|
THE BIWEEKLY
JUNE 1, 2025
Published by the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
| |
Canada Post Strike – Important Notice for Applicants
There is a possibility that Canadian mail delivery may be disrupted. Options are available, which can be found on the ASPB website, and we will arrange alternative shipping methods to ensure the timely delivery of stamps and certificates.
| |
Conference 2025:
The Evolution of Biological Practice;
Celebrating 50 Years with the ASPB
The Call for Abstracts
is now open for:
- Poster Presentations
- Conference Presentations
- Workshops
● Speed Talks (10 minute presentations)
Click here for Details
And don’t miss your chance to support this year’s conference:
Click here for
Sponsorship Packages
| |
ASPB Photo Contest
The ASPB is hosting its annual photo contest again in 2025, with winners to be announced at the annual conference (November 26–28). Submissions are welcome from smartphones as well as traditional cameras. Detailed rules can be found at the following link:
CONTEST RULES
| | |
NEW ON THE
JOB
BOARD
Project Manager - Site Investigation and Remediation
Junior & Intermediate Environmental Specialists
First Nation Field Assistant for Fish Habitat Assessments
Environmental Regulatory & Permitting Specialist
Intermediate Fisheries Biologist
Senior Aquatic Project Manager
Junior Forest Hydrologist
Junior/Intermediate Biologist
Assessment & Permitting Team Lead
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
MANY OTHER POSITIONS
ON THE JOB BOARD
| | |
Bill 40:
Professional Governance Act
Receives Royal Assent
After years of effort, new legislation for 20 regulatory bodies in Alberta received royal assent on May 15, 2025. Once fully implemented, the Professional Governance Act (previously named Bill 40) will replace existing acts and will modernize how other regulated professions are governed in Alberta.
This new legislation, expected to have staggered implementation dates over the next two years, creates a unified framework for 20 professional regulatory organizations (PROs) Over the coming months, supporting regulations, bylaws, and policies will begin to take shape.
The Government of Alberta will then work with each PRO to create PRO-specific regulations including member categories and classes, scope of practice, titles, and other duties and responsibilities. The implementation of the new legislation and the regulations is expected to happen in stages over the next two years, with full adoption across all regulatory organizations under the act in 2027.
Dean Falkenberg, P. Biol., Registrar and Executive Director of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, says he is often quizzed by members of the public and even government officials about the significance of having regulated professionals to protect the public interest. His response never varies:
“Here is how I explain to my family and friends about what we do as regulated professionals and why regulated professionals are important: first, having professionals regulated in the protection of the public interest is all about trust, being able to hold professionals accountable to ensure their work is competent, and ultimately that their service to the public is reliable.
“These services are all around us. Teams of professionals have worked today and will work tomorrow, and next year, so we have roads to carry us to and from work. And… so that we can turn on the tap and have clean drinking water. And… so that we can turn on the lights in our homes, And… so that when it rains, the wetlands can absorb the water and not flood our homes.
“And when we see those new homes being built for our growing province, regulated professionals are making sure the wood is there for the frames, the built infrastructure is there for our families, and the parks and playgrounds are there for our kids. When we drive into our mountains or out to our rivers and lakes, those amazing and unique playgrounds of ours, we are carried by trusted bridges across valleys and rivers, where the wildlife can go over and under the roads, there are fish in our waterways, birds have places to nest, and creatures are abundant in our forests.
“Teams of biologists, surveyors, engineers, architects, planners, technologists, and foresters are just some of the professionals that do the work behind the scenes so that our lives, our cities, and our communities can function for and around us. Indeed, the regulation of professions and professionals protect ALL of our public's interests.”
| | |
The ASPB
Student Ambassador Program
The ASPB Student Ambassador Program aims to identify students who can help to foster student engagement in biology-related activities, promote ASPB events and initiatives, and provide career development opportunities for students in biology programs.
Read More Here
| | |
The ASPB Regional Celebrations
are getting underway!
The date for the first of the ASPB Regional Celebrations has been confirmed! It will be held on the evening of June 19, 2025 at the Hash Breakfast Eatery & Forno Italian on 66 Street in Red Deer!
Each regional celebration will be hosted and facilitated by ASPB staff and board members. We will have complementary snacks and drinks available for you. This event is for ASPB members only.
Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey regarding your interest in the ASPB regional celebrations to acknowledge our 50th year. If you haven’t already RSVP’d please do so on by following the link on our website, www.aspb.ab.ca/events
The remaining locations; Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge are also available through the link above; check it out for more information. More info will be sent via email after we have received your RSVP. Please contact the ASPB if you have any questions.
| | SEMINARS, WEBINARS & WORKSHOPS | | |
AAFMP Professional Development Series:
Beyond the Hype with Dan Juhlin:
Scaling Drone Operations in Forestry
Free webinar on June 19, 2025
As drone technology becomes more capable and accessible, forestry professionals are increasingly faced with decisions about how—and when—to integrate drones into their operations. This session provides a high-level framework for evaluating the business case for drone use.
It will also explore practical considerations for scaling up drone use, including regulatory and safety requirements, resource capacity, and technical complexity. This session will help you make informed, strategic decisions when considering the next stage of adoption.
Dan is a leader in the Canadian RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) landscape, with over a decade of experience spanning operations, analysis, policy development, training, and government relations. He has been instrumental in developing solutions and technologies that have advanced the Canadian RPAS ecosystem. His expertise includes RPAS, GIS, spatial modeling, and remote sensing.
REGISTER HERE
| | |
Whitebark and Limber Pine Survey Methods,
Health and Restoration
This two-day course is in Manning Park, BC July 10th & 11th (please register by July 1st).
-
Day 1: Comprehensive field introduction to whitebark and limber pine ecosystems, threats, species identification, disease and pest assessment
-
Day 2: Plus-tree selection, field data collection, recovery strategies, regulations, best practices and restoration approaches.
For more details please go HERE.
Registration for professionals is $620 + GST ($550 + GST for Members).
Register Now
| | |
NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Land Guardian Program – May 26th – June 27th, 2025 – Online
Land Guardian Program – May 26th – June 27th, 2025 – Online Natural Resources Training Group
Wetland Plant Identification – Online – June 9th & June 16th, 2025
Wetland Plant Identification – Online – June 9th & June 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Mayo, June 12th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Mayo, June 12th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cranbrook, June 13th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cranbrook, June 13th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Nova Scotia (Central) – June 23rd & 24th, 2025
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Nova Scotia (Central) – June 23rd & 24th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Whitehorse, June 16th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Whitehorse, June 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Whitehorse, June 17th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Whitehorse, June 17th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Species at Risk – Online, June 17th – 18th, 2025
Species at Risk – Online, June 17th – 18th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kelowna, June 18th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kelowna, June 18th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Communicating Environmental Science – Online – June 18th, 2025
Communicating Environmental Science – Online – June 18th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Fort St. John – June 19th – June 20th, 2025
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Fort St. John – June 19th – June 20th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, June 20th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cochrane, June 20th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, June 20th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, June 20th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Construction Monitoring — Wildlife Mitigation – Online – June 24th, 2025
Construction Monitoring — Wildlife Mitigation – Online – June 24th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Kamloops – June 26th – June 27th, 2025
Fish Habitat Assessment – Theory (Online) June 13th & Kamloops – June 26th – June 27th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
For the full calendar of upcoming courses, and course details, follow this link:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
| | |
ANALYSIS FROM THE FIELD:
Opinions from FIELD LAW:
AI Governance:
Why Your Business Needs a Plan Now
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into business operations, organizations must establish clear AI governance procedures to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and maintain trust. Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and governance frameworks aren’t just best practices - they’re becoming essential. This session is designed for business leaders, in-house counsel, compliance officers, and technology decision-makers who are navigating the challenges of AI governance.
Whether your organization is already using AI-driven tools or exploring AI adoption, this webinar, presented by Richard Stobbe, Vita Wensel and Jordan Lalonde, provides valuable insights into mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and implementing effective governance strategies.
Topics covered include:
- What AI governance entails and why it’s critical for businesses of all sizes?
- What are the best practices for AI governance?
- How is privacy implicated and how do PIAs help mitigate AI-related risks?
- What are the key legal and intellectual property considerations when implementing AI?
- What steps can be taken to proactively manage AI compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape?
The Original broadcast was on May 14, 2025;
Click here to
VIEW THE RECORDING
| | |
KEEPING TRACK
with
FIERA BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING
| | |
Track & Sign OnLine – Study Session, Aug. 26, 2025.
6pm MDT | 2-hours | Online via Zoom
The study session will focus on impactful tracking tips aimed at improving performance at a future Track & Sign Certification, or give you a jump start at one of our other in-person tracking workshops.
Open to anyone interested — you do not have to be signed up for a Certification or in-person workshop to participate.
Learn more and register here
Track & Sign Certification – Sep. 9 & 10, 2025, Hinton, Alberta
Hinton Area | September 9 & 10, 2025 | Ages 18+ | Register before September 1 | Limited Space
This 2-day field-based workshop in Alberta’s wildlife rich foothills offers the opportunity for participants to earn certifications in Track & Sign from Levels 1 to Professional (Level 4). This is an extremely challenging and engaging workshop designed to find the edges of your abilities and propel you past them. Participants must obtain at least 70% during the evaluation —
All abilities welcome.
Learn more and register here
| | |
PRAIRIE CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN
June Native Prairie Speaker Series and Native Prairie Appreciation Week Celebration
"Wildlife, Landscapes, and Geology: Exploring Prairie Connections"
Speaker: Dr. Dale Leckie, Award-winning Author
Tuesday June 17th, 2025 at 12:00pm
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/tJJuBor or the full link here (for government computers)
The folks at PCAP try to record these webinars, which should be available on the PCAP YouTube Channel shortly after the live broadcast, so you can watch at your convenience!
| |
|
ALMS Dr. Ron Zurawell
LakeWatch Scholarship
In honour of the late Dr. Ron Zurawell’s lifelong dedication and contributions to aquatic sciences, the Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS) is proud to offer a scholarship to encourage and support students in disciplines related to lake or watershed management.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Full time senior undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in
disciplines related to lake or watershed management at Canadian
post-secondary institutions. Preference will be given to individuals
working on Alberta lake ecosystems.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?
A scholarship review committee appointed by the ALMS Board of Directors will consider academic achievement, quality and relevance of research project description, a statement of career goals, volunteer and work experience, and relevance of the course of study to the objectives of ALMS.
HOW MUCH IS THE AWARD?
A single scholarship of $2000 will be awarded for a one-year period.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applicants must submit the scholarship application form to the
review committee of the Alberta Lake Management Society no later
than July 31 of each year.
NOTIFICATION OF RECIPIENT
The scholarship recipient will be notified in the fall. The recipient will
be expected to address ALMS’ Annual General Meeting in the fall
and present a progress report on research planned or undertaken.
More information on application guidelines is available on
our website: alms.ca/scholarship.
Please email your application directly to info@alms.ca.
| | | | |
At the ASPB, we regularly receive notifications from Google Scholar and other sources which we select and share below in the BIWEEKLY. Here is the latest batch (the links are HOT):
Canada's Lack of Federal Endangered Species Legislation Attracting Attention from the United States
The Origin and Enrichment of Sedimentary Basin Lithium Brines: A Case Study From the Upper Devonian Leduc Formation, Alberta Basin, Canada
Wildlife, fire, and forestry: Understanding the spatial and temporal relationships between caribou habitat and disturbance
Coyote (Canis latrans) Macronutrient Consumption and Diet Relative to Seasonality and Urbanization
Aligning floating photovoltaic solar energy expansion with waterbird conservation
Mitigation of Microplastics
Comparative study of sapwood volume as an indicator of biological rotation age in six varieties of poplar
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/may/18/trump-public-lands-conservation-workers
Interior Forests Provide Refugia for Breeding Birds From Anthropogenic Heat and Sound Pressure
Exploring a Modern Deep Learning Technique for Wetland Mapping and Monitoring Using Worldview-2 Satellite Products
Sex-Specific Enemy Amplification, Not Release, in Introduced House Sparrows
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520121142.htm
Environmental Justice and Indigenous Communities in the Shadow of Tar Sands
Correcting the Confidentiality Catch-22 of Indigenous Knowledge
The environmental and anthropogenic impacts of nanoparticles on forest trees
Bird-flu vaccine for cows shows promise
Long-distance seasonal migration to the tropics promotes genetic diversity but not gene flow in boreal birds
Nomenclatural updating of the Manitoba Museum Herbarium
Mixed evidence for disturbance‐mediated apparent competition for declining caribou in western British Columbia, Canada
Social context influences Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. infection in Alberta free-roaming wild pigs (Sus scrofa)
Regional-scale mapping of native grasslands in Alberta, Canada, using optical and microwave remote sensing
Food security, First Nations, and anthropological praxis in the Peace River basin, Canada
Building a Nature-Positive society
Crop diversification is crucial to Canadian resilience in a changing world
Measuring and responding to forest degradation in Canada: an operational framework
Keystone Issues in Ruminant Science II. Environmental Impact of Ruminants: Methane Emissions and Rangeland Degradation
Engineering Fire-Resilient Forests: Applications of Remote Sensing to Assess Aspen's Distribution and Potential to Reduce Fire Hazard
“Is it just the theatre of disaster, where we all get together and speak fantastic English and make great speeches?”
Prospective Use of Detection Dogs as a Screening Tool for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Children's perspective-taking and decision-making on forests and land use
From Environmental Degradation to Social Transformation: Exploring the Role of Eco-Justice in the Struggles of Indigenous Communities
Water Biology and Security
Nemabiome sequencing reveals seasonal and age associated patterns of strongyle infection and high prevalence of Strongylus vulgaris in Alberta feral horses
Leveraging Passive Acoustic Monitoring and Deep Learning to Survey the Avian Community at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Epidemiological Inferences of the Impacts of Winter Ticks on Moose Health
Tracking movement in overwintering songbirds: an RFID approach
Identifying alpine treeline species using high-resolution WorldView-3 multispectral imagery and convolutional neural networks
| | |
This week’s banner photo:
Competition over a truck tailpipe!!
This perky little violet-green swallow appeared to be determined to nest in a construction worker's truck tailpipe!. Photographer Lia Brands says she was tasked with monitoring violet-green swallow nesting and preventing them from nesting in the tailpipes of worker trucks on a construction project: "This cheeky swallow would bring grass and stuff it into the tailpipe of a pickup truck every time I wasn't looking."
PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST
In Alberta, Professional Biologists are registrants of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), and are subject to a code of ethics, continuing competency requirements, and a disciplinary process. The ASPB is a self-regulated organization under legislation in the Province of Alberta, meaning its purpose is to protect the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practice biology in accordance with that legislation. The society is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its registrants.
You are probably receiving this newsletter because you are an ASPB Registrant. This newsletter provides relevant information and professional development opportunities for our members, as well as essential member-related society business; if you are registered with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, please DO NOT unsubscribe.
For more information about the Society or to contact the administration, please visit the website: https://www.aspb.ab.ca
Opinions and general news published in this e-newsletter
do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Society or its Board of Directors.
2025
| | | | |
