In Canada, four habitat joint ventures have been established over the years (Pacific Coast, Canadian Intermountain, Prairie Habitat and Eastern Habitat). Three species joint ventures, which primarily address monitoring and research needs, have also been established (Arctic Goose, Black Duck and Sea Duck). All of the species joint ventures and the Pacific Coast Joint Venture are international in scope.
Population objectives provide a framework for regional planning and for measuring the success of conservation actions. Plan partners have developed biological models to link regional habitat objectives with continental waterfowl population objectives. The models link factors that affect the distribution and abundance of waterfowl, such as the relationship between changes in the landscape water abundance, land use or habitat quality and population parameters such as birth rates, death rates and population growth.
Celebrating the past, planning for the future
![Cynthia Wright, Associate ADM, addresses a meeting of wildlife conservationists at Canada Night in Snowmass, Colorado. Photo: NABCI/NAWCC Secretariat](/web/20061210013355im_/http://www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroZine/images/Issue70/Canada_Night_t.jpg) Cynthia Wright, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Environment Canada, addresses a meeting of wildlife conservationists at Canada Night in Snowmass, Colorado. Photo: NABCI/NAWCC Secretariat Click to enlarge
|
Canadian partners celebrated 20 years of dedication and accomplishment with several events throughout 2006, including: International Migratory Bird Day on Parliament Hill; Wetlands of Long Point celebration in Long Point Provincial Park, Ont.; Canada Night a tribute to U.S. partners for their contributions to NAWMP in Canada in Snowmass, Colo.; and the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture NAWMP 20th Anniversary Celebration in Calgary.
Much has been accomplished during the past two decades but work remains to be done. Many waterfowl populations fluctuate near plan objectives; however, northern pintail and lesser scaup duck populations remain well below objectives, and some sea duck populations have experienced substantial declines.
Within the priority areas set by each of the habitat joint ventures in Canada, current projects are being expanded and new projects are being identified. New scientific knowledge and extensive practical management experience are used to refine the understanding of factors that influence waterfowl production at the landscape scale. Researchers are working to address gaps in scientific information on the ecology, abundance and trends of many populations, especially for sea ducks.
The benefits of habitat conservation under the plan extend beyond waterfowl to many other species that depend on wetlands and associated uplands. Under the broad vision of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, joint ventures are attracting new partners and resources to widen their coverage and ensure that habitat requirements of all bird species are met.
|