FSCP Annual Report 2010-2011 Overview The overall goals of the FSCP is to monitor and improve the status of stream crossings, to develop and oversee the implementation of new ideas for stream crossing management in Alberta and to improve the conservation record of participating organizations.
There were three core projects in 2010-2011.
Firstly being the collection of stream crossing and fisheries data in the Edson Watershed and the preparation of the Edson Watershed Remediation Plan. The inspection crew completed the entire member and non member inspections in the watershed and 13 sites were electrofished for fish presence, distribution, and species. This information is then entered into the watershed remediation plan and used by companies and regulators collaboratively repair the crossings in the watershed. The Edson Watershed Project overlapped with the second focus of FSCP which was the reinspection of previously inventoried crossings. 2010 is the first year the FSCP Re-Inspection matrix has been piloted. Data collected in 2010 then in 2011 will be used to modify the matrix. Members have confirmed value in this project and have requested it be continued into 2011. The third core project involved the inspection of stream crossings in the Grande Cache area, specifically within the Regional Access Development Plan (RADPlan) area of the Foothills Landscape Management Forum (FLMF). Over 300 crossings were inspected. FSCP delivered this project which was funded entirely by FLMF.
In 2011 – 2012, FSCP will continue to approach a large scale problem on the landscape using a priority watershed approach. One local crew will continue re-inspections within the West Fraser Forest Management Area. Two remote crews will operate out of Grande Cache to continue to conduct initial inspections in the RADPlan area. 2011 will also bring an increased emphasis on data management, knowledge transfer, and online decision support tools.
Increasing value to partners, wide spread adoption of the FSCP protocols, communication of new crossing technology, and increasing membership will continue to be priorities in 2011-2012.
FSCP Priorities The FSCP will continue to provide science based tools and information to land managers, supporting integrated land management. There are several key linkages between the FSCP objectives and the core values in the FRI business plan;
Healthy Landscapes: The ongoing implementation of watershed remediation plans is important to the FSCP members as it promotes a landscape approach supported by the three regulatory agencies involved in stream crossings. The opportunity to expand the program to encompass more of Alberta will increase the range of watershed remediation planning.
Sustainability and Stewardship: A great opportunity for stewardship and interaction with the local community occurred in the fall of 2009 when willows were planted at the recently constructed GRS structure by local grade students. Working with Communications, similar interactions will be encouraged and continue to be explored. FSCP will be installing a demonstration sign at the site June 2011. Similar signs designed by the Fish and Watershed Program have been visited by many local groups as well as individuals from NGO’s, government and industry. Project Coordinator, Ngaio Baril will continue to provide technical advice to the Hardisty Creek Restoration Project, a local environmental stewardship group.
Working and engaged partnerships: FSCP continues to have a strong partnership base. Although through company mergers we lost two member companies we also increased by three new partners in 2010. FSCP meetings are well attended and engagement from the company representatives is high. FSCP will continue to evolve to ensure our partner’s needs are being met. The expansion into a new study area will expose our program to other companies active outside of the FRI. The FSCP non voting members continue to be a valuable resource. There is strong support from ASRD and DFO. Alberta Environment has been involved but we will pursue a stronger engagement in 2010.
Collaboration through open communication: Remediation plans, which are the product of crossing inspections, have broken down many walls and enabled open communication between the regulators of crossings and the crossing owners. The expansion of these plans will increase interaction with regulators throughout Alberta.
Data, information and knowledge management: Stream lining the database and creating an online mapping planning tool for members will assist member companies in planning and will be valuable tools for future potential members.
Members Jerry Bauer
Program Manager, Jerry Bauer Consulting
Ngaio Baril
Project Coordinator, FSCP
Garth Davis
Committee Co Chair, COnocoPhilips
Mark Schoenberger
Committee Co Chair, West Fraser Mills Sr. Environmental Planner, Shell
Mark Sherrington Leslie Proudfoot
Forestry Supervisor, Roads, Canfor
Mark Pavka
Drilling Logistic & Construction Coorinator, Apache
Peter Millman
Environmental Advisor, Devon
Brent Korolischuk
Area Surface Landman, CNRL
Jesse Kirillo
Stakeholder Relations, Talisman
Jim Dietrich
Tourmaline Oil
Mike Hunka (advisory)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada