Cold Lake Air Weapons Range – Caribou Modelling Notes

This project is part of a larger study involving the collaring of wolf and bear predators to examine caribou responses to disturbance both on and off the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range through modeling. It includes rationale for the selection of specific models and provides preliminary guidance on strategic directions for caribou protection measures.

In the short term, efforts should focus on protecting calves through penning and reducing predator populations. In the medium term (2–10 years), priorities include confirming whether calf mortality is driven by encounter rates and identifying where these encounters occur, while adaptively managing linear disturbances. In the long term (>10 years), silvicultural restoration will be necessary to support sustained caribou recovery.