The Alberta government has eliminated habitat protections for the endangered greater sage grouse by amending the Public Lands Act in July. This move removes safeguards for the bird in designated protection and recovery zones, allowing for industrial activities such as helium extraction within their habitat. The greater sage grouse, classified as an endangered species by both Alberta and federal governments, faces a critical situation with fewer than 100 birds remaining in Alberta’s southeastern region, representing a drastic decline from 1968 to 2012.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce, an advocate for greater sage grouse conservation, warns that the removal of provincial protections directly threatens the survival of the remaining population. Boyce expressed concern over the government’s prioritization of industrial development over conservation efforts, stating that the endangered species could face extinction due to these actions.
In response to criticism, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas communications director Andrew Livingstone defended the changes as a means to simplify regulations and provide flexibility for projects in southeastern Alberta. The province claims to support a sage grouse recovery program that aims to balance conservation goals with economic needs, emphasizing investments in recovery initiatives like habitat restoration and predator management.
Conservationists, such as Joshua Killeen from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, argue that lifting habitat protections undermines years of conservation work and puts the species at a higher risk of disappearing from Alberta and potentially Canada. While federal protections for a portion of the greater sage grouse habitat remain, the removal of provincial safeguards is seen as a significant setback for the species’ survival.
The helium industry, represented by Thor Resources, welcomed the removal of habitat protections, citing the need for economic development. The company, granted approval within sage grouse habitat, plans to adhere to certain environmental measures but is no longer required to follow specific guidelines related to the endangered species. Richard Dunn of the Helium Developers Association of Canada supported the removal of restrictions, arguing that a balance between economic growth and environmental concerns is necessary for sustainable development.