Buffer Protection

Policy Paper # Five, Riparean Buffers

The 1994 Provincial Timber Harvesting Planning and Operating Ground Rules do not specifically provide protection for beaver flooded areas. Watercourse protection is based on a table of classifications, found in this document. This classification process is silent with respect to beaver dams and houses. Wildlife values are an integral part of the timber planning process, however without specific mention of beaver flooded areas and the protection this would offer, beaver impoundments and habitat are at risk from timber operations.

Riparian ecosystems have a tremendous value to furbearers. They are the travel ways throughout their habitat. The value of beaver dams to other species is well documented. This landform is possibly the most valuable feature for wildlife to be found in any landscape and must be protected with clear determined buffer criteria so that industry knows for certain what protection is afforded these valuable systems.

Position

We as an Association feel that:

• Beaver impoundments must be included in Table 1, Watercourse Classifications, page 14 of the Operating Ground Rules.

  
  

• Buffer protection of these waterways must be sufficient that these furbearers have shelter from predation and ready access to food sources not only in the main pond but also on ponds created by these animals to access their food source.

  
  

• As operating harvest plans are both long and short range, and beaver ponds can disappear and appear with short notice that particular attention should be paid to the presence of this species during the AOP, be re-examined immediately prior to cutting, and the buffer protection be granted when they are located.

Date: May 1, 2004
Director' Meeting
Alberta Trappers' Association
Reviewed: August 2007