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ALBERTA BIOLOGISTS' BIWEEKLY
MARCH 1, 2025
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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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The Value of Nostalgia
by Lorne Fitch, P. Biol.
There are those who scoff at memories of the past, of stories of clean water, abundant wildlife, wide-open spaces and blissful quiet. Nostalgia, they say, is just cheap emotion tarted up to fool us into believing the past has some value: Forget the past. You have to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it, regret it or sweat over it—it’s over, done with. There’s nothing of value left there!
But there is! We need to remind ourselves what nostalgia means: its Greek roots refer to the word as meaning, literally, “the return to home”. Home, the place from which we have come, a place that had possibilities (and still might if only we would quit treating memories of that condition with such scorn!)
Forgetting the past has real implications, one of which is being condemned to repeat past mistakes.
Read more…
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AEPA publishes amended
code for pesticides
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has published the amended Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides, effective February 1, 2025. The Code provides details and requirements regarding the safe sales, handling, use and application of pesticides in Alberta to ensure environmental protection The updated Environmental Code of Practice is available here: Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides.
To subscribe to, or unsubscribe from, EPA’s Reclamation and Remediation notification email distribution list, please go HERE
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NEW ON THE
JOB
BOARD
Hydrogeologist
Environmental Scientist (Aquatics)
Senior Advisor, Environment (Biologist)
Senior Biologist
Aquatic Biologist
Environmental Consultant
Vegetation Ecologist -
Aquatic Specialist
Environmental Consultant
Intermediate Vegetation Ecologist
Intermediate Wetland Ecologist
Senior Biologist
FIND INFORMATION
ON THESE AND
MANY OTHER POSITIONS
ON THE JOB BOARD
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Field Law Notes:
Mental Health Considerations
in Disciplinary proceedings
The impact of mental health on disciplinary proceedings is becoming more prominent for regulators. It has long been recognized that mental health conditions can be considered when imposing sanctions or penalties for unprofessional conduct. A recent decision from the Alberta Court of Appeal indicates that for a regulator to consider a mental health condition at the penalty phase of disciplinary proceedings, the registrant need only show that the condition at least contributed to the proven misconduct.
READ MORE
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Are you interested in contributing
to the important work of the ASPB?
The Discipline Committee is looking for a recruit to fill one vacancy:
- You will be an integral part of the fabric of the ASPB.
- You would participate in hearings before the committee.
- There are opportunities for training in professional conduct review, running hearings, jurisprudence, and what is going on in the Canadian landscape of professional oversight.
Experience in hearings, and time as a regulated professional, are assets. You must be a professional member in good standing to be considered. Please contact the Executive Director for more information.
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Let's get together and celebrate!
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists, we plan to host regional celebrations across the province, at locations that are as convenient to our members as possible. We need your input to accomplish this; a survey to this effect was distributed to the members last week and the number of positive responses has been very encouraging… these are certain to be enjoyable events!
The survey closes in less than a week (March 6) and we want to make sure we have captured as many interested respondents as possible. If you haven’t already done so, please Click here to complete the survey.
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
MARCH
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Alberta Native Plant Council Webinar:
Permaculture Design
Join ANPC on Zoom for the LAST webinar of the 3-part mini-series on March 11, 2025 at 12 PM MST as Jenn MacAusland and Cynthia Acebo share more Fun with Permaculture Design! In this final part of the series, we’ll learn how we can create depth and design using plants and trees and inspire meaningful change on our properties, no matter the size. Register HERE or on the ANPC website.
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SOIL410 Soil Classification Short Course
Montrose Environmental will provide the following Zoom-based soil course from March 12-13, 2025. This advanced course will enable16 hours toward Professional Development. The cost is $400 (+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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Wetland Knowledge Exchange Webinar
On March 18, 2025, Dr. Irena Creed will present Wetlands as Fast-acting and Sustainable Natural Climate Solutions. Registration for this free webinar can be found at:
https://www.cclmportal.ca/portal/wetland-knowledge/events/wetland-knowledge-exchange-march-2025-webinar
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GRF Workshop:
Grassland Restoration Forum
Brush up on your grassland assessment skills before field season. The GRF is offering a one day course, "How to Use the Range Plant Community Guides and Recovery Strategies Manuals for Project and Reclamation Planning in Grasslands" - Thursday March 20th, 2025, 10:00 – 16:30 at the Glenbow Ranch Schoolhouse, Cochrane. To learn more and register, contact: Jane Lancaster - GRF Coordinator, janelanc@telusplanet.net
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SEMINARS, WEBINARS & CONFERENCES
MAY
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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. These workshops 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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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
Courses available in March, 2025:
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, March 3rd, 2025
Electrofishing Certification – Online (self-paced) & West Vancouver, March 3rd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information – Online – March 3rd, 2025
Interpreting Fish Habitat Assessment Information – Online – March 3rd, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Identification and Control Methods of Common Weeds in Western Canada – Online – March 4th, 2025
Identification and Control Methods of Common Weeds in Western Canada – Online – March 4th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Avenza Maps for Planning, Navigating & Collecting Data for Environmental Use – Online – March 11th, 2025
Avenza Maps for Planning, Navigating & Collecting Data for Environmental Use – Online – March 11th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Restoration — Identification of Factors Limiting Fish Productivity – Online – March 17th, 2025
Fish Habitat Restoration — Identification of Factors Limiting Fish Productivity – Online – March 17th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online – March 18th, 2025
Drone Applications in Environmental Surveying – Online – March 18th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Fish Habitat Restoration — Stream Morphology Assessment – Online – March 19th, 2025
Fish Habitat Restoration — Stream Morphology Assessment – Online – March 19th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Plant Identification Level 2 – Online – March 20th & March 27th, 2025
Plant Identification Level 2 – Online – March 20th & March 27th, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Estimating Fish Abundance – Online – March 21st, 2025
Estimating Fish Abundance – Online – March 21st, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Wetland Assessment – Online, March 25 – 26, 2025
Wetland Assessment – Online, March 25 – 26, 2025 Natural Resources Training Group
Planning and Designing Fish Habitat Assessments – Online – March 31st, 2025
Planning and Designing Fish Habitat Assessments – Online – March 31st, 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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PRAIRIE CONSERVATION
ACTION PLAN
Webinars and Conferences
Native Prairie Speaker Series:
March Topic: Cranes
Speaker: Paityn Macko, Outreach Biologist, International Crane Foundation
March 4, 2025 12:00
Register Free
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The Importance of Native Prairie from a Métis Perspective, Buffalo and the Métis Guardian Program
Monday March 10th at 12:00pm
Speakers, Colin Arlt and Amanda Keller-Jack, Metis Nation Saskatchewan
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/ZD5gK
Pollinators, their importance, and how we can support them
Tuesday March 11th at 12:00pm
Speaker: Jordan Phelps, Pollinator Partnership Canada
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/Veh1c
Measuring nature’s benefits: A wetland ecosystem services tool for Prairie Canada
Wednesday March 12th at 12:00p,
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Bortolotti, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/YWngI
Healthy Grasslands, Healthy Communities: NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan
Thursday March 13th at 12:00pm
Speaker: Jeremy Hogan, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/eXfkC
Soil carbon storage in Saskatchewan's Grasslands
Friday March 14th at 12:00pm
Speaker: Cameron Carlyle, University of Alberta
Register Free: https://shorturl.at/eX4DP
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KEEPING TRACK
with
FIERA BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING
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Track & Sign Certification – March 12 & 13, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton Area | March 12 & 13, 2025 | Ages 18+ | Register before February 26 | Limited Space
This 2-day field-based workshop offers the opportunity for participants to earn certifications in Track & Sign from Levels 1 to Professional (Level 4). Participants must obtain at least 70% during the evaluation — it won’t be easy!
All abilities welcome.
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). Participants must obtain at least 70% during the evaluation — it won’t be easy!
All abilities welcome.
Learn more and register here
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FIELD LAW
Because Clarity Matters
Historically, our annual "Labour + Employment Year in Review" sessions provided key legal updates on topics like off-duty conduct terminations, employee privacy, and changes to the Canada Labour Code. This year, we’re taking a forward-thinking approach, focusing on how 2024's legal developments will shape your business in 2025. These sessions will help you anticipate challenges, adapt policies, and stay compliant.
Part 2: (March)
Occupational Health + Safety, Privacy, Human Rights
WEBINAR Monday, March 17 Cost: Complimentary
IN-PERSON SEMINARS Tuesday, March 18
Calgary and Edmonton
Cost: Complimentary
www.fieldlaw.com
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GRF
GRASSLAND
RESTORATION FORUM
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Pre-Field-Season Training Workshop
How to use the
Range Plant Community Guides and
Recovery Strategies Manuals
for Project and Reclamation Planning in Grasslands.
The workshop will be held Thursday March 20, 2025, from 10:00 to 16:30, at the Glenbow Ranch Schoolhouse in Cochrane, AB.
Register via the website: here or by emailing Donna at: corpirate@shaw.ca.
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GRF WEBINAR III
Local Adaptation of Select Prairie Plant Species Presented by: Dr. Sean Asselin Date TBA March, 2025 12:00 - 1:00pm MST
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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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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:
1. DFO’s organization, legislation and an in-depth review of the Project’s Near Water Website highlighting resources/tools available – Thursday, March 27, 2025.
2. Thorough overview of the Request for a Project Review form and information requirements - Thursday, April 3, 2025.
3. Detailed review of the Application for Authorization/Permit form and Application Process - Thursday, April 10, 2025.
4. Duty to Consult – Thursday, April 17, 2025.
5. Thursday, May 8, 2025.
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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AER seeks feedback:
Conservation and Reclamation Regulation,
Rock-Hosted Mine Liability Process
February 25, 2025
On February 28, 2024, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) became the life-cycle regulator for rock-hosted mineral development in Alberta, including responsibility for liability management and security collection under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation.
The AER is seeking feedback on its proposed draft Specified Enactment Direction 0XX: Rock-Hosted Mine Liability Process (SED). The draft SED describes the rock-hosted mine liability process (RMLP) that will be used to balance protecting Albertans from rock-hosted mineral mine closure costs while maximizing industry opportunities for responsible and sustainable resource development. The SED outlines the requirements for liability estimation, liability assessment, mine operational net assessment, and security collection.
Overall, the RMLP will help ensure the responsible development of Alberta’s mineral resources, returning the land to equivalent land use capability after mining operations have ceased.
To provide feedback on the draft SED, complete the public comment form on the AER website. Comments in other formats can be emailed to engagement@aer.ca or mailed to Alberta Energy Regulator, Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4. Feedback will be accepted through Friday, April 25, 2025.
All feedback received will be reviewed and may be used in finalizing the draft SED. The comments provided through this consultation will form part of the public record and may be attributed to the specific individuals who provided them. Personal information provided with comments will be collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. AER may use the personal contact information you provide for follow-up communication related to your feedback.
The draft SED is available on the specified enactment directions landing page.
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This week’s banner photo:
A Northern Harrier glides low over the landscape in search of a meal. Unlike other hawks, these resilient birds rely heavily on their sense of hearing to
catch prey.
(Taken with a Canon 7D and 150-600 mm lens in Oyen, Alberta, by Jonathan Kells).
(Photo cropped.)
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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