Fish and Wildlife
Funding provided for baseline grizzly bear research work
DNA information key to recovery plan success
The Alberta government recently presented the Foothills Research Institute with a $733,000 grant
to help continue its state-of-the-art DNA-based census surveys of grizzly bears in Alberta . The presentation took place at the opening of an international conference in Hinton.
“The Government of Alberta is pleased to support the continuation of this work to supply baseline information needed to safeguard grizzly bear populations in our province,” Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton said in presenting a cheque for the funding to Jim LeLacheur, President of Foothills Research Institute.
Foothills Research Institute – formerly Foothills Model Forest – has been conducting DNA-based grizzly surveys since 2004. The surveys meet a key recommendation of the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan accepted by the Government of Alberta in 2007, by improving knowledge of grizzly bear populations, mortality, health, recruitment and habitat.
“Foothills Research Institute is proud of its partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development,” Jim LeLacheur said. “The grizzly bear DNA work is an excellent example of how good science and management tools guide decisions about Alberta 's forests and wildlife.”
The presentation was made during remarks by Minister Morton to the International Model Forest Network Global Forum, a five-day gathering of representatives from 30 countries who met to discuss common approaches to the sustainable management of forested landscapes and natural resources. The Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Minister spoke on the important role research and fact finding plays in developing government policy.
oothills Research Institute, a 16-year-old partnership of more than 80 stakeholders, is a leader in developing innovative science and knowledge for integrated management of the forest landscape. Its research programs include focus on grizzly bears, fish and watersheds, mountain pine beetle, integrated access, natural disturbance, wildland fire and aboriginal involvement.
