Recovery Program

Last Update/Review: July 28, 2005

Legally protected species enter the formal recovery planning process. The focus of recovery is to improve the status of the species and ensure its long-term survival in the wild. A Recovery Team is formed to develop and guide implementation of a recovery plan for the species. Following legal designation, recovery plans are required within one year for "Endangered", and within two years for "Threatened" species.

Alberta's Recovery Program

Albertans are fortunate to share their province with a diverse variety of wild species. Populations of most species of plants and animals are healthy and secure. However, a small number of species are now imperilled because of human activities. We place a high value on these "species at risk" and need to work cooperatively with industry, conservation groups, landowners and other stakeholders to ensure these species and populations are restored or maintained for future generations.

One of the important components of Alberta's species at risk conservation program is the development and implementation of recovery plans for some species at risk. Alberta's commitment to the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada, to the National Framework for the Conservation of Species at Risk, and to requirements established under Alberta's Wildlife Act, means that the recovery plans will be completed for Alberta species that are designated as Threatened or Endangered. The overall goal of the recovery program is to restore species identified as Threatened or Endangered to viable, naturally self-sustaining populations within Alberta.

  • More information on species designation, the recovery planning process, how we identify, conserve and recover Species at Risk in Alberta?

Alberta Recovery Plans

Alberta species at risk recovery plans are prepared under the supervision of the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division. These recovery plans are prepared by recovery teams composed of a variety of stakeholders including government agencies, conservation organisations, industry, landowners, resource users, universities and others. Membership is by invitation from the Director of Wildlife Management in the Department of Sustainable Resource Development and includes representation from the diversity of interests unique to each species and circumstance. Conservation and management of these species continues during the preparation of the recovery plan.

Recovery plans are a comprehensive compilation of goals, objectives, strategies and actions, both short- and long-term, required for recovery of the particular Threatened or Endangered species. These plans are provided by the recovery team as advice to the Minister responsible for fish and wildlife management (the Minister) and to all Albertans. Completion of recovery plans includes a review and recommendation to the Minister from Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee. The review process also includes an opportunity for other interested parties and individuals to comment on the recovery plans. Plans accepted and approved for implementation by the Minister are published as part of the recovery plan report series. Approved plans are a summary of the department's commitment to work with involved stakeholders to coordinate and implement conservation actions necessary to restore or maintain these species.

Recovery plans are "living" documents and are revised as conditions change or circumstances warrant. Each approved plan includes a process for plan review and for monitoring the results of implementation. Implementation will be subject to the identification of sufficient resources, from within and outside government.

View information regarding the current recovery teams in Alberta, for copies of Alberta recovery plans, and to read species recovery profiles.