Government of Alberta drops Protections of Endangered Greater Sage-Grouse

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News Release: Government of Alberta drops protections of Endangered Greater Sage-Grouse – Alberta Wilderness Association
The Government of Alberta drops protections of endangered Greater Sage-Grouse, opening core habitat for development.
Without announcement or public consultation, the Government of Alberta has removed provincial habitat protections for the Endangered Greater Sage-Grouse. These protections previously restricted development in their Core Areas and Recovery Zones.
Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocerus urophasianus urophasianus) reside in southeastern Alberta and depend upon silver sagebrush grasslands for their survival.

Government of Alberta quietly lifts restrictions protecting endangered Greater Sage-Grouse – CPAWS Southern Alberta

The Government of Alberta has removed provincial habitat protections for the endangered Greater Sage-Grouse without any public consultation or official announcement.  The Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus urophasianus) occupies silver sagebrush grassland in southeastern Alberta. The species is listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and under the Alberta Wildlife Act because their population has declined precipitously. The severity of their status is such that in 2014, a federal Emergency Protection Order came into effect to address imminent threats to their survival and recovery (i.e., to prevent extinction) in Canada. Greater Sage-Grouse used to number in the thousands in Alberta as recently as the 1960s, but today their population is fewer than 100 individuals. The most recent publicly available census in 2023, conducted by the Government of Alberta, estimated there were as few as 54 individuals. Their distinctive habitat requirements and sensitivity to human disturbance make them extremely vulnerable to both habitat degradation and noise, and their current distribution is less than 10% of their historical range due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Radio Active with Jessica Ng, Min Dhariwal Video – Oct. 21, 2026: We’ll learn all about the greater sage-grouse and how its future is at risk. View here: Greater Sage-grouse its future is at risk

New Resources on the Environmental Law Centre Website

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New Resources on the ELC Website

Over the past month, October 2026, the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) published new analyses and resources that capture the pulse of changing legal and environmental issues in Alberta.

Use the following link www.elc.ab.ca to visit the ELC website for the resources below and much more.

Public Participation and Environmental Rights

Losing Local Accountability: How Provincial Standing Rules undermine Participation over Environmental Concerns.
Losing Local Accountability: Public Participation, the MGA and the Provincial Legislative Branch
Losing Local Accountability: How Alberta Continues to Undermine Municipal Environmental Decision-Making.

Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Three draft Provincial Woodland Caribou Plans published for consultation: The plans prioritize working landscapes over caribou habitat maintenance and protection
The federal government announces amendments to the regulations governing the issuance of statutory authorizations under the Fisheries Act
Biodiversity Mini Series Webinar: Management of Alberta’s Forests

Data Centres and Infrastructure

· Data Centres, Water Licences, Standing and Environmental Assessment
· Are we being smart about AI Data Centres?
· The Hidden Costs of Canada’s Proposed Regulatory Fast Lane
· Is Alberta about to go nuclear?

2025/26 Alberta Christmas Bird Count Summary

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David Scott from AlbertaCBC Alberta Christmas Bird Count 2025/26 Summary Report.
While this report offers some highlights of the winter season, it is important to underscore that all data collected through our CBCs is valuable, and the contributions of every participant are appreciated.

Read the full article here: CBCount 2025-2026 Summary

Let’s Officially Name the Canada Jay Canada’s National Bird, Support Letter with Nature Alberta

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Stand with Canadian Birdwatchers: Lets make the Canada Jay our official Bird. RDRN paired up with Nature Alberta to write a letter of support to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to pass Bill S-221, to provide for the recognition of the Canada Jay as the national bird of Canada.

Read full article here: Canada Jay Support Letter with NA

Sign petition here: Official Bird of Canada the Canada Jay Petition

RDRN asks 2025 City of Red Deer Mayoralty Candidates about our Parks System

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Red Deer River Naturalists asks The City of Red Deer Mayoralty Candidates three questions about our natural Parks system.

Read full article here: RDRN 2025 Red Deer Mayoral Candidates Questions and Answers

Protecting Parks Key Concern in Zoning Change Feedback

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Don’t mess with our parks.

That was the message, loud and clear, of many who responded to a City of Red Deer call for input on proposed zoning bylaw changes.

Read full article here: Protecting Parks Key Concern in Zoning Change Feedback

Red Deer River Naturalists Land Big Grant

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Red Deer River Naturalists have been given a $500,000 by a generous donor.

The marketable securities donation has been directed to the Red Deer River Naturalists Fund for Nature, an endowment fund held with the Community Foundation of Central Alberta (CFCAB).

Read full article here: Red Deer River Naturalists Land Big Grant

Future of water supply highlighted at Red Deer Symposium

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The future of water in an era of climate change will be among the topics presented during an eight-day free symposium at Red Deer Polytechnic.

RDP, Council of Canadians and Red Deer Naturalists have joined forces to present the free symposium, called “Water for 2050,” which begins on Wednesday September 18th, 2024 and wraps up on Sept. 25, 2024.

Read full article here: Future of water supply highlighted at Red Deer Symposium

View full symposium videos here: Water for 2050 Symposium

Central Alberta landowners can officially become Habitat Stewards

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A recognition program is being reactivated by the RDRN

Read full article here: Central Alberta landowners can officially become Habitat Stewards

Mailing Address
Box 785
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
T4N 5H2

Board Portal

Email Address
rdrn.nature@gmail.com

Phone Number
1-403-347-8200

The Red Deer River Naturalists acknowledges the traditional territory north of the Red Deer River of Treaty Six of the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Nakota Sioux (sue), and Saulteaux (sawl-toh) Peoples, the traditional territory south of the Red Deer River of Treaty Seven of the Niitsitapi (nee-itsee-TAH-peh) (Blackfoot), Siksika (seeg-see-kah), Piikani (pee-kah-nee), Kainai (g-ai-nah), Tsuu T’ina (soot-tenna), Stoney Nakota Peoples and the Battle River Territory District Three Métis Nation of Alberta.
We hope to serve and protect the traditional lands and waters with respect and commitment. Together, we can be a voice for nature.