2014 Bison Winter Habitat Assessment

The study was conducted to evaluate the cumulative effects of a proposed project on the Ronald Lake bison herd by assessing the suitability of winter feeding habitat through a specialized index model. The model focused on categorizing wetland types based on vegetation cover and estimating their ability to produce enough biomass to support the herd’s dietary needs—approximately 700 tons of dry matter annually. A refined habitat map was developed to reflect variations in biomass production, verified through field data and traditional knowledge, especially in culturally significant areas.

The study found a decline of 313 hectares in high-potential bison winter feeding habitat across the study area, with a smaller 77-hectare loss west of the Athabasca River compared to predevelopment conditions. From a western science perspective, the impacts are considered of moderate magnitude and reversible due to planned reclamation efforts expected to restore suitable habitat over time. Concerns from Indigenous communities about how their perspectives were incorporated have prompted a commitment to deeper collaboration and the development of a bison impact mitigation and monitoring plan.