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THE BIWEEKLY
OCTOBER 1, 2025
Published by the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
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Voting Platform Open
For Board Elections
The ASPB's Annual Meeting will be held on the morning of Nov. 28, 2025, in conjunction with the society's Evolution of Biological Practice Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Ballots and voting will be electronic and voting opens today (Oct. 1, 2025) at 0800 and closes Nov. 1, 2025 at 1700.
Voting procedures are published on the ASPB website HERE, along with the names of the nominees and the positions for which they have been nominated. The successful candidates will be announced at the AGM.
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Reaching out to the future
The ASPB would like to build a province-wide roster of potential speakers who would be willing to speak to students (secondary or post-secondary) who have expressed an interest in learning more about the study and practice of biology.
The ASPB will work with schools and colleges to develop and host panel discussions or even “speed-networking” sessions at school events. We are looking for professional biologists who are passionate about their choice of occupation and who delight in sharing that passion, in the spirit of growing a broader connection between youthful enthusiasm and professional dedication. Please contact the ASPB’s Regulatory Manager Jessica Koehli to learn more.
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ASPB JOB BOARD
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control
Intermediate Biologist
Technical Lead: Landscape Ecologist Restoration Specialist
Wildlife Programs Coordinator
Environmental Manager
Intermediate Environmental Planner
Junior & Intermediate Environmental Specialists
FJMC Resource Biologist
Site Investigation & Remediation
Senior Environmental Scientist - Risk Assessment
Intermediate Wetland/Wildlife Biologist
Junior & Intermediate Environmental Specialists
First Nation Field Assistant for Fish Habitat Assessments
Environmental Regulatory & Permitting Specialist
Intermediate Fisheries Biologist
Senior Aquatic Project Manager
FIND INFORMATION ON
THESE AND OTHER POSITIONS ON THE
JOB BOARD
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A NOTE ABOUT THE ASPB JOB BOARD:
The ASPB provides this job board as a service to connect biologist employers with our membership. While postings are periodically reviewed for relevance, the ASPB does not guarantee the accuracy, legitimacy, or suitability of any employer or position and does not endorse or promote any company, organization, or opportunity listed. Always conduct your own due diligence as it is the sole responsibility of job seekers to research and verify the legitimacy of employers in whom they are interested.
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MRU's 2025 Sustainability Forum
This forum on October 7, 2025 is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration on critical sustainability challenges, bringing together leaders from academia, government, industry, and civil society. This free event is open to the public and will be held at MRU's Library - EL1270 in the Ideas Lounge. It is funded by the Research Events Fund of the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies, and Aviation (MRU). Program details
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Environmental law in focus
Alberta's Environmental Law Centre
Join this three-part webinar series on habitat law and management, and water law, in Alberta. Each part will consist of a short webinar dealing with a specific aspect of the law, followed by a question-and-answer portion where you can ask an ELC lawyer your questions related to this topic.
The ‘Environmental Law in Focus’ mini-webinar series targets key environmental law and policy issues with a focus on building understanding, exploring the possibilities, and promoting law reform. The fall series focuses on habitat and water: two ongoing areas of environmental challenges. Join us for our bite-sized webinars (to go along with lunch).
Click the button below to register and get more details.
Register here
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Conservation Confidential
by Lorne Fitch, P. Biol.
The third book by Alberta biologist Lorne Fitch, Conservation Confidential, is an exploration of the clash between environmental stewardship and human ambition. Drawing on his decades as a professional biologist, Fitch reflects on the complex dynamics between science, industry, and development. The author applies wit, sharp critique and heartfelt storytelling to contrast the priorities of industries like forestry, mining and agriculture with the fundamental values of conservation, asking “just because something can be done, should it?”
Conservation Confidential is published by RMB (formerly Rocky Mountain Books) of Calgary, Alberta.
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & COURSES
OCTOBER
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WildTrax webinar coming in mid-October
The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) will host a webinar on the newest features of its WildTrax software, on October 15, 2025. The ABMI says that this is the biggest update to the platform since its launch in 2019. Register online here.
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Wetland Knowledge Exchange Webinar
Katerina Sofos will present Road Impact Wetland Health Assessments in Northern British Columbia. This event on October 21 2025,is part of the Wetland Knowledge Exchange’s monthly webinar series, which aims to help increase information sharing and foster collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders interested in wetland management, conservation and reclamation. Registration for this free webinar can be found HERE.
Trace Associates' Disaster Forum 2025
October 28-30, 2025
Kananaskis, AB
Transboundary Grassland Partnership Workshop
November 5-6, 2025
Milk River, AB
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DFO
Fall Learning Series:
Projects Near Water
There will be four presentations delivered in the Fall Learning Series, each one unique while building from the previous session. To attend any of the sessions, click on the respective date link and allow the link to open in your web browser (please use Chrome or Edge).
These sessions will not be recorded and will only be presented in English. Each session in the series will have a presentation by DFO, followed by a question and answer period. The time of the presentation is based on the time zone you are in; all sessions will all start 12:30 – 2:00 pm Eastern time, please adjust based on the location/time zone you are in.
1. DFO’s organization, legislation, and an in-depth review of DFO’s Project’s Near Water Website highlighting resources/tools available
October 22, 2025 Join the meeting now
2. Thorough overview of the Request for a Project Review form and information requirements
October 29, 2025 Join the meeting now
3. Detailed review of the Application for Authorization/Permit form and Application Process
November 5, 2025 Join the meeting now
4. Duty to consult
November 12, 2025 Join the meeting now
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NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Our courses for October 2025:
Fish Habitat Restoration — Primer on Stream Hydrology – Online MicroCourse – October 2nd, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/fish-habitat-restoration-primer-on-stream-hydrology-online-october-2nd-2025/?datetime=843
Introduction to Fish Habitat Measurement and Assessment – Online MicroCourse – October 6th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/introduction-to-fish-habitat-measurement-and-assessment-online-october-6th-2025/?datetime=887
Designing a Robust and Successful Study – Online MicroCourse – October 9th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/designing-a-robust-and-successful-study-online-october-9th-2025/?datetime=898
Evaluating Water Quality of Lakes — Collecting High Quality Samples – Online MicroCourse – October 10th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/water-quality-sampling-in-lakes-online-october-10th-2025/?datetime=844
Construction Monitoring — Principles of Erosion and Sediment Control on Construction Sites – Online MicroCourse – October 14th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/construction-monitoring-principles-of-erosion-and-sediment-control-on-construction-sites-online-october-14th-2025/?datetime=876
Cultural Heritage Assessment and Monitoring – Online, October 14th-17th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/cultural-heritage-assessment-and-monitoring-online-october-14th-17th-2025/?datetime=872
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online MicroCourse – October 14th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/drone-applications-in-environmental-surveying-online-october-14th-2025/?datetime=861
Sampling Fish in Lakes — Methods to Increase Your Catch – Online MicroCourse – October 16th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/sampling-fish-in-lakes-methods-to-increase-your-catch-online-october-16th-2025/?datetime=845
Water Safety for Environmental Fieldwork – Online MicroCourse – October 17th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/water-safety-for-environmental-fieldwork-online-october-17th-2025/?datetime=912
Fish Habitat Restoration — Instream Techniques – Online, October 20th-21st, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/fish-habitat-restoration-instream-techniques-online-october-20th-21st-2025/?datetime=841
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information – Online MicroCourse – October 20th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/interpreting-fish-habitat-assessment-information-online-october-20th-2025/?datetime=886
Species at Risk – Online, October 21st -22nd, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/species-at-risk-online-october-21st-22nd-2025/?datetime=875
Avenza Maps for Planning, Navigating & Collecting Data for Environmental Use – Online MicroCourse – October 21st, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/avenza-maps-for-planning-navigating-collecting-data-for-environmental-use-online-october-21st-2025/?datetime=860
Fish Habitat Restoration — Stream Morphology Assessment – Online – October 24th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/fish-habitat-restoration-stream-morphology-assessment-online-october-24th-2025/?datetime=846
Fish Habitat Restoration — Prescription Development – Online, October 27th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/fish-habitat-restoration-prescription-development-online-october-27th-2025/?datetime=840
Amphibian Survey and Collection Methods – Online MicroCourse – October 28th, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/amphibian-survey-and-collection-methods-online-october-28th-2025/?datetime=904
Fish Habitat Restoration — Groyne Design and Function in Rivers – Online MicroCourse – October 31st, 2025
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/fish-habitat-restoration-groyne-design-and-function-in-rivers-online-october-31st-2025/?datetime=847
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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The Wildlife Society Conference One-day Track & Sign Certification Workshop — Oct. 5, 2025, Edmonton
Attendees of The Wildlife Society Conference in Edmonton, AB, from October 5 to 8, 2025, have the option of attending at a reduced rate.
Join us for a one-day (8-hour) tracking certification workshop that will include an examination of wildlife tracks and sign, interpretation of wildlife movement and behaviour from tracks, and much more! Register through The Wildlife Society Conference website.
Learn more here
Track & Sign Certification — Feb. 7 & 8, 2026, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan
Ages 18+ | Register by Jan. 18 | Limited space
Join us for this exploration of Saskatchewan’s boreal forests, frozen lakes, and snow-covered wetlands through the lens of wildlife track & sign identification and interpretation. This 2-day field-based workshop offers participants the opportunity to earn certifications in Track & Sign, ranging from Level 1 to Professional (Level 4). All abilities welcome.
Learn more and register here
Track & Sign Specialist Certification — May 23 & 24, 2026, Lardeau Valley, British Columbia
This 2-day field-based workshop offers participants the opportunity to earn a Track & Sign Specialist Certification, the highest level of Track & Sign certification available within the CyberTracker system. Sage Raymond and David Moskowitz will lead the Workshop. This workshop is meant for expert trackers.
Learn more here
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GRF
Grassland Restoration Forum
Website grasslandrestorationforum.ca
GRF Fall Information Session
"Home on the Range: Our Commitment to Grassland Restoration"
The one day Fall Information Session gathers a variety of industry and grassland stakeholders to exchange current information on grassland restoration and conservation through a variety of presentations, panel discussions and mini updates. - November 20, 2025 8:30 – 16:30 at the Claresholm Community Hall.
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Alberta’s Biology Legends:
OUR PEOPLE
AND A HALF-CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE
In 2025, the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists proudly celebrates 50 years of advancing the profession of biology in Alberta and beyond. What began in 1975 with a small group of visionary founders, determined to see biology recognized as a profession, has grown into a vibrant community of more than 3,000 members. Since securing exclusive use of the Professional Biologist (P. Biol.) designation in 1991, the ASPB has continually championed integrity, accountability, and excellence in biological practice. With labour mobility across Western Canada and the upcoming transition to the Professional Governance Act, the ASPB remains firmly committed to protecting the public interest while celebrating the lasting contributions of its members to science, society, and the environment. This milestone year will be marked with special highlights and celebrations at our 50th Anniversary Annual Conference in November, hosted at the Banff Springs Hotel.
And of course, as we celebrate this fiftieth anniversary, we want to celebrate our profession and its people. In each edition of THE BIWEEKLY, through December 2025, we will publish short personal reflections of some of those who have served the society over many years . (They will be presented in no particular order!)
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Laurie Hamilton
Laurie Hamilton writes, "This year marks an incredible milestone—the 50th Anniversary of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). As biologists reflect on “The Evolution of Biological Practice,” I am honored to share my journey within this organization, my role in shaping its governance, and how I see the future of ecological practice evolving.
"My tenure with ASPB spanned over 16 years, with roles including:
- President (2010-2011), Past-President (2011-2012), President-Elect (2009-2010),
- Secretary (2012-2013)
- Ethics Ad-hoc Committee Chair (2008-2012),
- Discipline Committee Member (2007-2009)
- Conference Organizer & Chair (2005-2018),
- Wetland Ecology Practice Area Chair (2010-2014, 2017-2020)
- Course Developer & Instructor (2004-2015),
- Professional Development Committee Chair (2006-2009)
"Serving on ASPB’s Professional Development Committee for over a decade was a defining experience—it shaped my passion for education and mentorship. Seeing firsthand how non-traditional learning influences professional growth deepened my commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental professionals through training and applied knowledge.
Continue Reading Here
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Gerry Haekel
Gerry Haekel has been an ASPB professional (membership #651) since 1995. He has served as a Director, a President, and on the Practice Review Committee. He had this to say about his professional past, present, and future plans:
“After 4 years working in a medical research lab at the U of A, one field season with Dr. David Boag (U of A) at the R.B. Miller (now Kananaskis) Biological Station in what is now the Sheep River Provincial Park, and 32 years working as a biologist within the Land Policy and Programs Branch, Lands Division (currently in Alberta Environment and Protected Areas), I am in my last working year prior to retiring after a rewarding career. Over the next 10 months I will be actively involved in knowledge transfer by updating the policy framework for the management of provincial shorelands and some work on conservation offsets.”
Read more Here
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Elvie Reinson
Elvie Reinson became an ASPB member in 2003 and has volunteered on many committees, including serving as ASPB President (2016). She is a fiercely proud grandparent as well as a broadly acknowledged entrepreneur in the professional specialties of reclamation and remediation.
She writes: “Early in my career, I discovered a passion for cleaning up contamination and reclaiming land. Restoring ecosystems and fixing what felt broken gave me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, and I was fortunate to pair that passion with my entrepreneurial spirit and start a few companies. I currently operate Ballast Environmental Consulting, where I do my best to service our clients and provide an amazing work environment. I also founded Brownfield Development Corp, which allows me to take a more creative approach to site remediation, free from the constraints of traditional consulting.
“One thing I’ve learned—again and again—is the importance of always showing up and listening to learn, even when it’s really hard. I’m incredibly proud to be a Professional Biologist and to be counted among—what I believe to be—an amazing group of scientists who are making the world a better place. Professional Biologists are directly responsible for cleaning up contamination and reclaiming land. I truly believe this is an amazing and noble contribution to the environment—and to future generations and I’m so proud to be amongst such great company.”
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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):
Planting Native Herbaceous Species During Land Reclamation: 3-Year Growth Response to Soil Type and Competing Vegetation
Variable zone of influence responses by large mammals: Implications for conservation planning
Species-dependent captures of three Limonius pest click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) species in western North America with aerial and ground traps
From rhetoric to measurement: The economics of wetland conservation
Evidence for extensive diversity in the pollen-parasitic genus Retiarius in western North America, including two new species associated with lichens
Known for their iconic yellow in fall, Alberta's aspen are under threat
It’s-dying-in-front-of-our-eyes-how-the-uks-largest-lake-became-an-ecological-disaster
Community trophic structure within reservoirs changes in the presence of invasive Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) and northern crayfish …
Geographical cluster of renal hamartomas in wild urban white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii)
ECODATA: A toolbox to efficiently explore and communicate animal movements alongside environmental and anthropogenic context using geospatial big data
Life‐history trade‐offs and environmental variability shape reproductive demography in a mountain ungulate
Co-planting vascular and non-vascular boreal species to promote belowground biomass on mine-impacted substrates
Factors influencing spatial and temporal patterns of Lanius ludovicianus (Loggerhead Shrike) occupancy at a grassland-sagebrush ecotone
The 15-MinuteCampus: Exploring the Potential Impacts on Biodiversity, Health and Wellbeing of Co-Creating 15-Minute City Design Principles on University …
Prevalence and Implications of “Must‐Kill” Angling Regulations for the Management of Invasive Fishes
Northern Mountain Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) distributional response to habitat disturbance and altered predator-prey dynamics
Habitat Selection and Range Overlap of Moose and White-tailed Deer in the Boreal Plains of Saskatchewan
Bringing back the bison: Environmental values and the ecological restoration of Great Plains shortgrass prairies
Breeding home range selection of Eastern Population sandhill cranes across the boreal forest
the gap between knowledge and action: Collaborative science for managing the impacts of eutrophication and harmful algal blooms on lake ecosystem services
Herbivory Dominates the Spring Diet of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in a Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) Neonatal Range, Suggesting Minimal …
Contributions of environmental conditions and sound characteristics to differences in perceptibility: Recommendations for passive acoustic monitoring
Integrating Trained Dogs and Grass Height Control For Bird Strike Prevention: A Case Study From Trabzon International Airport, Turkiye
Emerging Technologies to Assess Human Benefits From and Risks to Water Resources
Seed Storage Conditions Shape Germination Outcomes: Differing Responses in Two Closely Related Grass Species
Variation in mineral levels and immune responses relative to environmental and individual conditions in adult female moose in central British Columbia
The psychological drivers of pro-environmental behaviors on recreational trails in Canmore, Alberta
Wolverine in the slipstream: A systematic review of caribou‐focused conservation benefits, gaps and uncertainties for wolverine in Canada
Calicioids of Alberta, Canada, with descriptions of three new genera and 13 new Sphinctrinaceae species to science
How Old-Growth Forest Conservation Policies Support Caribou Recovery in British Columbia
Differential effects of freshwater browning across fish species: consequences for individual‐to community‐level fish traits in north temperate lakes
Factors Affecting Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) Abundance and Potential Displacement by Non‐Native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout …
Edge Effects and Pitfall Trap Design Influence Spider Diversity and Assemblages in Canola Agroecosystems on the Canadian Prairies
Facilitating Large‐Scale Bird Biodiversity Data Collection in Citizen Science:'Relaxed'Point Counts for Anytime, Anywhere Monitoring
Collaborative strategies for wildlife health: case studies from the Canadian North
Leveraging omics for bull trout conservation
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This week’s banner photo:
SNEAKY SNAKE
"I took this picture while completing field work for a large transmission line. Even though we were looking at larger impacts i think this photo represents the smaller critters that aren't as charismatic but still matter." Photo by Savannah Foged.
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
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