Wildlife Habitat Canada

Alberta

Beltz Lake 2009-10

Beltz Lake Final Project Report 2009/2010 (pdf)

Goals and Objectives


  1. Secure existing habitat (10.3 acres of wetlands and 111.7 acres of Aspen Parkland) and promote regeneration of native vegetation (succession) on disturbed lands (38 acres of old hay field) within SE24-37-19-W4M.
  2. Enhance waterfowl, upland game bird and small mammal recruitment by installing nesting structures (boxes for goldeneye & bufflehead and tunnels for mallards) and by enhancing ground cover on this parcel.
  3. Provide recreational opportunities (primarily waterfowl, gray partridge and deer hunting) opportunities for the general public.

Activities


  • Obtain an Appraisal and complete a Phase I Environmental Assessment.
  • Develop a Project Agreement for this partnership project.
  • Negotiate and complete the purchase of SE24-37-19-W4M.
  • Complete a Baseline Inventory and develop a management plan with the partners.
  • Upgrade fences, install nesting structures and signs.
  • Host a project dedication/celebration.

Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions

  • 111.7 acres of Aspen Parkland secured and enhanced by improved management.
  • 10.3 acres of wetlands retained.
  • 4 waterfowl nest boxes and 6 nesting tunnels installed.
  • 38 acres of hayfield allowed to succeed to native vegetation.

Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife

We expect the nesting structures to produce 3 broods of goldeneye and/or bufflehead and 4 mallard broods each year. Enhanced cover on the native uplands and old hay fields is expected to produce approximately 20 additional dabbling duck broods (primarily gadwall, blue-winged teal and mallard). This upland cover will also produce large numbers of songbird broods, and dramatically increase small mammal recruitment.

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

The project will provide hunting opportunities to both local sportsmen and to visitors. It will demonstrate that the contributions sportsmen make to conservation provide benefits to both sportsmen and the local community. In addition, the quality of the habitat (and the abundance of wildlife) that results from our management will demonstrate to local land owners and to municipal planners the value of careful land management and of land use planning.

Project Location

The project is located 8 miles south and 6 miles east of Stettler, Alberta.  It is located in the Castor Plain habitat subregion which is regionally important duck breeding habitat and contains two nationally important waterfowl staging lakes (Poston et al. 1990).

Please click here to view the project location map (pdf file).

Project Contact

For more information on this project, please contact Andy Murphy, Senior Technician, Alberta Conservation Association, Red Deer, Alberta.