Concerns arose, during the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) hearings into the proposed Cheviot Coal Mine, over the lack of regional data on grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) 1.
To address these concerns, provincial, federal and local land managers agreed to the need for the collection of regional data on grizzly bears. Following preliminary work in 1998, the Foothills Model Forest began an intensive study of grizzly bears in west central Alberta 2.
To assess the current status of grizzly bears within the National Park and East-Slope portions of West Central Alberta. Key program elements included:
The Model Forest Grizzly Bear Research Project began fieldwork in May of 1999. Wildlife Technical Services was contracted to coordinate, supervise and conduct fieldwork from startup to completion of Phase 1 March of 2003. Aspects of this project are still ongoing, currently in year 12.
1. BIOS. 1996. Cheviott Mine Project - Specific and cumulative environmental effects analysis for mammalian carnivores. 122pp.
2. Stenhouse, G. and Munro, R. 2004. Foothills Research Institute - Grizzly Bear Research Project 2003 Annual Report. 97pp.