CCavity-nesting species, like goldeneyes and wood ducks, are among the most threatened in North America. In Alberta, over 60 per cent of original slough and marsh wetlands have been lost over time, including their adjacent old-growth forests used for cavity nests. Nest boxes augment what’s already there, or what’s been lost.

In central Alberta, the Habitat Stewardship Pilot Program recently released a final report about the success of nesting boxes and the need for more of them. The program was launched in January 2007 as a continuation of an existing nesting box project that began in 1989. When the pilot project was launched, there were 1,235 nest boxes and more than 300 co-operators in place in the region.

Initial analysis of the 18-month pilot project has been completed and the results exceeded expectations. Forty nesting boxes were installed with 25 co-operators, and stewardship agreements were signed covering more than 1,200 acres in the Pine Lake and Buffalo Lake regions of central Alberta.

“Our initial goals were to introduce new co-operators to nesting boxes, update the landowner database and add an education component to the project,” says Ducks Unlimited Canada's (DUC) Donald Watson. “In addition, we wanted to get permission to maintain the nesting boxes through long-term voluntary stewardship agreements.”

“Boxes are a short-term replacement for a natural cavity, as they last around 25 years,” says Jim Potter with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), who has run the project since its inception. “We want to inform land managers so in the future the educated manager will conserve the old-growth habitat forest required for cavity-nesting species to reproduce.”

The pilot program cost little to nothing for co-operators and provided both education opportunities and true reproductive

success. “As part of the educational extension effort, approximately 136 landowners of over 21,000 acres were reached,” says Watson. “The program shows that producers not only support the program, they are eager to learn about how they can do more.”

Interested in building your own nest box? Visit www.ducks.ca/resource/general/wetland/nestbox.html for more information and plans for a nest box that you can build, install and maintain. S

volume 29, number 4, 2008

Yukon • Northwest Territories • Nunavut • Alberta • Saskatchewan • Manitoba

western region ( )prairie/boreal

Nest boxes give central Alberta ducks helping hand

A common goldeneye hen surveys her surroundings from the comfort of a nest box home.

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When Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) purchased land near Cardston, Alta., it was to take advantage of the opportunity to restore wetlands in an area that really needed it. What wasn’t known at the time was that Canada’s largest purebred seedstock provider would come on board to help with those conservation efforts.

Two years ago, the conservation organization and its neighbour Soderglen Ranch joined together to greatly increase the habitat potential for that area.

“We created an 1,800-acre loop between the Ducks land and our land,” says Stan Grad, owner of Soderglen Ranch. “They allowed us to graze on their property, and we gave them access to our land to help create habitat for pintail ducks.

The 63-year-old rancher began his career in the oil industry. At that time his purebred Charolais seedstock operation was more of a hobby than a business. In the late 1980s his business took off when he bought a parcel of land near Airdrie which became the first location of Soderglen Ranch. With the help of his staff of 16, including managers Scott and Elan Lees, he’s grown the operation to three locations and more than 1,600 head of purebred cattle.

Grad says he has always been aware of the need to be careful about how the land is used, adding the Soderglen Ranch operation has always grown with conservation in mind.

“Like many involved in agriculture today, the land crunch has meant we used marginal land at times,” he says. “You have to be

conscious of your water sources and manage them in a smart way. We make sure we’re not overgrazing and we’re cognizant of how we are using the land. Making sure that there is quality habitat is good for the land in the long run.”

Stan sees potential for working with DUC in the future at their other sites. “We like working with Ducks because they are flexible. We both know that conservation and wetland restoration is important, but we know that we can’t ignore the ranch’s needs as well. We work together to make sure that everyone’s needs are met, for the good of the ranch, the land and the ducks.” S

Stan Grad founded Soderglen Ranch in Airdrie, Alta. With the help of a strong management team, he’s expanded his business to three ranches which together produce seedstock and grain. Soderglen Ranch has worked co-operatively with DUC for the past several years.

A neighbourly partnership

Conservation Easement Q&A – What you need to knowConservation easements are becoming increasingly popular with landowners as a means to preserve and protect natural lands and wildlife, and leave a legacy for future generations. Here’s a quick guide to help you better understand how you can benefit by using these important tools and if they are right for you.

Q: what is a Conservation easement?A: A Conservation Easement, or CE, is a voluntary legal

agreement between a landowner and a qualifying organization, like Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). These agreements are used to conserve land in perpetuity by designating a suitable use for the land. The CE is attached to the land title and applies to both current and future owners. By placing a CE on your property you have a say in how that land will be used and maintained into the future. It becomes your legacy to the land.

Q: How do i know if my land is eligible for a Conservation easement?A: To be suitable for a Conservation Easement your land needs

to meet some criteria. Typically, DUC is interested in working with landowners in areas where the land has natural buffers around environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands or where the land has important natural or ecologically significant space. We also work with landowners in areas with current or potential ecological value because of its proximity to similar properties and when the land has a related municipal or rural designation, or contributes to the biodiversity and to our environmental heritage.

Q: what are some of the benefits of Conservation easements to landowners?

A: Landowners who protect their lands with a CE also receive tax benefits through reduced capital gains, income tax deductions or credits for what is called “eco-gifting.” The landowner also can retain use of and rights to the land while ensuring future preservation of the land, and a potential increase to property value, particularly where there are adjoining lands with conservation easements.

Q: How does a Conservation easement affect the use of my land for farming or other purposes in the future?

A: A landowner retains all rights and responsibilities for the property unless otherwise specified in the agreement. They do agree to prohibit any activities that may interfere with the natural values protected under the agreement. Conservation Easements allow for compatible agricultural uses of the land including haying, grazing and selective timber harvesting or fence clearing, but do not allow any breaking, cultivation or burning.

Fw e s t e r n r e g i o n ( p r a i r i e / b o r e a l )

Fifteen community leaders from The Pas, Man., area got a rare glimpse into the world of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) backcountry research recently when they toured the Summerberry Marshes of the Saskatchewan River Delta (SRD).

DUC’s Dale Wrubleski, one of the lead scientists for the Saskatchewan River Delta research project, says that the tour was just a natural step in what has been a project closely tied to the local community.

“This research is important not only in terms of benefits to waterfowl and habitat,” Wrubleski says. “The delta also supports fishing, hunting, trapping and other resource use, which is very important to local Aboriginal peoples and the economic health of the area. We’ve worked in consultation with the local community because they are undoubtedly tied to this land and the natural benefits it provides.”

DUC’s Saskatchewan River Delta research project, funded by Manitoba Hydro, DUC and Manitoba Conservation, will help develop a better understanding of northern delta wetlands. From 2006 through 2009, DUC is investigating how water level management (drawdown and recharge) in a series of managed wetlands affects aquatic vegetation, water quality, fish, muskrats and waterbirds.

During this second summer of field research, three graduate students set up camp at DUC’s Summerberry Marshes to study water chemistry and vegetation, muskrat populations, and waterbirds in the area.

“Working out at Summerberry Marsh, you learn as much about logistics and managing a field project in a remote area as you do about the science you originally set out to research,” says Elise Watchorn, a graduate student studying water chemistry.

The field site is about 40 kilometres or a one-hour boat ride west of The Pas. Despite the challenges of working from the remote site, Watchorn says the research will have an important impact on the future of the area.

“To manage the muskrats and waterbird community in the Saskatchewan River Delta, you need to learn how the water chemistry and vegetation community responds to management,” she says. “I hope to provide an understanding of how these habitat and food components respond to a drawdown, so that duck and muskrat numbers can be restored.”

Wrubleski says that although early data indicates extended periods of low water levels can have a negative impact on the health of habitat and wildlife populations, all data will be carefully analyzed following the 2009 field season. After that, the results will be presented formally to the local community.

The Summerberry Marshes make up just one small part of the Saskatchewan River Delta. Spanning some 9,000 square kilometres in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, this network of pristine shallow lakes, river channels, and wetlands makes the Saskatchewan River Delta one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world. An internationally recognized Important Bird Area, the delta provides essential nesting and migration habitat for waterfowl and other waterbirds, especially in times of drought on the prairies. But it is also important to the economic health of the people of the local community, who make a living through the fishing, trapping, hunting and tourism that the delta provides.

DUC has been actively working in the delta since the 1940s, and currently manages 400,000 hectares of Saskatchewan River Delta habitat in co-operation with the Manitoba and Saskatchewan governments. Northern delta wetlands are quite different from the well studied prairie wetland systems of southern Manitoba, and this research will help guide wetland management in the Saskatchewan River Delta and beyond. S

Graduate student Elise Watchorn (right) and field assistant Sheila Atchison (left) at a study wetland at Summerberry Marshes.

Successful field season at SRD wraps up with community tour

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The Honourable Vic Toews (middle), Member of Parliament for Manitoba’s Provencher constituency, is seen here with here with Cynthia Edwards, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) national manager of industry and government relations and Bob Grant, DUC provincial manager for Manitoba. Toews toured Oak Hammock Marsh, where DUC staff also invited him to discuss wetland policy. He completed the visit with an aerial tour of key wetlands in the Interlake area. Toews has been interested in DUC since 2000, when he attended a fundraising dinner for the organization. S

Toews Tours Oak Hammock Marsh

A former Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) employee has been recognized for his accomplishments and efforts.

Ron Coley was awarded the 2008 Canadian Water Resources Association Distinguished Service Award at the association’s recent national conference in Gimli, Man. The award recognizes Coley “for outstanding contributions to the development and management of water resources in Canada.”

Now retired, he has served as the chief engineer, Manitoba provincial manager, and Western Regional manager for DUC.

In his acceptance speech, Coley credited DUC for providing him with the opportunities to serve water resources and wildlife over his 28-year career.

During his career at DUC and since his retirement, Coley has provided technical advice and training related to water resources and environmental aspects nationally and internationally on 20 missions to 10 nations – Ukraine, Botswana, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Bahamas and the U.S. S

Award recognizes Coley's outstanding contributions

MMichael Champion (left) receives the inaugural Watershed Stewardship award on behalf of Ducks Unlimited Canada for the organization’s work in developing the McKell Wascana Conservation Park in Regina. The award was presented by Fred Clipsham, Regina city councillor.

The park is important because it represents a landscape that is in critically short supply, natural prairie surrounding a creek bed. It also represents the opportunity for people from Regina and beyond to explore and enjoy an ecosystem that is unique, and even more so because it is within the boundaries of an urban landscape. Along with principal partner Bob McKell, there are dozens of other project partners and sponsors who have committed time and money to the project. S

McKell Wascana wins award

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FFinding solutions to properly manage the water resources in its operational areas is one of the key reasons why the Suncor Energy Foundation has invested $1.5 million in Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) Western Boreal Program (WBP). The Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable foundation established by Suncor Energy Inc.

“We want to be part of the solution to ensure the health of our wetlands and the surrounding boreal landscape,” says Gord Lambert, Suncor’s vice-president, sustainable development, adding his company recognizes the importance of Alberta’s water resource and the need to manage it wisely. “So partnering with Ducks Unlimited Canada was a natural choice.”

This new commitment is a five-year partnership and will look at establishing best management practices for oil and gas operations to protect and maintain wetland and watershed health. The work will include gathering and sharing examples of best practice in the oil and gas industry, co-ordinating research into watershed function and helping to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands.

“This is a great way that Ducks can collaborate with an industry partner to find sustainable development solutions that enable us to meet our habitat goals and the needs of waterfowl,” says Eric Butterworth, manager, territorial and boreal operations for the WBP.

A workshop is scheduled this fall with select steam-assisted gravity drainage operators to discuss and move forward on industry best management practices. Steam-assisted gravity drainage is an enhanced oil recovery technology for heavy crude oil and bitumen. DUC is also supporting other research initiatives on well site reclamation and hydrology to further improve the best management practices development process. S

w e s t e r n r e g i o n ( p r a i r i e / b o r e a l )

Gord Lambert, Suncor’s vice-president, sustainable development (left), is presented with a Diamond Legacy Award by Jack Hole, DUC vice-president, for his company’s $1.5 million investment in DUC. The presentation was made during the annual Western Boreal Program dinner and fundraiser in April 2008.

Boreal wetlands get boost

When it comes to wetland conservation, kids learn best when they get wet. So Talisman Energy is giving kids in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario a hands-on wetland learning experience through a $500,000 commitment to Project Webfoot.

“Kids learn by doing, so the easiest way for them to understand why we need wetlands is to see it for themselves,” says Michael Reid, team lead, community and Aboriginal relations for Talisman, who believes in the hands-on learning process.

The five-year sponsorship, which runs from 2008 to 2012, will assist Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in delivering Project Webfoot to approximately 700 Grade 4 and 5 students in select Talisman operating areas across Canada.

The program includes in-class resources and a field trip to a wetland in their community. Some classes will also receive a hot lunch served up by Talisman staff and volunteers as part of their field trip to their local wetland.

“In turn, we hope that these students will have a better understanding of wetland conservation and be able to make important decisions on the environment throughout their lives,” says Jerry Brunen, head of education for DUC’s Western Region.

Project Webfoot is DUC’s award-winning education program, which includes in-class resources and a field trip to a nearby wetland. Project Webfoot turns an ordinary wetland into a laboratory and gets the students, teachers and parents excited about the environmental issues that should concern them the most.

Talisman has been a DUC partner since 2004. S

Students from Edson enjoy learning about the importance of wetlands. The donation from Talisman means 700 more students in the prairies will get to learn about nature first hand.

Talisman sponsorship puts kids knee-deep in wetlands

LLike many Manitobans, Wendy Wach is an avid outdoor enthusiast. But when Wach answered the call of nature – leaving her hometown of Winnipeg for a quiet retirement on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Belair, Man. – something unique happened, a creative inspiration spun from the very forests surrounding her home.

“I live in the boreal forest, and it’s so beautiful. I’m really close to nature, which has a huge impact on why I live here and why I continue to paint wildlife. I love the details – I paint every feather, every hair.”

It seems other nature lovers support Wach’s high-quality, detailed style. Her paintings of nature, which are all done on birchbark and Tyndall stone hand-picked from surrounding areas, can now be found in collections throughout North America.

Fortunately for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Wach’s home in Belair provided not only creative inspiration, but also opportunities to get involved in conservation. When friends invited her to participate in the local Pine Falls-Eastern Beaches Ducks Unlimited Canada volunteer chapter, she jumped at the opportunity.

Wach, who says it’s vital to preserve wetlands and restore those that have been lost, thought it would be a natural fit to donate her art to the local Ducks Unlimited Canada event in addition to volunteering for the chapter. Before long, her work became a regular item at the event, as well as at the Minister’s Dinner – an annual fundraising event for the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre.

A volunteer and Ducks Unlimited Canada supporter for nearly 15 years, Wach was honoured to paint the image featured on the current Ducks Unlimited Canada Manitoba pin. The design was so successful that she has since generously donated three matching full-sized paintings to Ducks Unlimited Canada. Two of these paintings, which were sold at events in Pine Falls and Churchill, raised $2,500 for DUC, with another piece to be auctioned at the Pine Falls dinner in April.

“I’m really thrilled that my work has brought money to Ducks. For me, it’s my donation,” Wach says, adding with a laugh, “I’m also thrilled because it was the top seller at our auction – and it sold right next to a Darryl Sittler hockey jersey for the same price!”

Wendy Wach creates and frames all her pieces in her home studio. In 2004, she received the Most Innovative Product award from Uniquely Manitoba, a non-profit organization that markets Manitoba crafts. Her work can be seen in galleries and collections throughout North America and abroad. For more information check out her website at www.wendywach.com. S

The Flyway newsletter is published by Ducks Unlimited CanadaOak Hammock Marsh Conservation CentreP.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, ManitobaR0C 2Z0 tel (204)467-3000 fax (204)467-9028toll-free 1(800)665-DUCK

Please direct your inquiries to the following:Eastern Region Atlantic: Kelly MacDonald Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Lynette MaderWestern Region Prairie-Western Boreal: Marci Dube Pacific: Wendy Fister

Flyway production staffDirector of Communications and Marketing:Madeleine ArbezEditor: Duncan MorrisonAssistant: Deb MenardArt Director: Tye GreggGraphic Designers: Lindsay Pikta-Marie, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe

© Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2008 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres

area ContactsMarketing/CommunicationsAnh Hoang, Western Boreal (780) 489-8110Karli Reimer, Manitoba (204) 467-3279Lori Gasper, Saskatchewan (306) 665-7356Lee Moats, Saskatchewan (306) 569-0424Kristina Dembinski, Alberta (780) 489-2002

Manager of Operations, ManitobaBob Grant, Brandon (204) 729-3500

Manager of Operations, SaskatchewanBrent Kennedy, Regina (306) 569-0424

Manager of Operations, AlbertaDave Kay, Edmonton (780) 489-2002

EducationRosemarie Ferjuc, Calgary (403) 476-1877Barb Hanbidge, Saskatoon (306) 665-7356Bob Laidler, Oak Hammock (204) 467-3000

Western Boreal ProgramEric Butterworth (780) 489-8110

publication agreement #40064849

western region ( )prairie/boreal

Manitoba artist raises funds for wetland conservation