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ALBERTA BIOLOGISTS' BIWEEKLY
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
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AER Lifts Directive 026
The Alberta Energy Regulator has announced further action in its ongoing effort "to eliminate duplicative or obsolete requirements". Effective February 8, 2024, the AER has rescinded Directive 026, the Setback Requirements for Oil Effluent Pipelines, and two related documents. You can read Bulletin 2024-02 HERE for full details.
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The role local stewards play
in effective conservation
An article titled Fortress Conservation Policies Threaten the Food Security of Rural Populations was written by Prof. Terry Sunderland, (Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia) and published in The Conversation.com, a global newsletter, on February 13, 2024. The following is a brief excerpt:
“It is increasingly recognized that those who benefit from access – mostly Indigenous Peoples and local communities – are the best stewards of that land. Food is a fundamental human right, recognized by many international treaties and nation states. However, land annexation in the name of conservation, and loss of access to the natural resources they contain, continues unabated.
"The major issue is that the notion of “pristine nature” does not exist in most landscapes, both tropical and temperate. Indeed, most environments are more a manifestation of human use and management than the product of natural forces alone. The recognition of how humans have shaped and promoted biodiversity-rich landscapes is often missed in the implementation of conservation.”
You can read more on their website HERE.
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BUILDING YOUR
CAREER?
See what's new on the
BIOLOGISTS'
JOB BOARD
Manager Wetlands Ecology
Senior Terrestrial Ecologist
Intermediate Botanist
Regulatory Assistant
Environmental planner
Senior Range Ecologist
Junior Wildlife Biologist
Wetland Specialist
Senior Fisheries Biologist
Intermediate Wildlife Biologist
Vegetation Lead Biologist
Environmental Planner
Intermediate Botanist
Rare Plant Lead
Intermediate Soils Scientist
Vegetation Ecologist
Hydrogeologist
Avian Response Biologist
Aquatic Biologist
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
MANY OTHER POSITIONS
HERE
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
FEBRUARY
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Geology (IESR120 Wi24)
February 12 to 19, 2024 (online, 3-credit course). Instructor: Konstantin Dlusskiy, PhD, PAg, Senior Soil Scientist
Registration: https://ytced.ab.ca/admissions/how-apply/
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Standard Track & Sign Evaluation
With David Moskowitz, on February 24 & 25, 2024 in the Edmonton Area (details disclosed at a later date). This 2-day field-based workshop is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of North America’s top wildlife trackers. It offers an opportunity for naturalists, field biologists, and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill-level to advance their abilities in wildlife track and sign identification and interpretation, and potentially earn an internationally recognised Track and Sign Certification from Tracker Certification North America. Find more information and register HERE.
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Standard Track & Sign Evaluation, ADDITIONAL DATES
with David Moskowitz, on February 26 & 27, 2024, Edmonton Area (details disclosed at a later date). This 2-day field-based workshop / skills Evaluation is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of North America’s top wildlife trackers. It offers an opportunity for naturalists, field biologists, and outdoor enthusiasts of any skill-level to advance their abilities in wildlife track and sign identification and interpretation, and potentially earn an internationally recognised Track and Sign Certification from Tracker Certification North America. Find more information and register HERE
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
MARCH
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Cochrane Ecological Institute Symposium:
Wilderness, Wildlife and Human Interaction
The Cochrane Ecological Institute is hosting its Annual Symposium on March 2, 2024. This year's focus is on Wilderness, Wildlife and Human Interaction and features a lineup of speakers including author and bison expert Wes Olson, founder of the Foothills Bison Restoration Society Mike Judd, and Joe Duff from the WildLife Canada Society. The event will be held at the Bragg Creek Community Centre, opens at 9:30 am and runs until 5:00 pm. It features information booths, concessions, an art exhibit and a silent auction. Tickets are $30.00 per person and all proceeds support the Cochrane Ecological Institute. You can register HERE.
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Alberta Chapter of the CLRA
2024 Annual Conference
The Alberta Chapter of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA) will host its annual conference at the Edmonton Convention Centre on March 6-8, 2024. There will be over 45 presentations and workshops, networking opportunities and a banquet and awards presentation. Organizers expect to welcome more than 600 delegates across different industry sectors including oil & gas, forestry, mining, municipalities, renewable resources, consulting companies, industry service providers, government and regulatory bodies, research institutes, academics, and post-secondary students. You can register HERE
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Soil Classification (SOIL410 Wi24)
March 27 and 28, 2024 (online)
Instructor: Konstantin Dlusskiy, PhD, PAg, Senior Soil Scientist
Registration: https://SOIL410-Wi24.eventbrite.ca
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Alberta Wetlands:
From Classification to Policy
AQUALITY has announced the dates and registration for the following wetlands course, as follows:
March 27-28, 2024
This 2-day course will be taking place both in person (Edmonton) and online via Zoom on March 27-28, 2024, from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm each day.
This comprehensive course is designed to help consultants, industry professionals, resource managers, not-for-profit organizations, and government regulators understand the theoretical component used in wetland assessments. If you or any of your colleagues are interested in registering, you can visit our website at http://www.wetlandpolicy.ca/alberta-wetlands-from-classification-to-policy to register and obtain further information.
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
APRIL
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Soil Mapping (SOIL420 Wi24)
April 3 and 4, 2024 (online). Instructor: Konstantin Dlusskiy, PhD, PAg
Registration: https://SOIL420-Wi24.eventbrite.ca
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
MAY
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School of Fish Workshop:
Fishes of Alberta - Field Identification
This fish ID course will be instructed by Shona Derlukewich, B.Sc., P. Biol., at Mount Royal University in Calgary May 5, 2024 (Sunday), from 1300h to 1630h (please arrive a few minutes early to start on time). The workshop will focus on majority of Fishes of Alberta with emphasis on small body fishes. The cost per student is $150; pre-payment by etransfer/credit card to hold seat. Field guides are included in the workshop cost and will be provided to participants upon arrival. Additional details (map for parking and room number) will be supplied to registered participants. To register, email Shona Derlukewich and for more fishy details check out the WEBSITE.
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Soil Classification and Mapping (EXCPE 4297)
May 7 to 13, 2024 (online with in-person field trip, 3-credit course)
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School of Fish Workshop:
Fishes of Alberta - Field Identification
This fish ID course will be instructed by Shona Derlukewich, B.Sc., P. Biol., at MacEwan University in Edmonton May 26, 2024 (Sunday), from 1300h to 1630h (please arrive a few minutes early to start on time). The workshop will focus on majority of Fishes of Alberta with emphasis on small body fishes. The cost per student is $150; pre-payment by etransfer/credit card to hold seat. Field guides are included in the workshop cost and will be provided to participants upon arrival. Additional details (map for parking and room number) will be supplied to registered participants. To register, email Shona Derlukewich and for more fishy details check out the WEBSITE.
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Paragon Soil Science Courses:
Pedology Field School (SOIL230 Sp23)
May 29 to 31, 2023 (in-person in the Edmonton area).
Instructor: Konstantin Dlusskiy, PhD, PAg
Registration: https://SOIL230-Sp23.eventbrite.ca
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NATURAL RESOURCES
TRAINING GROUP
Species at Risk – Online, February 20-21, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/species-at-risk-online-february-20-21-2024/
Wetland Restoration Techniques – Online, February 20-22, 2024
https://nrtraininggroup.com/events/wetland-restoration-techniques-online-feb-20-22-2023/
For course details and the full calendar of upcoming courses the link is here:
https://nrtraininggroup.com/schedule/
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COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE
of Applied Ecology
Revelstoke BC
Full course information available at each course link.
CREDtalks (Columbia Region Ecological Discussions)
In progress until March 21, 2024. Online; recordings available
Wildlife Bioacoustics: A Hands-on Introduction
April 10-12, 2024. Revelstoke BC.
Data Manipulation and Visualization in R
April 22-25, 2024. Online
Introduction to `R` software
May 6-9, 2024. Online
Field Ornithology – Improving Bird ID and survey skills through sound
May 27-30, 2024. Online
Understanding Statistics and Decision-Making for Natural Resource Managers
May 8 - June 26, 2024. Online
Field Soil Description & Classification Course
June 26-28, 2024. Revelstoke BC.
Wetland Classification: An introduction
July 3-5, 2024. Revelstoke BC.
Data Manipulation and Visualization in R
October 1-4, 2024. Online
Introduction to `R` software
October 15-18, 2024. Online
QGIS Level I & II – Online
Dates scheduled according to student schedules.
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The Miistakis Institute:
Urban Wetland Conservation
With the City of Calgary
December 2023 marked the completion of a large, multifaceted project with the City of Calgary to help them understand their wetlands, prioritize wetlands for protection and restoration, and gain tools to better manage these vital resources. The four project components include: Aquatic Condition Index, Modelled Aquatic Condition Index, Prioritization, and Beneficial Management Practices. To read the technical reports, please visit https://www.rockies.ca/newsletter/winter2024_urbanwetlands.php
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Banner Image:
ABMI wildlife camera, photo by Nina Veselka.
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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