Spatio-temporal Patterns of Wildlife Distribution and Movement in Canmore s Benchlands Corridor.

Transcription

1 Spatio-temporal Patterns of Wildlife Distribution and Movement in Canmore s Benchlands Corridor. March 2010 Prepared by Tracy Lee, Samantha Managh and Neil Darlow Prepared for: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation

2 Spatio-temporal Patterns of Wildlife Distribution and Movement in Canmore s Benchlands Corridor March 2010 Prepared by Tracy Lee, Samantha Managh and Neil Darlow Miistakis Institute c/o EVDS University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Phone: (403) institute@rockies.ca Web:

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...1 Objectives...3 Methods Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution...4 a) Transect-level spatial patterns of distribution...4 b) Spatial and temporal trends in activity indices...4 c) Segment-level spatial patterns of wildlife distribution Relationships between wildlife distribution and human use...5 a) Level and distribution of human use in the Benchlands corridor...5 b) Response of wildlife to human-use trail closures Wildlife movement through the Canmore-Benchlands corridor...6 a) Analysis of wildlife snow-tracking data...6 Results Spatio-temporal patterns of Wildlife Distribution...7 a) Transect-level patterns of wildlife distribution...7 b) Spatial and temporal trends in activity indices...10 c) Segment-level spatial patterns of wildlife distribution Relationships between wildlife distribution and human use a) Level and distribution of human use in the Benchlands corridor...32 Wildlife movement through the Canmore-Benchlands corridor Cougar Creek Discussion Recommendations References..45 Appendix 1: Human, carnivore and ungulate linear regressions non-significant Human Activity Carnivores Wolf...49 Cougar...52 Coyote...57 Ungulate Deer...61 Elk...62 Bighorn Sheep...66 Appendix 2: Standardized Wildlife Activity maps for each winter season Human Activity Index per Winter Season Wolf Activity Index per Winter Season Cougar Activity Index per Winter Season Lynx Activity Index per Winter Season Marten Activity Index per Winter Season i

4 Coyote Activity Index per Winter Season Deer Activity Index per Winter Season Elk Activity Index per Winter Season Bighorn Sheep Activity Index per Winter Season Appendix 3: Trail Counter Linear Regression Trail Counters with decreasing trend (non-significant) Trail Counters with no trend...79 Trail counters with increasing trend (non-significant) ii

5 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES Table 1. Number of 50m transect segments within each belt transect established in the Canmore Benchlands region...12 Table 2. Number of transect monitoring periods per winter season between 2002 and Table 3. Frequency of species detected on transects in the Canmore Benchlands area, Figure 1. Location of the Benchlands corridor study area....1 Figure 2. Location of ten parallel, systematic belt transects within the Canmore Benchlands region....3 Figure 3: Standardized activity indices by transect for ungulates (elk, deer and bighorn sheep) and human activity...8 Figure 4: Standardized activity indices by transect for each of five carnivore species...9 Figure 5: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #1 in the Benchlands corridor..10 Figure 6: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #4 in the Benchlands corridor...11 Figure 7: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor...11 Figure 8: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor...12 Figure 9. Relationship between standardized cougar activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 10. Relationship between standardized coyote activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 11. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #2 in the Benchlands corridor...14 Figure 12. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #3 in the Benchlands corridor...15 Figure 13. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #4 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 14. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 15. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #6 in the Benchlands corridor...16 Figure 16. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #7 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 17. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #8 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 18. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 19. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #7 in the Benchlands corridor...18 Figure 20. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 21. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #10 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 22. Relationship between standardized bighorn sheep activity index and year for transect #1 in the Benchlands corridor Figure 23. Human use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from human tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...21 Figure 24. Wolf activity across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from wolf tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...22 Figure 25. Cougar use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from cougar tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...23 Figure 26. Lynx use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from cougar tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...24 Figure 27. Marten use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from marten tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...25 Figure 28. Coyote use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from coyote tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...26 Figure 29. Deer use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from deer tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...27 Figure 30. Elk use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from elk tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects Figure 31. Bighorn Sheep use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from bighorn sheep tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects...29 Figure 32: Ungulate and human use of habitat within identified zones over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type...30 Figure 33: Carnivore use of habitat within identified zones over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type iii

6 Figure 34: Wolf and Lynx use of habitat within identified habitat patches and corridors over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type Figure 35: Trail Counter locations along the Benchlands corridor...33 Figure 36: Average annual daily traffic (AADT) for designated trails west of Cougar Creek in the Benchlands corridor Figure 37: Average annual daily traffic (AADT) for designated trails east of Cougar Creek in the Benchlands corridor Figure 38 Trail Counter 14 on Lady Mac traverse, closed July 2005 (season 4), showing a statistically significant (P=0.008) decreasing trend in activity over the seven year time period...35 Figure 39 Trail Counter 16 on Lady Mac Traverse, closed July 2005 (season 4) showing a statistically significant (P=0.009) decreasing trend in activity over the seven year time period...35 Figure 40 Trail Counter 7 on Horse Trail shows a statistically significant (P=0.013) decreasing in activity over the seven year period...36 Figure 41. Comparison of average annual daily traffic (AADT) for trail #14 that was closed to human activity beginning in July 2005, and trail #49 that remained open during this period Figure 42. Comparison of average annual daily traffic (AADT) for trail #16 that was closed to human activity beginning in July 2005, and trail #12 that remained open during this period Figure 43: Wolf average annual density of snow tracks pre and post Figure 44: Cougar average annual density of snow tracks pre and post iv

7 INTRODUCTION The Central Canadian Rocky Mountains provide important habitat and movement opportunities for large carnivore and ungulate species. The Canmore Benchlands region within the Bow Valley is thought to be an important wildlife corridor, facilitating regional connectivity between Banff National Park and Alberta s foothills. The Benchlands corridor spans from the eastern boundary of Banff National Park along the Fairholme range to the southwest flank of Grotto Mountain east of Cougar Creek (Figure 1). The corridor is composed of a number of smaller designated habitat patches and corridors within the municipal limits of the Town of Canmore. Figure 1. Location of the Benchlands corridor study area. The Town of Canmore in general, and the Benchlands corridor more specifically, has seen increased human population growth over the last years, and with this has come concern over the ecological functioning of the Benchlands corridor. Potential stressors on the corridor s ecological functioning come from multiple sources, including an increase in the footprint of human development with the building of the Silvertip resort as well as the extension of residential developments. The increased number of people also translates into increased human activity in the broader landscape, and there is an increasing number of designated and undesignated trails which humans frequent for recreational purposes. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 1

8 The purpose of this study was to examine ten years of wildlife monitoring data to determine general patterns of wildlife distribution in the Benchlands corridor, and to examine the potential relationships between changes in wildlife distribution and human development and human activity. Data for this study was collected through a partnership between Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Parks, and Stone Creek Properties. Data was collected over a ten year period from 1999 to 2009 on ten roughly parallel systematic belt transects, that spanned the length of the Canmore Benchlands area from the eastern boundary of Banff National Park to just east of Cougar Creek (Figure 2). Transects run in an approximately Southwest to Northeast orientation and are numbered from 1(east) to 10 (west ). We present here an analysis of data collected in winter seasons between January 1999 and March After each significant snowfall, transects were monitored for wildlife and human activity. Transects were divided into 50m segments (table 1), and the number of wildlife crossings for each of 9 species were recorded for each segment: cougar (Felis concolor), wolf (Canis lupus), coyote (Canis latrans), marten (Martes Americana), lynx (Felis lynx ), deer (Odecoileus virginianus and Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus elaphus), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadiensis), and human (Homo sapiens). Table 1. Number of 50m transect segments within each belt transect established in the Canmore Benchlands region. Transect # # of 50m segments Activity indices were calculated for large ungulates species, including elk, deer and bighorn sheep and for large and medium carnivores species, including wolf, cougar, lynx, marten and coyote. In addition, snow-tracking was also conducted for the following species when detected on transects or between transects: cougar and wolf. Animals were backtracked to minimize disturbance of study animals. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 2

9 Figure 2. Location of ten parallel, systematic belt transects within the Canmore Benchlands region. Objectives The goal of this report is to examine data on wildlife distribution and movement collected as part of a longterm monitoring program for ungulate and carnivore species in Alberta s Bow Valley. Specifically, the objectives were to investigate; 1. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution a) Transect-level spatial patterns of wildlife distribution b) Spatial and temporal trends in activity indices c) Segment-level spatial patterns of wildlife distribution 2. Relationships between wildlife distribution and human use a) Level and distribution of human use in the Benchlands corridor b) Response of wildlife to human-use trail closures 3. Wildlife movement through the Canmore-Benchlands corridor a) Analysis of wildlife snow-tracking data b) Relationship to human development and trails c) Permeability of Cougar Creek Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 3

10 METHODS 1. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution A) TRANSECT-LEVEL SPATIAL PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION For each transect segment we summed the total number of wildlife crossings for each of the 10 species for each year. Total counts per segment for each season were standardized using the time (hrs) since last snow for a transect. A standardized activity index for each species per segment per season was generated as well as a standardized aggregated activity index (including all 10 winter seasons). In addition, for each species an activity index was generated for each transect standardized by the length of the transect by dividing the summed wildlife crossings by the number of transect segments. This enabled us to compare the standardized activity indices among transects. To examine broad spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife activity a series of bar charts were generated to compare the standardized activity indices for each of the ten transects. B) SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRENDS IN ACTIVITY INDICES We calculated the standardized activity indices described above for each species by transect # and winter season. We used these activity indices to determine temporal (year) and spatial (transect #) trends in use by calculating linear regression equations for each transect over the seven year period (Hayes and Steidl 1997, Nickerson and Brunell 1997). We used the slope from the estimated linear relationship to indicate the trend in the activity indices over time and used a P value < 0.10 to determine statistical significance of the trend. In addition, standardize activity indices for each species were used to assess the distribution of each species in relation to zoning. Transect centers within each segment were assigned the appropriate zone value. Zones include: Habitat patch, corridor, development, protected (outside of existing habitat patch and corridor) and nondesignated. The 10 year aggregated standardized activity indices for each species were summed per zone and were then standardized to zone availability (number of transects centers occurring within each zone). For wolf and lynx, activity indices were aggregated for pre and post 2005 to determine possible difference between construction and post construction phase of development on the Canmore Benchlands. The year 2005, also represents the year of trail closures in one of the corridors above the Silvertip gold course. Due to differences in the number of years for data collection pre and post 2005, activity indices were averaged per zone based on years of data collection. C) SEGMENT-LEVEL SPATIAL PATTERNS OF WILDLIFE DISTRIBUTION We used the Spatial Analyst extension in ArcGIS 9.3 to conduct Inverse Distance Weighted spatial interpolations of standardized wildlife activity indices generated for each transect segment centre for all years combined and for each winter season. The analysis was conducted using a mask to restrict the interpolated surface to the study area in order to minimize artifacts. The analysis mask was a polygon consisting of the following: a 500m buffer of transects #1 and #10 bounded by Highway 1 on the south and the line segment passing through the last transect segment centre of each transect on the north. Data was displayed based on natural jenks using five classes, ranked from low (blue) to high levels of activity (red). The same classification process was used for each species and does not reflect the difference in activity between species. To highlight difference in activity levels between species, graphs displaying a standardized activity index for each transect per species were included with the maps displaying the interpolated surfaces. We visually examined each spatial interpolation to determine general spatial patterns of wildlife distribution and how those patterns changed over time. In examining and comparing spatial patterns of wildlife distribution we were particularly interested in any changes that may have arisen due to changes in the human footprint in the Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 4

11 Benchlands area. However, since transect monitoring occurred only during (1999 to 2005) and post-construction ( ) of Silvertip resort and other major developments, we were restricted in our analysis to a comparison during and after construction. 2. Relationships between wildlife distribution and human use A) LEVEL AND DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN USE IN THE BENCHLANDS CORRIDOR Trail counters A total of eleven trail counters, consisting of eight infrared and three mountain bike counters were set up along a number of designated trails in the study area beginning in Data collection was from 2002 to A Ministerial order closed a number of designated trails in the Upper Benchlands area in July 2005, the closure is currently ongoing. This afforded us the ability to examine the effect of trail closures on human activity (i.e. the effectiveness of trail closures). These trail counters use infrared reflectance to detect and count moving objects, and so it is not possible to distinguish between human and wildlife activity passing by the counters. Consequently, conclusions should not be drawn from trail counters alone but should be viewed as one of several tools used to address questions such as this. To distinguish user types (wildlife vs. human) would require calibration using a camera. Data for the trail counters was downloaded from DataNet ( with permission from Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. The winter season (December-March) was extracted from the overall master summary and the average annual daily traffic (AADT) for each winter season for each trail counter was calculated using the total number of counts divided by the number of days with data for the winter season. The AADT for each counter and winter season were plotted on graphs, highlighting the change over time in activity levels. Comparisons were made between trail counters 14 (closed) and 49 (open) and 16 (open) and 12 (open) to address the impact of activity on trail closure. We used these activity indices to determine temporal (year) and spatial (transect #) trends in use by calculating linear regression relationships for each transect over the seven year period. We used the slope of the linear regression model to indicate the trend in the human activity indices over time we used a P value < 0.10 to determine statistical significance of the trend. Human Activity Indices In addition to each transect, each segment was assessed for human activity level over the entire study period and individually for each year. Human use data was categorized as follows, small group size (1-10), moderate group size (10-20) and large group (>20). To develop a standardized activity index we used the lowest possible value of each class to produce a conservative estimate of human activity in the Benchlands region. Counts for human activity were interpreted as follows; small group (count=1), moderate group size (count=10) and large groups size (count=20). Activity indices were generated for each transect by summing human activity standardized to number of hours since last snow for each transect divided by the length of each transect, enabling a comparison of standardized activity levels between transects. To examine broad spatial and temporal patterns of human activity bar charts were generated to compare the activity indices for each of the ten transects. We calculated the standardized activity indices described above for human activity by transect # and winter season. Similar methods were used to assess human activity along transects as with wildlife, including slope of the linear regression equation to indicate the trend in the activity indices over time as well as the generation of inverse distance weighted spatial interpolations. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 5

12 B) RESPONSE OF WILDLIFE TO HUMAN-USE TRAIL CLOSURES Our original objective was to examine the response of wildlife to changes in human use as a consequence of the trail closure. Understanding the response of wildlife to trail closures is problematic, given the scale of the datasets in relation to area and placement of trail closure. However, general patterns of wildlife distribution and human activity from interpolated surfaces were compared pre and post In addition, snow tracking data for wolves and cougar were visually compared pre 2005 and post Wildlife movement through the Canmore-Benchlands corridor A) ANALYSIS OF WILDLIFE SNOW-TRACKING DATA Snow tracking data was collected from for carnivore and ungulate species. Field staff snow tracked wolf, cougar, lynx and moose when detected on or between transects. There is a high level of backtrack variability between winter seasons. We did not analyze ungulate movement data, as all backtracking data was initiated on Silvertip resort and was thus of limited value in determining the response of ungulates throughout the Canmore Benchlands. Information provided by the Town of Canmore indicates that development of Silvertip resort began as early as 1994 and continued until it was largely built out in Since the backtracking data spanned a time period of 1996 to 2009 we do not have data on wildlife movement prior to the development of the Silvertip resort, thus a pre/postconstruction comparison of wildlife movement is not possible. However, the data does support a during/postconstruction comparison. While perhaps not as powerful or as revealing as a pre/post-construction comparison, one could argue that a during-and-after comparison may yield information on whether wildlife are affected by the process of construction. To examine this we partitioned the snow tracking data into during and post construction phases. For wolves, and cougar, we: Visually examined the snow tracking data over winter seasons to determine patterns in species movement within the Benchlands, paying specific attention to the possibility of movement across Cougar Creek. Calculated average annual wolf and cougar track densities pre-2005 (construction phase of Silvertip resort trail closures on upper bench) and post Species tracks were extracted for each winter season and density was calculated using a 350m moving window. Winter seasons prior to 2005 were summed and divided by the number of seasons to standardize data. The same approach was used for tracking data post The average annual snow track density for each species were displayed using a natural breaks classification based on the pre-2005 dataset. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 6

13 RESULTS Over the ten-year study period there were a total of 141 snowfalls sufficient to enable the monitoring of transects (Table 2). The number varied from a low of 8 snowfalls during the winter of 2002/2003 and 2008/2009 to a high of 25 snowfalls in 1999/2000 and averaged 14 snowfalls annually. Table 2. Number of transect monitoring periods per winter season between 1999/2001 and 2008/2009. Winter Season #of monitoring periods 1999/ / / / / / / / / / Tracks of ungulates were recorded most frequently, accounting for more than 66% of total detections. The majority of these (50% of all detected tracks) were of deer and a further 13% were of elk. Carnivore species were relatively rare, accounting for less than 6% of total detections when coyote are not included. Humans, represented the second highest activity levels, accounting for nearly 23% of detections (Table 3). Table 3. Frequency of species detected on transects in the Canmore Benchlands area, to Species # detected % of detections Cougar Wolf lynx Marten Coyote Bighorn sheep Elk Deer Human Spatio-temporal patterns of Wildlife Distribution A) TRANSECT-LEVEL PATTERNS OF WILDLIFE DISTRIBUTION For each transect we generated a wildlife activity index for each species by summing the total number of wildlife crossings for each transect over the ten-year study period and individually for each year. To enable comparisons among transects, we standardized the transect-level activity index by dividing by the length of each transect. To examine broad patterns of wildlife activity over the ten year period we generated a series of bar charts (Figures 3-4). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 7

14 Figure 3: Standardized activity indices by transect for ungulates (elk, deer and bighorn sheep) and human activity. Figure 3 highlights the following species activity patterns; High activity for deer and human relative to other species on all transects with a peak in activity centered on transects 4-5 (Silvertip resort and Golf Course). High activity center for elk centered around transect 5 and 6 (Silvertip resort and golf course). Bighorn sheep activity is relatively high on two transects, #1 (far east) and #4. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 8

15 Figure 4: Standardized activity indices by transect for each of five carnivore species. Figure 4 highlights the following carnivore activity patterns; Lower carnivore activity for all species relative to ungulate and human activity (Figure 3) specifically on transect 2-4, adjacent to Cougar Creek. Coyote and marten activity very high relative to other carnivore species. Coyote activity centers on transect 1 (far east) and 5 and 6 (Silvertip resort and golf course). Marten activity center on far west transects 7-10 and on transect 3. Wolf, cougar and lynx activity comparatively low across all transects, but wolf marginally higher on transect 9 and 10, closer to Banff National Park and on transect 1. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 9

16 B) SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRENDS IN ACTIVITY INDICES To determine the trends in activity over time for human, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, wolf, cougar and coyote, activity indices were aggregated for each transect per season and standardize by the length of transect. Linear regressions were run to determine specific wildlife species and humans activity trends over the 10 year time period. Only statistically significant results are presented here. For full results please see Appendix 1. Human Human activity patterns increased over the 10 year study period, with the exception of transect 10, but only four transects were considered statistically significant increases, transects 1, 4-5 and 9 (Figures 5-8). Figure 5: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #1 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 0.273) is significant (P=.06), indicating that human use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 10

17 Figure 6: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #4 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 5.68) is significant (P=.036), indicating that human use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 7: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 10.31) is significant (P=.033), indicating that human use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 11

18 Figure 8: Relationship between standardized human activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 2.01) is significant (P=.096), indicating that human use on this transect increased over the study period. Carnivore Wolf and cougar activity do not show statistically significant increases or decreases over the 10 year period, with the exception of cougar on transect 5, (near Silver Tip resort) which showed a statistically significant increase in activity (Figure 9). Coyote activity increased on all transects but was only statistically significant on transect #5 (Figure 10). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 12

19 Figure 9. Relationship between standardized cougar activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 0.084) is significant (P=.029), indicating that cougar use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 10. Relationship between standardized coyote activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 1.03) is significant (P=.042), indicating that coyote use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 13

20 Ungulate Deer activity increased on all transects over the 10 year period, and showed a statistically significant increase on transects 2 through 9 (Figures 11-18). Alternatively, elk activity decreased on all transects, but only showed a statistically significant decrease over the 10 year period on transects 7, 9 and 10 (Figures 19-21). Big horn sheep activity increased on four transects 1, 2, 4 and 10, but was only a statistically significant increase for transect 1 (Figure 22). For further linear regression figures, see Appendix 1. Figure 11. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #2 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 3.284) is significant (P=0.19), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 14

21 Figure 12. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #3 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 4.654) is significant (P=0.56), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 13. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #4 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 6.762) is significant (P=0.71), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 15

22 Figure 14. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #5 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 5.553) is significant (P=0.043), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 15. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #6 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 6.083) is significant (P=0.071), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 16

23 Figure 16. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #7 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 5.797) is significant (P=0.009), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 17. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #8 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 5.992) is significant (P=0.008), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 17

24 Figure 18. Relationship between standardized deer activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 7.315) is significant (P=0.016), indicating that deer use on this transect increased over the study period. Figure 19. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #7 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 0.899) is significant (P=0.092), indicating that elk use on this transect decreased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 18

25 Figure 20. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #9 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 0.339) is significant (P=0.051), indicating that elk use on this transect decreased over the study period. Figure 21. Relationship between standardized elk activity index and year for transect #10 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 0.437) is significant (P=0.097), indicating that elk use on this transect decreased over the study period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 19

26 Figure 22. Relationship between standardized bighorn sheep activity index and year for transect #1 in the Benchlands corridor. The slope of the linear regression line (slope = 4.108) is significant (P=0.044), indicating that bighorn sheep use on this transect increased over the study period. C) SEGMENT-LEVEL SPATIAL PATTERNS OF WILDLIFE DISTRIBUTION Below we show the aggregated (all years combined) spatial interpolation layers for human as well as carnivore species; wolf, cougar, marten, lynx and ungulate species; elk, deer and bighorn sheep. Maps showing the spatial interpolation layer for each winter season of data for each of these species in shown in Appendix 2. The interpolation layers show higher wildlife activity as red and lower activity areas as blue. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 20

27 Summary of Human Use Human use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 23. The results highlight the following trends; There is generally low to medium human activity across the majority of the study area with the exception of close proximity to residential development areas and the Silvertip resort and golf course. Human activity is high in and immediately adjacent to the major human developments (Harvie Heights, Silvertip resort and Cougar Creek). Human activity is particularly high in and around the Cougar Creek area and the north and west portions of the Silvertip resort. There is generally much lower human activity further north (higher elevations) along each transect. In addition, low- human activity is seen extending the entire lengths of transect # s 7 and 8 in the intervening area between Harvie Heights and the Silvertip Golf Course and on transect 1, to the far east of the study area. Figure 23. Human use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from human tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 21

28 Summary of Carnivore Use WOLF Wolf use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 24, the results highlight the following trends; Very low activity in areas in or immediately adjacent to human development. A number of very fine-scale activity centers, typically located at higer elevations and further distances from human development. Activity close to Highway 1 at the south end of transect 9 (just east of Harvie Heights) and south end of transect 1. A larger activity center located adjacent to Banff National Park. Only five of the years recorded wolf activity on transects. Each year shows very different pattern of distribution; but generally activity occurs at higher elevations. Winter season was the season of highest wolf activity including centers near and around Cougar Creek. Figure 24. Wolf activity across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from wolf tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 22

29 COUGAR Cougar use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 25, results highlight the following trends; Cougar activity occurred in eight of the ten years of data displayed here. Generally, use concentrated along the higher elevations, with the exception of the transect 7 and 8 where use extends to closer proximity to the TCH highway. Very low cougar activity seen on and immediately adjacent to human development although small activity centers are seen close to human infrastructure such as the road on the western side of Silvertip resort and just north-east of Cougar creek housing development. Figure 25. Cougar use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from cougar tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 23

30 LYNX Lynx use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 26, results highlight the following trends; Lynx activity is extremely limited and is driven by data from the winter season. The activity occurs away from human centers of activity, near development and higher use recreational trails. Figure 26. Lynx use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from cougar tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 24

31 MARTEN Marten use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 27, the results highlight the following trends; Marten appear to have a series of large activity areas in the northwest of the study area; the largest activity center is concentrated in the area to the east of Harvie Heights, and extends along almost the entire length of transect #8. The activity center on transect 3 is driven by data from prior to winter season. Figure 27. Marten use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from marten tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 25

32 COYOTE Coyote use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 28, the results highlight the following trends; One large activity zone including the southern end of Silvertip resort and including the middle Benchlands corridor extending southwards to Highway 1. Coyote activity on the eastern transects (1-2) was inconsistent over the 10 year period with four of the ten seasons exhibiting use. Several smaller, more localized activity hotspots immediately adjacent to the highway Coyote activity is greatly reduced the further north, at higher elevations. Figure 28. Coyote use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from coyote tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 26

33 Summary of Ungulate Use DEER Deer use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 29, results highlight the following trends; Deer activity appears more localized than other ungulates Activity centers at lower elevations, specifically on Silvertip Golf Course and in and around Harvie Heights. Numerous other small, localized activity centers: 1) on the eastern tip of Harvey Heights and then at a few locations along transects 7 & 8 General pattern of multiple, large activity centers is consistent among years, although the exact location and number varies by year. Low use to the east of Cougar Creek. Figure 29. Deer use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from deer tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 27

34 ELK Elk use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 30, results highlight the following trends; Elk have one large activity center, located on Silvertip golf course extending through the lower Benchlands corridor to Highway 1 There is one additional, but very small activity center located on transect 1, near Highway 1A Low level of elk activity across the rest of the Canmore Benchlands area Very consistent among years Figure 30. Elk use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from elk tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 28

35 BIGHORN SHEEP Bighorn Sheep use across the Canmore Benchlands is displayed in Figure 31, results highlight the following trends; Three activity centers, one adjacent to Banff National Park, one north of Silvertip golf course and the other east of Cougar Creek; all these activity centers are far from human development and at higher elevation Consistent activity center over time on transect 1, while other activity centers to the north end of transect 10, 8 and 4 less consistent between years. Figure 31. Bighorn Sheep use across the Canmore-Benchlands area. Spatially Interpolated layer generated from bighorn sheep tracks intersecting ten systematic belt transects. The 10 year aggregate of standardize activity indices for each species was used to assess the distribution of each species in relation to zoning. Figures display results for ungulate, human and carnivore species. Results are displayed as the percentage of activity occurring within each zone over a ten year period standardized by the available zone type. All species of carnivore and ungulate have higher activity levels in habitat patches and corridors then in the other zone types. The activity occurring in development zone for elk and deer is primarily due to activity on the Silvertip golf course. Carnivore species have notable lower levels of activity occurring in development and no designation lands than ungulate species and higher activity levels occurring in habitat patches. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 29

36 Figure 32: Ungulate and human use of habitat within identified zones over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 30

37 Figure 33: Carnivore use of habitat within identified zones over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type. A finer scale assessment of which habitat patches and corridors wolf and lynx are using is displayed in figure 34. Figure 2 highlights where the different habitat patches and corridors occur on the landscape. Wolf are documented using all habitat patches within the region, but activity patterns are higher in the habitat patch between Harvey Heights and Silvertip. In addition, the use in corridors is focused in the upper wildlife corridor above the Silvertip golf course. Use of the lower wildlife corridor to the south of Silvertip golf course is minimal. Lynx were relatively rare in the study area, but activity focused in the central habitat patch similar to wolves and on the upper wildlife corridor. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 31

38 Figure 34: Wolf and Lynx use of habitat within identified habitat patches and corridors over a 10 year period standardized to availability of zone type. 2. Relationships between wildlife distribution and human use A) LEVEL AND DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN USE IN THE BENCHLANDS CORRIDOR Within the Canmore Benchlands there are three residential and commercial development areas including Harvey Heights, Silver Tip and Eagle Terrace. In addition, the study area contains an extensive trail network supporting hiking, biking and skiing. The area supports a number of designated and non-designated trails. In July 2005, a Ministerial Order designated trail closures along the upper bench, (Figure 20). Our objective was to determine whether these closures resulted in changes to human activity and in wildlife distribution and movement. We had access to data from eight infrared trail counters located on designated trails within the Benchlands area (Figure 35, below). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 32

39 Figure 35: Trail Counter locations along the Benchlands corridor Activity on designated trails We calculated average annual daily traffic (AADT) for each winter season (December-March) between 2002 and 2009 for all trails (Figures 36-37). Due to the nature of detection by the trail counters (infra-red detects any moving, warm object) we could not distinguish between human and wildlife use. The general trends depicted from trail counters include: Relatively low to medium levels of activity on all trails, with higher levels closer to centers of human residential development (Silver Tip Golf Course, Eagle Terrace and Cougar Creek). Decrease in activity at trail counters 14 and 16, located on Lady Mac Traverse which was closed July 2005, Consistent levels of activity on all designated trails over seven year time period, but consistently higher relative to other trails near Silver Tip (trail counter 49) and on Grotto Trails (trail counters 5 and 8). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 33

40 Figure 36: Average annual daily traffic (AADT) for designated trails west of Cougar Creek in the Benchlands corridor. Figure 37: Average annual daily traffic (AADT) for designated trails east of Cougar Creek in the Benchlands corridor. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 34

41 Human activity decreased on all but 3 trail counters over time, however, only three trail counters 14, 16 and 7 showed a statistically significant decrease in activity over the seven year study period (Figures 38-40). Trail counters 49 and 41 showed an increasing trend over the study duration. For further linear regression figures, see Appendix 3. Figure 38 Trail Counter 14 on Lady Mac traverse, closed July 2005 (season 4), showing a statistically significant (P=0.008) decreasing trend in activity over the seven year time period. Figure 39 Trail Counter 16 on Lady Mac Traverse, closed July 2005 (season 4) showing a statistically significant (P=0.009) decreasing trend in activity over the seven year time period. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 35

42 Figure 40 Trail Counter 7 on Horse Trail shows a statistically significant (P=0.013) decreasing in activity over the seven year period. Effectiveness of trail closures To examine the effectiveness of the Ministerial order to close designated trails in the upper Bench in July 2005 we compared the AADT trails closed with nearby trails that remained open to human activity. Our first comparison (Figure 41) was between trail counter #49, located on the Montane Traverse Trail immediately to the north of the Silvertip development and on the edge of the Upper Benchlands corridor; the trail was newly opened in 2005) with trail counter #14, located on Lady Mac Traverse Trail less than 500m to the east of #49 and was closed in July See Figure 21 for spatial location of these trail counters. Before the trail closure came into effect, trail #49 saw moderate levels of activity with AADT counts between 4 and 9; the AADT count, however dropped dramatically to approximately 1 upon closure and has remained at this low level in the intervening years. In addition, the decrease was statistically significant (Figure 38). Trail #49, however shows a similar level of moderate AADT of between 4 and 6 that stays reasonably consistent during the closure with use increasing marginally (not statistically significant increase see Appendix 3) in the last 3 years. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 36

43 Figure 41. Comparison of average annual daily traffic (AADT) for trail #14 that was closed to human activity beginning in July 2005, and trail #49 that remained open during this period. Our second comparison was for trails #12, located on the Montane Traverse a designated trail, approximately 1 km to the west of Silvertip Resort and #16, located on Lady Mac Traverse, a trail closed in July 2005, located immediately north of Silvertip resort. Prior to closure trail #12 showed a very low AADT count of less than 1; trail #16, however showed a low-moderate AADT count varying from 2 to 5 (figure 42). Post closure, the AADT count on trail #16 dropped to less than 1 and has remained low and is continuing decreased usage. Trail 16 showed a statistically significant decrease in activity (Figure 39). Trail #12, which remained open showed consistently low AADT counts (see Appendix 3). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 37

44 Figure 42. Comparison of average annual daily traffic (AADT) for trail #16 that was closed to human activity beginning in July 2005, and trail #12 that remained open during this period. WILDLIFE MOVEMENT THROUGH THE CANMORE-BENCHLANDS CORRIDOR Our objective was to determine whether there was a relationship between changes in wildlife distribution and movement and the human development footprint in the Benchlands corridor during the study period. Unfortunately, we were limited in our ability to address this question by the lack of pre-development information on wildlife distribution and movement. Over the past 15 years major changes in the human development footprint in the study area have occurred primarily as a result of the development of the Silvertip resort. According to information provided by the Town of Canmore the Silvertip began construction in 1994 and was largely built-out by To help us assess broader scale changes in movement, we looked at snow tracking data pre and post To access wildlife movement through the Canmore Benchlands, we visually displayed average annual snow tracking density for wolf (Figure 43) and cougar (Figure 44) pre 2005 (Silvertip construction ends and trail closures on Upper Bench instigated) and post The patterns from the snow tracking density assessment indicate the following patterns: Wolf and cougar are both using the Canmore Benchlands, but mainly the upper corridor; there was no recent movement (post 2005) of wolves and limited movement of cougars in the lower corridor between Harvie Heights and Silvertip Golf Course. Most wolf activity occurs in the winter season, in accordance with the wolf transect data. There is reduced movement documented using snow tracking post 2005 for both species. There is considerable variability in snow track density between years for both species. Post 2005, wolf movement is more limited to northwest corner of the study area, close to Banff National Park and to the eastern portion of the study area to the far east of cougar creek with a small activity center to the west of cougar creek, in accordance with wolf transect data. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 38

45 Wolf tend to avoid areas of development, including the Silver Tip Golf Course, despite the clustered distribution of prey species occurrence in the area. Wolf movement is more common to the west of Cougar Creek. Figure 43: Wolf average annual density of snow tracks pre and post Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 39

46 Figure 44: Cougar average annual density of snow tracks pre and post Cougar Creek Snow tracking data (Figures 43 and 44) indicate that wolf and cougar have not been documented moving across Cougar Creek since post Wolves were last recorded crossing Cougar Creek in the winter season. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 40

47 DISCUSSION Our primary objective was to determine the key spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife distribution within the Benchlands area of Canmore and to describe the relationship between spatial and temporal patterns and the change in human development footprint and human use of the Benchlands area. It should be noted that the approaches used in this report used transect monitoring data to determine general patterns of wildlife distribution; as such, the study is useful in identifying specific geographic areas with varying levels of use by wildlife and how these change over time. However, this approach does not examine the use of areas relative to their abundance, and so we make no attempt to determine the selection or avoidance of areas by wildlife species. Transect monitoring occurred between the 1999/2000 and 2008/2009 winter seasons. Here we report on ten years of monitoring data. It is clear from the wildlife distribution results that the Benchlands corridor is used extensively and frequently by ungulate species in particular. Carnivore distribution in the corridor is less frequent, in many instances detection rates were too low to assess the trend over time. The data indicates that the upper Benchlands corridor is frequented by carnivore and ungulate species alike. However, the lower Benchlands appears to be used much less frequently by carnivore species, especially in recent years by wolf. In contrast however, the lower Benchlands have very high activity levels for coyotes. In addition, elk and deer show high activity areas in the lower Benchlands corridor, with highest activity centers in and around the Silver Tip Golf Course. This is further supported by the analysis of activity indices in relation to zoning within the Canmore Benchlands. Wolf and lynx activity over the last ten years is focused on the habitat patch in-between Harvey Heights and Silver Tip Golf Course and higher elevations lands occurring in protected areas. In addition, there is minimal activity along the lower wildlife corridor to the south of Silvertip. Ungulate species, in particular deer and elk occur in habitat patches and corridors but also occur within the development zone most notably on the Silver Tip Golf Course. An examination of the spatial patterns of wildlife distribution indicate most wildlife species show a fairly consistent pattern of distribution over the course of the study period. Deer and elk show strong and consistent patterns of activity in and around the Silvertip resort. Carnivore species, including wolves, cougars, lynx, marten do not use the Silvertip area, but instead center their activity along the upper corridor and in the habitat patch between Harvie Heights and Silver Tip and appear to circumnavigate areas of high human activity or development. Based on visual examinations of wildlife distribution patterns and their temporal patterns, there does not appear to have been a strong effect of development activities during the construction phases of the Silvertip resort on any of the species studied. Indeed, ungulate activity is highest in and around the Golf Course and this is potentially due to the higher plant productivity and choice of grass species used in and around the Golf Course. The results support earlier work by Callaghan and Jevons (2004) who report finding a separation of predators and prey species in the Canmore Benchlands. The implications of Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 41

48 ungulates using the Golf Course and other areas of higher human activity are not assessed in this report, but habituated wildlife tends to result in human wildlife conflicts. Transect monitoring data show only a few species exhibiting statistically significant changes in wildlife use over the period of study. Despite few trends in overall use, two trends stands out: deer demonstrate a statistically significant increase in activity on all transects except to the far east (transect 1) and to far west (transect 10) and human activity shows a statistically significant increase in activity at Silver Tip (transects 4-5) and in and around Harvie Heights (transect 9). In contrast, elk activity decreased significantly on the western edge of the Benchlands (transects 7, 9 and 10). There were no detectable trends for carnivore species (lynx, wolf and cougar), likely due to low detection rate, with the exception of cougar increasing significantly on transect 5. Coyote remained stable over the 10 years with the exception of a statistically significant increase on transect 5. Over the ten year sample period, transects 5 stands out, with increasing trends for deer, coyote, cougar and human activity, but with no change in activity for elk. Bighorn sheep and wolf show limited activity on transect 5. We were somewhat limited in our ability to address the direct or indirect effects of human development and human activity on wildlife distribution for several reasons. Firstly, the transect monitoring, which constituted the bulk of data collection, began only after the major development phase in the Benchlands area; development of Silvertip resort began in the mid-late 1990s and development activities occurred until Transect monitoring began only in 1999 and thus we were limited in using transect data to a comparison of wildlife distribution both during and after development. Since the general patterns of wildlife distribution show surprisingly little variation among years, with the exception of significant increases in deer, we conclude that wildlife distribution has neither been enhanced nor diminished. This conclusion is limited, however, since data prior to the mid-nineties development peak would be beneficial to specifically address the question of whether human development in the corridor has an effect on wildlife distribution. We do note that there is a general decreasing trend in wolf and cougar use in the backtracking data over time. In addition the wolf transect data per season indicates minimal use of the Benchlands area post with the exception of activity centers to the far west (transects 9-10) and to the far east (Transect 1). This suggests that wolf distribution is changing in the Benchlands area, but on the strength of information presented here it is not clear that development or human activity is influencing this response. It is conceivable that there may be long lag effects in the response of wildlife to development. Areas of high human activity occur within development areas and immediately adjacent to development as demonstrated by the human activity index created from transect data. Trail counters placed along designated trails support this notion, with low to moderate activity levels occurring through out the Benchlands, but with higher levels on trails adjacent to human development, such as Silver Tip. In addition, trails to the east and west of cougar creek show higher levels of use relative to other trails. However, activity level on trails has remained relatively consistent over the last seven winter seasons, with the exception of Lady Mac Trail, closed in July 2005, which showed a statistically significant decreasing trend. The trail closures were effective in reducing activity levels, but the impact of this on wildlife is difficult to discern. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 42

49 Cougar Creek was identified as a possible fracture zone for east west movement through the Benchlands corridor. The topography, steep cliffs and development at the lower elevations reduces opportunities for wildlife movement across this valley. Although we can not directly assess the permeability of Cougar Creek to wildlife species, trends in the transect data support the notion that movement for all species is reduced through this area, as activity is ranked as low between transect 3 and 4 for elk, coyote, lynx, bighorn sheep, cougar and wolf. In addition, backtracking data over time shows limited movement across the creek for wolf. The last successful documented backtracking of wolf across the creek was in season, but more recent snow tracking paths indicate movement up to the creek on west and east side but not crossing in some cases turning away. Although lower elevations of Cougar Creek have been developed and human activity is highest in this region relative to the rest of the Benchlands there are other factors that may limit movement across the creek, such as topography and limited hiding cover. Understanding the importance of this movement corridor to east west connectivity on the landscape is important for understanding the role of the Benchlands to broader landscape connectivity. In addition, wildlife GPS data may help understand and verify if, when and where movement is occurring across Cougar Creek. It is possible as suggested by earlier research that wolves and cougars are still using the area effectively by moving during periods of low human use (dawn, dusk and night). Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 43

50 RECOMMENDATIONS To fully understand the impact of human activity on wildlife movement through the region, results should be compared with data from the surrounding landscape. The addition of trail counters on both designated and non designated trails would further the understanding of the changes in human activity levels across the system. Currently trail counters are limited to the east with no trail counters near Harvey Heights or in the lower corridor where there are numerous non-designated trails. Adding trail counters adjacent to Cougar Creek would enable a better understanding of human activity and peak periods of use that may reduce opportunities for wildlife movement. More information is needed on the types of human activity and use in the region. A camera on the closed trails to determine the ratio of wildlife to humans. Cougar Creek appears to represent a zone of reduced east west movement due possible to a variety of factors; topography, human activity, human development. A research study focused on understanding wildlife movement through this region could assist management in maintaining or restoring options for movement. Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 44

51 REFERENCES Callaghan, C. and S. Jevons Use of Canmore Benchlands Wildlife Movement Corridor by carnivores and Ungulates Prepared for: Alberta Community Development, Parks and Protected Areas, Canmore and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Canmore. Hayes, J.P. and R.J. Steidl Statistical power analysis and amphibian population trends. Conservation Biology 11(1): Nickerson, D. M. and A. Brunelle Power analysis for detecting trends in presence of concomitant variables. Ecology 79(4) 1442:

52 APPENDIX 1: HUMAN, CARNIVORE AND UNGULATE LINEAR REGRESSIONS NON- SIGNIFICANT Human Activity Transect 2: P= Transect 3: P= Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 46

53 Transect 6: P = Transect 7: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 47

54 Transect 8: P= Transect 10: P= Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 48

55 Carnivores WOLF Transects 1-3 did not have sufficient wolf observations to include in this analysis. No statistically significant trends can be reported over the 10 year period for wolf from the transect data. Transect 4: P= Transect 5: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 49

56 Transect 6: P = Transect 7: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 50

57 Transect 8: P = Transect 9: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 51

58 Transect 10: P = COUGAR Transect 1: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 52

59 Transect 2: P = Transect 3: P= Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 53

60 Transect 4: P = Transect 6: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 54

61 Transect 7: P = Transect 8: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 55

62 Transect 9: P = Transect 10: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 56

63 COYOTE Transect 1: P=0.458 Transect 2: P=0.777 Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 57

64 Transect 3: P=0.196 Transect 4: P=0.564 Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 58

65 Transect 6: P=0.492 Transect 7: P=0.825 Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 59

66 Transect 8: P=0.890 Transect 9: P=0.527 Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 60

67 Transect 10: Ungulate DEER Transect 1: P= Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 61

68 Transect: P= ELK Transect 1: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 62

69 Transect 2: P= Transect 3: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 63

70 Transect 4: P = Transect 5: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 64

71 Transect 6: P= Transect 8: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 65

72 Transect 10: P = statistically significant decrease over 10 year period. BIGHORN SHEEP Transect 2: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 66

73 Transect 4: P = Transect 10: P = Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 67

74 APPENDIX 2: STANDARDIZED WILDLIFE ACTIVITY MAPS FOR EACH WINTER SEASON. Human Activity Index per Winter Season 68

75 Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 69

76 Wolf Activity Index per Winter Season Spatio-temporal patterns of wildlife distribution and movement in the Canmore-Benchlands 70