CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bender, D.; Wolfe, S.; Hugenholtz, C.; Gummer, D.; and Smith, B.
Date : 2010.
Title : Restoration of active sand dune habitats in Alberta.
Publication : Prairie Summit - Le sommet des Prairies. Joint Conference of Canadian Association of Geographers, Canadian Cartographic Association, Canadian Geomorphology Research Group, Canadian Remote Sensing Society / Conférence conjointe de l’Association canadienne des géographes, l’Association canadienne de cartographie, le Groupe canadien de recherche en géomorphologie, la Société canadienne de télédétection. June 1 to 5, 2010. Regina, Saskatchewan.
Issue : Program and Abstract Volume.
Page(s) : 79.
Abstract
Active sand dunes on the Canadian prairies provide a rare form of habitat to many specialized species, several of which are at risk of becoming extirpated/extinct. Dune stabilization by vegetation encroachment has been observed across the region, although the exact mechanism is not well understood. While shifts in climate are one driver, anecdotal evidence suggests that suppression of disturbance, such as fire and grazing, may also be significant. In 2007, a long-term research project was initiated in the CFB Suffield National Wildlife Area (SNWA) which contains the greater portion of the Middle Sand Hills. Treatments of prescribed fire and grazer attractants were applied in a factorial design to 12 stabilized dunes. The goals of the experiment were to determine: (1) whether natural forms of disturbance could be used to reactivate sustained erosion, (2) whether habitat could be restored for dune-dependent species, such as the Ord’s kangaroo rat, and (3) what disturbance regime would be required to maintain sustained erosion. While the treatments immediately stimulated erosion, it was not sustained. Pronounced shifts in vegetation composition occurred, but re-growth was fast and potential for re-burning was low. Although the experiment is still underway, preliminary interpretation of results to date will be discussed.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology