Alberta land trust 2009 03 1 of 6-baseline documentation

MODULE #1

Baseline Documentation Report
Training Module

April 2010

This project is made possible through a grant from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation

Prepared by: Sue Michalsky, Paskwa Consultants Ltd., Tel: 306-295-3696
Email:suemichalsky@sasktel.net

Baseline Documentation Report Training Module

Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the critical importance of completing a Baseline Documentation Report
(BDR)
2. Understand the differences between BDR requirements for Conservation Easements
and Fee Simple properties
3. Be able to determine the components and data/information required in a BDR and
the BDR file based on the type of agreement, land use and ecological values
associated with a property.
4. Understand when BDRs should be prepared
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5. Determine who should complete the BDR
6. Determine where and how to store the BDR file

GLOSSARY

Affirmative obligations - A clause in the restrictions section of the conservation
easement that requires the landowner or the land trust to conduct management in a
certain manner or to meet a certain goal.
Baseline Documentation Report - The legal record of the site and condition of the
resource; included in the easement or deed package. BDRs are also referred to as
baseline inventories or baselines.
Conservation Easement - A legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified
conservation organization or government agency that limits a property's uses in
order to protect the property's conservation values. It is a voluntary, written
agreement that is registered on title to the land in Alberta in accordance with the
Alberta Land Titles Act. It binds current and future owners of the land.
Compliance - Being in accordance with the restrictions and property management
principles listed in the conservation easement agreement.
Due diligence - The conduct that a land trust can reasonably be expected to exercise
to protect the public interest (i.e., the conservation value) of a property.
Ecological Gifts Program - The Ecological Gifts Program is a federal income tax
incentive program administered by Environment Canada that offers tax incentives
to private and corporate landowners. An Ecogift is a donation to a conservation 2
charity of land or an interest in land (such as a conservation agreement) that has
been certified as "ecologically sensitive" according to specific national and
provincial criteria.
Fee Simple Interest - Ownership of all rights, title, and interest in a property.
Grandfathered - An exception to a restriction that allows all those already doing
something to continue doing it even if they would be stopped by the new restriction.
Management plan - A fully researched, structured, and formally approved strategy
including a set of actions for the long-term maintenance or enhancement of
conservation values on a property.
Monitoring - The act of observing and keeping a record of the activities and
conservation values associated with a conservation property.
Property Management Principles - Sets of guidelines written into the conservation
easement agreement that direct property management on a conservation easement
property (may also be called affirmative obligations).
Real Property Report - A legal document that clearly illustrates the location of
significant visible improvements relative to property boundaries.
Restrictions - Terms or conditions placed in the conservation easement agreement
that restrict certain uses of the property by current and future owners.

Violations - Breaking, breaching or contravening the restrictions and affirmative
obligations outlined in a conservation easement agreement to the detriment of the
conservation values of a property.

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BACKGROUND

The purpose of a baseline survey or baseline documentation report (BDR) is to
document the conservation value of a property at the time of securement, detail
current land uses and existing developments, and threats and impacts to
conservation values. It provides a common reference point for future inspections.
This purpose is similar for conservation easement properties and for fee simple
conservation properties. However, the goals for completing baseline documentation
reports differ between conservation easements and fee simple properties and
therefore, the content of the documents should also differ.

The baseline documentation report for a conservation easement property serves as
the basis from which to monitor compliance and defend the conservation easement
(CE) in a court of law. It also provides the basis to ensure a successful partnership
between the conservation easement holder (the land trust) and the conservation
easement grantor (the landowner).

The baseline documentation report for a fee simple property serves as a basis for
future management actions designed to protect and enhance natural features.
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WHEN SHOULD THE BDR BE COMPLETED?

BDRS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Baseline reports associated with conservation easements should be completed prior
to closing the agreement, but after the landowner and land trust have agreed on the
restrictions and property management principles. The timing of the BDR in the case
of CEs is important for a number of reasons including:
• The BDR documents the existing condition of the property at the time that all
parties enter into the CE agreement. If the BDR is completed prior to signing
the agreement, both parties have a chance to review it and agree to the
content as part of the commitment to the CE. Disagreements on the content
of a BDR that is completed after signing the CE agreement can lead to
mistrust between parties to the agreement and may ultimately put the
conservation of the property or the conservation easement agreement at
risk.
• Violations of the CE that occur shortly after signing may be difficult to prove
if the BDR is not completed before the violation occurs.

It is sometimes difficult to complete a BDR before signing if funding deadlines and 5
schedules dictate that the CE must be completed before the field season. In this
case, it is common for land trusts to complete an interim report and finalize a BDR
over the following year. The interim report should, at minimum, document
information relating specifically to the restrictions of the CE, including land uses and
developments.

BDRS FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIES

The timing of completing baseline documentation reports is less critical for fee
simple properties than for CE properties. The BDR for fee simple properties is an
inventory of the natural and cultural features of a property that form the basis and
rationale for future management. Therefore, the BDR needs to be completed prior
to a management plan. BDRs for fee simple properties should be completed prior to,
or within one year after the property is secured. The rationale for this guideline is
to minimize threats to the conservation values of the property. For example, if a fee
simple property has exotic plants when secured, the invasions should be
documented immediately so that rapidly expanding populations can be managed
before they degrade the conservation value of the property.

The timing of the BDR for fee simple properties is less critical for due diligence than
BDRs for CEs. If funding is limited, the baseline documentation can be done in
phases, dealing with the most critical issues first and documenting resources that
require less urgent management when funds become available.

If the property secured is part of more than one contiguous property to be
purchased over the space of a few years, it may make sense to postpone completing
the BDR until all properties can be surveyed together. 6

Baseline documentation may actually form part of the management plan report and
in this case the land trust may not refer to the document as a ‘baseline
documentation report’ . However, the information gathered would be the same as a
BDR.

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THE BDR?


The template or outline of desired content for a BDR should be set as a standard
operating procedure by a land trust. As such, this guiding information should be
determined by the stewardship team. The stewardship team may include any
combination of stewardship staff, board members, senior staff, and/or legal
advisors.

Baseline documentation reports are one of the most critical documents prepared in
association with a CE. It is the key document used to defend the CE and, as such,
must be able to withstand inspection in legal proceedings. In addition, it is the main
document used to protect conservation values; it is the basis for monitoring and the
basis for recommending management actions to prevent degradation to
conservation values; and it provides new staff, volunteers and landowners with the
background information necessary to continue a successful conservation
partnership.
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Because of the critical nature of the BDR, land trusts can increase their due diligence
by having the document prepared by a qualified registered professional. Depending
on the type of conservation values and land uses of the CE property, land trusts
should consider obtaining the services of professionals registered to practice in
Alberta such as a professional biologist (P. Biol.), a professional agrologist (P. Ag.) or
a professional forester (RPF) to complete the baseline. Which type of profession to
select will depend on the type of landscape and the restrictions associated with the
CE agreement.

Professional organizations are established to protect the public interest and
conservation values are a public interest. Hiring qualified professionals, whether
they are staff or contractors, to complete the BDRs increases a land trust’s due
diligence by providing the following advantages:
• Professional associations which are legislated to register natural resource
professionals in Alberta ensure that their registered members meet a
minimum level of education and require members to undertake continuing
education programs to maintain competence,
• The land trust has some recourse through the professional organization if
serious errors are made in the baseline documentation that threaten the
public interest,
• The professional designation of the author lends credibility to the BDR if the

CE must be defended in court, and
• Registered professionals are often considered to be credible witnesses in
legal proceedings because they are publicly recognized as having at least a
minimum level of expertise.

It is also good practice for the landowner to be involved in baseline documentation.
At minimum, the land trust should work with the landowner to determine the
content of the report and the landowner should be interviewed regarding current
and past land uses. The landowner should also be invited to provide additional
information that they feel is relevant, to participate in the gathering of baseline
information and to review the draft BDR. Involving the landowner in the baseline
documentation serves two purposes: it establishes a positive working relationship
between the land trust and the landowner at the onset of the CE and it helps educate
the landowner about the conservation value of the land and may contribute to the
landowner’s commitment to its protection.


Since baseline documentation for fee simple properties serve the primary purpose
of describing the condition of conservation values with future management in mind,
a variety of expertise is often required. Because the conservation values of fee
simple properties are less likely to require defence in a court of law, it is less critical
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to obtain the services of a registered professional to complete the BDR. However,
land trusts conserve natural capital for the benefit of Albertans. The legislation
enacted to support the registration of professionals exists to ensure a high quality of
service from professionals registered to practice their profession in Alberta.
Therefore, a team of experts led by a registered professional would be desirable to
ensure a publicly recognized, minimum level of expertise and the completion of the
work to a professional standard. In Alberta, professional organizations exist for
virtually all natural resource management professions.

WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A BDR?

The contents of BDRs will differ substantially between CE and fees simple
properties, between fee simple properties managed for different resources or
purposes and between CE properties with different restrictions and different land
uses. The following sections provide guidance for the content of BDRs for CEs and
for fee simple properties, but the potential for variation in content means that not
all potential content can be addressed here.

Some basic content will be common to BDRs for both CEs and fee simple properties.
These basic topics include location and legal description of the property, a
description of natural features emphasizing the conservation values specific to that
property, documentation of current developments and current land uses, and a
discussion of potential threats to the property.


The content of a BDR for conservation easement properties must be tailored to the
CE agreement and the conservation values of the property. The content needs to
meet the following goals of the land trust:
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1. The BDR is the basic document used to defend the easement, therefore it
must address each restriction or affirmative obligation agreed to in the CE;
2. The BDR provides the basis against which future monitoring is completed.
To facilitate monitoring, the baseline needs to describe the conservation
values, developments and threats associated with the property using detailed
locations, measurements and descriptions;
3. The BDR is a snapshot of the conservation values and condition of the
property at the time of entering into the CE agreement. Therefore, it provides
an overview of the property that can be used to familiarize new staff, board
members and new landowners with the conservation values of the property
and how the conservation agreement protects those values;
4. The BDR may be used to design communication material about the property.
In this case, it is important that the BDR document the significance of the
property. Photographic images used in the BDR should not be edited for any
purpose.

In addition to the basic contents of a BDR as previously described, CEs should
contain the following information:

• The purpose of the BDR;
• A summary of the CE agreement including the intent of the agreement (what

conservation values are being protected); the easement restrictions; and the
affirmative obligations (or property management principles) identified in the
easement;
• A detailed description of all developments (e.g., fences, buildings, corrals,
roads and trails, cleared or cultivated land, etc.) on the property with
particular emphasis on those that are grandfathered into the CE. An example
of a grandfathered development would be the residence of the landowner.
Because the residence already exists at the time of entering into the
conservation easement agreement, it is a development that can stay and be
maintained and replaced. However, additional residences would be
restricted under the CE agreement. The descriptions of developments should
include GPS locations, measurable descriptions (i.e., lengths, heights,
distances, materials used etc.), photos and be shown on a map or air photo of
the property;
• An assessment of the condition of resources that are addressed by
affirmative obligations. The assessment should use methods that are
standard and repeatable. For example, if an affirmative obligation addresses
riparian health, riparian health should be assessed in the BDR using standard
Alberta protocols for the health assessment;
• A signature page for acknowledgement by both the landowner and the land
trust;
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• An appendix containing a copy of the CE agreement;

A real property report should form part of the BDR and/or the CE agreement. Real
property reports are legal documents prepared by accredited Alberta land surveyor
that shows improvements to land in relation to the legal boundary. Such reports are
useful in defending easements and in discussions with new owners of properties
with existing CEs.

The complexity of a BDR for CE properties will depend primarily on the complexity
of the CE agreement and somewhat on the size and diversity of the property. In
simple terms, the fewer the number of restrictions, the less baseline documentation
is required. For example, a no break/no drain CE requires only a map or remote
image of the property showing wetlands and natural habitat and description of the
natural features of the property.

When restrictions are added that, for example, restrict certain types of fencing, the
introduction of non-native species or off highway vehicle use, the baseline
documentation becomes more complex and must describe in detail the existing
fences, existing non-native species presence and evidence of current and historic off
highway vehicle use. The BDR must also indicate what existing developments, land
uses and invasions are grandfathered into the agreement or what level of existing
disturbance from use by the landowner is acceptable.

When affirmative obligations are added to a CE agreement, baseline documentation
becomes even more complex. For example, adding a property management
principle that requires a certain level or range or riparian health will require that
the land trust assess and document current health.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission in the US describes the content for
minimum standard BDRs and for desired content BDRs for CE properties as follows:
Baseline Documentation Report – Minimum Contents
At a minimum, a baseline documentation report should contain the items below.
• The date of completion.
• Documentation (such as maps, photographs, and written summaries) of the
conservation values protected by the CE.
• Documentation (such as maps, photographs, and written summaries) of
existing conditions that relate to the easement's restrictions and reserved
rights. This may include the location and condition of any manmade
improvements, data that would influence the exercise of reserved rights, pre-
existing conditions that are otherwise prohibited by the easement and/or
other features that may threaten the conservation values.
• A combination of dated signatures and/or acknowledgments that would
make the material admissible as a business record in court, such as dated 11
signatures of parties.

Baseline Documentation Report – Desired Contents

A desirable baseline documentation report might also include the items below.
• A title page stating that the document is a baseline documentation report.
• Background information on the project that would help in easement
monitoring or enforcement.
• Information on the location of the easement.
• A property description.
• Documentation of the public benefits provided by the CE.
• The authorship and qualifications and/or experience of the baseline.
• A statement signed by the landowner and the land trust that attests to the
accuracy of the information contained in the report.

Appendix A outlines a template for BDRs for CEs and provides options for a range of
complexity. Appendix C contains a sample baseline documentation report for CEs
from the Foothills Land Trust.


The content of a BDR for fee simple properties must be tailored to the future
management of the property and may, as such, form part of a management plan for
the property. The content needs to meet the following goals of the land trust:
1. The BDR provides the basis and rationale for future management of the
property and therefore, needs to describe the current condition of the
property, outline existing threats, and make recommendations for
restoration and management actions;
2. The BDR provides the basis against which future monitoring is completed. To
facilitate monitoring, the baseline needs to describe the conservation values,
developments and existing and potential threats associated with the
property;
3. The BDR is a snapshot of the conservation values and condition of the
property at the time of securement. Therefore, it provides an overview of the
property that can be used to familiarize new staff, board members and new
landowners with the conservation values of the property;
4. The BDR may be used to design communication material about the property.
In this case, it is important that the BDR document the significance of the
property.
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While it is often sufficient to describe conservation resources in a general manner
for a CE, it is often desirable to inventory those resources for fee simple properties.
Land trusts are responsible for the management of fee simple properties and
whether management is undertaken by staff or volunteers, some sort of plan must
exist to guide management and monitoring activities and any uses of the property.
Assuming the primary goal of managing land trust properties is to maintain and
enhance the conservation values, it may be necessary to inventory the conservation
values in some detail. It is also necessary to assess the condition or health of those
conservation resources. In addition, it is desirable to identify and assess the threats
to conservation values.

Appendix B outlines a template for BDRs for fee simple properties and provides
options for a range of complexity. Appendix D contains a sample baseline
documentation report and management plan for a fee simple property from the
Alberta Conservation Association.

HOW SHOULD BASELINE DATA BE COLLECTED?

Baseline information can be obtained from a variety of sources. Data may be
available from the Alberta Natural History Information Centre, various departments
of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development or local government. The landowner
is often a valuable source of information about the land, especially in terms of
information about current and historic land use. Of course, the best source of
information is the land itself and data is usually best collected during a site visit. Site
visits provide the best information during the growing season when plants are best
identified and migratory wildlife is present.

Baseline information gathered prior to field work would be gathered from
databases, aerial photographs, orthophotos, satellite imagery, and other maps and
reports. Maps and remote images are typically used in a BDR to visually display
information such as land use or vegetation communities. In these situations, it is
important to determine and document the date and time of year the imagery was
taken, and the accuracy or resolution of the imagery. Dates are also important for
information collected from databases, maps and reports.

In the field, information can be collected in the form of photographs and surveys. 13
Photographs are most often used to document items that rarely change or change
slowly such as developments such as fences, buildings, roads and trails, dams and
dugouts, drainage ditches, shelterbelts or habitat improvements. Photographs can
be used to effectively document archaeological and historic resources. Photographs
are also effective when used in combination with surveys to document
representative vegetation communities, waterbodies, range and riparian health and
invasive plants.

Photographs are very useful in BDRs associated with CE agreements to describe
developments exempted from the restrictions or for which permission was granted
for periodic replacement such as corrals and fences. Photographs allow for
comparison between original and replacement developments. Detailed descriptive
measurements (location from a global positioning system, heights, widths, materials
etc.) should also be recorded for these types of developments.

Surveys are used to measure or inventory conservation values, such as vegetation
communities, that cannot be distinguished using remote imagery. Inventory
methods that allow for remeasurement and comparison between years are
desirable for a BDR for fee simple properties. Survey protocols exist for
inventorying many components of biodiversity such as most fish and wildlife
species, rare plants, and vegetation or habitat mapping. Protocols also exist for
inventories of archeological resources, invasive plant species, water quality and

range and riparian health. Using defined and remeasurable methods of inventory
and assessment allow land trusts to measure the success of restoration and
rehabilitation projects, to monitor and adjust land uses such as grazing or
recreational uses to ensure conservation values of the property are not degraded,
and to monitor conservation values such as species at risk to ensure conditions
remain suitable to support them.

If portions of a parcel of land have been kept out of a CE agreement or in cases
where different restrictions or affirmative obligations apply to different parts of the
property, delineations of property should be measured on the ground and described
in the BDR using a method acceptable under the Alberta Land Titles Act, or it should
be surveyed by a professional surveyor.

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WHERE SHOULD THE BDR BE STORED?

Land trusts should have a designated location and an established filing system for
hard copy baseline documentation. BDRs should be stored in both electronic and
hard copy format as a hedge against a permanent loss of one format. Electronic
versions of the BDR should be stored in a designated location within the land trust’s
digital files. Electronic versions of BDRs should be available online to land trust staff
(stewardship, communications and fundraising), volunteers and board members.
However, public access to BDRs, especially BDRs associated with CE properties,
should be restricted.

Land trusts should consider having CE and fee simple donors sign a gifting
agreement that clarifies the donor’s intent. A copy of the gifting agreement should
be kept in the BDR file for review by future staff , volunteers or board members.

The original version of a BDR should never be changed. It may be necessary to
undertake a new BDR or to update the original in the event that the land is altered
or components become outdated, but these should form reports separate from the
original. Electronic versions of BDRs and updates that are available to land trust
representatives should be in an unalterable form such as a secure pdf.
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A section detailing data storage and archiving best management practices is
included in the training module entitles Stewardship Best Practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Baseline Documentation Report (BDR): A manual to assist in the
preparation of BDRs for natural heritage properties and natural heritage
conservation easement agreements in Ontario. 2006. Ontario Heritage Trust and
the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.

LTABC Guide to Baseline Inventories. 2006. Land Trust Alliance of British
Columbia. http://www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca/research.html

Conservation Easement Stewardship. 2008. Standards and Practices Curriculum.
The Land Trust Alliance

Real Property Reports. 2009. Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association
http://www.alsa.ab.ca/uploads/files/PDF/ALSARPRBrochure.pdf

The Conservation Easement Handbook. 2005. 2nd Edition. Elizabeth Byers
Karin Marchetti Ponte. Land Trust Alliance and The Trust for Public Land
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APPENDIX A: BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT
TEMPLATE FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIES

The volume and specificity of information required by the baseline documentation
report will vary depending on the terms of the easement and the conservation
objectives at the site. The intent of this format is to allow flexibility in the
documentation technique and to correlate the quantity and nature of the
documentation to the terms of the easement.

Title Page: Name of easement property (as the land trust has it filed), date of BDR,
author(s) and their affiliations.

Purpose of the Baseline Documentation Report: This states the intent of the BDR – to
document the condition of the property at the date the CE is registered. BDR may be used to
defend the CE in the event of future violations.

Purpose of the Conservation Easement: This sets the stage for the report, and
summarizes the purpose of protecting the property (i.e., significance of the land and the
conservation goals). Include a summary of reserved rights and restrictions. Defining the
conservation objectives for a property requires consideration of a number of factors such
as: 17
• the ecological values to be protected, including the variety of ecosystems on the
property, the type and extent of sensitive ecosystems, and unique and sensitive
ecological features;
• why and how the ecological values are to be protected and for how long;
• the motivation of the landowner in protecting the property; and
• the conservation priorities of the organization.

Property Background Information:
A. Legal description of the property . Description of relevant title
encumbrances (easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, water rights
etc.)
B. Size of property and /or easement area.
C. Location of property and directions from land trust monitoring office.
Description of legal access to the land or right of access granted to the
land trust.
D. Date of site visit.
E. Historical information on the donation/acquisition – a brief
chronological description of events that led to the protection of the
property.

Location and Physical Setting: General description of the landscape and surrounding area,
including adjacent land use.

Existing Human Modifications: Provide detailed descriptions, measurements and

locations.
A. Existing structures – residences, accessory structures, commercial
buildings, docks/floats/piers, walls, fences, seasonal storage, bridges,
boardwalks, aboveground utility lines and corridors, junk/refuse,
recreational facilities, aquaculture facilities, etc.
B. Existing surface alterations – pipelines, irrigations systems, dikes/
dams/ impoundments/ diversions, roads/trails, dugouts/wells, gravel
pits/mines, subsurface utilities, septic, waste disposal, etc. within the
easement area.

Prior Land Use: Obtain information from the landowner on history of property and its past
land use, if available.

Existing Land Use:
A. Landowner’s objectives for the property.
B. Present land use (agriculture, forest management, wildlife management)
along with copies of any existing management plans (e.g., forestry plans,
prescribed burning plans, agricultural conservation plans, stewardship
plans, etc.). Obtain copies and include as an Appendix to the BDR if
available.
C. Zoning on or around the land.
D. Adjacent land uses.

Natural Features:
A. Note any natural heritage areas and element occurrences. 18
B. Note aquatic resources, including location of streams, water bodies and
wetlands and general condition of water quality. If property is grazed,
logged or is subject to intensive recreational uses, consider assessing
riparian health.
C. Note terrestrial features, including soils, geology, physiology and
climate.
D. Vegetation community types (e.g., native grasslands, wetlands, riparian
areas, forests, shrublands, tame forages, cropland etc.) delineated on a
map or remote image (If there are rare natural communities, note
specific locations. Note presence of any non-native invasive plant
species, if known. Note specific locations of both on site maps). General
lists of predominant plants.
E. Wildlife species habitat and general species list.
F. Species at risk habitat (If there are known species at risk present,
identify specific habitat types and locations).
G. Note special status of any of the site’s natural features.

Cultural Features: Note any significant archaeological, cultural and/or historical features
on property.

Threats: Note any potential impacts to the conservation values from disturbances or
activities on, or adjacent to, the property (e.g., access issues such as from energy
development; garbage dumping; stray animals; invasive species; evidence of off highway
vehicle use etc.).

Monitoring Recommendations: The BDR should recommend what to monitor, the
frequency of monitoring needs, and recommended methodology.

References and Additional Information: Provide reference to planning documents and
studies that include the property or general area.

Photographic documentation: This is a photographic record of the protected property
that is periodically updated. This section should include photos that are easily replicable
(from roads or permanent features, or using GPS waypoints).
A. Photos should be numbered and a compass direction should be included
to note the direction the photo was taken.
B. Include captions or a photograph index with descriptions.
C. Include photographs of manmade structures, representative vegetation
communities, and existing impacts to the property.

Maps:
A. Photo documentation map (note location of all photopoints).
B. Road map, general location map for directions to property.
C. Current aerial photo or satellite image of property (including boundaries
marked).
D. Topographical map of property (with boundaries marked).
E. Map identifying human modifications and improvements (it is important
to show the entire length of linear features such as
roads/trails/pipelines etc.).
F. Map of easement area within property (if different) or a map 19
highlighting areas with specific restrictions (i.e., riparian buffer areas,
rare species habitats).
G. Stand maps or forest type maps, or farm maps, if available.
H. Map of natural communities.
I. General soils map.

Appendix: Copy of the signed, recorded easement document

Signed Copy of Owner Acknowledgement of Condition (Property Condition
Certification form): This document acknowledges that the landowner agrees with the BDR
and the condition of the property at the time an easement is placed on the property. The
document may also used as a schedule to the Conservation Easement and copies should be
signed by the landowner and land trust at closing.

The following table outlines the general types of restrictions and property management principles that might be associated with
conservation easements in Alberta and describes the associated kinds of information that should be collected for the BDR. This table is
adapted from the Ontario Land Trust Alliance’s 2006 Annotated Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) Template for Natural Heritage
Lands subject to a Conservation Easement Agreement held by a Land Trust.
General Types of Conservation Easement Types of Information to Consider for Data Additional Considerations
Agreement Restrictions Collection

No Subdivision Copy of existing legal survey.

Shall not sever or subdivide the Lands;

No Additional Buildings and Structures Describe purposes of each built If the conservation easement agreement
feature (i.e. barns, corrals, bridges, prohibits a change of building locations or an
Shall not construct, erect, maintain or allow the wells, sheds, ) and location (i.e. GPS) increase in existing building footprints
construction, erection or maintenance of any on a baseline map. within a defined “building area”, or if all the 20
building or structure If relevant, specify each using restrictions apply to the whole property –
dimensions, quantities and (i.e. no residential boundary defined but
materials if relevant, and attach there are buildings on the property) then the
photos. authors of the baseline/BDR will want very
specific data on the location and size of the
existing buildings. On the other hand, if there
are no restrictions applicable to the “building
area” or “residential area” then more basic
information on the presence or absence and
function of buildings may be all that is
required with regard to that restriction.

No New Roads or Trails Indicate on a baseline map the Consider using sound field procedures for
location (i.e, GPS) of existing trails photographing changes in vegetation and
Shall not construct, improve or allow the and access points. Consider using soils. This will facilitate future monitoring
construction or improvement of any road or trail, GPS to map trails. through repeat photography.
except for the maintenance of existing accesses; Average width of road or trail.
Photograph a representative section


of the trail or access point to
indicate its width and terrain (i.e.
compacted soil, gravel, woodchips).
Describe the trail system, when it
was established and its purpose.
No Motorized Vehicles, Off Highway Vehicles or Indicate the locations of trails and
Mountain Bicycles access points.
Photograph, GPS and describe any
Shall not use or operate or allow the use or evidence of past use by motorized
operation of mountain bicycle, off highway vehicles such as tire ruts or soil
vehicles or motorized vehicles on the Lands compaction.
including without limitation snowmobiles, all-
terrain vehicles, motorcycles, motorboats or
personal watercraft; 21
No Mobile Homes Indicate whether there is the
presence or absence of existing sites
Shall not use or allow the Lands to be used as a for mobile homes, trailers, parking
trailer or mobile home park, parking or storage or storage.
area; If there are existing sites, fully
describe them, GPS locations, take
photographs and map them.

No Dumping Indicate whether there is the This may require documenting anecdotal
presence or absence of existing sites information from the landowner on past
Shall not dump or allow the dumping of soil, where materials have been dumped. practices
rubbish, ashes, garbage, waste or other unsightly If there are existing sites, fully
or offensive materials of any type or description; describe them, GPS locations, take
photographs and map them.
No Pesticides Describe existing locations (i.e. GPS) This may require documenting anecdotal
and uses of chemical materials on information from the landowner on past
Shall not use or allow the use of pesticides, the property.


insecticides, herbicides, chemicals or other toxic practices.
materials of any type or description;
No Alteration of Topography Photograph, GPS and map all The focus in this data collection is to
existing ditches, ponds, streams, thoroughly document historic disturbances.
Shall not change or allow any changes in the wetlands, and other water bodies As this is a “no disturbance” clause, any
general appearance or topography of the Lands, (both permanent and seasonal). violations would be relatively visible and
including and without limiting the generality of For streams, indicate on the map should be easy to see in annual monitoring
the foregoing, the construction of drainage the location of major bends, pools, visits. However, this task is made more
ditches, tile drains, retaining walls, dams or runs and rifles. Describe the difficult if recent construction activity
ponds or any similar undertakings, as well as the materials on the bottom of the occurred prior to the conservation easement
dumping, excavation, dredging or removal of stream (e.g. gravel, sand), the width agreement.
loam, gravel, soil, rock, sand or other materials; and depth, direction and speed of
flow and any flora and fauna they
support. 22
For wetlands, indicate their class
and significance as well as any
significant flora and fauna they
support.
Photograph, GPS and map any
retaining walls, dams or other
structures.
Include a topographic map and
describe the topography of the land.
Emphasize any unique or
ecologically important features.
Describe the drainage pattern of the
property. Identify and recharge or
discharge areas on the property
such as springs.
Describe, photograph and GPS any
evidence of past dredging grading
or soil removal.


No Break/No Drain Map the location and size of any
wetlands or natural habitat.
Shall not cause or allow any alteration to the Describe and map any previously
land, including pumping, burning, drainage, altered wetlands or waterbodies.
conversion, tillage of or filling in of the wetlands Map any cleared and/or cultivated
or uplands; land.

No Vegetation Removal Indicate the location and size of any If a particular plant species is not protected
woodlots. by the conservation easement agreement
Shall not remove, destroy or cut or allow the Describe any disturbed logging through the restrictions, it may not be,
removal, destruction or cutting of trees, shrubs areas or pre-existing evidence of necessary to provide specific measurements
or other vegetation; cutting. of that species in the baseline. However, the
Map the major vegetation land trust may want to document
communities (i.e. ELC) on the endangered, threatened, rare and significant 23
property and show their species and it may want to maintain their
boundaries. exact location confidential.
Describe these communities Relation to existing forest management plans
(indicate location, dominant
species, and the functions they
serve such as linkage, attenuation of
water flow, habitat, and so on).
List the rare, unusual or sensitive
flora and fauna which have been
reported in the area by the
landowner and by past studies as
well as the species you observe on
the property. What is the status of
these species locally, regionally and
provincially?
Describe the natural and human-
made habitat on the property. How
common is this habitat in the


ecological region where the
property is situated?
No Introduction of Plants and Animals Describe the location and type of To provide the basis for monitoring and
non-native vegetation observed on evaluating the success of any weed
Shall not introduce non-native plant or animal the property. management, invasive plant infestations
species within the Lands should be GPSed in the centre and around
the perimeter and an estimate of plant
density given

No Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Describe any evidence of past This may require documenting anecdotal
hunting, fishing and trapping. information from the landowner on past
Shall not use or allow the Lands to be used for practices
commercial or sport hunting, fishing or trapping;
Habitat Restoration Map and describe the disturbed This may require a restoration or 24
areas to be restored. management plan specific to the habitat
Shall allow wetland restoration…. Explain the goals and requirements restoration area, however this can be
for restoration. referred to in the BDR and completed
Shall restore cultivated land to native plant separately.
species…

Shall reforest cleared land….


Livestock Grazing Complete range condition and/or Alberta has standard protocols for assessing
health surveys on the areas to be range and riparian health and range
Shall maintain the property in current or better grazed. condition.
health Complete riparian health
assessments on riparian areas with
livestock access.
Logging Complete a commercial timber Check with municipalities to see if they have
inventory. logging guidelines or restrictions for private
Shall complete and follow a woodlot Map and describe historic logging land.
management plan… and logging practices.
Identify management practices to
minimize impacts to conservation
values such as timing of logging.
25

APPENDIX B: BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT
TEMPLATE FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIES

The following template is intended to provide a guideline for preparing a Baseline
Documentation Report for lands owned by land trusts. The volume and specificity of
information required by the baseline documentation report will vary depending on
the condition of the property and the anticipated land uses. The intent of this format
is to allow flexibility in the documentation technique and to correlate the quantity
and nature of the documentation to the conservation goals for the property .

Title Page: Name of property (as the land trust has it filed), date of BDR, author(s) and their
affiliations.

Conservation Goals for the Property: This sets the stage for the report, and summarizes
the purpose of protecting the property (i.e., significance of the land and the conservation
goals). Describe the goals for the property and make reference to other reports or strategies
that may be relevant (e.g., species recovery plans, restoration plans, corridor maps, etc.).
Defining the conservation objectives for a property requires consideration of a number of
factors such as:

• the ecological values to be protected, including the variety of ecosystems on the
property, the type and extent of sensitive ecosystems, and unique and sensitive
ecological features; 26
• why and how the ecological values are to be protected and for how long;
• the conservation priorities of the organization.

Property Background Information:

A. Legal description of the property. Description of relevant title
encumbrances (easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, water rights
etc.)
B. Size of property or easement area (if different).
C. Location of property and directions from land trust monitoring office.
Description of legal access to the land or right of access granted to the
land trust. Include any information about points of access to the
property and type of access (vehicle, foot, boat etc.).
D. Date of site visit.
E. Historical information on the donation/acquisition – a brief
chronological description of events that led to the protection of the
property.

Ecological Description:
A. Site description including a general description of the topography and
natural features of the property.
B. Site designations - describe any ecological designations on or adjacent to
the property (e.g., Heritage Rangelands, National Parks etc.).

C. Other ecological or heritage values - corridor, buffer, archaeological
resources etc.
D. Geology and soils description.
E. Aquatic resource description - Identify any water features with name,
type (e.g. pond, lake, stream, river, wetland type,), approximate size or
distance with directional description of its location within the property
and direction of flow; whether location is upstream or downstream of
other activities; whether ephemeral or year-round; specify if constructed
or natural.
F. Riparian health - identify riparian areas and describe riparian health.
G. Vegetation - map and describe vegetation communities.
H. Include a list of plant species (does not have to be exhaustive. Need only
to provide dominant and indicator species). Indicate which are at risk,
non-native, invasive and/or noxious weeds.
I. Range condition or range health.
J. Wildlife and wildlife habitat - describe any important wildlife habitat
and note any evidence of wildlife (sightings, tracks, scat, nests, burrows
etc.)
K. Include a list of wildlife species - may include those known to exist and
those that should be there based on information from the region.

Land Use:
A. List and describe current land used including how long it has been
occurring and any damage it is causing. 27
B. List and describe historic land uses. If a Phase 1 environmental audit has
been completed either refer to it here or append it to the BDR.
C. Describe adjacent land uses and identify any resulting potential threats
to the property.

Existing Human Modifications: Provide descriptions and locations.

A. Existing structures – residences, accessory structures, commercial
buildings, docks/floats/piers, walls, fences, seasonal storage, bridges,
boardwalks, aboveground utility lines and corridors, junk/refuse,
recreational facilities, aquaculture facilities, etc.
B. Existing surface alterations – pipelines, irrigations systems, dikes/
dams/ impoundments/ diversions, roads/trails, dugouts/wells, gravel
pits/mines, subsurface utilities, septic, waste disposal, etc.

Public Access: Describe, map and GPS the points of access. If public access is allowed,
describe if permission is required and who to contact for permission.

Land Uses Allowed: List the land uses allowed on the property and describe any conditions
on use.

A. Scientific/Educational (research, nature study, etc.)
B. Habitat/Ecosystem restoration, management or preservation (wetland

restoration, native grassland restoration, tree planting, bird houses, etc.)
C. Residential (permanent or seasonal residences, mobile homes, etc.)
D. Agricultural (livestock grazing, crops, etc.)
E. Forestry (reforestation, harvesting, etc.)
F. Industrial (aggregate, petroleum development, etc.)
G. Recreational (hiking, picknicking, camping, hunting, fishing, trapping,
horseback riding, mountain biking, off highway vehicle use, etc.)

Disturbances & Potential Threats to Property: The following table is adapted from the
Ontario Land Trust Alliance’s 2006 Annotated Baseline Documentation Report for Natural
Heritage Lands Owned by a Land Trust. It lists disturbances already noted (o), as well as
additional uses that can be anticipated to merit a particular management strategy (x)
because of their nature or noted frequency of occurrence:

Vegetation o Removal o Vandalism o Trails/Roads/ o Natural o
of / Processes
/Animals x Resources x x Cutlines x x
Liability

ATV/Snowmobi
Petroleum Garbage/litt les Wind
Tree Cutting
resources er damage
Trails

Collecting Signage or 28
Sand,
Plants/Animal lack of Roads Flooding
gravel etc.
s signage

Structural
Hunting,
damage or
Fishing or Peat Hiking Trails Fire
poor
Trapping
condition

Other
Equestrian Disturbanc
Invasives Water Campfires
Trails es
(describe):

Swing
Other
Use of Ropes (for
Disturbanc Cutlines/
Pesticides or diving,
es Seismic
Herbicides swimming,
(describe):
etc)

Livestock Steep Cliff
Fence lines
Grazing Faces

Mountain
Biking or
Tree
Off Pipelines
Plantation
Highway
Vehicle Use

Other
Beaver
Disturbance
Cutting/Flood Utility Lines
s
ing
(describe):

Other
Disturbances Trail Erosion
(describe):

Drainage
Ditches

Other
Disturbances
(describe):

Recommendations for Management: Give recommendations for management actions
including timelines. Also give recommendations for future monitoring visits (schedule, 29
timing etc.), prohibited activities to watch for, disturbances and threats that need to be
monitored, etc. This section may become extensive enough to form a management plan for
the property.

Maps:

A. Photodocumentation map (note location of all photopoints).
B. Road map, general location map for directions to property.
C. Current aerial photo or satellite image of property (including boundaries
marked).
D. Relevant zoning information.
E. Topographical map of property (with boundaries marked).
F. Map identifying human modifications and improvements.
G. Map of natural communities.

Photos: Photos of natural features, developments and disturbances. This section should
include photos that are easily replicable (from roads or permanent features, or using GPS
waypoints).

A. Photos should be numbered and a compass direction should be included
to note the direction the photo was taken.
B. Include captions or a photograph index with descriptions.

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTS
FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIES

1

APPENDIX D: SAMPLE BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTS FOR
FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIES

EAST HAYS CONSERVATION SITE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

(PLAN 8510645 BLOCK 90A

PTNS 25 & 26 13-13-W4M)

1
East Hayes Management Plan

PREPARED BY

ALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN REGION

PROJECT PARTNERS

ALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, ALBERTA FISH AND GAME
ASSOCIATION, BROOKS PHEASANT FESTIVAL, PHEASANTS FOREVER –
CALGARY, PHEASANTS FOREVER – CHINOOK CHAPTER, PRIVATE DONORS

APRIL 2009

2

INTRODUCTION

The East Hays Conservation Site was purchased in 2008 through the collaboration among Alberta
Conservation Association, Pheasants Forever – Calgary Chapter, Pheasants Forever – Chinook
Chapter (Medicine Hat), Alberta Fish and Game Association, Brooks Pheasant Festival, and private
donors. The site is located near the Bow River east of the town of Vauxhall. The 144 acre site is
also part of the Municipal District of Taber and within an hour of the cities of Lethbridge and Medicine
Hat.

This parcel represents an ideal opportunity for restoration and enhancement activities as it is
dominated by an alfalfa/grass pasture. The overall intent of this purchase is to enhance habitat for
upland game birds and to provide improved access to a large parcel of crown lease land that is along
the Bow River. The 144 acre site was previously a flood irrigated hay crop with 133 acres of water
rights attached to the property. The remaining 11 acres are comprised of a coulee draw that
receives the flood irrigation run off of both this parcel and the adjacent parcel to the south.

All agricultural and/or industrial applications/dispositions will be forwarded by the prospective land
manager to the following contact(s) for review and input as part of this conservation management
plan:

Brad Taylor Copies will be provided to Partners by ACA
Alberta Conservation Association
Bpx 1139, Provincial Building
Blairmore, Alberta
T0K 0E0
Tel: 403.562.3288

3

PROPERTY LOCATION

QUARTER (LEGAL LAND DESCRIPTION)

Quarter
Section Township Range Meridian
section
Ptn SW 25 13 13 4

Ptn S 26 13 13 4

Area Block
Title Number Plan Number Lot Number
ha (acre) Number
081249227 58.5 (144.6) 8510645 90A

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Location

The East Hays Conservation Site is located approximately 20 km east of the town of Vauxhall (Figure
1) and approximately 100 km northeast of Lethbridge and 80 km west of Medicine Hay (Figure 2).
The site is close to two other conservation sites: Sproule and Hays Drain.

Natural Region

East Hays is part of the Grassland Natural Region, specifically the Dry Mixed Grass Natural
Subregion. This subregion is dominated by Brown Chernozemic and Solonetzic soils and an arid
climate. Generally, natural vegetation communities are composed of Stipa comata, Koeleria
macrantha, and Bouteloua gracilis.

Waterbodies

The Bow River flows by on an adjacent quarter to the east of the property. No other significant
natural water bodies occur on this parcel. The site does however have two dugouts that were

4

historically used for irrigation of this parcel and some trenching along the south and north fences to
return excess water to coulees that lead to the Bow River.

Vegetation

The 144 acre parcel is approximately 90% alfalfa and grass mix and 10% native and tame grasses
and shrubs (Figure 3). The 10% native/tame mix is currently restricted to a small coulee that runs
along the south edge of the fence down to the Bow River. Some native shrubs, particularly sandbar
willow (Salix exigua), are present along the south and west fencelines near irrigation ditches.

Properties to the north and south are privately owned and under cultivation and the Bow River valley
to the east is crown lease land that is primarily native and used for livestock grazing.

Topography

The site is very gently sloping west to east towards the Bow River and was historically flood irrigated.
One small coulee is present in the south east corner of the property that receives run off from an
adjacent property to the south and historic runoff from flood irrigation..

Wildlife

Wildlife species present on the property are generally limited to species that are tolerant to
agricultural disturbances. Mule deer, pheasants, and partridges are the dominant game species and
a variety of song birds will utilize the marginal habitat that currently exists on the property. A FWMIS
search indicated the following species were observed within the township that the site is located in:
American White Pelican, Black Crowned Night Heron, Burrowing Owl, Golden Eagle, Lesser Scaup,
Long-billed Curlew, Northern Harrier, Northern Pintail, Prairie Falcon, Prairie Rattlesnake, Short-
eared Owl, and Sprague’s Pipit. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and Wildlife
Division has also identified the area along the Bow River as critical Mule Deer habitat as well as one
quarter that is part of the property as being highly suitable for several species at risk (Table 1;
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/landuse.aspx).

Table 1: ASRD Species at Risk HSI Model Results
SE 26-13-13- SE 26-13-13- SW 25-13-13-
Species
W4M W4M W4M
Long-billed
Less Suitable Less Suitable Highly Suitable
Curlew

Prairie Falcon Least Suitable Least Suitable Highly Suitable

Sharp-tailed
Least Suitable Least Suitable Highly Suitable
Grouse
Ferruginous
Less Suitable Less Suitable Highly Suitable
Hawk
Short-horned
Least Suitable Least Suitable Suitable
Lizard

Burrowing Owl Least Suitable Least Suitable Suitable

Sprague’s Pipit Least Suitable Least Suitable Highly Suitable

5

Loggerhead
Shrike
Prairie
Less Suitable Less Suitable Suitable
Rattlesnake

Plains Spadefoot Least Suitable Least Suitable Less Suitable

Great Plains
Least Suitable Least Suitable Least Suitable
Toad
American
Badger

Ground Squirrel Less Suitable Less Suitable Highly Suitable

Fish

No waterbodies suitable for sustaining a fishery are present on the property. Although the property
provides an access point to an adjacent property whereby one could access the Bow River with
appropriate permission.

Other Features

No buildings or structures are present on the property. Two surface leases from past drilling activity
are currently being reclaimed. One access trail is located along the south edge of the property.
There are also 133 acres of water rights attached to the property which are administered by the Bow
River Irrigation District.

6

Figure 1. Map showing the location of the East Hays Conservation Site (Landscape Context)

7

Figure 2. Map showing the location of the East Hays Conservation Site (Regional Context)

Figure 3. Valtus imagery 2000. Aerial photograph of the East Hays Conservation Site

8

EAST HAYS MANAGEMENT PLAN

It is the intent of ACA and its partners to manage the East Hays Conservation Site in such a way as
to improve the wildlife habitat to benefit upland game birds and provide sustainable recreational
opportunities. Details for each objective are outlined in the Proposed Enhancement Plan and
Implementation Plan in Appendices A and B.

A preliminary quantitative land cover analysis of the conservation site plus a 1.6 km buffer, indicate
that the area is dominated by Annual Cropland (~40%) and Perennial Cropland (~20%). Natural
vegetation or naturally non-vegetated areas comprise the remaining 40 percent (Grassland – 36%,
Wetland – 3%, and Exposed – 1%). Road and irrigation networks within the buffered area create
approximately 14 km and 12 km of linear disturbance, respectively. Linear hydrological features
provide approximately 16 km of riparian habitat.

HABITAT OBJECTIVES

Habitat objectives were identified that will eventually meet habitat requirements for all life stages of
upland game birds within the buffered area around the site. Since high quality winter cover is lacking
in the greater landscape (~3%), this activity will be a priority on this site to help mitigate surrounding
land uses. The remaining objectives will help to provide additional habitats to meet reproductive and
security needs.

We are acknowledging at the outset that the development of habitat requires time to become
functional and objectives are set at 10 year milestones. The length of time required to complete the
objectives may vary depending on environmental conditions, but can be reassessed at the 5 year
milestone of this management plan.

UPLANDS

Objectives:

1. To enhance winter habitat to benefit upland game birds by 2018.

Strategic Actions:

a. Establish a minimum of 10 acres of shelterbelts beginning in 2009.

i. ACA – Site Preparation and maintenance

ii. PHD – Acquire, plant, and replace trees as necessary

b. Establish a minimum of 3 acres of wetlands beginning in 2009.

i. DU – provide planning assistance

ii. ACA – implement plan

iii. ACA/BRID – manage water

c. Establish a minimum of 2 acres of food plots beginning in 2010.

10

i. ACA – Prepare, plant, and maintain

2. To enhance reproductive habitat to benefit upland game birds by 2018.

Strategic Actions:

a. Establish a minimum of 40 acres of nesting and brood rearing cover beginning in
2011


3. To enhance security cover and movement corridors to benefit upland game birds by
2018.

Strategic Actions:

a. Establish travel and escape cover to provide connectivity to the surrounding
landscape beginning in 2012.


4. To maintain existing habitat and enhancement areas to benefit upland game birds
through 2018.

Strategic Actions:

a. Maintain shelterbelts in a cultivated state to reduce weed and grass competition.

b. Determine appropriate flow of water to maintain wetland

c. Control weeds and vegetation in an appropriate manner

RECREATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Recreational objectives were identified that will allow for the safe and sustainable use of this
property. Primarily these objectives relate to the creation of a parking area, installation of site
signage to increase ACA and partner profiles, general maintenance of the site, and barriers to
undesired vehicular and OHV traffic across the property.

Objectives:

1. To ensure safe and sustainable recreational access is available to the conservation site
by 2009.

Strategic Actions:

a. Widen access road on NW corner of property by October 1, 2009.

b. Develop a fenced in parking area to restrict vehicular access by October 1, 2009.

c. Install locked gate at SW access.for maintenance equipment only by October 1,

11

2009.

d. Install 1 ACA Conservation Site at the parking area by September 15, 2009.

2. To maintain the site in an aesthetically pleasing manner throughout 2013.

Strategic Actions:

a. Ensure site is clean and litter free.

b. Ensure all damaged infrastructure (i.e. fences, parking area) are repaired in a
timely manner.

c. Ensure vegetation control is completed annually within designated parking area
to reduce risk of fires.

MONITORING OBJECTIVES

ACA Land Management Program will collaborate with ACA Wildlife Program to develop a monitoring
protocol that is consistent with other projects to enhance efficiencies in data collection and analysis.
Furthermore, LMP will also incorporate the results and recommendations of other Wildlife Program
projects that benefit target species or habitats. Objectives will be developed for wildlife monitoring
and incorporated into this management plan following further discussions with ACA Wildlife Program
staff.

ACCESS MANAGEMENT

WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES

Foot access only will be permitted to all areas of the property for photography, hiking and wildlife
viewing. These activities may occur year round, as they will have little impact on the wildlife and
habitat. No contact is required to access the conservation site.

HUNTING AND TRAPPING

Hunting will be permitted on these lands on foot and under the authority of an appropriate hunting
license. Since this site will be open to the public year round, trapping will only be available with
approval from ACA and its partners.

ANGLING

No angling opportunities are available on this conservation site.

OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE USE

12

OHV use and access will be permitted on the site for the purpose of field inspections, monitoring, or
research by ACA, its partners, and other designated persons. The use of OHVs for recreational
purposes is not allowed to minimize damage and disturbance to wildlife and their habitat.

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Commercial and industrial development is not a desired use for this conservation site; however,
ownership of this property is limited to surface rights. In instances where mineral rights are
concerned, ACA will encourage discussions with project proponents to find viable alternatives or
solutions.

SPECIAL ISSUES

TAXES

ACA will be responsible for making annual tax payments to the County of Taber.

WATER RIGHTS

(ACA will be responsible for making annual water payments to the Bow River Irrigation District for the
133 acres of water rights purchased with the property. ACA will not entertain selling these rights;
however, if allowed, these rights or a portion thereof, may be leased to neighbors for a 10 year
period.

TITLE RESTRICTIONS (E.G. COVENANTS, EASEMENTS, LEASES)

Currently two surface leases to Grey Wolf Inc. are present on the site. The sites are currently being
reclaimed and a reclaimation certificate has been applied for on one of the sites. These leases will
expire in 2016 and 2018. The leases generate revenue in the amount of $936/year and $2,500/year.
All revenue for leases will be forwarded to the ACA for the maintenance of this site.

INSPECTIONS

ACA will be responsible for completion of annual maintenance inspections to identify and solve
problems and plan for future enhancements.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Provide information pertaining to timelines, who is doing what)

ACA and Partners will manage the conservation property in accordance with the Management Plan,
including modifications made to the Management Plan that may be developed from time to time.
Modifications to the Management Plan must be reviewed and approved by the partner organizations.

13

AGREEMENT TERM

This agreement defines the long-term land management plan among the undersigned parties for the
term of 5 years. It is recognized that partners review the management plan every 5 years, partners
may also modify this agreement within the agreement term upon consensus by the undersigned.

14

Management Partners

Alberta Conservation Association

Representative:_________________________________ Date:_____________________

Alberta Fish and Game Association

Representative:_________________________________ Date:______________________

Pheasants Forever – Calgary Chapter


Partners in Habitat Development


15

APPENDIX A – PROPOSED ENHANCEMENT PLAN

16

APPENDIX B - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2009 - 2013

YEAR 2009-2010

OBJECTIVES STRATEGIC TASKS Organization Other Proposed
ACTIONS Responsible Participating Completion Date
Organizations

SITE Complete annual Complete ACA Pheasants July 30, 2009
ADMINISTRATION administrative Management Forever,
activities to Plan Partners in
ensure Habitat
management Development,
plan compliance Alberta Fish and
beginning in Game
2009. Association

Meet with All Partners October 31, 2009
Partner and February 28,
Management 2010
Team twice
(October and
February)

Complete ACA All partners if Within 2 weeks of
referrals and required receipt
public enquiries
as they arrive
(ACA)

UPLAND HABITAT

1. To enhance winter a. Establish a Stake out ACA April 30, 2009
habitat to benefit minimum of 10 proposed
upland game birds by acres of shelterbelt (COMPLETED)
2018. shelterbelts location
beginning in (Eastern
2009. Shelterbelt
location)

Contract to ACA May 30, 2009
individual or
group to disk a (COMPLETED)
minimum of 3
passes and
maintain site
with a cultivator
a minimum of 3
times per year
(Eastern
shelterbelt
location)

Determine ACA PHD August 30, 2009
appropriate
species of trees
for planting in
shelterbelt
(Eastern
shelterbelt
location)

17

Order PHD December 1,
appropriate 2009
number of trees
for planting in
2010 (Eastern
shelterbelt
location).

Provide All partners March 31, 2010
financial or where
inkind support applicable
where
applicable and
if available

b. Establish a Determine ACA Ducks Unlimited May 30, 2009
minimum of 3 feasibility of Canada, Bow
acres of constructing a River Irrigation (COMPLETED –
wetlands small wetland District project is feasible)
beginning in dominated by
2009. cattails (Typha
spp.) with
consultation
with Ducks
Unlimited
Canada

If construction ACA July 30, 2009
is feasible,
contract to (INITIATED -
individual or Contract in prep
group to for McNiven
develop site in construction –
accordance estimated cost
with design $12,000)
specifications
acquired from
Ducks
Unlimited
Canada.

Secure ACA July 30, 2009
assistance from
Bow River
Irrigation
District in
managing flow
to wetland

Ensure ACA July 30, 2009
adjacent
landowner is (COMPLETED -
aware of the Meeting held with
project and who Elmer Doerksen
to contact if he in April 2009 – no
has any concerns voiced)
concerns

financial or where
inkind support applicable (PF contributed
where available $8k to the
wetland
construction
contract)

18

c. Establish a Order ACA March 31, 2009
minimum of 2 appropriate
acres of food seed mix
plots beginning
in 2010.

financial or where
inkind support applicable
where available

2. To enhance a. Establish a No activities
reproductive habitat minimum of 40 planned for
to benefit upland acres of nesting 2009/2010
game birds by 2018. and brood
rearing cover
beginning in
2011

3. To enhance a. Establish No activities
security cover and travel and planned for
movement corridors escape cover to 2009/2010
to benefit upland provide
game birds by connectivity to
the surrounding
2018.
landscape
beginning in
2012.

4. To maintain a. Maintain No activities
existing habitat and shelterbelts in a planned for
enhancement areas cultivated state 2009/2010
to benefit upland to reduce weed
game birds through and grass
2018. competition.

b. Determine Discuss with ACA BRID September 30,
appropriate flow Bow River 2009
of water to Irrigation
maintain wetland District
monitoring and
management of
flow rates to
wetland to
determine
optimal
distribution of
water to the
system.

c. Control weeds Complete 2 site ACA May 1 – October
and vegetation inspections to 1, 2009
in an appropriate ensure minimal
manner weed
infestation

Complete ACA July 30, 2009
vegetation
control in the

19

Alberta land trust 2009 03 1 of 6-baseline documentation

Alberta land trust 2009 03 1 of 6-baseline documentation

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