PROGRESS REPORT GREAT SAND HILLS REGIONAL …

PROGRESS REPORT

GREAT SAND HILLS REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2005

Edited by D. Gauthier and B. MacFarlane

CANADIAN PLAINS RESEARCH CENTER UNIVERSITY OF REGINA

October 14, 2005

Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study Progress Report – October 2005

Acknowledgments

The Great Sand Hills Scientific Advisory Committee gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided to the

Regional Environmental Study by the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Environment.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1. Background.................................................................................................................. 1 2. Natural Capital ............................................................................................................. 2

2.1. Land Cover and Biodiversity ................................................................................ 2 2.2. Birds and Rare Plants............................................................................................ 6 2.3. Climate Change..................................................................................................... 7 2.4. Surficial Geology/Terrain Sensitivity/Economic Geology/Water Resources....... 9

3. Human Capital Progress Reports ............................................................................... 12 3.1. Population and Community/Income and Employment/Quality of Life Measures/Governance................................................................................................... 12 3.2. Aboriginal Use and Culture ................................................................................ 20 3.3. Heritage............................................................................................................... 26 3.4. Economic Capital................................................................................................ 28

4. Data & Web Sites....................................................................................................... 31 4.1. Project Data......................................................................................................... 31 4.2. Great Sand Hills Study Website ......................................................................... 33

APPENDIX A. SPOT Satellite Images. ........................................................................... 34 APPENDIX B. Terrain Mapping Details......................................................................... 37 APPENDIX C. Summary of interviews completed for population and community; income and employment; and quantity of life measures. ................................................. 45 APPENDIX D. Summary of Governance Interviews Collected to Date.......................... 46 APPENDIX E. Ethnographic Field Survey Update.......................................................... 47

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1. Background This report represents a summary of progress of ongoing 2005 research investigations that form the Great Sand Hills (GSH) Regional Environmental Study. The Progress Report is intended to promote communication among the various study teams and thereby lead to decision-making to advance the study, as well as to provide stakeholders with information regarding the project. In addition, a public newsletter, highlighting progress on the study, will be printed and distributed in the Great Sand Hills Study area and will also be available as an electronic version on the study’s website at Saskatchewan Environment (www.se.gov.sk.ca) This report is based on individual progress reports provided by researchers and contractors related to their field activities up until September 2005. A common template for reporting was provided to them for that purpose and all investigators responded with independent progress reports. Appreciation is extended to the following investigators for their reporting: Dr. Reed F. Noss – Land Cover and Biodiversity Erin Consulting – Bird and Rare Plant Surveys Paul James and Ron Anderson – Climate change Jack Mollard and Lynden Penner – Surficial Geology/Terrain Sensitivity/Economic

Geology and Water Resources Dr. Polo Diaz and Dr. Bram Noble – Population and Community/Income and

Employment/Quality of Life Measures/Governance Dr. Evelyn Peters and Dr. Bram Noble – Aboriginal Use and Culture Dr. David Gauthier – Heritage Dr. Ben Cecil – Economic Baseline & Government Revenue Dr. David Gauthier – Data and Web sites Randy Seguin and Fred Beek – SERM Web Site

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http://www.se.gov.sk.ca/


2. Natural Capital 2.1. Land Cover and Biodiversity

Work Plan Objectives and Activities The primary work-plan objective for the land cover and biodiversity baseline assessment of the Great Sand Hills (GSH) is to collect baseline ecological information needed to fulfill the three tracks of assessment that will be integrated within this component. Briefly summarized, these three tracks are:

Special Elements—identifying and mapping occurrences of rare species (and “hotspots” where occurrences are concentrated), imperiled natural communities, rare or significant abiotic/physical features, and other sites of high biodiversity or ecological value;

Representation Gap Analysis—assessment of the extent to which the full spectrum of habitat types (e.g., vegetation, abiotic habitats, aquatic habitats) is represented in protected areas or other areas managed for natural values;

Focal Species—developing habitat and (where possible) population models for wide-ranging or fragmentation-sensitive species and others of high ecological importance, sensitivity to disturbance by humans, or value as ecological indicators.

In pursuit of this objective, this project component is intended to identify and map current land cover and land use in terms of vegetation, other land/water classes, linear features (e.g., roads and trails), types of human use, and other mappable patterns derived from aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and other data sources. Additionally, the study will identify key components of biodiversity and provide a rationale for their selection as a basis for assessment. The study will identify, describe, and map the study area’s main vegetation communities and stratify them by environmental classes (e.g., landform, soils, and other enduring features) to assess representation of biophysical land classes within the study area and within a broader regional context. Consideration will be given to species or communities that are rare, at risk, or of high ecological importance or public interest, and to invasive non-native species that pose a potential threat to the native biodiversity and ecological functioning of the study area. Where relevant and possible, occurrence, distribution, and abundance will be established for each core variable. Changes in occurrence, distribution, and abundance over time, where relevant, will be assessed to establish baseline trend data. The baseline assessment will consider dominant (“foundational”) species as well as species at risk and provide a reasonably comprehensive characterization of the biodiversity of the area. To integrate the three tracks, the study team will use the MARXAN site-selection algorithm to develop portfolios of planning units (equal-area hexagons) that meet

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quantitative conservation goals for all special elements, habitat types sought for representation, and focal species habitats in an efficient manner. Numerous MARXAN runs will be made, with varying goals, to determine alternative portfolios that meet stated goals for the protection of target groups. Using our site-selection algorithm applied to several classes of conservation targets within the three tracks described above, sites will be identified within the GSH that have the most to lose if not protected from development or otherwise managed wisely. Whenever possible, hypotheses that correspond to research questions will be tested rigorously with appropriate statistical techniques. Results of hypothesis tests will be presented as answers (however provisional) to important conservation questions. Conservation goals will be explicit and stated in quantitative terms (e.g., percentages, area, predicted population size). Multiple goal scenarios (i.e., different combinations of quantitative goals) will be developed and their effects on site selection thoroughly explored. GIS-based maps will be produced of all baseline data and of the results of all spatially-explicit analyses. Since May 2005 in support of this assessment, the study team has accomplished and are working on the following tasks (with additional data needs and questions noted as appropriate):

In progress: Analysis of Species At Risk and Saskatchewan Conservation Data Center (CDC) Element Occurrence data, including gap analysis of occurrences in review area and RAER protected area, detailing species’ protected status, examining species population trends and habitat requirements, and considering data needs for other potential special elements, such as active dunes, animal migration routes/corridors, water bodies, uncommon and small habitat patches that may support rare species (woodlands, north dune faces, inter-dune wet coulees, etc.). Information on extirpated species of the study area is also needed.

Discussed ecological and evolutionary processes for possible inclusion in analyses, e.g. aeolian, fire, hydrologic. Outlined data and literature review needs.

Selected main focal species for detailed, spatially-explicit habitat (and potentially population) modeling. These species are Ord’s kangaroo rat, sharp-tailed grouse, and pronghorn antelope. For these taxa, the modeling processes have begun by ranking the relative probability of occurrence or use as a function of land cover and land use. In addition, the study team is attempting to use the element occurrence dataset to describe basic habitat models for a few other species. The study team should have some initial products for other GSH team members to view by early-to-mid October.

Received hard drive with new DEM (produced from LiDAR imagery), new aerial photos, and historic air photos. Made copies of data on two new hard drives and examined all data sets for their quality and processing requirements. DEMs need further processing (text files to grids, and merge), at which time the study team will begin topographic modeling of slope and aspect and can resample to 10 m resolution for SPOT / climate group. Examined some 1940s vs. new air photos and identified potential problems in conducting change detection (roads, wells,

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vegetation cover, fencing, hydrology, etc.). J.D. Mollard & Associates will confirm dates (months and years) of historic photos and these will be orthorectified.

Began formulating framework of broader regional context of biodiversity analysis based on mixed grasslands ecoregion and ways to address how GSH might support ecoregional biodiversity, such as connectivity with other regional protected areas, which will require further investigation on distribution of other protected areas, their research, management, data resources, etc.

Reviewed currently available spatial data sets. In progress: summarizing files currently available for each subcomponent of our analyses (i.e. roads, water, etc), assessment of completeness, alignment, metadata, attribute definitions, etc. Need to determine precisely what spatial data are being used and produced by subcontractors and social and economic teams, e.g. are the data consistent and spatially registered with the data for this study component? Need to establish what data (format and content) are needed from this group by other GSH team members.

Although data collection has begun for the Special Elements analysis, completion of this task requires rare plant and bird surveys to be completed by ERIN in spring-summer 2006. For this and the representation gap analysis, there is also a need for high-resolution vegetation layer to be classified and produced from SPOT imagery.

Outlined additional analyses related to remote sensing that will contribute to the objectives: change detection, grassland/range assessment, assessment of alignment and completeness of some existing data layers.

Began reviewing components of MARXAN prioritization analyses and considering data needs to address suitability and cost indices for analysis including information on ownership, zoning, etc.

Linkages to Other Project Components At this stage in the assessment and planning process, while the study team is gathering data to characterize the baseline condition of the regional ecosystem, linkages to other project components are not prominent. Nevertheless, some of the analyses this team will conduct will inform the work of other teams, e.g., by addressing questions such as: Do people settle disproportionately in certain types of areas, e.g. riparian areas, areas of high value of biodiversity? Is there a pattern to transportation corridors? This data on infrastructure will be of direct use by other teams. In return, the analyses will be informed by information generated by other teams, such as assessments of the value (economic and non-economic) that people of the region place on biodiversity. These values include ecotourism value, hunting / consumptive use, and local environmental knowledge of natural capital. Challenges, Issues and Opportunities • Initial examination of existing data sets has generated substantial concerns for

subsequent analyses of completeness and adequacy of many data sets. For example, various road and trail layers are incomplete based on comparison with four samples

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of gas and oil company road data provided by SERM; well points where many wells are not apparently served by a road; and the new April 2005 aerial photography In another case, the spatial alignment of data were compared and registration errors were found on the order of tens of meters between various road layers, hydrology, aerial photos, wells, etc. The study team is in the process of determining the extent to which this degree of error might affect various analyses. The Data group is responding, in part to these issues, by updating the well map with 2005 data sourced from Saskatchewan Industry and Resources. Further the degree of error for spatial alignment is being investigated by J. D. Mollard & Associates.

• This study team still await the 2005 field data on bird and plant surveys conducted by Erin Consulting. Although these data are incomplete given the late contracting date, this study team needs to know what they have collected and assess the quality and significance of these data.

Summary of Communication Activities To date no publications, presentations, or media releases have been produced. Name of Student, Research or Project Assistants Ms. Sumita Singh, University of Central Florida, Program Manager Dr. Robin Bjork, University of Central Florida, Research Associate (Coordinator) Mr. Ken Vance-Borland, Conservation Planning Institute, Chief Data Manager and Analyst Dr. Scott Nielsen, University of Alberta, Focal Species Habitat and Population Modeler Remaining Activities to be completed relative to baseline assessment phase The delay in classification of the SPOT imagery for vegetation analysis will seriously slow progress of this study team for the baseline assessment. Such imagery is needed for representation gap analysis, focal species habitat modeling, and other aspects of the baseline assessment. While the SPOT imagery was recently acquired for August 28, 2005, ground-truthing is complete on only 60% of the area. Further the classification will not be available for use until early spring (i.e., March, 2006). This will delay many of the critical baseline analyses by approximately 6-9 months and will also add to the expense of the project (i.e., this would not be a simple no-cost extension, as additional time will be required; also, key staff are on contracts and will need to be re-contracted for a third year of work). By delaying the baseline assessment, this and other database delays will delay the impact analysis, because the baseline data layers are required for modeling of alternative future scenarios. There is a need to firmly establish what deadline extensions will be allowed. Without deadline extensions, the natural capital analyses (both baseline and impact) will be incomplete.

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2.2. Birds and Rare Plants Work Plan Objectives and Activities

The work consists of two components focusing on birds and rare plants. The bird component involves conducting surveys during the breeding season of birds nesting in the Great Sand Hills study area as well as the use of various habitats by birds during migration. The rare plant studies are designed to determine presence, location, abundance and habitat characteristics of all rare plants found in the Great Sand Hills study area.

Breeding bird survey transects were conducted until July 10th at which time most males on territory had ceased to vocalize. The landscape, dominant plants and plant communities as well as all birds observed at each stop along the transects were all described at each stop (one-half mile, 0.8 km. intervals) and the locations geographically recorded using GPS locators. A survey of wetlands within the study area by fall migrant shorebirds was completed in late August – early September. This survey will be repeated in October to determine use of the wetland habitats in the Great Sand Hill area by later migrating waterfowl.

Considerable effort was devoted to conducting rare plant surveys. A total of 48 transects were completed with several surveyed a second time to survey for fall blooming plants and to confirm possible rare plant reports from earlier surveys when positive identification was not possible. The study team returned to transects to re-survey and found that the GPS locations were accurate and plants identified in the previous visit were easily relocated. Rare plant surveys were terminated in late August once the vegetation became desiccated. Seven species of rare plants have been found, two of which are very common on their preferred habitat. All transects have been geographically referenced using GPS technology. Each rare plant observation is recorded for it’s GPS location and photos of the plants and the surrounding habitat and landscapes have been taken and cross referenced to the transect and plant location data.

Although no specific survey for other ecological features was devised, all incidental observations of flora and fauna have been recorded and their habitat and geographic location identified using GPS. Some of these observations include numerous tracks and verbal reports by ranchers of Ord’s kangaroo rat. Tracks and burrows of small mammals are found on and around most of the open and partially stabilized dunes but identification by species is usually not possible because of wind and continual shifting of sand. Locations of loggerhead shrike and ferruginous hawk nesting activity were recorded as were tracks of bobcat, cougar and single occurrences of velvet ants and iridescent wasps.

Linkages to Other Project Components

The field work will be completed with the October migrating bird survey. All information and data are being checked, organized and pictures and data cross referenced before forwarding to J.D. Mollard and associates for input into the GIS data base. The data will then be available for inclusion in the overall Natural Capital study component. Note that the current process of data transfer involves data first being sent to Mollard and

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Associates to create GIS files which are then sent to Dr. Reed Noss and the land cover and biodiversity team. Challenges, Issues and Opportunities The field surveys have proceeded as planned but coverage of the entire Great Sand Hills Region is far from complete. A number of the major ecological land classes have not been sampled for either breeding bird or rare plant occurrences. Because of the late start of field work in 2005, the plant surveys missed the early rare plant species thought to occur in the Sandhills. Breeding bird surveys were also significantly reduced because of the late start of field work and bad weather after surveys were initiated. A challenge will be to obtain adequate survey coverage of the entire study area before completion of the baseline assessment phase. Additionally, full survey coverage especially for rare plants to include the entire growing season in 2006 should be considered. Communication Activities No communication activities were reported for the component of birds and rare plants. Names of Student, Research or Project Assistants Working Lloyd Saul and Ian Seiferling. Remaining Activities to be completed relative to Baseline Assessment Phase

A careful examination of the information and coverage obtained in 2005 will be needed to fill data gaps effectively. Budgeting for 2006 field activities will also require identification of a gap analysis and planning component before initiating 2006 field programs.

2.3. Climate Change Work Plan Objectives and Activities

The objectives of this study component is to describe the baseline climatology of the GSH, apply change-factors from future modeled climates, and discern potential climate-induced ecological effects for the study area to the mid-21st century. The results of this impact assessment will be used to inform development of mitigating strategies and sustainability scenarios supporting conservation of the region’s ecological integrity. Study activities have involved the following:

Devised project approach and methodology for potential ecological climate impact assessment

Initiated testing of climate-induced vegetative transition model Devised climate-induced wetland transition model methodology Assembled and tasked essential personnel and resources

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Designated and ordered satellite source data coverage Defined potential baseline ecological descriptor classes Initiated ground truthing for source data classification Acquired clear SPOT source data coverage on 05.08.28 (Appendix A).

Linkages to Other Project Components With further progress, linkages to other project components will be summarized in future reports. Challenges, Issues and Opportunities

The loss of the Spring 2005 window of time to acquire satellite source data has caused a delay of several months in project implementation which impacts on other components of the GSH study.

The budget for SPOT source data acquisition provides coverage of only the study core area. However, the three full SPOT images captured could be acquired for an additional $8500, extending data coverage south to Cypress Hills Park and north to beyond the Saskatchewan River.

Communication Activities No communication activities were reported for the component of climate change. Names of Student, Research or Project Assistants Project Assistants included: Mike Andersen, Geomatics Analyst – Remote Sensing Sarah James, Terrestrial Ecologist Jeff Thorpe, Rangeland Ecologist (consulting advisor)

Remaining Activities to be completed relative to Baseline Assessment Phase

Attention will be focused on:

Approximately 40% ground truthing outstanding at reporting date Baseline classification of satellite source data Produce baseline ecological model (comprising climate, vegetation, soils, surface

water, and landform)

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2.4. Surficial Geology/Terrain Sensitivity/Economic Geology/Water Resources

Work Plan Objectives and Activities

Relative to information on surficial geology, terrain sensitivity, economic geology and water resources (surface and groundwater), the objectives of this study component are to: 1. Collect and review available relevant data, including maps and reports. 2. Collect all available digital data and digitize the data for use in a GIS. 3. Establish baseline data by identifying and mapping the surficial geology, soils,

topography, surface and subsurface water resources, and economic geology resources.

4. Integrate the data in item 3 and interpret the susceptibility of the landscape and natural resources to change from natural processes and human activity.

5. Identify any gaps in the available data and recommend further studies. The study team has conducted the following activities to date:

Collected and organized imagery and vector datasets from various sources (GeoGratis, GeoBase, NASA, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, PFRA, etc.) and processed as necessary.

Imported and processed 2m LIDAR DEM data received from Saskatchewan Environment. Created seamless 2m DEM mosaic of entire area covered by original LIDAR survey. Re-sampled 2m DEM to 10m resolution for easier use in geomorphology study. Reprocessed both DEM datasets to NAD83 (CSRS98) Zone 13.

Imported and processed 1m colour DOI imagery received from Saskatchewan Environment. Created seamless 1m colour DOI mosaic of entire area covered by original DOI survey. Re-processed DOI mosaic to NAD83 (CSRS98) Zone 13.

Imported 1940-era aerial photography scans received from Saskatchewan Environment. In process of geocorrecting individual photograph scans using NTS 1:50K topographic map and 1m colour DOI imagery as georeference controls. Georeference in NAD83(CSRS98) Zone 13, average XY-RMS error currently 6 to 8 metres.

Reviewed some of the literature obtained from Canadian Forces regarding landscape changes / recovery in dune environments at CFB Shilo and CFB Wainwright.

Using the 1970 LIFT photos, geomorphology and soils maps, and digital elevation data, the study team began to map and interpret the geomorphology and surficial geology of the study area. Results of this synthesis and analyses of data will later be used to assess the sensitivity of the physical landscape to environmental and anthropogenic disturbances

Oil and gas well data from Saskatchewan Industry and Resources were used to determine the current distribution of well types, production status, and date of completion.

Distribution and exploitation of economic minerals, specifically sodium sulphate, was assessed for the study area.

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Aggregate resources, including both existing pits and potential areas, were identified, assessed and mapped in GIS.

Imported surficial hydrology data mapped from 1:50K NTS sheets. The 0.5 mm map scale error (or 25 m on the ground) in 1:50K map sheets becomes readily apparent when these data are overlain on the digital orthoimages. To improve the position and definition of surficial hydrology data, 1:50K NTS data were used to guide our mapping and digitizing of surficial water bodies and watercourses from the digital orthoimages.

For additional detail on objectives and activities see Appendix B. Linkages to Other Project Components

Assisted in planning survey tracks for bird and rare plant surveys by ERIN Consulting field staff through production of a coarse-scale, generalized ecological landscape unit (ELU) map of the GSH study area. ELU map based on synthesis of recent Landsat 7 satellite imagery, SRTM 3arcsecond DEM data, 1:1 million-scale surficial geological mapping, and various previous landcover / landscape mapping studies including Mollard (1990) and Townsley-Smith and Epp (1980)

Received six (6) bird survey field logs (MS Excel format) from ERIN field staff and imported data into GIS. Note that the current process of data transfer involves data first being sent to Mollard and Associates to create GIS files which are then sent to Dr. Reed Noss and the land cover and biodiversity team. Some work was involved in conversion of survey field logs into a format compatible with import into GIS. Upon completion of the GIS files, the data will be sent to Dr. Reed Noss.

Awaiting field data logs from rare plant survey (presently being conducted). Will process and import into GIS when received.

Challenges, Issues and Opportunities

At the beginning of the study, technical difficulties were encountered regarding the handling of data, but these have been resolved.

One issue is the very rigid standard of +/-2m accuracy for data as established during the data standards meeting at SEM offices. This standard is deemed too stringent for the type and amount of data that the study team is generating and assessing. Further discussion is needed to clarify the standard of accuracy and to understand the limitations.

Communication Activities

Attended plenary session at 10 Research Drive, gave report on aspects of work related to rare bird and plant survey data storage and format (for ERIN Consulting) – 10 Aug 2005.

Attended data standards meeting at SEM offices (3211 Albert Street) where data format and accuracy standards were established for field and office-based data collection – 16 Aug 2005.

Attended two meetings with ERIN Consulting staff (at ERIN office on Saskatchewan Drive, Regina) regarding field survey progress in bird and rare plant surveys, including: preliminary meeting in June 2005 related to planning of

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survey tracks and field collection methods / auxiliary data; and progress meeting in late July 2005 where progress of bird and plant surveys were discussed and issues surrounding mapping were addressed.

E-mail contact with Robin Bjork in July 2005 discussing aspects of the initial ecological landscape unit map produced for use in planning the ERIN bird and rare plant survey.

Contact with Ron Anderson (SEM) and Bonnie Galenzoski (CPRC) to obtain digital data.

Names of Researchers or Student and Project Assistants Jack Mollard, George Mollard, Lynden Penner, Troy Zimmer, Jason Cosford

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3. Human Capital Progress Reports

3.1. Population and Community/Income and Employment/Quality of Life Measures/Governance

Work Plan Objectives and Activities The objective of the Human Capital Study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current and historic baseline of selected Human Capital components in the GSH study area. This information will be used to: (a) identify those important issues and parameters of Human Capital that should be addressed in an environmental assessment of future activities and land uses in the GSH region; (b) focus the assessment on relevant issues and concerns; ensure input from local communities and interests early in the process; and (c) ensure that the relevant information is available to the Scientific Advisory Committee to maximize information quality for decision-making purposes. The study will identify, describe and, where appropriate, map historic trends and current baseline conditions of the following Human Capital components:

Population and Community: Description of population and community characteristics and trends within the study area (1950 – 2005), including: (a) population demography, (b) population mobility, (c) settlement patterns, and (d) community-based organizations.

Income and Employment: Description of income and employment characteristics and trends (1950-2005), including: (a) employment levels, (b) seasonality of employment, (c) household income and income sources, and (d) income and employment by sector or activity.

Quality of life measures: Description and assessment of current quality of life within the study area, including: (a) public services and infrastructure, (b) housing, (c) social conditions, and (d) perceptions of quality of life.

Governance: Description of governance, policies and decision making structures for land use and land management within the study area (1950 – 2005), including: (a) institutions, (b) mechanisms, (c) management and decision making effectiveness, and (d) relationships with ecological integrity and sustainability.

Given that many of these Human Capital baseline components share the same data collection requirements and methods, a common methodological framework has been established. Data collection activities include (a) analysis of secondary data (census and archival data and community profiles); (b) ethnographic interviews (with local residents, local governments, provincial and federal public agencies, gas companies, tourist operations and NGOs); and (c) a survey of the population residing in the area. The geographic area covered by the study includes the main villages and towns (and their surrounding areas), in the RMs of Big Stick, Clinworth, Fox Valley, Gull Lake, Happyland, Miry Creek, Piapot, and Pittville, as well as the towns of Cabri and Burstall.

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The study teams activities have involved the analysis of secondary data and ethnographic interviews. Appendix C summarizes interviews completed for population and community; income and employment; and quantity of life measures, Appendix D is a summary of governance interviews. Appendix E provides additional observations recorded during the Ethnographic Study. Analysis of Secondary Data

• The analysis of secondary data was carried out during the month of May and the early weeks of June. Two graduate students carried out the work, under the supervision of Drs. Noble and Diaz. The data-gathering process was based on two sources: (a) census data and community baseline profiles, and (b) community histories and archival data from the Saskatchewan Historical Archives.

• The areas covered by this analysis are (a) population demography: density, gender, age, ethnicity; (b) population mobility: migration and changes in distribution; (c) settlement patterns: settlement location, size, populations; (d) community-based organizations: number, type, function, location; (e) employment levels; (f) household income; (g) income and employment by sector or activity; (h) seasonality of employment; and (i) public services and infrastructure.

• A report based on the archival data and community histories has already been completed. Detailed data were unavailable at the village and RM level prior to the first census of the 1980s. Census data collected during the 1950s and through to the 1970s were primarily at the census division level, with the exception of Gull Lake.

Ethnographic Interviews

The ethnographic interviews have been carried out by two teams of research assistants. One group, composed by three research assistants, was based on the town of Leader. The second group, composed by two research assistants was based on Saskatoon. Guidelines containing protocols and areas of inquiry were produced for each one of the teams. Research ethics approvals were acquired from the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan prior to field data collection.

The Leader Team: The objective of the Leader team was to interview residents of the eight rural

municipalities identified in the terms of reference. The targeted subgroups were: farmers, ranchers, business owner/operators, members of local government, and women. The interview schedule included discussion on five major areas: (a) population and community; (b) income and employment; (c) quality of life; (d) governance; and (e) the Great Sand Hills. Additionally, members of local government were also interviewed by the team in regard to the roles and responsibilities of their respective councils, policies, decision making structures, and instruments for land use and land management within the study area.

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All the interviews took place during the period June 13-September 2, 2004. A total of 188 interviews (131 local residents and 57 representatives of local governments) were completed by Sept. 2. An overall participation rate of 38% was calculated based on the number of people contacted divided by the number of interviews completed. Several factors influenced this rate, including the small and sparse population of the area and the fact that the interviews took place during the busy summer months in an agricultural area. Table 1 provides a description of the distribution of the interviews by gender, occupation, and location of the respondents, as well as the role played by the government respondents.

As of September 12, the research assistants continue to transcribe interviews with the support of other research assistants. At this time, transcription and analysis are not yet completed, but the field work experience indicates the importance of some themes:

The tensions between environmental and economic needs: It is obvious that in the agricultural sector there should be a fine balance between optimum production levels (i.e. crops or cattle) and problems from straining the capacities of the land. However, in a time when many farmers and ranchers are struggling to make a living with low cattle and grain prices, the chance that the environment will be exploited is heightened.

The link between rural depopulation and economic development: It is often mentioned that the gas industry is what allows many to stay in the area. However, some gender issues emerge in terms of the types of employment that are available to females. Many residents of the area would encourage young families to reside in the Great Sand Hills region, but they also note the many challenges a family would face in terms of employment, education, and distances for healthcare, and others.

The role of gas and oil exploration: Residents are aware of the problems created by gas and oil exploration, but many argue that the technological advances in exploration will continue to keep the industry alive in their areas. As already mentioned, this industry is viewed in many areas as the main reason people are able to remain in agriculture, as well as to increase the possibilities of developing other spin off employment, sustain residents and attract other business sectors.

The link between regulation and oil and gas development: Although in every RM there seems to be regulations and policies pertaining to oil and gas exploration, there appears to be differences in RMs in how oil and gas companies are accountable in abiding by these regulations. Some RMs approach oil and gas companies in terms of a partnership with trust that environmental monitoring is being conducted fairly and appropriately by the developers, whereas other RMs struggle to keep oil and gas companies accountable for damages incurred by development activities.

The rural and urban split-in the area: There is a sense of resentment towards the provincial government in terms of its lack of support towards business, farming and ranching. The rural livelihoods that they have lived and experienced, it is argued are being lost to urban regionalization seen in shifts in education, health and the responsibilities of government-both local and RM levels.

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The Saskatoon Team The purpose of the Saskatoon team was to interview a group of provincial public

agencies, corporations and NGOs regarding their role in the areas of governance, policies, decision making structures, and instruments for land use and land management within the study area. Attention was focused on instruments, policies, plans, programs, and institutional arrangements concerning: (a) GSH Planning commission, (b) government instruments and regulations; (c) gas company policies, plans, and practices; (d) tourism operators; and (e) NGOs. Interview questions and variables used in the governance study at the regional and provincial level are similarly being addressed at the local level by the ethnographic work occurring in the RMs.

Seventeen interviews have been completed with key departments and representatives of the Saskatchewan government, oil and gas companies operating in the Great Sand Hills region, and non-government organizations. Government departments and NGOs were identified for interviews based on informal networking and a snowball sampling approach. Interviews with gas companies were based on a list provided by Saskatchewan Environment. Archival research on land use management and policies has been conducted at the office of the RM of Clinworth in Sceptre, and at the office of the Great Sand Hills Planning District Commission in Maple Creek.

In certain cases it was determined, after consultation with the respective department or agency, that a governance interview was not necessary. In other cases, departments and organizations have declined to grant an interview, notwithstanding the researchers’ perceived importance of their participation and their relationship with the baseline components identified in the study matrix. Health and Learning are two examples where the department or agency declined participation.

A number of provincial policies and legislative acts affect governance in the Great Sand Hills Region, as do the policies and programs of oil and gas companies. Many of the relevant policies and acts identified have been described as effective and adequate in their current forms. However, certain policies and regulatory issues have been emphasized in the governance interviews as problematic or conflicting and directly affecting the GSH region, namely:

o Rural Municipality Bylaws o Species at Risk Act o Provincial Lands Act o Conservation Easement Act o Treaty Land Entitlements o Environmental Assessment Act

In addition to the above, the Resource Stewardship Branch of Saskatchewan Environment has identified a lack of legislative and policy guidance for the development of tourism related activity in the Great Sand Hills. Both the Planning and Evaluation Branch and the Resource Stewardship Branch of Saskatchewan Environment noted a lack of an overall policy vision for the Great Sand Hills region—a gap that the Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study is expected to fill.

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Conflicts between certain federal and provincial legislation, different provincial acts, and provincial acts and municipal by-laws create situations where gas companies are uncertain of their responsibilities.

With regard to institutional arrangements, the baseline study is evaluating coordination, inclusiveness, scope, mix of strategies, adaptive capacity, and effectiveness of current management and decision-making arrangements in the GSH. Preliminary interview results are suggesting that the degree of success regarding management and decision making strategies in the GSH region is perceived differently by government, oil and gas companies, and non-governmental organizations. Even within the provincial government, different branches have conflicting opinions with regard to the effectiveness of current institutional arrangements. Specific issues of concern relate to coordination with respect to permitting, access to minerals after rights have been purchased, access to and coordination of existing data pools, representation of RMs and Aboriginal interests in decision making, and access to resources. These and other issues related to governance instruments are currently being examined by the baseline study. Summary of Linkages to Other Project Components

The Human Capital Study links either directly of indirectly to most study components through: (a) questions that provide information about the attitudes, predispositions, and values that local residents, government representatives, and gas companies have about a variety of issues that are part of the natural and economic capitals studies; and (b) the various policies, regulations and decision structures that either affect or are affected by land use and environmental change in the GSH region.

Two immediate linkages concern the Human Capital ethnographic work within the RMs and the First Nations land use study. The governance study builds on the ‘local governance’ component of the Human Capital baseline study, which is addressing governance at the municipal and RM level. The First Nations study contains its own ‘governance’ component and is structured as per the Governance baseline study to address key policies, regulations, and institutional arrangements that relate specifically to Aboriginal use.

Many individuals in both government and non-government organizations have expressed hope that the Regional Environmental Study will make strong connections between the social, economic and environmental policies and help to solve some of the extensive conflicting land use problems in the Great Sand Hills.

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The Leader Team:

The field work has provided the research assistants with a significant experience and knowledge of the area and of the challenges of field research. The following points are based on that experience:

The majority of residents interviewed were involved in agricultural-based endeavours leading to blocks of days when interviews could not be readily obtained due to the timeliness of chemical applications, baling, and swathing and combining. It would be advisable for the phone survey to coincide with ‘down-time’ periods in farm activities, e.g. January to March or October to December.

Capturing residents’ interest in the study in those RM’s (Miry Creek, Gull Lake Happyland and Big Stick) and settlements (Cabri and Burstall) that do not adjoin the Sand Hills was particularly difficult because residents tended to discount the study as not being significant in their communities. Some of this difficulty was alleviated through the distribution of the pamphlets describing the study– however the timing of the distribution of the pamphlets should have been prior to the Human Capital team going out to the field. Also, as a means of introducing the study a general announcement could have been placed in the local papers in order to briefly outline the study’s purpose and call for resident’s participation. To avoid similar problems during the phone survey it is recommended the distribution of a newsletter explaining the nature of the study and the survey.

Communication in the field among the different study teams was not as coordinated or consistent as it could have been which created the impression of a disorganized study and impeded proper collaboration among the field researchers. The subsequent use of the Web-based calendar (Webcal) helped to solve this problem, although team members use of the Webcal was sporadic at times.

The Saskatoon Team:

One key challenge is that a number of groups define their ‘participation’ in the study as a matter of wanting more information or wanting to be kept informed. Unfortunately, this adds little to the data collection process.

Some government departments feel they have either not acquired enough information to be involved or do not necessarily want to be directly involved in the process, but they do still want their opinions conveyed to decision makers concerning the RES. There is some sense of disagreement between government branches as to whether the RES is on the right track. Some departments feel that there is abundant communication and they have enough information to feel informed and acting as an effective part of the process. Conversely, there are departments that feel as though they have been left out of the process, or not obtained enough information to usefully contribute to the study.

The study team has not been successful in obtaining interviews with certain organizations. For example, Saskatchewan Health decided not to participate noting that the RES has no bearing on the operations of their department. The concern of the researchers is that health (i.e. quality of life and well being) is identified as a key

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human capital variable. That being said, the challenge to secure successful integration of Health is not surprising given that few environmental assessments have successfully integrated human health considerations from a social perspective.

EnCana, identified by Saskatchewan Environment as a stakeholder in the GSH region (either presently or potentially in the future), reviewed the study terms of reference and questions concerning the governance study and, after consultation with their local manager, chose not to participate. They noted that while they do own sections of mineral rights they have no current or historic activity in the ES1 area.

A key future challenge is the integration of the governance work with the various human, economic, and natural capital components.

Communication Activities The Leader team met at Gull Lake, in August 26, 2005, with Honorable David

Forbes, Saskatoon Minister of the Environment, for an informal breakfast meeting. In addition, the team made two informal presentations:

o July 14th presentation to RM of Miry Creek at their monthly council meeting to promote the project and drum up interest in governance interviews

o July 19th presentation to the Great Sand Hills Planning Commission to give them a brief update on our progress to date

There has been an ongoing communication between the governance (Saskatoon team), human capital ethnographic (Leader team), and First Nations baseline research teams.

Reference to the study website and RES terms of reference were communicated to the International Association for Impact Assessment in July 2005 as an update on innovations in strategic environmental impact assessment in Canada.

Other than communications between study components and communications associated with data collection and interview administration, there have been no additional communication activities by way of publications, conferences etc.

Names of Student, Research or Project Assistants Working Analysis of Secondary Data (May 2005):

Karen Lynch, MA candidate, Department of Geography, University of Saskatchewan:

Lauren Black: MA candidate, Department of Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina

Ethnographic Interviews: The Leader team (June – August 2005): Karen Lynch, MA candidate, Department of Geography, University of

Saskatchewan Lauren Black: MA candidate, Department of Sociology and Social Studies,

University of Regina Kimberley Nerbas: MA candidate, Department of Sociology and Social

Studies, University of Regina The Saskatoon Team (July-September 2005) Jill Harriman, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Geography, University of

Saskatchewan

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Lisa Christmas, M.A. Candidate, Department of Geography, University of Saskatchewan


The Saskatoon Team: In September and October, the main focus of the team will be to:

• complete interviews with government departments, oil and gas companies, and non-government organizations;

• finish transcribing taped interviews; • complete archival research as necessary concerning policies or regulations

that have emerged from the interview phase ; and • prepare a draft of the final project component report for integration with the

Human Capital ethnographic research and survey. Governance interviews expected to take place in September Department/Organization Department/Organization

SaskPower Saskatchewan Nature and Ecotourism Association

SaskEnergy Saskatchewan Stock Growers SaskTel Prairie Farm Rehabilitation

Administration Devon Saskatchewan Forage Council Action Energy Tourism Saskatchewan Anadarko Tourism operators in the Great Sand Hills EOG Saskatchewan Environmental Society City of Medicine Hat Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Apache Nature Saskatchewan

In summary, approximately five additional interviews with government, six interviews with oil and gas companies, six interviews with non-government organizations, and interviews with local tourism operators remain to be completed. A final report on the Governance baseline study is anticipated near the end of October to the Human Capital research team. This report will then be integrated with the Human Capital report of the ethnographic field team, and used to inform the Human Capital survey development and final Human Capital baseline study report. The Leader Team: In September and October, the main focus of the team will be to:

finish transcribing taped interviews; analyze the transcribed interviews; and prepare a report for integration with the Human Capital governance research (the

Saskatoon team’s work) and survey.

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During the next months the Human Capital Study will move into its third phase, which consists of a phone survey of people living in the area. The following activities are planned:

Design of questions, preparation of the survey instrument and samples (November and December 2004)

Preparation of documents for research ethics approval (December 2004) Hiring and training of interviewers and interviewing (January-March, 2005) Data entry and data analysis (April and May, 2005) Preparation and delivery of the survey report (June and July, 2005) Preparation and delivery of the baseline assessment report for the Human Capital

study (August-October, 2005)

3.2. Aboriginal Use and Culture Work Plan Objectives and Activities This study component is intended to evaluate Aboriginal interest in the Great Sand Hills including spiritual significance of the Great Sand Hills, economic development, and management concerns. Specifically the research is focusing on collecting baseline data related to several aspects, which include:

Aboriginal groups within the region, both past and present, and Aboriginal groups outside the immediate region with special interests in or ties to the Great Sand Hills.

Aboriginal histories and Aboriginal activities in the GSH region. Areas of Aboriginal cultural importance, past and present. Historical and current treaties and the nature of treaty land entitlements Nature and scope of historical and current interactions and impacts on Aboriginal

use and values associated with each of: gas development; grazing activities; recreation; transportation and infrastructure; and environmental change (climate change, and transboundary acidification).

Documentation of Aboriginal perceptions and evidence of such impacts and changes, including their significance, on Aboriginal use and culture.

Discussion of Aboriginal perspectives on the organization and effectiveness of current management and decision-making arrangements

The original research was structured according to five phases. In the first phase the intent was to undertake a document review and baseline interviews, identify Aboriginal interests, and then negotiate research protocols with First Nations to be involved in the study. In phase two, the intent was to document Aboriginal use and areas of significance. Phase three would document Aboriginal perceptions of the impacts of development on Aboriginal use and culture. Phase four would focus on governance issues, documenting Aboriginal perspectives on current management structure and practices and in the final phase we would conduct final analysis and report preparation.

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Progress in the research, however, has not been able to follow the original schedule. It was not possible to successfully secure before summer’s end baseline interviews with numerous First Nations to establish interest in the GSH. To address research complications and delays in the timeline, the interview schedule was amended to simultaneously assess use and areas of cultural significance, the impact of development, and governance issues. This allowed the study team to combine several phases, compressing timelines to meet necessary deadlines. An update on progress with various First Nations to date is outlined below.

Nekaneet The Nekaneet First Nation is the nearest reserve to the Great Sand Hills and the

only reserve in the immediate vicinity. Although there is some evidence of members of more distant Saskatchewan First Nations both to the North and East using the Great Sand Hills area for hunting, it seems likely that Nekaneet members are most actively hunting and gathering in the area. The Nekaneet Cree Nation Indian Reserve is located 121 km. south west of Swift Current, and occupies 5602 hectares of land. The total Registered population of the First Nation is 409 people, with slightly over half of this population living off the reserve. Currently Alice Pahtaykan is Chief of the First Nation. Through its Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) negotiations, the Nekaneet First Nation was able to increase its land base by approximately 28,000 acres. These acres have been purchased around the Maple Creek area.

Chief Pahtaykan did not express an interest on behalf of Nekaneet in making TLE selections in the Great Sand Hills area for potential oil and gas development. Following several meetings and discussions with Chief Pahtaykan, Nekaneet has agreed to participate in the study. The agreement was made in late August, and research began early September. To this end one band member, R. Oakes, has been hired to conduct interviews with Nekaneet members, mapping both traditional land use and areas both already selected for and potential future interests for TLE. He is scheduled to complete interviewing by October 15th. Following transcription and electronic mapping, this material will form the core of our understanding of traditional Nekaneetl use of the Great Sand Hills and complement our understanding of TLE interests.

Blackfoot Confederacy The Niitsitappi (Blackfoot Confederacy) consists of 4 Nations: Kainai (Blood),

Piikani (Peigan), Pikuni (Blackfeet), and Siksika (Blackfoot). A literature review and interviews with archaeological and anthropological experts on the Niitsitapii (Blackfoot) as well as preliminary interviews with Niitsitapii traditionalists indicate that the Great Sand Hills of Saskatchewan formed part of their traditional territory and took a significant place within their belief system. Within the Niitsitapii worldview the Great Sand Hills existed as the home on earth to the spirits of the dead. Stories in their oral history relate tales of people visiting the area to commune, reconnect, and even receive gifts from the dead. As a sacred site, the Niitsitapii retain a responsibility in their worldview to ensure its proper treatment. If the Niitsitapii do not properly maintain this site, there is a potential

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risk of spiritual retribution and ill befalling their communities, and potentially also the communities of other Aboriginal peoples as well as those of settlers. Also they are currently using the Great Sand Hills as a site of spiritual renewal, and are interested in maintaining their access to the site as a part of their religious practices.

They expressed a desire to maintain an ecologically intact space in the Great Sand Hills, which they could access for spiritual purposes. Access is currently a major issue as the leases to ranchers do not provide insurances of access rights to First Nations, or the Niitsitapii in particular. However, they recognized that there are also currently other people and interests in the Great Sand Hills, and there is a need to negotiate between these different interests.

There is an expressed desire to see the Government of Saskatchewan take significant steps in altering their management practices and protocols. One recommendation was to establish a council of elders and traditionalists for government to consult and work with to ensure that proper protocols are followed and the sacred nature of the site is properly respected. The Niitsitapii is interested in being recognized with standing to make submissions in Environmental Impact Statements, as well as providing information and feedback in the ongoing Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study, to ensure their connection to that site is communicated in government and business processes. In early September we were participating in negotiations with Kainaiwa Tribal Government to conduct, translate, and transcribe interviews with elders from the 4 nations of the confederacy. A final agreement is hoped for by September 15th, with interviews completed by October 15th.

Saskatchewan Treaty 4 First Nations At least part of the Great Sand Hills region lies within the area covered by the

Qu’Appelle Treaty (Treaty Four), signed in 1874, with several adhesions. Nonetheless, treaty boundaries remain an issue of some dispute. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner places the issue in some contention, as it marks the boundary as uncertain on its maps. The southern boundary of Treaty 6 in the area follows the south branch of the Saskatchewan River until it meets the Treaty 4 boundary, which it then follows. The Treaty 4 boundary in this area is more ambiguous. Some maps simply place the area of Saskatchewan south of the South Saskatchewan River as Treaty 4. Others allocate some of the territory along the western edge of present-day Saskatchewan to Treaty 7. The actual text of Treaty 4 locates the boundary as proceeding from where the valley of the west branch of the Qu’Appelle meets the South Saskatchewan, then following “along and including said River to the mouth of Maple Creek, thence along said Creek, to a point opposite the Cypress Hills, thence due South to the Boundary Line.” The Treaty 7 text simply states the boundary follows that of Treaties 6 and 4 through this area, without clarifying where exactly those boundaries are. The major problem arises with the realization that Maple Creek begins from Big Stick Lake on the western edge of the Great Sand Hills. It is unclear where the boundary follows from the South Saskatchewan River to Big Stick Lake. Potentially a

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portion of the Sand Hills could fall within Treaty 7 territory, of which the Blackfoot are signatories.

At least some portion, if not all, the Great Sand Hills falls within Treaty 4 territory. And in the present day, the closest First Nation, Nekaneet, is a Treaty 4 First Nation. The area is currently represented by the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, which has as members eleven First Nations from the Treaty 4 area. Most of these First Nations have reserves in the south eastern part of the province.

Within Treaty 4, the study team has attempted to document the interests of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) as well as six Treaty 4 First Nations: Nekaneet, Carry the Kettle, Piapot, and Wood Mountain from the FHQTC, George Gordon from the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, and the independent First Nation of Cowessess. All these groups have been contacted but only Nekaneet (discussed above) has participated in the study thus far. Following a meeting with Nekaneet, Carry the Kettle, and FHQTC, the study will be addressed at a meeting of all Treaty 4 First Nations on September 14th and 15th in fort Qu’Appelle.

Wood Mountain has explicitly stated they have no interest in the area.

Carry the Kettle, Piapot, and George Gordon have economic development interests in the GSH area, predominantly oil and gas. Carry the Kettle – and perhaps others – has traditional and historical ties to the area, including a burial site. And members of several Treaty 4 First Nations continue to hunt in the area.

Dean Bellegarde of FHQTC has verbally committed to collaborating to support hiring a First Nations person to conduct interviews with FHQTC Elders, band officials, and resource users of the Great Sand Hills.

Saskatchewan Treaty 6 First Nations Several Treaty 6 First Nations from Battlefords Tribal Council and Saskatoon

Tribal Council have potential interests in the area. Some members of Treaty 6 First Nations hunt in the Great Sand Hills, and some groups may have historical connections; however, the greatest interest among this group in the region appears to be TLE selections for oil and gas development.

Saskatchewan First Nations can make TLE selections anywhere in the province, regardless of Treaty territory. The study team contacted Poundmaker, Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head, and Red Pheasant from the Battlefords Tribal Council, as well as the tribal council itself. Also contacted were Yellowquill and Muskeg Lake as well as the Saskatoon Tribal Council to which they belong, as were Thunderchild, an independent First Nations. Interviews have been done with Thunderchild, Red Pheasant, Muskeg Lake, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

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Poundmaker has withdrawn its selections from the region in frustration with the government ‘red tape’, and choose not to participate in the study. Those interviewed conveyed dissatisfaction with exclusion of First Nations from decision-making. No group had been involved in decision-making and all felt there was a lack of communication with government. First Nations felt that both the federal and provincial government should be more actively involved in consulting, and that meaningful consultation would include ongoing communication and the implementation of First Nations input in decision-making. Many felt that the government only met the most minimal legal requirements for consultation, if consulting at all. First Nations desired the government take steps to include them by contacting First Nations and keeping them appraised of development. Ideally First Nations would like to be involved in all issues and management, including this study and decisions regarding the terms of reference, timelines, involvement, etc… Some also expressed a desire for government to recognize traditional knowledge holders and protocols in their decision-making processes. There is an expressed desire to have ceremonies in the area, and to have sites dedicated to traditional and ceremonial use. A desire to have a meeting with all interested First Nations present to collectively voice and negotiate their interests was also expressed. First Nations expressed the need to balance ecology, traditions, and economic development. Many stressed how poor their communities were. But others criticized the disrespect of First Nations sacred sites and traditions in development. Opinions on the correct path for development ranged from the extremes of ecological preserves and no development to economic development regardless of environmental cost to calls to balance between these poles. Linkages to Other Project Components The Aboriginal Use and Culture study links directly with the Governance study, both in regard to First Nations perspectives of management and how they would like to be involved as well as issues of jurisdiction arising from TLE. Through TLE, new First Nations reserve lands are created, shifting the land from provincial to federal jurisdiction. As part of the governance study several members of First Nations and Metis relations for the province were interviewed. This interview material from the Governance study may provide important context in understanding some of the complexities arising from TLE selections in the GSH area. Also information from the Governance study may prove valuable regarding what Government of Saskatchewan initiatives have been taken and are planned in the future in consulting with First Nations. Challenges, Issues and Opportunities

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The most significant challenge proved to be contacting First Nations and getting

an agreement to participate or even to discuss the study. First Nations governments are burdened with the internal problems of their community and greatly taxed by these demands. First Nations suspect the motives of any study for government, and are skeptical of participating in another government exercise in the GSH that may again delay TLE selection and “justify their further marginalization.” The time, resources, and will to participate seemed scarce among many First Nations bands.

A second challenge concerns the scheduling of the baseline study. The study was scheduled over the summer months. In First Nations communities this is the time of greatest cultural activities. The timing of the study coincided with the period when it is most difficult to make connections and do work within First Nations communities. People were traveling, organizing pow-wows, or on vacation. This was a serious impediment to the study.

A third major barrier is the difficulty in separating the baseline study from the political process of consultation. FSIN reports that it was only informed of the study after the terms of reference were set. Most of Treaty 6 and 7 First Nations did not initially receive an information package and were thus not fully aware of the study when approached. Although preliminary Saskatchewan Environment guidance pointed primarily to Treaty 4, several members of Treaty 6 did express some interest in the study – at least initially. This was also the case for Blackfoot, which again led to study delays. Within Treaty 4, the province’s efforts have been a major support for the progress of the study; however, meetings with First Nations and the province did not occur until mid-August and again in mid-September. Given that the field work is scheduled to be completed by mid-October, this is much later than desired to assist the research process. While the September 15th meeting with all Treaty 4 Chiefs may prove useful in gauging interest in future components of the study (i.e. impact assessment), it will be of less value for the current baseline study.

A fourth problem that emerged early in the study concerned the prior work of WestWind consulting and its principal (formerly of Red Stone Consulting). The private consulting company had previously completed a land use study and several interviews with Nekaneet elders. The results of the study were never returned to Nekaneet or released for publication due to complications in funding arrangements between Nekaneet and FSIN. Several attempts were made early in the study, and in the months that followed, to strike an agreement between the RES and WestWind. This included multiple phone call and a failed face-to-face meeting. All attempts were unsuccessful.

Finally, First Nations participants may request copies of their interview transcripts and land use maps. This is standard procedure when working with First Nations and is a standard requirement of university ethics governing Aboriginal research. This is considered ‘raw data’ (with identifying markers removed) and may be at odds with Saskatchewan Environment protocol concerning data management. Should Saskatchewan Environment not allow data to be returned to First Nations

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the research would be in violation of university research ethics.

Communication Activities There have been no media releases or publications. Contacts have been made with First Nations of Treaty 4, Treaty 6, and Treaty 7,

including a presentation before the Chief and Counsel of Gordon’s First Nation. A presentation to Treaty 4 Chiefs scheduled for 15 September.

Names of Student, Research of Project Assistants University of Saskatchewan:

Tyler McCreary (Research Assistant) Jennifer Fillingham (Administrative Assistant)

First Nations, Nekaneet:

Darren Oakes (Field Interviewer) Remaining Activities to be completed relative to Baseline Assessment Phase

The study team is currently guiding the research towards a goal of the completion of field research by October 15th.

Interviews and mapping exercises are currently being conducted with Nekaneet elders. It is anticipated that 20-25 interviews with Nekaneet will be secured discussing land use, change, and governance. These interviews are being conducted by a Nekaneet member.

Preliminary interviews were held with elders from the four nations of the Blackfoot confederacy. A final agreement is hoped for by September 15th, and the completion of field interviews by October 15th.

Maps remain to be processed and interviews transcribed, with a projected study completion date near the end of December 2005.

3.3. Heritage

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This study component focuses on identifying heritage properties within the GSH. Some properties constitute a built infrastructure, e.g. heritage buildings within communities, while others serve a conservation function across a wide area, e.g. areas protected for biodiversity purposes.

Created GIS update for heritage screened based on information from Saskatchewan Culture Youth and Recreation.

Set up GIS based archaeological file based on information from Saskatchewan Culture Youth and Recreation.

Have sent heritage maps and data to Aboriginal Study Team as well as contact information.

Set up 2 GPS (Global Positioning System) photo-linked shapefiles that illustrate cross sections of the natural heritage component.

Toured and photographed Museum at Sceptre and also visited and Blumenfeld Church (Heritage Building) as well as historical school site at Liebenthal.

Identifying Representative Areas within and surrounding the GSH and all areas have been added to the GIS spatial index.

Continuation of identifying areas and management with Natural Heritage components such as Regional Parks.


Much of the cultural heritage data overlaps with the work of the Aboriginal Study Team - as such any information is forwarded to that team.

The natural heritage component overlaps with the work of the Land Cover / Biodiversity Study Team- as such any information is forwarded to that group.

Other avenues which may need to be addressed are expected to come forward with the completion of the Social Capital surveys.


Heritage designated buildings are not located within the review area. Schools are not officially designated under the Heritage Act but are given

recognition by individual RM’s as historical properties. There are large cultural and natural heritage components on display and

catalogued at the museum at Sceptre which includes First Nations land use, the settlement of the area by Europeans, information on renowned athletes, wildlife etc. Members of all project study teams should take the time to examine some of this information as well as from other museums within the area.


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For purposes of the complete study, staff designed, printed and distributed a Project Study brochure.

Names of Student, Research or Project Assistants

Bonnie Galenzoski (U of R)


Contact local museums and review heritage information applicable to Great Sand Hills.

Review findings from social capital surveys, particularly aboriginal heritage sites (e.g., Spiritual grounds and burial sites) and cross-reference to include in heritage mapping.

As part of reviewing Regional Parks, additional Natural Capital information on fish stocking has been located and will be provided to the Land Cover / Biodiversity Study Team.

3.4. Economic Capital Work Plan Objectives and ActivitiesThe objective of the Economic Baseline, in current and historic terms, is to characterize, and develop an economic valuation of activities in the study area according to dominant economic sector activities, e.g. gas, agriculture, recreation / tourism. The objective of the Government Revenue section of the project is to, in current and historic terms, characterize provincial and municipal revenue, expenditures and investment associated with human activities in the study area. These baselines and their resultant data will be used as part of a future impact assessment related to government activities in the study area, and the development of sustainable scenarios. These objectives will be met through specific activities in order to develop the necessary information for the baseline analyses. Those activities within the context of the Economic Baseline are six-fold:

a) Identify the dominant sectors of economic production in the study area and characterize the amount of production and their monetary value relative to sector.

b) Describe the amount of economic capital invested in the various forms of economic activities and provide an estimate of the productive value of that investment capital.

c) Distinguish investment capital according to private and public sector sources. d) Characterize the various economic sectors according to their profitability. e) Characterize the economic costs and benefits associated with mitigation,

restoration, enhancement, and monitoring activities associated with various forms of economic activity.

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f) Describe the agencies and regulations that regulate economic activity in the study area, and within the context of the Government Revenue section of the baseline, those activities are two-fold: Identify the sources of provincial and municipal government revenues,

expenditures and investment associated with gas exploration and development, agriculture, recreation and tourism. The information should be separated according to levels of government and according to each municipality.

Characterize the provincial and municipal government investment associated with mitigation, restoration, enhancement, and monitoring activities associated with various forms of economic activity.

The largest and most significant product to be created through the collection of the area data will be the output in support of point a) above. This product is akin to the Economic Summary published annually by the province for its provincial accounts. These Economic Summaries detail the extent of economic productivity across the full spectrum of economic activities. As a summary of this nature has never been developed at a scale with finer resolution than a province, this product will be both unique and the first of its kind. One research assistant has been tasked with the collection of the statistical data and its entry into a series of spreadsheets that will be used to develop the Economic Summary. The research assistant has been collecting data both from published sources (Statistics Canada, the Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics, and public archives) and from sources in the study area. This second data source, typically the RM offices themselves, has been invaluable in being able to provide information at a level of detail befitting the nature of the Study. The collection of local data has been conducted with the assistance of the RM offices’ staff, at times convenient to them, and with as little intrusion into the operations of the office as has been possible. As the information required for the baseline assessment come from data recorded at the RM office, it has meant that the research assistant has been able to gather all the require data within a few hours and copy needed information for the report. The research assistant has been to the study area a total of 6 times over the review period to collect data from the RM offices. During his time at the offices, Administrators and the public in general have been helpful and forthcoming with information to place into context some of the raw data collected from RM office reports. This additional, although anecdotal, evidence has been greatly appreciated and will ultimately serve the Study well. The financial statements collected from published sources and most importantly those provided by the RMs directly have been invaluable in addressing the economic conditions within the study area. These statements will become the foundation of the government revenue section of the report. For the provision of this information, the researchers and the research assistants are indebted.

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To complement the statistical data collected from the various sources listed above, there has been a second research assistant charged with the collection of all economic data of a textual nature. The collection of reports, papers, articles, newspaper clippings, and direct accounts from published sources about the economic conditions of the study area and how those conditions have either changed or been modified has been complied from local newspapers, archives, and government reports. The summary of those textual references is in final development and should be completed within the next 4-6 weeks. This information will serve to place within context all of the trends that may appear from the raw data. These ‘stories’ will serve to address how changes, real or perceived, to the economy of the study area have had an influence on the individuals and their economic opportunities. The textual information will serve to develop greater understanding of the trends in the data as the study enters the impact assessment and scenario development stages. Linkages to Other Project ComponentsThe linkages with the other projects’ components are extensive. As the economic baseline will be a critical element of any discussions related to potential development scenarios, the linkages touch virtually all aspects of the Study. The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) has already developed an extensive matrix display of all potential connections between the various project components. The Governance team met in Calgary with the Team Leader of the Economic Baseline for meetings with oil and gas firms. Both teams in their analyses will use the transcriptions of those meetings. Transcriptions are currently underway. Challenges, Issues and Opportunities Challenges

Statistics Canada and their provincial offices have been the greatest obstacles in the collection of data thus far. The provincial bureau of statistics has been unable to provide the needed data indicating that the data being requested is beyond the province’s ability to collect such information. After being referred to the National level, they too were unresponsive. Thanks to the detailed digging of the research assistants, all the required data has been collected (although due to changes in data collection and presentation over the years, the data are ‘spotty’ in some instances.)

Issues Eleanor Bowie (Secretary to the Great Sand Hills Planning Commission) had

graciously provided to one of the research assistants the originals of the GSHPDC minutes. In an unfortunate event, those originals were lost – but not before a copy was made. In this regrettable incident, every effort was made to recover the originals, but to no avail. The GSHPDC was notified of the loss immediately, and they have been provided with the copy of the minutes. All parties have agreed that with the provision of the copies, the matter is resolved.

Opportunities

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Given the extensive assistance the administrators of the RM offices have been over the summer months, there is an opportunity for us to thank them for all their diligent work. In order to assure continued collaboration with the RMs and the people of the study area, the SAC may wish to sponsor a local event (dance, social, spring BBQ) as a ‘thank you’ to everyone who has assisted with the project to date.

Communication Activities No activities were undertaken as per the guidelines in the terms of reference for the Study. Names of Student, Research or Project Assistants Research Assistant (Statistical): Ben Mario Research Assistant (Textual): Lynn Cecil Remaining Activities to be completed relative to Baseline Assessment Phase

No Report

4. Data & Web Sites 4.1. Project Data


The data component of the project is intended to set up a system of data transfer, largely through an FTP account which makes data has been made accessible to those members of study teams within the project who require it.

Activities:

a hard drive was purchased by SE for the transfer of the ~200Gb of data from the Lidar and Imagery and sent to the Land Cover / BiodiversityStudy Team

160Gb hard drive from CPRC formatted and Lidar and Imagery data was copied by M. Andersen from SE for housing at CPRC

set up a website for a central list of all data and as a central location for documents

Arranged meeting (Aug 17th) for spatial data components: Bonnie Galenzoski (CPRC), Mike Andersen (SE), Jeff Keith (SE), George Bahr (SE), Brent Bitter (SE), Troy Zimmer (Mollard and Associates) to discuss data GIS standardization issues regarding projection, datum, meta data. Other concerns identified were issues related to collection techniques, in particular with respect the extent of the information collected and the precision of the GPS coordinates. Minutes of that meeting are available.

Compiling data into GIS formats and maintenance of data flow

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Summary of Linkages to Other Project Components

Members of each of the project study teams are kept informed of available data and requests from members for available data are addressed.

Challenges, Issues and Opportunities Identified

Data standardization: Is collected data of value to end user? Is the format compatible?

Data transport: How to efficiently transport e-mail allotment data? There have been some problems with cross-border courier services – however the issues appear to be a result of a lack of standard format through customs for data transfer. Sending the hard drive to the U.S. for data copy and then back to Canada is not a formalised process. This issue has been resolved for the time being but may have to be re-examined for future transfers.

Age of Data: Is the data the most recent source? Data Reliability: How reliable is the source? Scale of Data: Is the scale of the data too coarse? Too fine? Are the scales

consistent amongst components? Opportunities

Another meeting has been proposed to discuss format for future collections. Field data may have problems with usefulness to the Conservation Data Centre (CDC). It has also been noted that the data collected may be of use to the Environmental Assessment Branch –it is hoped by planning ahead with input from all data collectors producers and users that the data will attain the maximum value.

Discussions as of September 14th with J. Keith of the CDC. The CDC is presently working on Predictive Rare Species and Dispersal Models, i.e. there is an opportunity to use data from the GSH study to enhance the model.


Communication activities were undertaken as part of this study component.


Bonnie Galenzoski (U of R)

Remaining Activities to be completed relative to Baseline Assessment phase

Handling of data is an on-going process working with all study teams.

Upon completion of Bird and Plant Surveys in October, propose to arrange a data meeting with Saskatchewan Environment and other researchers/contractors. A review will be made of formatting and precision.

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4.2. Great Sand Hills Study Website Work Plan Objectives and Activities

Objectives were to establish a GSH website for documents and data list related to the GSH which is accessible to all as well as maintain the website and provide e-mail alerts of new postings of data.


The Website serves as a common posting site for data such that each member of the project study teams can access the common site for information about available data.

Challenges, Issues and Opportunities Identified

Copyright issues regarding data need to be addressed.

A “what’s new “ link will be created on the website so that as data is posted it does not become “lost” within the vast amount of information that is required for the project.


No activities are reported for this component of the study.


Bonnie Galenzoski

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APPENDIX A. SPOT Satellite Images.

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35


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APPENDIX B. Terrain Mapping Details. Description of terrain mapping undertaken by J. D. Mollard and Associates Limited in May - August 2005.

(1) Objectives and Activities

• Mapped GSH landscapes from eight (8) LIFT 1970 1:80,000 airphoto strip mosaics. (These

airphotos were taken with a 3-inch focal length (FL) camera, which doubles the relief over virtually all other ages and dates of standard 6-inch FL camera airphotos.)

• Used existing geological, agricultural soil survey and topographic (7.5 m CI) maps and related

data to guide my airphoto landscape mapping • Produced (first-cut) GSH 1:80,000 annotated airphoto strip mosaics with a legend

that has: 10 sediment depositional environments (glacial, glaciofluvial, etc.) (see

attached) 6 soil textural classes grouped from 14 (see attached) 10 topographic classes: 6 gently mostly undulating to rolling varieties plus

4 additional classes (see attached) 2 potential groundwater-source surface features: tunnel valleys and springs 4 granular-deposit landform types (not shown on soil maps or on area-

wide Saskatchewan Highways gravel data)

3 or 4 unique surface features • The 8 airphoto strip mosaics that have been mapped are classified as provisional

Map data will be checked and expanded in detail in some locations. The present airphoto interpretation can be used to construct:

A GSH surface geology map A GSH geomorphology map A GSH landscape map A terrain sensitivity map, which will require a more detailed classification of topography,

hydrology and landcover types (see attached) • The airphoto-interpreted strip mosaics contain additional (“new”) data on

groundwater and granular material prospects not appearing on existing literature and map sources

• Several phone calls were made to environmentalists working for CFB Shilo, Dundurn, Suffield

and Wainwright. All have a history of vehicular and/or animal tracks. Five sets of relevant material were obtained for review

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Topography (letter symbol used) T1 Flat to depressional land T2 Gently to moderately undulating T3 Mixed undulating and rolling T4 Gently to moderately rolling T5 Strongly rolling to moderately rolling T6 Dune topography T7 Hummocky (collapse; common in T3 to 5) T8 Ridgy (morainal) T9 Tunnel valley T10 Meltwater valley

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(2) Additional Information for Assessing GSH Terrain Sensitivity to Disturbance

and Long-term Landscape Suitability Topography (T): Blowout erosion topography (B): a, active; i, inactive; c, close spacing; p, patchy spacing; o, open spacing. Sheet erosion topography (S): p, patchy; e, extensive Local topographic relief (R): h, high; m, medium / intermediate; l, low; f, flat Hydrology (H): Channelway (C): g, gully; p, perennial creek; e, ephemeral creek; t, tunnel channel; m, meltwater channel Basins (B): l, large; s, small; p, perennial; e, ephemeral; s, saline Dugout (D): p, pasture; f, farmstead. Groundwater (G): a, alcove spring (watertable discharge site); s, surface salts (artesian groundwater discharge area); r, recharge area (all raised dune areas topographically above spring, seep and salinity features Vegetation (V) Natural (N): t, tall shrubs and trees; s, short shrubs; g, grassland. Land Use (L):

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Human-modified surface feature (f): c, cultivated; i, idle; g, grazed (in pasture ranchland); f, strip farming; r, roads; t, trails Unique / Unusual Feature (U): Feature type: t, topography; v, vegetation; a, animal (bison) track; l, lineament; o, other (3) Draft – Great Sand Hills Core Area Visual Landscape Classification Legend Classification from 1:80,000 3-d airphotos and 1:50,000 x 7.5m CI topographic maps (for use with other map data geologic, geomorphic, topographic, hydrologic and terrain sensitivity classification) Dune and Sand Flat Types B Blowout dunes; non-lineated blowout hollow-and-mound complex F Flat, sand L Longitudinal border ridge (parabolic dune wing) and linear windrift dunes; dominantly east-west trending P Parabolic dunes PL Essentially contiguous subparallel Parabolic and Longitudinal dunes, dominantly E-W trending dunes Topographic Expressions A Arrow-shaped duneheads; large, single, separated H Hummocky R Ridgy, dominantly east-west trending ridges U Undulating, gently and flat, smooth-looking windswept surfaces Dune Height and Slippage Slope Steepness Ranges (inferred from 3-D 1:80,000 airphotos and 1:50,000 x 7.5m contour maps) h high, mostly 10 to 15 m high with 10 - 35% slipface slopes m moderate, mostly 5 to 10 m high with 5 to 15% slipface slopes l low, mostly <5m high with 2 to 9% slipface slopes Hydrology Features I Interdune flat; large, dark-toned, near-surface watertable, hydrophilic vegetation, potential groundwater source at and near (2 m) ground surface L Lake basins, ephemeral, saline S Small blowouts and shallow windpits in a speckled pattern 100 to 300 m apart; estimate roughly 10 small (50 to 100 m) and 1 medium (100 to 500 m) blowouts per 20 ha, potential groundwater source at depths up to 8 m and mostly about 4 m depth in blowout depressions T Tunnel valley, sinuous, long and narrow lakes and elongate playa basins, potential major deep

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groundwater source, at depths up to 120 m within and below drift over bedrock Vegetation / Land Cover Classes C Cultivated, extensively strip farmed G Grassland, low shrubs and juniper on higher and drier dune surfaces N No-to-sparse vegetation on active blowouts, scattered patches S Scrubland, lower dune slopes (various berry bushes and other shrubs, aspen, birch in SD landscapes) W Wetland vegetation in interdune flats, dark-toned (various sedges, coarse grasses, willows, rushes, balsam poplar) G & S mixed G and S, with G dominant W & G mixed G and W, with W dominant Legend Sequence Dune and sand flat types – Topographic expressions – Dune height and slipface slopes (mostly on east) Hydrology features – Vegetation / land cover classes Graphic Symbols Spring – t – Tunnel valley (4) Comments on GSH Study Area from 1:80,000 Airphotos Topography 1. Saskatchewan Soil Survey Report #12 shows the GSH area topography varying from level to gently undulating to strongly rolling. However, 3-D airphoto examination reveals that much of the area is classic supraglacial collapse hummocky terrain, consisting of high mounds and short ridges interspersed with deep kettleholes. 2. The sand dunes range from less than 1 to over 6 m high, but are mostly 1 to 4 m high. Hydrology – Groundwater 1. GSH has the largest concentration of tunnel valleys Jack Mollard has seen anywhere, including all three Prairie Provinces. In this sense, the GSH surface geology and geohydrology is unique. 2. It’s important to understand the origin of these rare valleys, originating as ice-walled tunnel channels (probably subglacial and englacial), eventually becoming open to the sky. Most are characterized by a string of elongate saline lakes and playas separated by slight rises within a mostly steep-sided meltwater valley.

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3. Detailed exploration at three of these tunnels reveals that several could overlie major artesian aquifers, which can be difficult and costly to discover. Finding the aquifer could require drilling 5 to 10 exploratory testholes before striking an artesian aquifer. Safe yields of 200 to 500 ipgm (~500,000 to 1,000,000 m3/yr) are possible with thorough aquifer exploration, testing, development and long-term safe yield evaluation. There are 8 long tunnel valleys if you connect some that might be considered 2 rather than 1 valley. Hydrology – Surface Water Without counting the visible stream channels on airphotos, memory suggests there are very few owing to highly irregular relief, numerous closed depressions, and high permeability soils where the hydraulic conductivity of silty sand soils is 10-3 to 10-7 m/s with an average of about 10-5 m/s. This hydraulic conductivity could drop to around 10-7 m/s on average where there is a thick (2 to 3 m) loessial cover. The dune sand permeability will vary from 10-2 m/s to 10-5 m/s. There is little if any surface runoff to channels. Runoff yields as low as 2 mm/yr over much of the area vs 60 mm in Prelate lacustrine clay area. Scarce Granular Deposit Prospects

The Saskatchewan Department of Highways few coarse granular deposits in the study area –

ones that are suitable for road construction with processing. A few eskers, kames, outwash and coarse deltaic deposits have been mapped. Identifying the kame is tricky, some may be supraglacial in origin as well as ice-marginal. The larger kames may be significant.

Most identified granular prospects, however, are likely to be variable, oversanded, with

random pockets of usable coarser material. Confirming the usable material requires systematic field reconnaissance and follow-up exploration program. Some prospects could have several millions of cubic metres of material. It is therefore important that they be

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properly investigated and not overlooked when there could be a high demand for unpaved roads and trails. Unique Topographic Features

Circular kame with crudely concentric ridges and hollows. Huge high esker. It may be the highest in the Canadian Prairies. Unusual dunes. Certain features along supraglacially formed meltwater channels.

(5) CFB Sand Dune Landscape Environment Studies Documents From CFB Suffield and CFB Shilo From CFB Shilo: Talked with Garnet Shearer and Sherry Lynn Punak-Murphy

A Remote Sensing Classification of Vegetation For Selected Areas of CFB Shilo, R. Dixon,

1979 Vegetative Colonization & Succession and the Impacts of Trampling in the

Carberry Sand Hills, Manitoba, M.Sc. Thesis 1980, M. H. Ward The Effect of military Training on Native Prairie at CFB Shilo, SE Gorrie, 1988 The Effect of Tank Traffic on Native Mixed Grass Prairie at CFB Shilo,

Manitoba, 1995 Final Report, JD Thompson & JP Morgan 1996

From Department of National Defence, Director of General Environment, Ottawa:

Covertype Detection Change on CFB Shilo, G. Watson, B. Woods, K. Creber, G. Shearer, 119

p, 2002 From CFB Suffield: Talked with Wes Richmond and Brent Smith

CFB Suffield Soil Landscape Classification Model Manual, Brent Smith, Barry Adams and

Ron McNeill, 140 p, 2003 From CFB Dundurn:

Cheryl-Ann Beckles, base environmentalist, referred us to Wainwright, Shilo and Suffield

From CFB Wainwright:

Kelly Sturgis, base environmentalist, referred us to Brent Smith and the CFB Suffield

landscape classification (with Adams and McNeill) at CFB Suffield

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See list of contacts and phone numbers

Phone Numbers – Great Sand Hills Study Suffield CFB Brent Smith * (403) 544-4502 Suffield CFB Wes Richmond (403) 544-4488 x 4588 Shilo CFB Garnet Shearer (204) 765-3000 x 3133 Shilo CFB Sherri Lynn Punak-Murphy (204) 765-3000 x 3964 Dundurn CFB Cheryl-Ann Beckles (306) 492-2135 x 4674 Wainwright CFB Kelly Sturgis (780) 842-1363 x 1270 PFRA Pastures Larry Flaig, Maple Creek PFRA (306) 662-5526 Perry Maple Creek PFRA (306) 662-5528 PFRA Pastures Trevor Dyck, Swift Current PFRA (306) 778-5005 ** PFRA Groundwater Brian Champion, Rosetown (306) 882-5673 ** SWA Groundwater John Fahlman, Moose Jaw (306) 694-3954 Ron Woodvine PFRA (surface water) (306) 780-6518 Barry Jones PFRA (groundwater) (306) 780-5206 Bob Woods National Defence, Ottawa (613) 995-4087 * Report written with Barry Adams, Consultant; Ron McNeill, U of Lethbridge. ** Accumulating water well data in 3 RMs in study area: Maple Creek / Piapot / Carmichael for the “National Water Supply Expansion Program” a federal-provincial funded study.

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APPENDIX C. Summary of interviews completed for population and community; income and employment; and quantity of life measures.

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APPENDIX D. Summary of Governance Interviews Collected to Date. Department/Company/Organization Branch (if applicable) Date of

Interview Industry and Resources Petroleum Development July 20/05 Saskatchewan Environment Environmental Assessment July 20/05 Government Relations Community Planning July 21/05 Community Resources and Employment

Research and Evaluation July 21/05

Culture, Youth, and Recreation Heritage Resources July 22/05 Saskatchewan Environment Parks N/A Saskatchewan Environment Strategic Environmental

Studies N/A

Action Committee on the Rural Environment

August 1/05

Tourism Saskatchewan August 29/05 Agriculture and Food Crown Lands Services August 29/05 Environment Environmental Assessment August 29/05 First Nations and Metis Relations Lands and Resources August 30/05 Saskatchewan Environment Policy and Program Support August 30/05 Saskatchewan Environment Resource Stewardship August 31/05 Health Policy and Planning Declined Rural Development Declined Learning Declined Petro-Canada Oil & Gas Southern Gas August 23/05 ARC Resources Ltd. August 23/05 Burlington Resources August 23/05 Husky Oil August 26/05 EnCana Declined Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

August 30/05

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APPENDIX E. Ethnographic Field Survey Update. Lauren Black, Karen Lynch, Kimberley Nerbas (1) Population and Community Education:

Participants education is varied among the RMs of Miry Creek, Pittville, Clinworth and Happyland

Depopulation: There is a mix of participants from this area and from out of the area Most children of participants in the RMs of Miry Creek, Pittville, Clinworth, and

Happyland have left home to pursue either further education or employment Seniors predominately move to Swift Current or Medicine Hat due to increase

ease of accessing medical services Employment:

Most farmers and ranchers from the RMs of Miry Creek, Pittville, Clinworth and Happyland do have occupations off their land. Typically, these jobs are agro or oil/gas related.

A few women have professional occupations in Swift Current Wives who work off farm typically engage in either health-based or service-based

occupations Ethnicity:

No one strongly identifies with a particular ethnic group. Upon inquiring about where their families come from they state their ethnic

background, however most are inclined to say Canadian or Caucasian. Occupants of the household:

Participants do not seem comfortable revealing too many details of their family, including: who is currently living under the residence, where their children have gone to, and where their spouses have come from.

(2) Income and Employment Income:

Upon inquiring about incomes in the RM, participants assure us that everyone gets by in this area. However, further on in the interview it becomes apparent that there are income differences in the RM and that some people are struggling to survive on their incomes, and the types of employment they can obtain.

Within the RM of Pittville and Miry Creek participants have stated there are differences between those farmers/ranchers that have wells on their property compared to those who do not; the advantage of having wells on deeded land is that the property owner has a reliable source of income.

Employment: As far as the part time work characteristic and dual incomes among families,

participants say that this is a rather recent trend, but it is not just a rural issue. Several participants have pointed out this part time work characteristic seems to be more predominant in younger families within the study area.

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For the most part in the RMs of Miry Creek, Pittville, Clinworth and Happyland the main sources of employment are agriculture (farming, ranching), oil/gas, education and businesses in select local villages.

Employment for the youth in this area is extremely limited, unless they start up their own business such as lawn maintenance, or work seasonally on a farm. In some cases, farmers have rented an apartment in Swift Current for their children to gain work experience.

Farmers: Farmers provide limited data on their farms, including: how much land they own,

what they farm on the land, how much land they rent and lease, and how many and what animals they have.

If the farmer is engaged in mixed farming, it is common for the farmer to have a combination of deeded and rented lands.

Durum wheat, fall rye and field peas seem to be the most common crops grown in the four RM’s studied thus far.

Most farmers have cited the rise in the use of costly inputs (chemicals and fertilizers) as the biggest change in farming practices over the past twenty years.

It is extremely rare to find more than one family on one farm; most sons that have taken up farming live on their own home quarter rather than living on the homestead.

It is uncommon for the farmers to have a hire hand. Both farmers and ranchers have expressed concerns over the difference in

revenues generated by the wells on lease land; they have formed a lobby group in order to express their concerns to government bodies.

Another concerns that farmers and ranchers share is the treaty land entitlements. They express concerns about loss of farmlands and loss of local control over land uses.

Ranchers: It seems to be easy to determine if they are large or small-scale ranchers, however

again they are providing us with limited data about their ranches. Some of the issues they are more secretive about include: amount of acreage, whether it is leased or owned (due to the possibility of mineral rights in terms of income coming from oil wells), whether or not they are ranching by themselves or employ hired hands

Industry See employment from this Section

Tourism Participants from the RM of Pittville claim that there is very little tourism in this

RM, except some touring the Standing Rock Participants from the RM of Miry Creek claim that the roads hinder tourism in

this RM, and most people go to Sceptre and the Sandhills Participants from the RM of Clinworth claim that tourism is locally important due

to the Sceptre Museum and the closest proximity for easy access to the Sandhills Hunting brings in income for hotel and restaurants, however the hunting activities

frustrate the farmers and ranches in the RMs of Miry Creek, Clinworth, Happyland and Pittville. -Example of the frustrations include: trespassing,

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loitering, littering, disrupting fragile areas on the ranches and farms, leaving behind dead animals and draw predators to the area.

Residents of Miry Creek who live adjacent to the North Sand Hills have expressed their concerns with the approach Sask. Environment has taken to reduce deer herds in the area; last year’s hunting season was particularly trying as the lack of restrictions on the number of deer harvested led to conflicts between farmers/ranchers and hunters.

Oil and Gas Industry Contributions: There does not seem to be a difference in how the participants in the RMs of

Pittville, Clinworth, Happyland, and Miry Creek see the contributions of the oil and gas industry.

The contributions include: tax revenue, donations to the high schools (scholarships, school trips, sponsorships for sports), donations to the local rink hockey team, employment (perception that a few of the younger generation are staying within their RM’s because they obtain jobs with gas companies) -but mostly in terms of secondary employment (implement dealers, car washes, gas stations, etc)

Changes to the Economy Most people in the RMs of Miry Creek, Pittville, Clinworth and Happyland claim

the economy has gone down in the last 15-20 years. Many services have closed, schools have closed and the population has failed to support local businesses existing.

There is some anger towards residents that go outside for services, yet residents understand why people are frustrated with the local services

Most people see the economy getting worse in the next 20 years with further school closures, possible post offices being removed, grocery stores being closed.

Farmers in all areas wonder about who is going to take over the farms because the current generation of farmers is close to retirement age. Lack of interest in agriculture by the younger generation seems to plague all the RM’s studied so far.

(3) Quality of Life Measures Services:

Most people in the RMs of Pittville, Clinworth, Miry Creek and Happyland claim that they are satisfied with the services that are available, however their expectations are lower for what they can obtain within their communities. A common refrain is that “the services are good compared to the amount of people that live in the area”

Participants in Abbey and Lancer are disappointed with the loss of banking in their communities

In all RM’s the closure of elevators is still a hot topic People of skeptical about improvements to their services with such a limited

population Most people in the RMs go to Swift Current or Medicine Hat for services

including: medical, dental, eye care, some banking, equipment for machinery, repairs to vehicles, and large shopping items.

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Housing: People are not forthcoming with the information about their house including how

old it is, how large it is, and the condition of their house. People generally will just say that the housing in the RMs are good, and it is the

person’s problem if there are housing issues Access to Health Care:

This seems to be age dependent, as older participants have greater concerns with health care than younger participants

Leader and Cabri have the remaining health care services. However, residents in Miry Creek will point out that Cabri is only a glorified first aid station and any medical issues that are serious are dealt with in Swift Current

There is a fair amount of fear with emergencies in the RMs due to access to the health care and the conditions of the roads

Centralization of health care services to the urban areas is a great concern in all the RMs studied so far

In Abbey and Hazlet there is a little bit of secondary health care with a home care program

A very limited recreational health care in the communities (except Leader), but communities do have curling and hockey rinks (except Prelate, Lancer, Portreeve, Shackleton)

Crime: Crime according to the residents of the RMs is non-existent. Crimes are usually

attributed to outsiders and pertain to gas thefts, the odd break and enter, tool and equipment thefts, vandalism and drinking and driving

Participants in the RM of Miry Creek, Clinworth and Pittville claim that the police are not a presence in their communities and often issues are dealt with by the residents

The police station for the RM of Miry Creek is in Cabri, for the RM of Pittville it varies between Cabri and Gull Lake

Major Social Issues: Addictions to alcohol and drugs seem to be a concern in most RMs Stress due to employment and income is a concern in all RMs Gambling seemed to be a concern in RM of Miry Creek and Pittville All the RMs had participants who seemed to be concerned about “moral” issues

of gay rights, gay marriage and racial tensions All the RMs had participants who were concerned with the out-migration of the

younger generation and lack of people on the farms Education in the RMs is a concern, residents of Abbey are concerned with a

possible closure in the next two years. Residents in Hazlet are also concerned, but also have taken some initiatives to save the school such as bringing in exchange students

Most residents in the RMs are concerned with how to attract educators to such small communities -the school is considered important for the health and vitality of the community –the bus routes for the children in the RMs is a concern due to long distances and fatigue from long bus rides

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Quality of Employment: Most participants claim that the employment people have now seems to be ok, but

its always under threat due to a vulnerable market system that exists in the RM Very little new types of jobs for women in the area above being barmaids, or

working low paying service jobs Quality of Environment:

Participants do not have too much to say when asked such a question. If people do talk about this question, it is in regards to the weather in terms of more storms

People do not really talk about changes to the air and only talk about wildlife if they have something to do with hunting

There have been some concerns expressed by farmers as to the amount inputs are now used on the crops.

There were some concerns expressed in Miry Creek about migrating gas wells. There is some awareness of climate change (e.g. they don’t burn like they used

to), but others deny that it exists because it has not been “scientifically proven”---whereas, others do not care.

Water Issues: Water issues depend on the water source for the town. There is some concern over the capital expenses required by the villages to bring

their water systems up to new Provincial standards. Residents of the villages of Abbey and Prelate due to recent water advisory postings have expressed specific concerns regarding potable water.

Some farmers have expressed concerns over water scarcity on pasturelands. There is a noticeable trend in the RMs that the residents drink bottled water Lancer, Hazlet, Abbey, Shackleton have high amounts of iron in their water It is common to hear complaints about the taste of water.

Migration and Immigration to the Communities: In all the RMs there seems to be the same issue that no one is moving into the

villages The younger kids seem to be going to school in different parts of Saskatchewan,

Alberta; if they are not getting an education elsewhere they seem to be employed in Alberta

Some younger families in Hazlet that have moved in due to the oil and gas industry, but even that is not permanent

The middle age participants are either too young to retire or can not afford to retire so they are staying on the farms

Local Organizations: In the RMs there are the usual organizations such as Lions and Legion There are a few organizations in Hazlet such as the Red Hat Society that try to

bring support for 50 plus women One organization that seems to be lacking in the RMs is a business organization

such as a Chamber of Commerce, there does not seem to be a support for business People in the RMs feel they do not have time for such organizations, as they feel

if their children are not in the area that their time in the organizations is finished People feel there are informal organizations in the community such as coffee row,

get togethers in the community that bring social connectivity among the residents

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Other residents that are active in the community seem to remain on committees for longer periods of time so there is local participation for such things as rink boards, rec associations etc.

There seems to be fewer organizations in RMs, and some organizations have combined in order to save them such as UCAL (A combination of the United, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches) in Hazlet

(4) Governance Local Government Issues:

Education tax on agriculture land is an issue amongst all farmers and ranchers in the RMs studied so far

Roads are a huge issue in the in the all the RM’s so far. Residents attribute the poor road conditions to two culprits: grain hauling and the oil/gas industry.

Comments have been made by residents in Miry Creek and Pittville to the negative effect that the removal of local elevators has had on the local tax base

Keeping residents in the RMs is another concern of the local government Infrastructure such as water, sewage and power are an issue in the RM of Miry

Creek There seems to be lack of willing participants in the local government in all the

RMs, and those that do participate often participate in multiple organizations and local government initiatives

Residents in all the RMs feel they have a close tie to the local government in getting their problems and issues addressed

Local Policies on Securing/Hindering Employment and Income/ Provincial and Federal Plans

Some questions are getting poor responses People cannot seem to think of anything specific, or the talk returns to

infrastructure such as roads Some farmers make the comment that the provincial and federal government have

never has affective agri-food policies. Most residents think that their local MLA is doing a good job of representing

constituents. Government Support for Businesses

Residents in all the RMs are critical and negative about the provincial and federal government.

The rural/urban split seems very apparent when talking about the government – e.g. the rural communities want a change of government but since the majority of seats are urban-based, that change does not happen.

There is a sense that there is no support for local businesses, and agricultural industry (from all RMs)

There is some frustration over cattle and grain prices, and the idea that they are looking for handouts, yet feel abandoned by the markets which they contribute to lack of government support

Government Management of Great Sand Hills This is a mixed response depending on their standpoint of what should happen in

the GSH

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Those that are anti-development feel the GSH has been wrecked already Most participants criticized that management from the GSH comes from afar

(Regina, Ottawa) Some participants felt that the GSH has not been managed at all by the provincial

and federal government Responsibility for Managing the Great Sand Hills

Several participants feel that locals should be responsible, or at least have a strong voice in the decision-making

Most participants feel the local government should have the most control, and the provincial and federal government can work along side them but due to their distance and presence from the area should not have the most decision-making authority.

(5) Other Information Great Sand Hills Usage

There is either little activity or no activity of residents interviewed in the GSHs. Those that have a little activity on the GSH are the ranchers, farmers, and people who use the GSH for recreation. Those that have no activity are people who have not visited the GSH in years, nor care to. Another factor that comes into play is residents in Pittville visit the “southern” hills and those interviewed in Miry Creek tend to access the “north” hills – in other words there is more than one set of sand hills in the region, and most people who access these other hills feel there is little or no difference between them and the GSH.

Issues facing Great Sand Hills TLEs (Treaty Land Entitlements) are an issue, however people due to lack of

comfort with us will not go into detail about their real opinion on such an issue. Some information that is being brought up is how aboriginals only want the mineral rights to the land to profit. As a result, many people feel the government is losing control over the development of such areas due to their roles in allowing TLEs.

There are some ecological concerns such as effects on water due to drilling, over grazing cattle on the land, introducing non-native plant life (such as Crested Wheat Grass, and noxious weeds e.g. Downey brome), as well as problems with vehicle traffic in the fragile GSHs

Changes to the Great Sand Hills Participants have mentioned the changes in land cover over time and the loss of

“isolation” within the hills. One participant for example, said that he as a young adult could get lost out in the hills because there was nothing for miles but now there are so many trails and wells that the feeling of isolation has been ruined.

Other participants do not seem to address changes to the GSH, other than to say that there is less wildlife, but when probing can not give any more details to the question

Future of the Great Sand Hills There seems to be two camps in terms of the preservation of the GSH and the

further exploration of oil and gas development, as there is a difficult balance between those that are making a living in the GSH

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Ranchers seem to be in the middle of environmentalists and economics, and there is some accusations that ranchers are using both sides to strike the best deal that will benefit themselves in terms of income

Some participants are resigned to the fact that gas development=revenue for the province so no matter their opinion there will be gas development

Wildlife, Predators in the Great Sand Hills As far as predators are concerned, coyotes are the most predominant predator. Cougars seem to come in the area every once in a while, but are not deemed a

threat because they are not always present. Wolves do not seem to be perceived as predators in the area, except more near the

river. There is an increase in the moose and elk sightings on ranches and farms, and this

is a concern due to safety Bird and Plant Life Experts

In the RM of Miry Creek, Jim and Jack Clary (689-2919) are deemed to be experts on wildlife, Neil Block (689-2575) is a plant expert, Gloria Kimber is a vet (689-2611)

In the RM of Pittville, Brian Olson, (678-4406) is an insect expert in GSH In the RM of Happyland, Bob Laing (628-3679) is a vet

Tourism in Great Sand Hills Most residents in the RMs pointed to Sceptre as the tourist organization for the

GSH. Residents pointed to Gertie Hale (623-4329) the museum guild in Sceptre (6) Characteristics of the Respondents Age:

Majority of the participants are middle age with very few younger participants Income:

No participant was forthcoming with their income, and did not seem a good idea to ask in keeping the interview running smoothly

(7) Issues Raised by Some Respondents

What is this survey being used for, who is funding the study and why another government survey on something that is not going to be changed or used.

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