Hay-Zama Lakes Complex Wildlife Monitoring, by: Ken D. Wright Wildlife Technician Alberta Conservation Association

Transcription

1 Lakes Complex Wildlife Monitoring, 2000 by: Ken D. Wright Wildlife Technician Alberta Conservation Association February, 2001

2 Lakes Complex Executive Summary Results of the 2000 Lakes Complex Wildlife Monitoring Project are presented in this manuscript. The project is a cooperative venture implemented by the (a joint industry / government / public committee designed to advise on operations within the complex). Monitoring of wildlife populations on the complex during critical waterfowl migration periods allows oil and gas production to continue until threshold levels in numbers of waterfowl are reached. The alternative, as defined by Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, is a general shut-in of production for this same time period. In addition to waterfowl monitoring, a study of nesting bald eagles was completed as well. This report summarizes monitoring activities for 2000 and will be distributed to all members. Information collected for this project will be used to direct further biological studies on the complex and to aid in the development and planning of industrial activity compatible with the needs of fisheries and wildlife. Migrating waterfowl populations during this study period were stable and well dispersed throughout the complex allowing oil and gas wells to stay in production throughout the 2000 migration periods. i

3 Lakes Complex Acknowledgements The author wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, agencies, and corporations for their contributions and assistance in delivering the 2000 Hay- Zama Lakes Complex Wildlife Monitoring Project. Funding for the project was provided through contributions from Ventus Energy and Crispin Energy, and administered by the Alberta Conservation Association. Technical support for project design and delivery provided by Biological Research Subcommittee: Ron Millson and Kim Morton of Alberta Natural Resources Service, and Ken Lumbis of Ducks Unlimited Canada. Alberta Conservation Association provided administrative support. Technical support for field activities provided by Alberta Conservation Association Wildlife Biologist, Cam Broatch and by Alberta Natural Resources Wildlife Biologist, Kim Morton and Conservation Officer, Jackie Gerwing. ii

4 Lakes Complex Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. i ii LIST OF TABLES iv LIST OF FIGURES.. v 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Background Objective Study Area METHODS 2.1 Waterfowl Monitoring Bald Eagle Nesting Survey RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Waterfowl Monitoring Spring Migration Fall Migration Bald Eagle Nesting Survey CONCLUSION LITERATURE CITED iii

5 Lakes Complex LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Summary of spring, 2000 waterfowl survey. 7 Table 2. Summary of fall, 2000 waterfowl survey Table 3. Table 4. Date and number of ducks observed during peak migration periods at Lakes complex, 1994 to Date and number of geese observed during peak migration periods at Lakes complex, 1978 to Table 5. Summary of Bald Eagle nesting survey, May 24, iv

6 Lakes Complex LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Location of Study Area.. 3 Figure 2. Aerial survey route for waterfowl monitoring Figure 3. Figure 4 Numbers of waterfowl observed during spring and fall migrations, Locations of Bald Eagle nests in Lakes Complex, May, v

7 Lakes Complex 1.1 Project Background 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Lakes complex is recognized internationally as a critical staging and nesting area for waterfowl and shorebirds. It was designated as a Wetland of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat by the Ramsar Convention in 1981, and in 1990, was nominated to the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site. The province of Alberta designated the complex as a Wetland for Tomorrow and more recently as a Wildland Park under the Special Places Program. The complex supports a great diversity of wildlife in addition to waterfowl. Fur-bearers, large carnivores, raptors, gulls, terns and numerous songbirds thrive in the area. Flooded grasslands in the springtime provide critical spawning and rearing habitat for northern pike (Esox lucius) (Wright 1998; Shaffe and Wright 1997; Moller and Rosin 1994). Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), burbot (Lota lota) and several non-game fish species frequent the Hay River and tributaries. The oil and gas industry has proliferated in the region, with several wells situated on man-made islands within the permanent water-bodies. Up to twenty offshore wells were actively operated this past year, and additional wells are scheduled for drilling this winter. To protect this unique and vulnerable wetland complex, and minimize environmental impact, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) drafted a series of Interim Directives to direct industrial activities within the complex. The current Interim Directive (ID 96-1) provides the following clause as a general drilling and production requirement. During a 5-week spring period (commencing mid-april) and a 8-week fall period (commencing mid-august) each year, the company shall: Suspend well production and helicopter operations, or AEP and operators within the Complex will monitor fish and wildlife activity in the Complex and, in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Division of AEP, determine for which wells, if any, suspension of production and helicopter operations is required and for what period of time. The criterion for suspension of production was defined by Alberta Environment in 1992 as 600 ducks and/or geese at an active well site. Waterfowl monitoring has occurred regularly on the Complex since More recently, monitoring has been completed under the direction of the. Formed in 1995, the committee, comprised of industry, public and government members, directs industrial activities within the Lakes complex. A Research Sub-committee supervises fisheries and wildlife monitoring. 1

8 Lakes Complex With the formation of the committee, the Lakes Complex Wildlife Monitoring Project was initiated to monitor waterfowl migrations and compile baseline data on wildlife and fisheries resources of the Lakes complex. Originally designed as a five-year program, the project continues on an annual basis. 1.2 Objective The objective of this project was to minimize the effect of industrial activity on migrating waterfowl populations in the Lakes complex. With development of the oil and gas industry within the wetland area, the risk of significant environmental impact from a spill or blowout is ubiquitous and augmented with the addition of new wells. Monitoring waterfowl numbers on the wetland complex, and suspending well production in the event of a large concentration of birds on or near active wells, mitigates the potential for conflict between economic and environmental interests. 1.3 Study Area Lakes are part of a unique and diverse wetland complex situated approximately 100 kilometers west of High Level (Figure 1). Comprised of over 50,000 hectares of open water, wet meadows, rivers and floodplain woodlands, the complex is characterized by severe seasonal and annual fluctuation of water level (Fearon and Larsen, 1986). The complex s major lotic system, Hay River, meanders through the complex, separated from lentic cells by high levees. Other lotic systems entering the complex include Sousa Creek, Mega River, Amber River, Zama River, Moody Creek as well as several unnamed creeks. Major lentic waters include Hay Lake, Zama Lake, Duck Lake and Sand Lake. Numerous unnamed sloughs make up the remainder of the complex s wetted area. During spring runoff, high water in the Hay River backs up the Omega River and Sousa Creek, filling the complex. After peak runoff, the complex slowly discharges via these same drainage s. By mid-summer some of the large lotic cells recede into vast grasslands. Hay Lake Indian Reserve, Amber River Indian Reserve, and Zama Lake Indian Reserve all border the wetland complex. People of the Dene Tha' First Nation have used the complex extensively for hundreds of years and continue today with traditional uses. Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering and traditional ceremonies occur on the complex and surrounding areas throughout the seasons. 2

9 Lakes Complex Figure 1. Location of Study Area 3

10 Lakes Complex 2.1 Waterfowl Monitoring 2.0 METHODS Aerial surveys were completed at weekly intervals during spring and fall migration periods to monitor waterfowl numbers at or near active well sites, and to record progress of the migrations. Four spring surveys were completed - May 1, 8, 16 and 24; and six in the fall - August 29, September 5, 12, and 18, October 2 and 13. Surveys were flown in an R-44, rotary wing aircraft at approximately 30-meter altitude and 120 kilometer per hour ground speed. The survey route closely followed routes established in previous surveys and included flights over all active wells (Figure 2). All waterfowl observed within 200 meters of the survey route were recorded and, where practical, identified to species. Provision for additional flights were allowed in the event of a well shut-in due to a concentration of waterfowl at or near an active well. Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) would be contacted immediately upon observation of threshold waterfowl numbers at a well site (600 ducks and or geese), to initiate well suspension procedures. The suspended well would be patrolled again within 24 hours and put back into production as soon as waterfowl numbers fell below the threshold. Due to an outbreak of avian botulism in 1998, observers looked for evidence of this disease during aerial surveys. Sightings of birds displaying symptoms of botulism were reported to Alberta Environment. 2.2 Bald Eagle Nesting Survey Nesting sites of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) on the complex were monitored in a single aerial survey May 24, The survey route covered areas with large mature trees suitable for nesting, and included all nesting sites identified in previous surveys (Saxena et al. 1994; Schaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 2000). In addition to the May 24 nesting survey, sightings of bald eagles and other raptors were recorded on other field operations. Nest site locations were geo-referenced using the helicopter s GPS system (Figure 7). Numbers of adults, young or eggs were recorded and nest status was reported as: brooding, if eggs or brooding adults were observed rearing, if young were observed in the nest empty, if no evidence of nesting observed 4

11 Ambe r River I.R.2 11 Legend N W Pipe line E Omega River S Km Hay Lake Hay River Hay River So Riv er us ac re ek Me ga eek dy Cr Moo r ive W ell S ite Indian Re serve W ellsite rr be Am Su rve y Rou te Zama River Lakes Complex yr Ha r ive Hay Lake I.R.209 Hay River Zama Lake Zama L ake I.R.21 0 Sousa Cree k Figure 2. Aerial Survey route for waterfowl monitoring 5

12 Lakes Complex 3.1 Waterfowl Monitoring 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Numbers of waterfowl reported in this document represent observations on the survey route. Actual numbers present on the complex may be significantly higher. Peak goose migration data have been recorded since 1978, and may provide some insight into general migration trends, however caution is advised in reviewing these numbers as survey methods have varied over the years. Historical duck migration data is somewhat less comprehensive. Table 3 illustrates duck migration peaks recorded from aerial surveys from 1994 to present Spring Migration Aerial surveys revealed that goose numbers were highest on May 1, analogous with the 20-year average of May 4 (Table 3). Goose numbers declined sharply after the initial peak, and were almost absent by mid-may (Figure 4). Canada goose (Branta canadensis) was the most common goose species observed. Greater white-fronts (Anser albifrons), although moderately abundant for the migration peak, were absent for the latter two surveys. Very few snow geese (Chen caerulescens) were present this spring, with only a few spotted mingling with the Canada s. Duck numbers were also highest May 1, then fluctuated somewhat after the initial peak. The duck population on the complex for the beginning of breeding season was approximately half of that observed last year. Less than 600 birds were sighted on the survey route by the end of spring migration. Mallard (Anas. platyrhynchos) was the most common duck species observed throughout the spring surveys followed by northern pintail (A. acuta) and northern shoveller (A. clypeata). Blue-winged teal (A. discors), canvasback (Aytheya valisineria) and American widgeon (Anas americana) were abundant as well. Other species commonly observed, in order of abundance, include scaup (Aytheya marila or A. affinis), ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), gadwall (Anas strepera), redhead (Aytheya americana), common goldeneye (Bucephala Clangula), bufflehead (B. albeola) green-wing teal (Anas crecca), cinnamon teal (A. cyanoptera) and ring-necked duck (Aytheya. collaris). All waterfowl were well dispersed throughout the complex during spring migration and avoided concentrating near active well sites. 6

13 Table 1. Summary of spring, 2000 waterfowl survey. Lakes Complex DATE DUCKS CAGO 1 GWFG 2 GSGO 3 SWANS May 1 29,307 4, May 8 11, May 16 16, May 24 5, TOTAL 62,855 5, CAGO Canada Goose 2 GWFG Greater White-fronted Goose 3 GSGO Greater Snow Goose Fall Migration Waterfowl were well dispersed throughout the complex during fall migration with the exception of one group of 1400 white-fronted geese at W6, September 18. The well was shut in at the time and production was therefore unaffected by the birds presence. No significant concentrations of waterfowl were observed at any other active well sites. Fall goose migration peaked September 18, similar to the 20-year average of September 16 (Table 3). Canada goose was the most common goose species observed over the span of the entire fall monitoring period, however, at the migration peak Canada s and Greater white-fronts were present in equal numbers (Table 2). Snow geese were observed sporadically in the September surveys, then were more numerous in October, as the dark geese were vacating the complex. The migrating duck population peaked September 18 and remained high to October 2 then declined to fewer than 7,000 birds on the final fall survey. Mallard was the most common duck species observed in the fall surveys, followed by gadwall and northern pintail. Blue-winged teal, common goldeneye, American widgeon and canvasback were also numerous. Other species commonly observed include green-winged teal, northern shoveler, bufflehead, scaup, redhead, cinnamon teal and ruddy duck. An outbreak of avian botulism devastated the local duck population as well as some of the earlier migrants. Fortunately, by the time the fall migration was decidedly underway, cold weather and a major cleanup effort had thwarted the disease. Approximately 60,000 dead birds were removed from the complex, with the final death toll estimated at 100,000 (Morton 2000, pers. comm.) 7

14 Lakes Complex Table 2. Summary of fall, 2000 waterfowl survey DATE DUCKS CAGO 1 GWFG 2 GSGO 3 SWANS Aug 29 19, Sept 5 24,814 2, Sept 12 20,150 1, Sept 18 32,837 2,288 2, Oct 2 32, Oct 13 6, TOTAL 13,7328 6,779 2, ,112 1 CAGO Canada Goose 2 GWFG Greater White-fronted Goose 3 GSGO Greater Snow Goose Table 3. Date and number of ducks observed during peak migration periods at Lakes complex, 1994 to 2000 YEAR SPRING MIGRATION DATE OF PEAK TOTAL DUCKS FALL MIGRATION DATE OF PEAK TOTAL DUCKS May 18,417 8 Sep 35, May 11, Sep 53, May 19, Sep 28, May 13, Sep 29, May 32, Sep 62, May 49, Sep 63, AVERAGE 8 May 24, Sep 45, May 29,307 2 Oct 32,902 8

15 Lakes Complex NUMBER OBSERVED May 8-May 16-May 24-May DATE NUMBER OBSERVED May 8-May 16-May 24-May DATE GEESE DUCKS NUMBER OBSERVED Aug 5-Sep 12-Sep 18-Sep 2-Oct 13-Oct NUMBER OBSERVED Aug 5-Sep 12-Sep 18-Sep 2-Oct 13-Oct DATE DATE GEESE DUCKS Figure 3. Numbers of waterfowl observed during spring and fall migrations,

16 Lakes Complex Table 4. Date and number of geese observed during peak migration periods at Lakes complex, 1978 to 2000 SPRING MIGRATION FALL MIGRATION YEAR DATE OF DATE OF TOTAL TOTAL GEESE PEAK PEAK GEESE April 5,, Sep 13, May 2, Sep 39, May 6, Sep 8, May 20, Aug 6, May 22, Aug 7, May 4,599 6 Sep 3, May 3, Sep 5, May 5, Sep 7, May 8, Aug 3, May 15, Sep 1, April 6,398 2 Sep 1, May 1, Sep 2, May Sep 4, May Sep 21, May 1, Sep 4, April Oct 4, May 9,082 8 Sep 7, May 3, Sep 8, May 3,973 2 Sep May Sep 10, Apr 6,975 9 Sep 7, AVERAGE 4 May 6, Sep 8, May 5, Sep 4,559 Calverley et al. (1993); Saxena et al. (1994); Schaffe and Wright.(1997); Wright (1997; 1998; 1999; 2000) 10

17 Lakes Complex 3.2 Bald Eagle Nesting Survey Bald Eagles are a common sight on the Lakes complex from spring through to late fall. Mature balsam poplar along the banks of the Hay River and shores of Sand Lake provide nesting habitat, and fish and waterfowl provide abundant prey. Recent surveys report from four to seven active nesting pairs in the complex over the past five years (Schaffe and Wright 1997; Wright 2000). Ten stick nests were observed in the May 24 survey. Seven of the nests were classified as brooding or rearing, containing adult Bald Eagles with young or eggs, or adults exhibiting brooding behavior (Table 5). One nest, located by the Hay River contained an adult Great Grey Owl with three owlets. In addition to the 12 adults observed in association with active nests, two mature, and two juvenile Bald Eagles were observed flying or roosting along the survey route. Incidental observations of bald eagles were recorded on all but one of the ten waterfowl surveys. Bald Eagles were most numerous in early spring and late autumn. Twenty-four individual eagles were observed May 1, and 97 individuals observed September 23. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Red-tailed hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and numerous Northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) were observed as well during waterfowl surveys and other field activities. Table 5. Summary of Bald Eagle nesting survey, May 24, 2000 SITE NO. LOCATION (UTM) NO. OBSERVED STATUS EASTING NORTHING ADULTS YOUNG EGGS COMMENTS empty Nest in disrepair empty Nest in disrepair brooding Bald Eagle brooding Bald Eagle, female brooding coot carcass in nest rearing Bald Eagle, 5 carcass in nest: 1 robin and 4 coot rearing Great Gray Owl with 3 young in nest rearing Bald Eagle fish carcass in nest rearing Bald Eagle brooding Bald Eagle rearing Bald Eagle Duck carcass in nest TOTAL 7 active Eagle nests

18 Ambe r River I.R.2 11 Legend Omega River S Km eek dy Cr Moo ) " 3 Hay Lake Hay River 4 5 ) " 2 Y # Zama Lake yr Ha Zama L ake I.R r ive 8 6 Y # ) " Hay River 1 ) " Hay River re ek Indian Re serve Pipe line W ellsite E us ac Em pty S tick Nest So N W r ive Y # Active B ald Ea gle N est Active G re at G re y O wl Nest rr be Am ) " ) " Zama River Lakes Complex ) " Hay Lake I.R ) " 9 ) " Sousa Cree k ) " Figure 4. Locations of Bald Eagle nests in Lakes Complex, May,

19 Lakes Complex 4.0 CONCLUSION Waterfowl populations were well dispersed throughout the complex for the spring, 2000 migration period. During fall migration a significant number of White-fronted Geese were congregated at one of the offshore wells, however the well was shut in at the time. Waterfowl numbers at all other active wells on the complex remained below shut-in criteria, allowing oil and gas wells to stay in production throughout the study period. Migrating goose populations were similar to the 20-year averages in spring and below average for fall. Duck populations were within the expected range for both spring and fall, in spite of a severe out-break of avian botulism in portions of the complex in late summer. Lakes complex continues to support a significant breeding bald eagle population. Number of breeding pairs was higher than last year, and in the top-end of the expected range. Several juvenile bald eagles, as well as some non-breeding adults, were also present for the breeding season. 13

20 Lakes Complex 5.0 LITERATURE CITED Calverly, A. J., D. A. Young, and B. T. Gray Lakes complex waterfowl monitoring program Prepared by Environmental Management Associates for Zama Holdings Ltd. Calgary. EUB Interim Directive ID96-1, Lake Complex - special requirements. Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. Calgary. Fearon, P.W. and G. I. Larsen Lakes survey report. Ducks Unlimited Canada. Edmonton. Moller, K. and J. Rosin Preliminary investigation of pike spawning potential on the Wetland complex. Unpublished report. Alberta Environmental Protection. Peace River. Morton, K Personal Communication. Saxena, A. J. A. Bentz and D. O Leary Wildlife monitoring program, 1994, Lakes, Alberta. Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. Edmonton. Schaffe, C. M. and K. D. Wright Lakes Biological Study. Alberta Environmental Protection. Unpublished report. Peace River. Wright, K. D Lakes Complex fisheries and wildlife monitoring 1996 / 97. Alberta Environmental Protection. Unpublished report. Peace River. Wright, K. D Lakes Complex fisheries and wildlife monitoring 1997 / 98. Alberta Conservation Association. Unpublished report. Peace River. Wright, K. D Lakes Complex wildlife monitoring 1998 / 99. Alberta Conservation Association. Unpublished report. Peace River. Wright, K. D Lakes Complex wildlife monitoring 1999 / Lakes. Unpublished report. Peace River. 14