The Alberta government has recently eliminated habitat protections for the greater sage grouse, one of Canada’s most endangered species. This action was taken through amendments to the Public Lands Act in July, resulting in the removal of protections in designated zones crucial for the bird’s protection and recovery. Additionally, a helium extraction company, Thor Resources, received new approval within these critical sage grouse habitats during the same period.
The greater sage grouse is classified as an endangered species by both the Alberta and federal governments, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 100 of these birds remain in Alberta. The population is mainly concentrated in the southeastern region of the province, with a drastic 98% decline in numbers observed between 1968 and 2012 due to habitat loss and industrial activities. Presently, the species occupies only about seven percent of its historical range.
Professor Mark Boyce, an ecology expert at the University of Alberta involved in sage grouse conservation efforts since 1977, expressed concerns that the removal of provincial protections poses a direct threat to the survival of the remaining sage grouse population in Alberta. He criticized the government’s decision, stating that it disregards the endangered status of the species and risks their extinction in Canada.
The sensitivity of sage grouse to development activities, causing them to abandon habitats due to noise and disturbance, was highlighted by Boyce. He emphasized that the province’s preference for industrial development over conservation puts the survival of the species at great risk, expressing pessimism about the future of the sage grouse population.
In response to criticism, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas communications director Andrew Livingstone defended the changes, stating that they aim to simplify regulatory requirements in sage grouse habitats and provide clarity for stakeholders in southeastern Alberta. Livingstone emphasized that Alberta remains committed to supporting a sage grouse recovery program that balances conservation efforts with economic needs.
Despite the removal of provincial protections, federal safeguards for a portion of Alberta’s greater sage grouse habitat remain in place. The federal emergency order, active since 2014, represents a critical measure for safeguarding the species, especially in the absence of provincial regulations covering a broader habitat area. Conservationists and experts, including Joshua Killeen from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, expressed concerns that the lifting of habitat protections undermines decades of conservation work and jeopardizes the species’ survival.
The decision to remove habitat protections was influenced by the helium industry, as highlighted by Thor Resources receiving approval within sage grouse habitats. The helium company, led by CEO Brent Jonah, indicated compliance with certain environmental measures but acknowledged the lack of specific guidelines related to sage grouse protection post-provincial changes. Industry representatives, such as Richard Dunn from the Helium Developers Association of Canada, advocated for the removal of habitat restrictions, citing the necessity to balance environmental concerns with economic development.
The situation raises significant challenges for the future of greater sage grouse conservation in Alberta, with stakeholders emphasizing the urgency of preserving critical habitats to prevent the complete loss of the species from the region and potentially from Canada.