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Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship Through Science and Education |
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Presidents Corner |
In the world of politics, which
come to think of it is really not much different then in most professions, I've
learned a thing or two about staying in the game… that anything you said
in the past can come back to bite you in the ass and does (so watch what you
say), and two, what you don't know today can haunt you tomorrow (so stay informed).
There is no such thing as complacency in politics as you are always struggling
to stay ahead of your opposition plus maintaining your place in the game. The
same can be applied to the wildlife profession. With ever changing landscapes,
conflicting demands and tightening budgets, we are challenged to be more innovative
and resourceful. With almost daily advances (ok perhaps only monthly) in computer
systems and the latest in technology from GIS Software, GPS's, Telemetry, Radio
collar technology, Remote Sensing, and population modeling programs to various
data collection and management techniques, it is increasingly difficult to stay
on top of the game. Even more critical is the need to remain current and to
be familiar with topics and issues of the day, and the science related to them.
By attending conferences, seminars, workshops, publishing articles and original
research, wildlife professionals remain informed and connected within the profession
(this is especially important in today's fluctuating job market and increasing
competition for fewer and fewer jobs).
The Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife Society offers many of these opportunities
to stay informed and network through various seminars and social functions.
This past year, the Manitoba Chapter organized many activities including - a
joint AGM and all day Research Seminar Series (last March), co-hosted the TWS
Conference in Calgary with the Alberta Chapter in September, organized a special
Holiday Presentation and festive mixer, and offered a GIS and GPS workshop at
our annual Delta Get Away this past February at the beautiful University of
Manitoba Field Station on Lake Manitoba (highlights of the holiday special presentation
and Delta Getaway can be found further in this newsletter). We are now in the
midst of finalizing the upcoming Annual General Meeting being held March 17,
2005 at Fort Whyte Centre (watch your e-mail for details). Future endeavors
include a past presidents meeting to look at the future direction of the MB
Chapter and hopefully one or two field excursions. As we are always looking
for new ideas, speakers, and articles for the newsletter, I encourage anyone
interested in becoming more involved with chapter activities to contact us.
I'd like to finish by saying that I have truly enjoyed serving the MB Chapter
as President and encourage all members to remain active in Chapter activities
and within the wildlife profession.
Hope to see you all at the AGM on March 17! Alex Miller
According to the authors ( Douglas Inkley, et al. 2004) "Global warming
presents a profound threat to wildlife as we know it in this country."
Please visit www.wildlife.org if you wish to
order this publication. - Rick Riewe
The weekend started off well with the promise of good weather for our Saturday activities. Rick Baydack and colleagues arrived at Delta early on Friday evening, got the festivities underway and had a roaring fire going by the time most of us showed up. After settling into our accommodations Rick Riewe educated and entertained us with a contrasting review of life as a fisherman on the east coast versus west. After Rick's enjoyable presentation we were entertained by the singing/guitar of Ken Hodges accompanied by Rick R. on his drum. This writer retired for the evening while Ken was still singing, but I hear the merriment went on well into the night.
Saturday morning started bright and early. We watched several groups of ice-fishers head out onto the ice while we ate breakfast and we discussed how many fish we might catch later that afternoon. We began the morning session with an excellent overview of GIS by Dave Walker (see article in this newsletter for more details on Dave's presentation). Following Dave's introduction to GIS several case examples were presented. Doug Schindler provided examples of home range analysis and habitat selection from marked woodland caribou. I gave a talk about the use of spatially explicit models in conservation planning for waterfowl. Jennifer Ledgett demonstrated how knowledge from trappers is incorporated into GIS databases and incorporated into the model forest management plans. Ryan Brook gave an interesting presentation on his study looking at elk/agriculture conflicts based on a sample of GPS collared elk near Riding Mountain. We ended the "indoor" session with an overview on the latest GPS hand held technology from Wholesale Sports.
While we had been cloistered in the seminar room, a high wind had kicked up off the lake resulting in near zero visibilities at the station. Needless to say we were forced to cancel the "great perch search" and the inaugural geo-cashing adventure. However, on the bright side Dave Walker and his crew had set up the computers in the lab with GIS programs and spatial data for us to try out what we had been introduced to that morning. Many of us took this opportunity to hone our GIS skills. We were treated to a roast beef dinner for supper and then retired once again to the lodge to exchange tall tales (and a mean round of "trivial pursuit") around the fireplace.
Most of us slept in on Sunday and then had a hearty breakfast before we headed back home. Once again the Delta Get Away weekend provided us with the opportunity for professional development and the occasion to spend time with old friends and a chance to make new ones. - Karla Guyn
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Dr. David Walker from the Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources at the University of Manitoba with assistance from Grant Wiseman from Manitoba Conservation presented a workshop on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Wildlife Professionals at the Delta Weekend Getaway. The goal of the workshop was to, "introduce the use of GIS in the Wildlife profession and Environmental Science". The workshop was focused on three areas/skills of GIS: GIS and layer model, examining vector-based habitat approaches; GPS, examining GPS coordinates and upload/download to mobile GIS; Remote Sensing, examining how Remote Sensing technology is used. The workshop was comprised of two sections, a lecture presented by Dr. Walker followed by a hands on workshop in the computer lab.
The lecture began with a general overview of GIS and its application to wildlife
and resource management. The overview included a historical look at the development
of GIS including Canada's position as a leader in the development of GIS with
its creation of the Canadian Land Inventory in 1965. The historical overview
was followed by a review of modern GIS. The overview of modern GIS included
a look at the main components of a GIS including software, hardware, databases,
people, and applications.
The application of GIS in wildlife/resource management was presented in a real
world model. Dr. Walker demonstrated the use of GIS in a case study of The Loss
of Tall Grass by utilizing Raster and Vector GIS and the layer model in understanding
shrub encroachment at the St. Charles Rifle Range. In this example Dr. Walker
was able to highlight a number of core components of GIS, including spatial
analysis, GPS, layering, data sources, and data types.
The second half of the workshop was completed in a computer lab. The computer
lab allowed participants to work through a variety of applications from the
most basic functions to advanced data analysis. Both Dr. Walker and Grant were
on hand to answer any questions and provide instruction for users.
The GIS workshop provided an excellent summary of utilizing GIS in wildlife
and resource management. The combination of lecture and lab work was an excellent
learning opportunity for all who attended!
The Christmas mixer and open house, held on November 30, 2004 at Fort Whyte,
was well attended by students and professionals (aprox. 45 attendees). Dr.
Mike Campbell, professor from the U of MB Faculty of Recreation, charmed us
with an insightful look into the role of Wilderness area in his presentation
titled 'The Green Spot on the Map - for wilderness or from wilderness'. The
event also hosted representatives/volunteers from the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation
Organization who kindly brought several raptor ambassadors and donated several
door-prizes. The evening presentations were followed by an opportunity to
mingle with like minded individuals and a chance to see the raptors up close.
A big Thank You goes out to Mike Campbell and to the Manitoba Wildlife Rehabilitation
Organization for helping us make this a great event and to all those who attended.
Much student interest was shown through their attendance numbers and several
new memberships were purchased. This event was a great success and hopefully
will become a Manitoba Chapter annual event.
President Elect
Pat Bergen
Student Representative
Pat Bergen is a Masters student
in the Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources at the University of Manitoba.
His field of interest is wildlife management and conflicts in urban and near
urban areas. He is currently working on his thesis project, examining the attitudes
of residents in Greater Winnipeg toward urban geese and goose management techniques.
Pat is also employed with Manitoba Conservation, Wildlife & Ecosystem Protection
Branch as an Urban Goose Management Technician.
Tara Bortoluzzi and Dr. L. Gordon Goldsborough, University of Manitoba.
Tara was the 2004 Student Bursary Award Winner - Ed.
Hydrology is a key regulator of coastal wetland functions, including their ability to act as nutrient sinks, improve lake water quality, and provide critical habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife. However, compared to their ocean bordering counterparts, the hydrology of coastal freshwater wetlands has received little scientific attention. Over the past three years, the water chemistry, nutrient status and hydrology of Delta Marsh, an 18,500 hectare wetland located on the south end of Lake Manitoba in south-central Canada, have been examined to determine the influence of lake hydrology on wetland parameters. Results of the study have indicated that seiches on the lake caused by strong winds can have a significant influence on water levels and flow conditions in the marsh, as well as its chemical characteristics. Several parameters have been found to be positively correlated with increasing distance from Lake Manitoba, including inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, salinity, specific conductance, alkalinity, pH, and several conservative ions including potassium, chloride and sulfate. The primary production of phytoplankton and periphyton at samples sites was also found to be highly positively correlated with the water chemistry parameters influenced by Lake Manitoba. Algal nutrient limitation by nitrogen and phosphorus decreased as sites were located inland from the influence of the lake and closer to the surrounding upland watershed, which is primarily agricultural and appears to be the primary source of nitrogen and phosphorus to the marsh. These results indicate that lake hydrology can have a significant influence on the water chemistry and nutrient status of adjoining coastal wetlands.
Biography - Tara Bortoluzzi
Tara obtained her Bachelors of Science in Applied Environmental Studies from the University of Manitoba in 2001. Currently, Tara is in the fourth year of her PhD. program in the Botany Department, at the University of Manitoba. Her current PhD. research examines the hydrological influence of Lake Manitoba on the water chemistry and nutrient status of adjoining Delta Marsh. Tara hopes to be completed her PhD. by the summer of 2006, after which she plans on continuing her education and work on a post-doctoral project further examining the ecology of lakes and wetlands. Her future career aspirations are to become a university professor.
Amber Robinson, University of Manitoba
Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater, hereafter cowbirds) rely on host
species to raise their young, often reducing their reproductive success.
Originally confined to the Great Plains, cowbirds have expanded their range
as forested lands were logged and cleared. Few records of cowbirds existed
prior to the 1950s in British Columbia (BC), Canada, though they have since
expanded their range to include most of the province. A common Vancouver
Island (VI) species is the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia, sparrows) which
is one of the most heavily parasitized cowbird host species in North America
and responds aggressively to cowbirds. Previous work on sparrow aggression
did not test sparrow response to predators or distinguish unique alarm calls
given to predator and brood parasite; though anecdotal reports have observed
unique sparrow calls towards accipiters, humans and cowbirds. These calls
may assist in defining how sparrows perceive cowbirds on VI where cowbirds
are known to be both predators and brood parasites. Will recently sympatric
sparrows recognize the cowbird as a brood parasite or as an avian nest predator?
This question will be tested using three freeze-dried avian models: a cowbird,
a control, and a predator placed near active sparrow nests. With these models
sparrow reactions will be investigated, vocal responses and behavior will
be compared, and the degree of perceived threat measured. Vocal responses
may be unique to the individual threat perceived, such as in Yellow Warblers
(Dendroica petechia), which utter a unique alarm call towards cowbirds.
Responses recorded in 2004 from a historically sympatric sparrow population
at Delta Marsh, Manitoba, Canada, differ significantly in the number of
tchunk calls (a general alarm call) given towards the brood parasite compared
to the control or predator model (p-value = 0.0053, n = 41). The unique
alarm call of zhee was given significantly more to the brood parasite than
the predator, novel or control models (p-value = 0.0302, n = 41). Another
unique alarm call, tik, was given more to the predator than towards any
other model (p-value = 0.0821, n = 41). Sparrows may react more during nesting
than incubating stages (parental investment theory) or alternatively during
the egg-laying stage. I predict sparrows will react greatest when the cost
of parasitism on their reproductive success is highest. Sparrows may serve
as a model for rare, threatened, or sensitive species such as Southwestern
Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) and Yellow-breasted Chats
(Icteria virens) that also have open cup nests in the understory, use similar
habitat and are known cowbird hosts.
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Biography - Amber Robinson Amber Robinson is a Graduate student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a degree in behavioural ecology through the department of Zoology and Faculty of Science. She's interested in birding, saunaing, photography and getting various statistical programs to run on her data! You can contact Amber at umrobi55@cc.umanitoba.ca if you have any questions regarding her research. |
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We would like to convene a meeting of the past presidents of the Manitoba
Chapter of the Wildlife Society. At this meeting would like to canvass past
presidents on:
If you are a past president and would be interested in participating please
contact Karla Guyn (k_guyn@ducks.ca).
Do you want to be part of the Wildlife Society Executive? Or perhaps you
know someone who would be a good candidate. Being part of the Executive gives
you the opportunity to help direct the activities of the Chapter, get better
acquainted with Chapter members and provides an opportunity for professional
development. We will be electing new people to the positions of President
Elect and Member at Large at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. If you are
interested or would like to nominate someone please contact one of the executive.
The Manitoba Chapter presents an annual student award valued at $500. It is awarded to a graduate student enrolled at a Manitoba University carrying out research on a topic related to wildlife in Manitoba. The basis of the award is a proposal made by the student in writing. Details of the award and how to apply are available on the Chapter website under "AWARDS". The deadline for application is March 10th, 2005. The award will be presented to the top applicant at the Annual General Meeting to be held on March 17th 2005 at the Fort Whyte Centre.
The Manitoba Chapter is seeking nominations for the Conservationist Award.
This award is presented to an individual or group who has made a significant
contribution to wildlife management in Manitoba and need not be a member of
the Chapter or a wildlife professional. A nomination form can be accessed
via the Chapter website, under "AWARDS". Nominations should consist
of a short biography of the individual and outline the aspects of the person's
actions that merit the "Conservationist Award". This award is presented
at the Annual General Meeting, but not necessarily presented every year. Nomination
deadline is March 10th, 2005. For more details contact Rick Riewe at riewerr@Ms.UManitoba.CA
or 474-9768.
The executive is looking for prizes/donations for our annual silent auction event which occurs during the AGM. We are asking members to look in their closets, storage rooms or attics for items that are wildlife related (new or used in good condition) which you are no longer utilizing and may provide someone else years of enjoyment. Items can include a beautiful landscape picture which no longer goes with your decor, a usable duck decoy or the hunting vest which you bought on sale that is two sizes two small. If you have anything to contribute, please contact anyone on the executive to make arrangements.
The Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife Society believes that it is critical
for biology students to have field experience in order to become competent
wildlife biologists. With that in mind the Chapter is compiling a list of
potential volunteer positions for its membership (many of whom are students)
for this upcoming spring/summer. Do you have any field studies involving wildlife
which could incorporate a volunteer for a few days or longer? If so please
send us a short description of the position and we'll post it in our Spring/Summer
Newsletter (for Mid May).
The Manitoba Chapter will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday March
17, 2005 at Fort Whyte Interpretive Center. Your annual membership fee of
$10 plus a $5 AGM fee is due at that time. Details will be posted on the website
and emailed to all members, but will include a guest speaker, 2005 student
award presentation, the 2004 student award speaker, business meeting including
the election of a new executive, and a silent auction. Pizza and refreshments
will be served. Mark your calendars and watch for more details soon.
This is a reminder to all members that its time to renew your membership
fees, which are still a bargain at $10. The fees help cover the Chapter student
bursary, expenses for speakers and rooms, contributions to TWS and CMPS annual
general meetings, and other initiatives. Without your memberships, the Chapter
would not be able to offer the events we do. Membership dues can be paid at
the AGM or contact Monica at mreid@cc.umanitoba.ca
for payment.
12th Annual
Conference of The Wildlife Society
Preliminary Program
Plenary
Workshops
Symposia
Special Poster Sessions
Contributed Papers and Posters
Please visit www.wildlife.org for more information
Plenery speakers and concurrent sessions will address some of the most problematic
issues of water management, flood damage reduction/mitigation, and natural
resources protection/development confronting policy makers, scientists and
citizens of the Red River basin. Every effort will be made to make this a
true international conference focusing on mutual Canada - U.S concerns. http://www.tri-college.org/watershed/conference.htm
DELTA HERITAGE MARSH EXPANDS - Province Acquires Land near Portage for
Wildlife
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today that Delta Heritage Marsh
northwest of Portage la Prairie will expand following the purchase of 32 hectares
(80 acres) of land. Approximately 12,000 hectares of the marsh is owned by
the province, while the balance is privately owned. The recent acquisition
is located 1.6 kilometres east of the Portage Diversion and is adjacent to
existing Crown lands that comprise the heritage marsh.
Delta Marsh is one of several large marshes recognized as heritage marshes
in Manitoba. It is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the world, encompassing
some 25,000 hectares. It stretches across the vast southern edge of Lake Manitoba
and has attracted waterfowl hunters from across the world.
The marsh is well known for the Delta Marsh Field Station (University of Manitoba),
the Delta Waterfowl Research Station and the Delta Marsh Bird Observatory.
The marsh is recognized as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Convention)
and an important bird area (BirdLife International).
METIS HARVESTING POLICY - Powley Implementation Committee created
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced the creation of the Powley
Implementation Committee. The committee's mandate is to assist the government
in its endeavour to create and develop a Métis harvesting policy and
strive to ensure the spirit of the Powley decision on Métis hunting
rights is implemented. The role of the committee is to provide recommendations
that will enable government to implement principles recognized in the Powley
decision.
Members were chosen based on their contributions to and knowledge of Aboriginal
Peoples and their livelihood including historical and cultural perspectives.
Traditional and contemporary living-off-the-land experiences and the role
that research plays in legal jurisprudence were also taken in to consideration.
The committee will meet on an as-needed basis and update the minister regularly
and is expected to provide its advice and recommendations to the government
by July 31.
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· Current issue of EnviroZine. http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/home_e.cfm · Species at Risk in the Prairie Region http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/nature/endspecies/sar/db08s00.en.html · List of Endangered and Threatened Species in Manitoba http://www.pnr-rpn.ec.gc.ca/nature/endspecies/sar/db08s03.en.html ·
Renew your TWS membership online. http://www.wildlife.org/cart/index.cfm |
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President |
President Elect |
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Rick Riewe e-mail: riewerr@ms.umanitoba.ca |
Monica Reid e-mail: umreidwo@hotmail.com |
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Garth Ball e-mail: gball@gov.mb.ca |
Patric Bergen email: umberge9@cc.umanitoba.ca |
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