employed is innovative, requiring teams of five or six people to design (rather than plan) using a series of natural range of variation (NRV) indicators as input, leaving the more traditional values such as wood, recreation, and habitat supply as outputs. The project will be completed this summer, and the results and output handed over to the Upper Athabasca Land Use team.

Stay tuned to future eNotes for more information on this project and upcoming workshops.

Throughout the forest regions of North America , the two impacts from land management activities that pose the greatest risk to the conservation of aquatic resources are obstruction of fish passage and sedimentation at stream crossings. There are approximately 2,070 locations where permanent roads cross streams within the Foothills Research Insitutes core study area. There are also several hundred railway crossings. Older crossings were built to the standard of the day, but for small streams, maintaining fish passage may not have been a requirement at the time. In addition, runoff from gravel roads can cause sedimentation which adversely affects aquatic invertebrates and fish. These factors warrant a system-based approach that looks for innovative and cost effective solutions to manage environmental risks associated with stream crossings at the landscape scale.

This is the last indicator that was completed for the Local Levels Indicator Program which wrapped up last year. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for the release of a .pdf file that combines all of the indicators into one document. To view the Indicators click here.

Lori Daniel’s UBC students conduct research on coarse woody debris, such as
standing dead trees and downed logs, and on large woody debris in streams, within
the Institute’s Natural Disturbance Program. She credits the Institute for research
and multi-agency funding opportunities that in just five years have supported three
Post-Docs, three Master’s students, eight lab assistants and 10 field assistants. Three
Master’s and two undergrad theses have come out of the program.

Click here to view, share, and download all Partner Perspectives