i ministik lake game bird sanctuary wildlife … · 2015-07-29 · i . i i i i i i i i i i i i i i...

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Alt:xma AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND

RURAL DEVELOPMENT Public Lands

471 A3 t·1665 1997 D1aft c.l

Alberta E · t I p nvrronmcr: a rotection ~:.... Library

MINISTIK LAKE GAME BIRD SANCTUARY

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

. . . . .. .-':.;. ·o:.:::~

Draft Implementation Strategy

April, 1997

AIWra ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Natural Resources Service

Alt:Dra ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Library

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................... ii

1.0 BACKGROUND ...................................................... 1

2.0 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN-

MINISTIK LAKE GAME BIRD SANCTUARY .............................. 1

3.0 PURPOSE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY ....................... 2

4.0 IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGYFORPRIORITYTASKS ................... 3

4.1 Designation as a Habitat Development Area .............................. 3 4.2 Wildlife Enhancement by Ducks Unlimited Canada ......................... 3 4.3 Upland Habitat Management Strategy ................................... 4 4.4 Trapping System ................................................... 4 4.5 Access Management ................................................ 4 4.6 Information Exchange with the Public .................................. 10 4.7 Acquisition ofPrivateLands ......................................... 10 4.8 Development of a Fire Management Strategy ............................ 12

5.0 FUTURE ACTIONS .................................................... 12 5.1 Implementation ................................................... 12 5.2 Plan Monitoring and Plan Review ..................................... 13

APPENDIX 1 ............................................................. 14 APPENDIX 2 ............................................................. 15

· Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary- Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1989 a Wildlife Management Plan for Ministik Lake Game Bird sanctuary received approval by

the former Alberta Forestry, Lands, and Wildlife Department. This Plan was developed in

response to a 1985 request by Ducks Unlimited Canada for a formal arrangement to ensure the

security of the land base.

The Wildlife Management Plan remains the key document for managing the sanctuary as it

provides the overall objectives, direction for managing land use within the sanctuary through

general guidelines, and reviews the history and policies that have been developed for Ministik.

While the plan identifies numerous long term or ongoing management activities, it highlights

several priority tasks to be completed. These tasks include:

I.

2.

3.

4.

Designation as a Habitat Development Area;

Continued wildlife habitat enhancement by Ducks Unlimited Canada;

Development of an upland habitat management strategy;

Establishment of a trapping system;

5. Development of a strategy to manage access;

6. Annual information exchange meetings with the public;

7. Acquisition of privately-held lands (on a willing seller basis); and,

8. Development of a fire management strategy.

The proposed future action or current status for each of these priority tasks forms the basis

of this Implementation Strategy. Implementation of the Wildlife Management Plan, and

provisions contained in this document, will ultimately be the joint responsibility of the Public

Lands Branch of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Natural Resources

Service (Park}and Region) of Alberta Environmental Protection, under the direction of the

Parkland Region Environmental Resources Committee. Implementation will require the

continued involvement of stakeholder groups and the Public Advisory Committee, especially in

areas such as monitoring of human use of the sanctuary, marking and maintenance of trails, and

development and maintenance of primitive facilities at designated staging areas. The structure and

function of the Public Advisory Committee as outlined in its Terms of Reference will be retained

during the future management of the sanctuary.

The success of the plan and our efforts to conserve the area for its wildlife resources, ecological

values and for the benefit of future Albertans will depend on our actions today.

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary -Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 · 11

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MINISTIK LAKE GAME BIRD SANCTUARY

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary is a large (7349 ha) area of public land some 24 km

southeast ofEdmonton. It is part of the Cooking Lake moraine, an area of knob and kettle

topography which stretches from Miquelon Lake in the south to Elk Island National Park in the

north. The sanctuary is one of three major areas of crown land on the moraine, the others being

the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Area and Elk Island National Park. Ministik has been left relatively

undisturbed, and is an island of native vegetation surrounded by agricultural lands. It is recognized

for its significance for waterfowl production and has been a bird sanctuary since 1911. It supports

populations of white-tailed deer, moose, and mule deer, as well as a variety of other upland and

wetland wildlife. It is also important as one of the largest relatively undisturbed areas of native

habitat remaining in the Edmonton area.

2.0 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN-MINISTIK LAKE GAME BIRD

SANCTUARY

In 1985 Ducks Unlimited Canada asked for a more formal arrangement to ensure the security of

the land base. In response, Alberta Environmental Protection (formerly Alberta Forestry, Lands

and Wildlife) developed a co-operative management plan for the area. The Wildlife Management

Plan-Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary received Departmental approval in 1989. This plan

remains the key document for managing the sanctuary as it provides the overall objectives,

direction for managing land use within the sanctuary through general guidelines, and reviews the

history and policies that have been developed for Ministik. The Wildlife Management Plan has

four objectives:

1) to sustain continued waterfowl production, particularly through positive initiatives,

such as habitat enhancement~

2) to provide positive management of other wildlife through habitat enhancement and

regulations~

Ministik I...ake Game Bird Sanctuary -Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 1

3)

4)

to encourage human enjoyment of the wildlife resource and natural environment

through recreational activities, where these are compatible with the wildlife

objectives; and,

to accommodate other land uses where these are compatible with the wildlife

objectives.

In addition to establishing the main objectives for Ministik, the Wildlife Management Plan

provides direction for managing land use within the sanctuary. The table in Appendix 1

summarizes the status of activities which occurred in the past and their current status under the

Wildlife Management Plan. The Wildlife Management Plan includes some specific management

actions or implementation measures required to support or accomplish the objectives of the plan.

While some of these actions involve long term or ongoing activities, the 1989 Wildlife

Management Plan highlighted eight priority tasks:

1) Designation of the MLGBS as a Habitat Development Area;

2) Continued wildlife habitat enhancement by Ducks Unlimited Canada;

3) Development of an upland habitat management strategy;

4) Establishment of a trapping system;

5) Development of a str~tegy to manage access;

6) · Annual information exchange meetings with the public;

7) Acquisition of privately-held lands (on a willing seller basis); and,

8) Development of a fire management strategy.

The plan is being implemented under the direction of the Environmental Resources Committee

(ERC). Public Lands (with responsibility for land administration) and Natural Resources Service

are the agencies directly responsible for implementation. Other stakeholders (e.g., Ducks

Unlimited Canada, local municipalities, special interest groups) are consulted as necessary.

3.0 PURPOSE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

As noted above, the 1989 Wildlife Management Plan remains the key document for managing the

sanctuary. However, further direction was required to outline how the eight priority tasks would

be accomplished. As a way to involve stakeholders in this process, the ERC established the

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary Public Advisory Committee (PAC} in 1990. The PAC

serves as a communications link between Public Lands, Natural Resources Service and the various

interest groups. The role of the PAC is to serve as a forum through which participants can review

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary- Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 2



policy and management issues, and to act in an advisory capacity to the ERC. The stakeholder

groups who are represented on the PAC are listed in Appendix 2. The PAC, which first met in

November 1990, worked with the planning team to prepare a strategy to complete these priority

tasks. This implementation strategy outlines the proposed future action or current status

for each of these priority tasks. For direction on other land uses not discussed in this

implementation strategy (e.g., agriculture, industrial uses, etc.), refer to the 1989 Wildlife

Management Plan.

4.0 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR PRIORITY TASKS

4.1 Designation as a Habitat Development Area

The Wildlife Management Plan recommends that the sanctuary be designated as a Habitat

Development Area (HDA) under the Wildlife Act. This designation is consistent with the primary

intent of the area (as a place for wildlife), would provide additional security for the land base and

would permit management of the area through appropriate regulations.

PAC member support for the designation is split and some members of the public are also

opposed to the designation. Therefore, the ERC have decided not to pursue the HDA designation

at this time. The requirement for this designation will be reviewed after the strategy is

implemented and operational. This will give stakeholders and Department staff the opportunity to

monitor how well the plan is working and to fine-tune management actions, if necessary.

The HDA will be implemented through an Order-in-Council, with the Minister of Environmental

Protection making regulations regarding specific uses or activities in the sanctuary as described in

the Wildlife Management Plan and Implementation Strategy only if voluntary compliance is

unsuccessful.

4.2 Wildlife Enhancement by Ducks Unlimited Canada

The Wildlife Management Plan recognizes that Ministik will continue to serve its primary function

as a waterfowl production area and encourages activities which will enhance the area as

waterfowl breeding, moulting and staging habitat. Ducks Unlimited Canada will continue to

manage the area for duck production. There are no plans for major new projects in the area.

Existing habitat improvement projects will be maintained.

Minislik lAke Game Bird Sanctuary· Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 3

4.3 Upland Habitat Management Strategy

The value ofMinistik to wildlife other than migratory birds has grown over the years as the

surrounding landscape has been altered by man. Ministik is an island of boreal forest surrounded

by developed agricultural land. Ministik provides year round or seasonal habitat for moose,

white-tailed deer, mule deer, furbearers, small mammals and many species of birds. The diversity

of wildlife which inhabit the area is a function of the available habitat. Because of this, the

primary goal will be to maintain the area in its natural state. The active management of upland

habitat is considered low priority at the present time.

4.4 Trapping System

Trapping of furbearing animals has been a long-standing land use within Ministik. The Wildlife

Management Plan recognizes that this activity is required as a way to manage furbearing animals,

to help meet other wildlife objectives for the area and to help control potential property damage

caused by some species (e.g., beaver) in surrounding areas.

A trapping system has been implemented for the area as recommended iii the Wtldlife

Management Plan. Ministik is divided into three exclusive trapping areas of sufficient size to be

viable as a business, but be small enough to be trapped by a single individual. The system is

operating well and appears to meet the needs both of the trappers and the wildlife managers.

4.5 Access Management

The Wildlife Management Plan recognizes that Ministik offers a variety of opportunities for

outdoor recreation activities, including activities based on the wildlife resource. These activities

are encouraged to the extent that they are compatible with wildlife management objectives. Non

motorized activities are especially encouraged. To reduce conflicts with wildlife management

objectives and non-motorized recreation, motorized recreational activities will be restricted to the

winter period as outlined in the proposal for motorized recreation use. Motor vehicle (e.g., car

and truck) use of trails within the sanctuary is not compatible with wildlife management and other

recreational use of the area and will not be allowed except for the exceptions contained in this

proposal.

The access management strategy for Ministik includes a proposal for motorized recreation use in

the winter. The PAC developed an original package of recommendations concerning off-highway

Ministik lAke Game Bird Sanctuary -Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 4


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vehicle use in the winter, equestrian use and other restrictions that were submitted to the ERC.

After this package of recommendations and restrictions was endorsed by ERC, requests were

made by some PAC members to review certain aspects of the proposal. Some members of the

public also expressed concerns with the proposal. PAC as a whole was unable to resolve this

request so referred the matter to ERC for resolution. After reviewing public input obtained in

1995 and the results of consultations with the Counties of Beaver, Camrose, Leduc and

Strathcona (their borders include the sanctuary), the ERC made decisions on the unresolved

issues, namely for OHV access on the east side of the sanctuary and to open access site #33 for

OHVuse.

The recommendations for ofT-highway vehicle use in the winter, equestrian use and other

restrictions for the sanctuary, including the direction from the PAC's original motorized

recreation use proposal and the ERC, are outlined below. Development of these

recommendations was guided by the Wildlife Management Plan which contains provisions for

motorized recreation (snowmobiling) during the period of snow cover provided this can be done

in a manner which is compatible with wildlife objectives and non-motorized recreational activities.

Motor vehicles

• Motorized recreation will be restricted to OHV s on designated routes during the winter only

(1 December -1 March). It may be necessary to close access earlier in some years for the

protection of resident wildlife. No access is allowed between 11 :00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Only

vehicles meeting the definition of an OHV in the Off-Highway Vehicles Act will be permitted

(this includes snowmobiles and low-pressure tire vehicles such as quads and trikes).

• Access will be permitted within the times outlined above when there is 15 em (6") of snow

cover on the ground, the ground is frozen and there is adequate depth of ice on the designated

lakes.

• OHVs will be limited to the estimated 26 km of designated routes (mainly in the western part

of the sanctuary) and to the surfaces of certain water bodies. A staging area at Access #2

(NW comer ofSW30-50-21-W4) will be developed as the access for OHV use.

• An additional access site for OHVs is identified on the east side of the sanctuary. The

location of the site is shown on Figure 1. This site should meet the needs of local residents in

the County of Beaver who have traditionally been able to access sanctuary lands from the east

side for motorized recreational use in the winter.

• East side access will be connected to the remainder of the designated route system by a trail

from the east side access to Larry Lake, then northwest to Mandy Lake and west to Oliver

Lake. The approximate location of this trail is shown on Figure 1. A portion of the

Minisnk Lake Game Bird Sanctuary -Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 · 5

R.21

MINISTIK LAKE BIRD SANCTUARY Staging Areas and Designated Routes

For Winter Off Highway Vehicle Use SCALE 1 : 75 000

: I 9 .... - - 6 - - ·-- - -- -· - s- -· -· - - -- ..• - - - . - 3

·36

Acceu No.2

. -- ... -24

- -· ... ·13

... -· ·25

-

I

-·- -· ·18

- .... -- ·30 ..... -· ·29

Sanctuary Boundary

Roads (Developed)

Designated Routes (Winter OHV Use)

Private Land Inside Sanctuary

Crown Land Adjacent To Sanctuary

I)

D ! ! Cl -- ·- ·+- -- -is I ,

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Lake Surfaces Designated For Winter OHV Use

IV

I ... J_-

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R. 20

----a·--··-

. - - 6 .. ·-· -- -· . .•. ... 5 .. ·- ·- -

36 -- ·- -31 "=:.•

-· -24 --- •

0

- ----- ·18

West Of The Fourth Meridian

Universal Transverse lotercator Projection

Pr<Joar-,o Cly: CorDOI'Ite Management Ser ... .ct. Nartl'leu.t &or .. l ~eglon. Oeeemcer 1996

Figure 1 Staging Areas and Designated Winter OHV Routes

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary -Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 6

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designated route from the proposed east side access site to Lany Lake is on the W askahegan

Trail. Special use conditions for OHVs will need to be developed to accommodate this

additional activity on the trail. OHV use of this access site and the additional designated trail

will need to be monitored to ensure that it is compatible with continued use of the area by

local wildlife. Restrictions on OHV use of this site and trail, or closure, may be necessary if

the activity is not compatible with wildlife use of the area.

• Access for motorized recreational use in the winter and on-foot recreational use year round

will be permitted at access site #33 (Figure 1 ). A trail across the hay meadow will be

identified to permit OHV access from a designated parking area directly to the frozen surface

of Ministik Lake. Concerns about safety issues associated with parking along the county road

can be addressed by providing a small designated parking area at the edge of the hay meadow.

Concerns about effects on wildlife habitat can be mitigated by restricting parking to a

designated site and by ensuring that a single, direct route to the lake is followed by all OHV

traffic. Only minimal facilities will be allowed at this site. The site will need to be monitored

to ensure that disturbance to the hay meadow is kept to an absolute minimum.

• MLGBS is not to be used as a site for organized rides or special events.

• The issue oflevel or intensity of use (e.g. number of machines) will be subject to on-going

assessment to ensure the level of use does not compromise plan objectives. An annual

assessment of areas used by OHV s shall be conducted in the spring following snowmelt. The

assessment will be undertaken by members of the PAC and government staff. The purpose of

the assessment will be to provide some evaluation of motorized winter recreation in relation to

overall objectives of the sanctuary. The initial assessment will also permit fine tuning of the

designated route system if necessary.

• Adherence to these restrictions will be by voluntary compliance. Public awareness of these

restrictions and management actions will be important in determining the success of this

implementation strategy. All stakeholders will have a role to play in ensuring that provisions

of the management plan and implementation strategy are followed. There may also be a role

for local volunteer groups such as Rural Crime Watch and Range PatroL All users of the

sanctuary and local landowners would be able to report violators to the proper authority.

Restrictions on motor vehicle use would not apply to service or management vehicles, trappers

and farmers as required for their operations, or to emergency vehicles.

If followed, these voluntary restrictions on motor vehicle and motorized recreation use will reduce

harassment of wildlife, limit damage to trails and vegetation, and reduce conflicts with non

motorized recreation.


Equestrian use

Horses will be pennitted from 15 July to 1 March (i.e., no spring use) on designated trails.

Originally access for equestrian use was to be provided at access sites #9 and #2. In addition, the

Alberta Trail Riders Association requested that consideration be given to allowing equestrian use

at access site #33. Access sites #9 and #33 were eliminated as possible sites after additional field

inspections. There is inadequate space for parking at access site #9 and suitable trails could not

be located in this area. The area accessible through access #3 3 is a complex of hay meadows,

numerous wetlands and uplands and not well suited for equestrian use. A loop system of

equestrian trails originating at access site #2 has been tentatively identified and is shown on Figure

2. As part of this trail system is on the Waskahegan Trail, the acceptability of this dual use will

need to be confirmed with the Waskahegan Trail Association. Special conditions for equestrian

use may need to be developed if dual use of this section of the trail is to be accommodated in the

future. Equestrian use will be monitored and assessed to ensure it is compatible with other uses.

Other restrictions

Several other restrictions were recommended by the PAC. These restrictions have been

subsequently endorsed by ERC (October 25, 1995). These were:

• No overnight camping unless authorized by pennit;

• No open fires;

• No discharge of firearms except during open seasons for big game or coyotes

and by trappers as part of their trapping operation;

• Dogs must be kept on a leash; and

• No commercial recreational activity.

To summarize, management of access is needed to achieve the wildlife management and

recreational use objectives for Ministik. Access to the area will be managed by a combination of

closure of vehicle access and voluntary restrictions as outlined in this proposal. Generally,

motorized access will be prohibited except for OHV use in the winter on designated trails.

Equestrian access will be limited to the summer, fall and winter period on designated trails. Foot

access will be pennitted year round. A system of gates, post barricades and other controls may be

used to prevent unauthorized vehicle access to existing trails.


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R. 21

MINISTIK LAKE BIRD SANCTUARY Proposed Equestrian Trails

SCALE 1 : 7S COO

. - - -· - e - -- -- - - -- -- - 15 - - -- - - -- -- •• ' ·· -· - - - -- -· - 3 - - - -· ·- -- - - 2 - -- -- ·

. -- -· ·36

Access No.2

- - -- -- ··24

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--·-·13 ···-----·-·18

·- ·- -25 -· -·· -· ·30 - -· -· ·29

- Sanctuary Boundary

Proposed Equestrian Trail

-===- Roads !Developed)

Cl

··- ·- -28.--

--. ··-· ·-· 315

I : -·- -· .. r -.. - ·2t --- -· .. t- ·-·--West 01 The Faurlh Meridian

R.20

. --··-31 C:O•

. ----30

0

·--- ·18

(?22ZI Private Land Inside Sanctuary UnlverSII Tnnaverise Mercator Prajecttan

Preet•red Dy: Cor"ortre Nanagement S•'vlee, Norman~ Boreal Regaon. Oecemoer 1998.

Figure 2 Proposed Equestrian Trails


TP. 51

TP. 50

TP. 49

4.6 Information Exchange with the Public

The Wildlife Management Plan directed that there should be ongoing public involvement and

consultation, possibly through annual meetings. To date, public involvement has been through the

Public Advisory Committee and by way of an information package (the Ministik Lake-Draft

Habitat Development Area Management Plan) which was distributed in April1995. This

package, now referred to as the lmplementatiQn Strategy, received wide distribution through

members of the PAC, and mailings to landowners adjacent to the sanctuary. The availability of the

draft plan was also advertised in local papers. The public and organized groups were encouraged

to provide input on the various issues under consideration. In addition to this formal request for

input, PAC members are expected to communicate the decisions of the PAC to their respective

interest groups and to represent the interests of these groups in the discussions and decisions

made by the PAC. In early 1996, meetings were held with the four counties that include Ministik

in their borders. The draft implementation strategy was presented to the counties and they were

requested to provide their input on the strategy and the unresolved issues. Following public

review and approval of this implementation strategy, the PAC will continue to provide an

opportunity for ongoing public participation and consultation regarding the management of the

sanctuary.

4. 7 Acquisition of Private Lands

There are a number of parcels of private land within and adjacent to Ministik which have long

been recognized as affecting comprehensive management of the sanctuary, are potential threats to

its long term security and complicate the clear delineation of the sanctuary boundary (Figure 3).

The Wildlife Management Plan recommends that acquisition of these lands (on a willing-seller

basis) be a central priority for long term management ofMinistik.

Some of the lands identified for acquisition have been purchased by the Department over the past

several years. These lands are next to the sanctuary, have significant wildlife value and help to

consolidate the sanctuary boundary. These lands will be added to the sanctuary and be managed

as outlined in the Wildlife Management Plan and Implementation Strategy.

Acquisition of other private land identified in the Wildlife Management Plan is proposed on a

willing-seller basis as opportunity and budgets allow. Until these lands are acquired, provisions of

the Wildlife Management Plan and Implementation Strategy do not apply to these private lands.

The Wildlife Management Plan and Implementation Strategy only apply to public land in Ministik.




R.21

MINISTIK LAKE BIRD SANCTUARY Land Recommended For ConsoHdation

With The Ministik Sanctuary $C.Iol.E 1 : 75 000

R.20

;

-·-·8·-· .. - _ ..... 5 -- •. 4 • -· ,. - - - -· . ~ .. -· --- -· -·- 2 • -- - ·-. s-- ·-.

• -- ... ·35 ·- ...

- -· ·- -24

--13

--- ·25

' -- - -18

' ' •. - ... ·30 -· ... - -· - ... ·29

Sanctuary Boundary

Lac 745 Held by Ducks Unlimited

Roads !Developed}

Private Land To Be Considered For Consolidation With Sanctuary

-· ... - ·- ·- -· ··27

Crown Land With Sanctuary Status Pending

Figure 3 Land Recommended For Consolidation

. - -- -30 - ·- -·

0

-· -- ---.... -18

I

- .. -1-- ...

West 01 The Fourth Nerldlan

Universal Transverse tolerC4tor ProJecUon

Pregared b)': Corl)otete Management Service. NorU'least Boro• Region. Oecember 1998.


TP. 51

TP. 50

TP. 49

4.8 Development of a Fire Management Strategy

The Wildlife Management Plan recognizes that a fire management strategy is needed to address

concerns for safety of life and property within the context of the basic plan objectives. Open fires

will not be permitted in Ministik and existing fire control policies will be maintained.

There was some discussion at the PAC about the use of fire as a vegetation or habitat

management tool. There are currently no plans to use fire as an active management tool nor will

it be considered as an option until such time as an upland habitat management plan is required for

Ministik.

5.0 FUTURE ACTIONS

5.1 Implementation

Implementation of the Wildlife Management Plan and this strategy will be the joint responsibility

of the Public Lands Branch of Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Natural

Resources Service (Parkland Region) of Alberta Environmental Protection. Implementation will

be directed by the Parkland Region Environmental Resources Committee.

All users of the sanctuary are encouraged to follow the guidelines and restrictions contained in

the Wildlife Management Plan and the Implementation Strategy. For some activities (e.g.,

camping, use of campfires, equestrian activities, firearm discharge, motor vehicle and OHV

activities), this will mean voluntary compliance. For other activities (e.g., agricultural activities J

and big game hunting), u~rs will be required to follow existing legislation and regulations.

Implementation may eventually include designation as a Habitat Development Area and the

application of regulations as indicated in this plan. However, this designation will not occur

unless voluntary compliance is unsuccessful by the user groups.

Implementation of some of these priority tasks (e.g., OHV winter use proposal, equestrian use

proposal) will require the necessary funds being obtained. An estimate of the total amount of

funding is not known at this time. The major expense will be associated with the development of

the staging areas for motorized use. Funding may have to be obtained from a variety of sources

including federal, provincial and municipal governments, user groups, grants, etc.

Implementation will require the continued involvement of the PAC and stakeholder groups,

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary- Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 · 12



especially in areas such as management and monitoring of human use of the sanctuary, marking

and maintenance of trails, and development and maintenance of primitive facilities at designated

staging areas. The structure and function of the Public Advisory Committee as outlined in its

Terms ofReference will be retained during the future management of the sanctuary. The success

of the plan and our efforts to conserve the area for its wildlife resources, ecological values and

for the benefit of future Albertans will depend on our actions today.

5.2 Plan Monitoring and Plan Review

Monitoring of the effectiveness of the plan will be an on-going process. This will require the

efforts of staff from Public Lands Branch and Natural Resources Service, the Public Advisory

Committee and people who use the area. The PAC should meet annually to review the success of

the Implementation Strategy. A formal review·ofthe plan will occur when the need arises.


APPENDIX 1

COMPARISON OF ACTIVITIES PERMITIED BEFORE AND AFfER

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MLGBS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Before After

Habitat enhancement permitted permitted

Waterfowl hunting not permitted not permitted

Upland bird hunting not permitted not permitted

Big game hunting permitted permitted

Trapping permitted permitted

Environmental research/education permitted permitted

Non-motorized recreation permitted permitted

Motorized recreation-winter permitted restricted

Motorized recreation-summer permitted not permitted

Utility/transportation corridors restricted restricted

Oil/gas exploration/development restricted restricted

Haying permitted permitted

Grazing non-conforming restricted

Definitions:

Permitted: activity permitted subject to appropriate conditions. Restricted: activities permitted only if they can be made compatible with primary uses. Not permitted: activities that will be prohibited once the plan is fully implemented. Non-conforming: activities that will be phased out over time.

Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary- Draft Implementation Strategy; April, 1997 14



APPENPIX2

MINISTIK LAKE GAME BIRD SANCTUARY PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association Alberta Snowmobile Association Alberta Trail Riders Association County ofBeaver County of Camrose County ofLeduc County of Strathcona Ducks Unlimited Canada Haying and Grazing Permittees Landowners Member-at Large Ministik Lake Bird Sanctuary Society Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association Trappers University of Alberta - Department of Animal Science (Ministik Wildlife Research Station) Waskahegan Trail Association


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