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ALBERTA BIOLOGISTS' BIWEEKLY
APRIL 1, 2025
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LAST CALL !
If you have not yet renewed your ASPB Membership, you have until the end of day on April 1. If you fail to do so, your membership will be suspended.
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Conference 2025:
The Evolution of Biological Practice;
Celebrating 50 Years with the ASPB
The Call for Abstracts
is now open:
Click here for Details
And don’t miss your chance to support this year’s conference:
Click here for
Sponsorship Packages
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B.C. biologists will host
annual conference at
Prince George in mid-April
The British Columbia College of Applied Biology’s 2025 Conference will be held April 10-11, 2025 at the Prince George Conference & Civic Centre in Prince George, BC. You can visit the conference webpage at https://lnkd.in/gVRv7m-A for more information about the conference speakers and panels and to register to attend in person or online.
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NEW ON THE
JOB
BOARD
Seasonal Forest Research
Field Assistant
Project Coordinator - Site Investigation, Remediation and Response
Forest Reclamation Specialist
Environmental Scientist (Aquatics)
Senior Advisor, Environment (Biologist)
Senior Biologist
Aquatic Biologist
Environmental Consultant
Vegetation Ecologist -
Intermediate Vegetation Ecologist
Intermediate Wetland Ecologist
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
MANY OTHER POSITIONS
ON THE JOB BOARD
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If It’s Not Documented...
Is It a Standard?
A recent article from Field Law points out that when it comes to
professional regulation, not all enforceable standards must be written. In a recent example, the Alberta Court of Appeal upheld a finding of unprofessional conduct against a general dentist, despite the lack of written standards for orthodontic work.
The court confirmed that tribunals can rely on expert evidence to establish unwritten but widely accepted professional norms. This decision reinforces that regulatory bodies can discipline professionals based on established expectations within the profession - even if they aren’t formally documented - as long as expert testimony supports the standard and the breach. For more on this,
READ HERE
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Projects Near Water policies
are available on DFO website
Shona Derlukewich, P. Biol., Senior Biologist for Triage and Planning at DFO, told the BIWEEKLY that the new policy for applying measures to offset harmful impacts to fish and fish habitat, and a new position statement on the consideration of cumulative effects in support of decision making on Fisheries Act authorizations concerning fish and fish habitat protection are now available on the Projects Near Water website.
DFO’s three-page tip sheet Project planning: What is offsetting and how to prepare an offsetting plan is also available there. If you have additional questions, please email DFO.OPHabitat.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS:
The Alberta Envirothon Association is hosting the International Envirothon Competition at Mount Royal University in July 2025. The Envirothon is an international environmental and natural resource problem-solving competition that builds leadership experience for high school students.
Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, hands-on learning, and outdoor field experiences, Envirothon encourages students to expand their knowledge and explore environmental education and natural resource conservation through the study of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues.
We are seeking volunteers to support all aspects of the competition, and are specifically seeking volunteers to judge student oral presentations on July 25, 2025! Learn more at https://www.albertaenvirothon.org/about-1
| | SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES | |
APRIL
Monthly Webinar:
Wetland Knowledge Exchange
On April 23, 2025, Lelia Tuffner will present "Why can't I grow here?" asked the Black Spruce. This event is part of the Wetland Knowledge Exchange’s monthly webinar series. Registration for this free webinar can be found at: https://www.cclmportal.ca/portal/wetland-knowledge/events/wetland-knowledge-exchange-april-2025-webinar
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Aquality course registration is now open:
Alberta Wetlands: From Classification to Policy”
Course material will include wetland classification, wetland hydrology, and an examination of characteristics of peatlands and mineral wetlands. Federal, provincial, and municipal policies (particularly the Alberta Wetland Policy (2013), will be discussed, as well as wetland assessments including both desktop delineations and field assessments, ABWRET assessments, and economic valuation of wetlands will be examined. Wetland avoidance, mitigation, compensation/replacement guidelines, and WAIR/WAIF applications will also be addressed. This 2-day course will be taking place online via Zoom between 0900 and 1600 on May 6 and 7, 2025. To register please go here: https://www.wetlandpolicy.ca/register
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Fishes of Alberta
Field Identification Workshops
Real preserved fish will be identified using a variety of established identification keys in a classroom setting. The workshop will be held in Calgary on Saturday, May 10, 2025 and in Edmonton on Sunday, May 18, 2025, between 13:00 and 16:30 each day. Specific details will be provided for paid participants; the cost is $175 per student, and a copy of the Alberta Field Guide is included.
This course is instructed by Shona Derlukewich, Owner: School of Fish. Payment is due BEFORE the workshop by credit card (include a 3.5% service charge) or by e-transfer to derlukew@ualberta.ca
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Bryophyte ID course
This 2-day course is an introduction to bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), designed for natural resource professionals, to develop the skills needed to detect and identify common Alberta wetland species. The focus of the course is on key features used in field identification (e.g. leaf morphology, microhabitats), and distinguishing species from similar taxa.
May 26 (8:30 am to 5 pm):
Classroom: Introduction to bryophytes
and to the common wetland taxa in Alberta
Location: Vertex Professional Services
161-2055 Premier Way, Sherwood Park
Field: Identification methods and sampling techniques of common marsh and fen bryophytes
Location: Wagner Natural Area (~ 30 minutes west of Sherwood Park)
May 27 (8:30 am to 5 pm):
Field: Identification of common species in wetland (fen) habitats continued
Practical assessment - test of field identification skills
Location: Clyde fen (~ 1 hour north of Sherwood Park)
Instructor: Brittney Miller, P.Biol, M.Sc. Bryology
Cost: $350 per person (+GST) *Transportation responsibility of participants
Includes:
- 20x hand lens (an essential tool for bryophyte ID)
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An illustrated field guide booklet of common wetland bryophytes with detailed key features and microhabitats
(excerpt from of The Common Mosses and Liverworts of Alberta by Brittney Miller tinyurl.com/CommonBryophytesofAlberta)-
- Certificate of Completion
To register and for more information contact: bryophytes@vertex.ca
Limited space is available – Registration closes May 16th
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Boreal Wetlands Field Course
Vertex is offering a course on May 28-30, 2025 designed for natural resource professionals and ecologists looking to deepen their understanding of boreal wetland ecosystems and management. This 3-day course is designed for natural resource professionals looking to develop their expertise in wetland assessments and delineation. Segments of the course will take place at the Edmonton area, at the Vertex facility at Sherwood Park and at the Wagner and Clyde Fen Natural areas. For more information and to register please contact wetlands@vertex.ca
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SOIL230 Pedology Field School
Montrose Environmental will provide the following In-Person soil course from May 28-30, 2025. This beginner-course will enable 24 hours toward Professional Development. The cost is $600 (+GST). Previous foundational soil knowledge is recommended; more details and links to register are found here: https://go.montrose-env.com/learning-series.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Please find copied below the NRTG’s courses for April 2025:
Plant Survey Techniques – Online – April 3rd & April 10th, 2025
Plant Survey Techniques – Online – April 3rd & April 10th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Ichthyology – Online, April 7th – 8th, 2025
Ichthyology – Online, April 7th – 8th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Introduction to Fish Habitat Measurement and Assessment – Online – April 7th, 2025
Introduction to Fish Habitat Measurement and Assessment – Online – April 7th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, April 9th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kamloops, April 9th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Construction Monitoring — Spill Prevention and Response at the Construction Site – Online – April 10th, 2025
Construction Monitoring — Spill Prevention and Response at the Construction Site – Online – April 10th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kelowna, April 11th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Kelowna, April 11th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, April 11th, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, April 11th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Restoration — Prescription Development – Online, April 11th, 2025
Fish Habitat Restoration — Prescription Development – Online, April 11th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Restoration — Instream Techniques – Online, April 14th – 15th, 2025
Fish Habitat Restoration — Instream Techniques – Online, April 14th – 15th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information – Online – April 14th, 2025
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information – Online – April 14th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Species at Risk – Online, April 15th – 16th, 2025
Species at Risk – Online, April 15th – 16th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Water Quality Sampling in Lakes – Online – April 21, 2025
Water Quality Sampling in Lakes – Online – April 21, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Construction Monitoring — Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites – Online – April 22nd, 2025
Construction Monitoring — Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites – Online – April 22nd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cranbrook, April 25th,2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & Cranbrook, April 25th,2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Sampling Techniques in Lakes – Online – April 28th, 2025
Fish Sampling Techniques in Lakes – Online – April 28th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
For the full calendar of upcoming courses, and course details, follow this link:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
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KEEPING TRACK
with
FIERA BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING
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Introduction to Wildlife Tracks — Online Study Session, May. 8, 2025.
6pm MST | 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 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
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FIELD LAW
Because Clarity Matters
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WhatsApp Got To Do With It !
A recent Ontario Superior Court case highlights the balance between employee privacy and an employer’s duty to investigate workplace harassment.
The case involved WhatsApp messages containing derogatory remarks about a female employee. While an arbitrator initially ruled the terminations unjust due to privacy concerns, the court overturned this decision, reinforcing that employers must investigate harassment even without a formal complaint.
The ruling underscores that employers have a legal obligation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to address workplace harassment, including incidents occurring on personal devices outside working hours if they affect the workplace.
READ MORE If you need support in reviewing your workplace policies to ensure they comply with legal obligations and effectively address harassment, contact Tracy Zimmer in Edmonton, Steve Eichler in Calgary, or any member of Field Law’s Labour + Employment Group for guidance. CONTACT FIELD LAW
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GRF
GRASSLAND
RESTORATION FORUM
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GRF WEBINAR IV
Choosing flower species for restoration of beneficial insect biodiversity Presented by: Dr. Carol Frost
Thursday April 24th, 2025 12:00 - 1:00pm MST
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DFO CANADA
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES & OCEANS
LEARNING SERIES
The Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Partnerships team from the Ontario & Prairie region will be offering a learning series on DFO’s Organization and Legislation, Regulatory Review Process, Tools, and Forms/Information Requirements and 2 targeted sessions for Heavy Equipment Operators and Site Managers.
All sessions will start at 12:30 and run to 14:00 Eastern time. The Spring Series (all of which will be replicated in a Fall Series) are as follows:
2. Thorough overview of the Request for a Project Review form and information requirements - Thursday, April 3, 2025 Join the meeting now
You have checked the steps outlined on the Projects Near Water Website and you determined you need to submit a request for review to DFO. This session provides a thorough review of the form and information requirements. Examples of various project types will also be provided.
3. Detailed review of the Application for Authorization/Permit form and Application Process - Thursday, April 10, 2025 Join the meeting now
Your project plans from the Request for Review form were assessed by DFO and it was identified that your project will impact an aquatic species at risk, and/or result in the death of fish and/or the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, and your project will need an authorization/permit under the Fisheries Act/Species at Risk Act. Here is what you need to know!
4. Duty to Consult – Thursday, April 17, 2025 Join the meeting now
5. Operating Safely in and Around Water: Navigating Legislation and Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat
The spring session will be offered for site managers and Heavy Equipment Operators engaged in work in or near water. It provides an overview of DFO’s key legislation, focusing on the responsibilities and regulations surrounding the protection of fish and fish habitat. The session will introduce site managers and operators to common threats that fish and fish habitat face due to construction and excavation activities. Participants will learn best practices to avoid impacts to fish and fish habitat, thus ensuring compliance with the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act. Lastly, we will go over DFO’s project review process and provide advice on what types of projects should be reviewed by DFO prior to the start of any in water work. The same presentation and content will be delivered at the autumn session.
For more information please email: DFO.OPAEPOE-PSEEAOP.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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ESTI
The Environmental Sciences Training Institute
Please contact efishing@esticanada.com with any questions or to book a custom delivery. Learn about our Efishing program here.
View our in-person course calendar at
https://esticanada.com/shop/
Nest Sweep Protocol: Online – Self-Paced
Online Courses
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SALMTEC
COURSES AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
******
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's ABWRET-A Blended Course (W25) Offering Online,
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's Grassland Vegetation Inventory (GVI) Blended Course (W25) Offering Online,
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's Biophysical Bootcamp (S25) Offering Bragg Creek, AB, May 29
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's ABWRET-A One-Day Field Course (S25) Offerings Calgary, AB June 2
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's ABWRET-A One-Day Field Course (S25) Offerings Red Deer, AB June 3
Registration Now Open for SALMTEC's Catchment Delineation Seminar
SALMTEC also offers several self-paced courses:
VISIT THE SALMTEC CONNECTOR
THE SALMTEC CONNECTOR is a compilation of applied science and land management event listings, across a variety of sectors and disciplines, published monthly.
You can find the SALMTEC CONNECTOR HERE.
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Advocacy:
When Standing Up Can Get You Shouted Down
by Lorne Fitch, P. Biol.
It was one of those ponderable moments. After giving environmental evidence on the shortcomings of a coal exploration application, the industry lawyer took me to task with the regulatory panel. He recommended to the panel that they ignore my evidence and not give it any weight, since in his opinion I was not acting as an impartial expert witness and my testimony resembled advocacy.
This was not the first time I’ve been labelled as an advocate, and in a curiously pejorative way. The irony struck me: the industry lawyer who -- by definition -- was an advocate for his client, accused me of being an advocate. This ignored the reality that the industry consultants (whose evidence, in this case, I had just shredded) were acting as advocates for their client’s position.
Continued HERE
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This week’s banner photo:
Dam - it's already time for beavers to get bizzy!
Photo by Katerina Schiller-Deorksen, P. Biol.
(Cropped from original)
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.
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