The Alberta government has recently removed habitat protections for the endangered greater sage grouse, one of Canada’s most imperiled animals. Amendments to the Public Lands Act in July eliminated these protections in designated zones aimed at safeguarding and recovering the species. At the same time, a helium extraction company, Thor Resources, received new approval to operate within the critical habitat of the greater sage grouse.
Designated as an endangered species by both the Alberta and federal governments, the greater sage grouse population in Alberta is alarmingly low, with estimates suggesting fewer than 100 of these birds remaining in the southeastern part of the province. Over the years, the greater sage grouse has experienced a 98% decline in population from 1968 to 2012, primarily due to habitat loss and industrial development, leading to their occupation of only about seven percent of their historical range.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce, a long-time advocate for greater sage grouse conservation, expressed concern that the removal of provincial protections directly endangers the remaining Alberta sage grouse population, putting them at risk of extinction. Boyce criticized the Alberta government’s decision, stating that prioritizing industrial development over conservation jeopardizes the survival of this critically endangered species.
In response to criticisms, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas communications director Andrew Livingstone defended the changes, stating that they aim to simplify regulatory requirements while providing flexibility for proponents operating in southeastern Alberta. He emphasized the province’s commitment to supporting a sage grouse recovery program that balances conservation efforts with the evolving needs of Alberta’s economy.
Conservationists, such as Joshua Killeen from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, have raised concerns that lifting provincial habitat protections undermines decades of conservation work and poses a significant threat to the survival of the greater sage grouse in Alberta and potentially in Canada. Despite federal protections remaining in place for a portion of Alberta’s greater sage grouse habitat, the removal of provincial regulations significantly impacts conservation efforts for the species.
The decision to remove habitat protections was reportedly influenced by the helium industry, with Thor Resources obtaining approval to operate within greater sage grouse habitat. The company’s CEO, Brent Jonah, highlighted their commitment to maintaining certain environmental standards but noted that the removal of specific protections for the greater sage grouse allows for more operational flexibility.
Richard Dunn, executive director of the Helium Developers Association of Canada, supported the removal of habitat protections, arguing that the previous regulations were overly restrictive and hindered economic development. Dunn emphasized the importance of balancing environmental concerns with economic and social considerations to ensure sustainable development practices.