Last summer, a total of 1,088 wildfires burned about 22,000 square kilometres across the province from March 1 to Oct. 31 — about five times the five-year average
Author of the article:
CP, The Canadian Press
Bob Weber
Published Apr 04, 2024 • 3 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Last year’s record wildfires in Alberta destroyed habitat for threatened species and will change the makeup of the province’s forests for decades to come, says a new report. A vehicle drives past scorched trees in the East Prairie Metis Settlement, Alta., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.Photo by Noah Berger /THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Article content
EDMONTON — Last year’s record wildfires in Alberta destroyed habitat for threatened species and will change the makeup of the province’s forests for decades to come, says a new report.
And the assessment from the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute — a body funded by the University of Alberta and a provincial research agency — says the chance of a repeat of 2023’s massive burn poses an ongoing challenge for both conservation and industry.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Article content
“The future of fire, and how land managers and industries respond to it, will determine the sustainability of Alberta’s forests in the coming years,” the report concludes.
Last summer, a total of 1,088 wildfires burned about 22,000 square kilometres across the province from March 1 to Oct. 31. That’s about five times the five-year average.
Alberta was a major contributor to forest losses across Canada, which were so great they accounted for a 24 per cent increase in global tree cover loss, says a separate report from the World Resources Institute released Thursday.
Recommended from Editorial
‘Water allocation and priority’: Worst drought in years could lead to Alberta state of emergency
‘Learning to live with fire’: New study details impact of 2023 wildfire season
The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute report finds more than 28 per cent of the forest in Alberta’s northeast corner burned. That region is remote and little-used.
But more than 10 per cent of the economically vital foothills region was burned. That region is home to much of Alberta’s logging industry, as well as energy development, which also take a toll on the forest.
Noon News Roundup
Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way.
If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Several forestry companies lost between a tenth and a third of their harvestable trees.
“This represents the equivalent of more than a decade of forest harvest, impacting assessments of harvest sustainability in the future,” the report says.
The fires also lowered the average age of Alberta’s forests, a crucial figure in determining which forests can be harvested.
Spruce and pine stands, some of the province’s most economically valuable, are now on average six and eight years younger.
Caribou losing ranges to industry, fire
The impacts aren’t limited to industry.
“An increased frequency of extreme fire years with the added effects of human disturbances will drive declines in forest age, representing potential rapid, large-scale and ongoing changes in habitats and resulting biodiversity which could undermine ecosystem function,” the report says.
Some species are already suffering.
Caribou herds, which have already lost the vast majority of their ranges to industry, lost more of them to fire. Losses range from more than five per cent in treed lowlands to as much as nearly 14 per cent in northern ranges.
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The report warns that shrubs regrowing in burned-over areas attract moose and deer, which are likely to draw predators that also prey on caribou.
“Larger populations of predators will put these threatened herds further at risk,” says the report.
Alberta becoming hotter, drier
Aspen Dudzic of the Alberta Forest Products Association said industry is still assessing the effects of last year’s fires and how they will affect harvesting plans.
“There still needs to be some work done,” she said.
“We make area-specific adjustments to our plans. It’s difficult to say what those adaptations are going to look like.”
But she said industry is used to working with and around fire.
Increasing wildfires have long been forecast by climate scientists as regions like Alberta become hotter and drier. Much of the province is already under extreme drought and the government moved the start of the wildfire season up by 10 days to begin on Feb. 20.
“The critical question is whether the fire season of 2023 represents a rare event or whether the coming decades will see more fire years like 2023, particularly in the face of a changing climate,” the report says.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2024.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
This is an example of a blockquote element in HTML.
Manitoba Métis leaders have declined an invitation to Prime Minister Mark Carney's summit regarding the government's major projects law, citing concerns over the inclusion of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Other Métis organizations are also voicing dissatisfaction after learning they were not invited to the event. Want More Context? 🔎
A newly unveiled statue of Martin Luther King Jr. in Winter Park, Florida, has sparked backlash for its perceived cartoonish appearance and lack of resemblance to the civil rights leader. While artist Andrew Luy defended the sculpture, citing positive feedback from the unveiling and approval from the King family, local residents and city officials have expressed disappointment and called for a redesign. Want More Context? 🔎
The CRTC is facing pressure from Cogeco Communications, which is threatening legal action over delays in deciding on Quebecor's QUB Radio broadcasting on 99.5 FM in Montreal, citing concerns about regulatory compliance and illegal operations. Quebecor defends its actions as beneficial for public interest, while competitors argue it violates media ownership regulations, prompting broader industry scrutiny. Want More Context? 🔎
The Howard Stern Show, on air for over 40 years, is reportedly nearing its end as Stern's five-year contract with SiriusXM expires this fall, with sources indicating that a renewal is unlikely due to financial disagreements and potential political factors. Stern, who has shifted from a "shock jock" to a more serious interviewer, has faced criticism from Trump, reflecting a contentious political climate impacting the show's future. Want More Context? 🔎
The Tragically Hip is supporting the Canadian women's rugby team ahead of the World Cup in England by selling a limited-edition T-shirt, with proceeds benefiting the second-ranked team. Meanwhile, the Canadian men's team will compete against Japan and Trinidad and Tobago in an invitational event at B.C. Place Stadium in February, while the women's team participates in HSBC SVNS play from February 21 to 23. Want More Context? 🔎
The Canadian Media Guild (CMG) faced internal backlash after its initial statement on the Gaza crisis appeared to single out Israel, prompting a revision that called on all parties to cease hostilities and highlighted the inhumane treatment of civilians. The union emphasized its commitment to advocate for the safety and freedom of all media workers while attempting to maintain impartiality amid the conflict. Want More Context? 🔎
