Accomplishments

Stone's Sheep Research

The following are more detailed descriptions of exemplary research projects in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. For additional project information please contact the information Office.
 

Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Land Use Planning
In recognition of the importance of traditional ecological knowledge to processes of land use and resource planning and management in the M-KMA, this joint research project led by UNBC and Halfway River First Nation provides for extensive research and study of TEK, as well as ways in which it may be gathered and incorporated into mainstream or science-based processes of planning.

Additionally, this project works in support of enhancing the capacity of the Halfway River First Nation community to gather and document its own traditional ecological knowledge, using geo-spatial tools such as GIS, while developing methodologies toward incorporating this vital knowledge in land use planning and management processes. These methodologies will be applicable throughout all regions of the M-KMA.

The project involves four fundamental stages; 1) establish a research partnership and working relationship between UNBC researchers and members of the HRFN community; 2) acquire information and develop an understanding and appreciation among participants of the requirements for data and information systems associated with resource management and traditional Aboriginal environmental knowledge and values; 3) build a prototype data and information management system that is compatible with both world views of people and resources; and 4) test the data and information management system and make recommendations for future applications. Stage 1 and 2 have been completed, Stage 3 has begun, but is not completed and stage 4 is to be undertaken in 2005/2006.
 

M-KMA Stone's Sheep Sustainability Project
North Peace Stone's Sheep Sustainability Steering Committee Administrative Support Funding for this project will support the administrative requirements of the Stone's Sheep Sustainability Steering Committee, including meeting costs, travel and facilitation. The Committee will address the potential impacts on sheep populations of future human activities, and suggest management measures to be put in place prior to that activity.
 

Stone's Sheep Mapping Project
The aim of this project is to conduct a mapping pilot project in the Sulphur/8 Mile area. Mapping data in this area is lacking, especially accurate mapping of alpine habitats considered key habitat for Stone's Sheep. Data collected will aid in determining key alpine habitat for Stone's sheep and inform the Pre-Tenure planning process for the area. This project will assist to address gaps identified by the Science Advisory Committee; of which an identified gap is the mapping of alpine habitats for Stone's sheep.
 

Stone's Sheep Research Project
As Stone's sheep populations appear to be in decline in the M-KMA, the aim of this project is to work in support of initiatives developed during the Sulphur/8 Mile pre-tenure planning process, while engaging in a process leading to the development of a comprehensive, long-term Stone's sheep management plan for the M-KMA.
 

Significant potential for third party funding partnerships are currently actively being solicited by the North Peace Stone's sheep Sustainability Steering Committee with hunting, guiding, outfitting, conservation and resource industry interests. An Ecosystem Approach to Habitat Capability Modelling & Cumulative Effects Management A large-scale, multidisciplinary research study focusing on large mammal wildlife species in the M-KMA, which are (i) most likely to be affected by disturbances to the environment resulting from resource industry activity, and (ii) for which minimal science-related data currently exists.

Information gathered as a result of this study, including data on animal migratory routes and predator-prey impacts to Stone's sheep, moose, caribou, grizzly bear and wolf, and has been expanded to include collaring and monitoring of elk. This project is critical to the management of renewable and non-renewable resources in the M-KMA. Much of this research work is being conducted in the Besa-Prophet Pre-Tenure region.

Initiated in fiscal year 2001, this multi-year project has benefited from funding partnerships with universities, government and industry, and integrates state-of-the-art technology such as Global Positioning Satellite Collars, tracking animal movement, and Geographic Information Systems, for large area mapping. Data deriving from this study is key to (i) defining resource industry access routes that minimise negative impacts to the environment and to wildlife, (ii) extrapolating information for application in other industrial development areas, and (iii) establishing baseline data sets that will be used to inform management decisions.

Results will be included as inputs into pre-tenure plans, Cumulative Impact Management, development scenarios and ecosystem management. Information collected will also be used to amend and develop local strategic plans and adaptive management for use by resource developers and regulatory agencies, and may lead to further advice from the Board to governmen