McClelland Fen

This project collected baseline data for the McClelland Fen, as part of the Fort Hills mine, as part of a research program aimed at determining how a portion of the fen can be mined while the remainder is maintained. Baseline data was collected and reported for algae surveys, fish surveys, aquatic invertebrate surveys, a remote bird monitoring trial, bird surveys and amphibian surveys.

Algae: The two wetland complexes sampled, the Audet Lake Wetland Complex (ALWC) and McClelland Wetland Complex (MLWC), are quite variable but likely similar. Continued algae sampling at aquatic invertebrate sample sites is suggested. Fish: Audet fish population more susceptible to winterkill than larger, deeper McClelland Lake. Multiple years of sampling is suggested. Aquatic Invertebrates: Species richness and diversity similar between MLWC and ALWC using several sampling methods. Lakeshore sites showed least variation in ordination space and are recommended to be the only sites sampled, with dip nets, in future. Remote Bird Monitoring Trial: Two significant peaks of waterfowl activity in mid-October with one smaller mass migration movement right before lake surface froze lake. Bird Surveys: Data collected in both areas, large fires in 2011 somewhat compromised data. A power analysis suggests only moderate ability to detect changes in abundance outside natural variation – more years of data collection will help. Amphibian Surveys: Data for egg masses and auditory detection was collected. A power analysis suggests only moderate ability to detect changes in abundance outside natural variation – more years of data collection will help. Timing of surveys is the most important variable for future monitoring seasons.