Research, trials, and planning - Transition Alaksen National Wildlife Area to Organic Agriculture

Background

Established in 1976, the Alaksen National Wildlife Area (NWA) protects important migration and over-wintering habitats for waterfowl and other birds. Located in the 67,000 hectare (Ward et al. 1992) Fraser River delta in southwestern British Columbia, the NWA is an important part of a vital link in a network of important Pacific coast habitats that stretch from Siberia to South America. No other site in Canada supports the diversity and number of birds in winter (at least half a million), and no comparable site exists along the Pacific coast between California and Alaska (Butler and Campbell 1987).

The NWA provides an overwintering site for many birds, particularly waterfowl, and is an important winter foraging site for Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Mallards, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal and American Widgeon. Management of the NWA has generally been focused on these species.

Agricultural land provides much of the wildlife habitat seen today on the Fraser River delta, including within the NWA. Cultivated fields make up approximately 140 ha (over 40%) of the total NWA and farming is the main management tool used on the NWA. Agriculture on the NWA provides important forage for wintering and migrating waterfowl, including the tens of thousands of Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) that arrive each October. Historically, these birds and other waterfowl used the varied habitats from mudflats, foreshore marshes and seasonally flooded fields during migration and to over winter. Soil-based agriculture now serves a similar ecological function to seasonally flooded wet meadows. Currently, agricultural activities are permitted under specified conditions laid out in individual agreements between each farmer and the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Alaksen NWA is currently farmed using conventional commercial agricultural practices, which includes the use of highly toxic (to mammalian, avian and aquatic species), broad spectrum, and persistent pesticides.

Pesticide protocols have been put in place to mitigate the risk of exposure to staff and visitors on the site; however, over time, a number of considerations have emerged that now require a reevaluation of use of standard agricultural practices.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) must meet its national obligations under current federal legislation including the Species at Risk Act, the Canada Wildlife Act, the Migratory Bird Convention Act and affiliated Regulations. ECCC must also meet its obligations under various international policies and agreements including the Federal Wetland Policy which holds Canada responsible for protecting habitat for waterfowl from impacts resulting from land or water use and environmental quality changes on federally protected areas.

The ecological management plan and situation at the Alaksen National Wildlife Area (herein referred to as the Alaksen) is unique and as such, it provides a diverse set of challenges for successful and ecological agricultural production on the wildlife area. Alaksen is one of a few NWAs in North America that utilize agricultural production to provide habitat. This site however, is a particularly challenging location to farm given the climate, soils and drainage, and farmers are now being asked to eliminate the use of conventional pesticides which introduces another layer of challenge for farming at this site. There is a clear need for scientific guidance on how best to address these challenges.

Main research activities can be categorized into six research themes, which are all interrelated and required to be carried out in concert by a qualified team. In order of their priority, they are:

1. Bird Management

2. Cover Crops

3. Microclimate Management

4. Drainage Management

5. Alternative Farming Systems

6. Alternative crops

Some of these research activities can be undertaken immediately, while others will be more far reaching and long term.

Each of the deliverables outlined below are ultimately intended to help identify which agricultural practices or land management options are most likely to realize multiple ecological objectives of the protected area. Each research element described below is integrated into the next – which will inform the next deliverable and how each research item will be carried out. ECCC requires the Contractor to coordinate all results using expertise in sustainable food systems. ECCC will provide advice on the wildlife side.

Objective

To aid the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Alaksen Farmers in a successful and efficient transition from conventional to organic farming.

To investigate the current agricultural model at Alaksen NWA in terms of crops, crop rotations, wildlife habitat and pesticide-free opportunities. Provide professional advice, both written and verbal.

Timeline

Year 1 – referred to as one (1) year – Duration: Contract award – March 31, 2021

Year 2 – referred to as two (2) years – Duration: April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Year 3 – referred to as three (3) years – Duration: April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023