Progress and Gaps Related to Caribou Conservation

Woodland caribou recovery is a conservation challenge that crosses sectors, jurisdictions and ecosystems. Their broad distribution, sensitivity to disturbance and fragmentation, and low reproductive rates defy quick and simple solutions. Boreal caribou, which have steeply declined in Alberta and whose ranges overlap with areas of high natural resource value, will require strategic and tactical efforts to avoid extirpation. The COSIA Land EPA, as the innovation and technology development arm of the Pathways Alliance, has identified the important role the oil and gas industry can play in advancing caribou recovery. The COSIA Land EPA has adopted the strategic caribou objective of developing science, technology and plans for habitat restoration to enable conditions for self-sustaining caribou populations. This project report provides a synthesis of progress, gaps and key learnings related to the three core caribou management levers of restoration, habitat condition and population-based recovery actions. A series of recommendations for industry’s next steps in advancing COSIA’s strategic objective, as informed by this knowledge synthesis, are then provided.

Learning Outcomes: (1) habitat-based measures and population-based recovery actions both critical; (2) prompt action important; (3) align on reestablishing forest cover and reducing predator movement efficiency; (4) restoration solely on approved project areas won’t achieve COSIA Land EPA strategic objective; (5) treating legacy well sites important; (6) focus on quality treatments; (7) long-term restoration research helps enable self-sustaining populations; and (8) increase conifers when possible. Primary Recommendations: (1) align around using both habitat and population based measures and acting quickly; (2) shift from planning to action on large scale restoration of all features; (3) commit to a strong 3-5 year restoration roadmap; (4) continue exploring equipment innovations, collaborate with GoA to increase treatment pace/efficiency; (5) invest in long-term, large scale restoration research; (6) train operators to maximize treatment success. Secondary Recommendations: (1) increase conifers; (2) include established trees in hummock transfers in lowland areas; (3) invest in mapping areas with sufficient natural regeneration, redirect funding towards other areas; (4) collaborate/communicate with GoA; and (5) host event to share advances, train new people, and accelerate adoption of COSIA funded tools and knowledge.