Species of Special Management Concern. Woodland Caribou DISCUSSION Annual Operating Plans within the Nipisi caribou Range are deferred for harvesting approval for all tenure holders as per Approval Condition 3.1 of LSL Regional FMP approval document until Subregional plans are developed as required by the, “Agreement for the Conservation and Recovery of the Woodland Caribou in Alberta (2020). Harvest Timing Units (HTU) in Slave Lake and Red Earth Ranges were developed in conjunction with development of the FMP. HTUs define the areas for timber harvesting and reforestation activities in 10-year periods over 100 years. GROUND RULES
Species of Special Management Concern. Grizzly Bear DISCUSSION EFP’s FMA is covered by core and secondary grizzly bear habitat with summer harvesting being necessary for the long term viability of the company. Recognizing that summer ground is spread throughout the FMA and is a derivative of topography and soils, the company will have to access some summer ground in grizzly bear habitat. As well, reforestation of all harvest areas is a legal obligation of the company which may also influence timing of access reclamation. Harvest planning will mitigate the impacts on grizzly bear through either timing of harvest or management of access. GROUND RULES
Species of Special Management Concern. Bull Trout DISCUSSION Bull Trout are classified as “Threatened” under the Alberta Wildlife Act. One of the greatest contributing factors threatening this species related to the forest industry is the density of linear features (e.g., Class I-IV roads, skid trails, and all pre-existing access). Development of the GDP and AOP must focus on ensuring that best management practices related to construction, maintenance and reclamation of roads is in place, with the primary intent being the protection of fish habitat and productivity. This is achieved through the maintenance of natural hydrologic processes, avoiding erosion, and increasing protection of streams where risks to this species are identified. Timber harvest planning and operating ground rules must reflect the sensitive nature of this species. These operating rules serve three primary purposes:
Species of Special Management Concern. Grizzly Bear
