The Alberta government has recently eliminated habitat protections for the greater sage grouse, one of Canada’s most endangered species. This action, implemented through amendments to the Public Lands Act in July, removed safeguards in designated protection and recovery zones for the species. Concurrently, Thor Resources, a helium extraction company, obtained a new approval within the specified greater sage grouse habitat.
The greater sage grouse, classified as an endangered species by both the Alberta and federal governments, faces critical endangerment with less than 100 individuals remaining in Alberta. This population is confined to the southeastern area of the province. The species has experienced a drastic 98% decline in Alberta from 1968 to 2012 primarily due to habitat loss and industrial activities, now occupying only about seven percent of its historical range.
Mark Boyce, an ecology professor at the University of Alberta deeply involved in greater sage grouse conservation efforts since 1977, expressed grave concerns over the removal of provincial protections. Boyce warned that this decision directly endangers the remaining sage grouse population in Alberta, putting them at risk of extinction.
In response to criticisms, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas communications director Andrew Livingstone defended the changes as aimed at simplifying regulatory requirements and providing flexibility for proponents in southeastern Alberta. Livingstone emphasized the province’s commitment to a sage grouse recovery program that balances conservation efforts with economic needs, highlighting investments in recovery initiatives like habitat restoration and enhanced monitoring.
Despite federal protections remaining in place for a portion of Alberta’s greater sage grouse habitat, concerns persist over the significant impact of the provincial protections being lifted. Conservationists, such as Joshua Killeen from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, stress that the removal of habitat protections undermines decades of conservation work and significantly reduces the species’ chances of survival in Alberta and potentially across Canada.
The helium industry’s influence on the removal of provincial protections has raised further concerns. Thor Resources, the helium extraction company granted approval in the sage grouse habitat, did not include the greater sage grouse in its sensitive wildlife surveys. Industry representatives, including Thor Resources CEO Brent Jonah and Helium Developers Association of Canada executive director Richard Dunn, have advocated for the removal of restrictions to balance economic development with environmental concerns.
The decision to remove habitat protections for the greater sage grouse has sparked debate and criticism, with conservationists and experts warning of dire consequences for the already imperiled species.
