Implementation report: Multi-species action plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada (2017 to 2022)

Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)^{Footnote 2}  agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), one or more action plan(s) provides the detailed recovery planning that supports the strategic direction set out in the recovery strategy for SARA-listed Extirpated, Endangered and Threatened species. Parks Canada multi-species action plans address a suite of species of conservation concern within one or more Parks Canada managed areas, including species that require an action plan under SARA.

The Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency (the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change) is the competent minister under SARA for species found in Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada, and in 2017 published the Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada.

Under section 55 of SARA, the competent minister must monitor the implementation of an action plan and the progress towards meeting its objectives, and assess and report on its implementation and its ecological and socio-economic impacts five years after the action plan comes into effect. A copy of the report must be included in the Species at Risk Public Registry. The Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency has prepared this Implementation Report: Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada (2017-2022).

The achievement of population and distribution objectives identified within the recovery strategy or management plan for a species may require a long time frame. In these cases, a five-year reporting window may not be sufficient to show demonstrable progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives identified for that species within a Parks Canada site-based action plan. Parks Canada monitors, evaluates and, as necessary, adapts measures taken to achieve species survival or recovery, and will report regularly on progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives.

Acknowledgments

Parks Canada would like to acknowledge those who have contributed to implementation of the Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada.

We respectfully acknowledge that Waterton Lakes National Park and the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site are in the traditional territories of the Siksikaitsitapi, (Kainai, Piikani, Siksika and Amskapipikani). Waterton Lakes National Park and the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site fall within Treaty 7 territory which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the T'suutina Nation, the Stoney Nakoda Nation and the Metis Nation Region 3 Association's homeland.

The lands and waters of Waterton Lakes and the Bar U have been used for millennia by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade and travel. We thank them for their continuous stewardship.

A number of key partners have contributed to implementation of the multi-species action plan and our improved understanding of these Species at Risk. Thanks are extended to: Alberta Community Bat Program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Native Bee Council, Bayne Lab (University of Alberta), BC Forest Service, Blackfoot Confederacy, Blackfoot Confederacy Native Trout Project, Blackfoot Community Members, Blood Tribe Lands Department, Crown Managers Partnership, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association (KEPA), Kainai Nation, Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit (Parks Canada Agency), Lee-Yaw Lab (University of Lethbridge), Piikani Lands Department, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, University of Montana, Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association, Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Dr. Ken Richards, Megan Evans, Erin Low, Elly Knight and many volunteers.

Finally, we acknowledge all those who share in caring for our ecosystem, from the landowners who steward habitat, to the drivers who slow down to allow wildlife to safely cross roads. If we are to succeed in maintaining biodiversity and forever see these sites as places of refuge, resilience and renewal, we must work together as co-stewards of the land.

Executive summary

This document reports on implementation of the Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada between 2017 and 2022. It reports on implementation of measures identified in the plan, assesses progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives, and evaluates socio-economic impacts.

Species addressed^{Footnote 3} 

The action plan addressed 11 SARA-listed species and four species of conservation concern. Measures and site-based population and distribution objectives identified within the action plan were focused on 15 species, for which management actions within Waterton Lakes National Park and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site could have a substantive impact on species survival or recovery: Bolander's Quillwort, Limber Pine, Whitebark Pine, Half-moon Hairstreak, Western Bumble Bee, Long-toed Salamander, Northern Leopard Frog, Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Common Nighthawk, Lewis's Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Little Brown Myotis, Grizzly Bear, Plains Bison.

Implementation of the action plan

31 measures (recovery actions) were identified in the multi-species action plan. Implementation of the action plan is assessed by determining progress towards completing each measure and is detailed in Section 2 of this report. During the five-year period, all 31 measures were initiated^{Footnote 5}  and 23 were completed. An additional 7 measures identified in the action plan were implemented because resources and/or partnerships became available to support the work.

Ecological impacts

15 site-based, population and distribution objectives (PDOs) were developed in the action plan. Ecological impacts are assessed by measuring progress towards achieving each of the site-based population and distribution objectives and are outlined in section 4. Progress was made on all objectives^{Footnote 6}  including 10 that were fully achieved.

Socio-economic impacts

Direct costs for implementing this action plan were borne by Parks Canada. Indirect costs were minor and limited to temporary visitor restrictions. There were benefits to park ecological integrity, greater awareness of species and enhanced opportunities for participation and engagement of visitors, local communities and Indigenous partners.

1. Context

This document reports on implementation of the Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada^{Footnote 7}  between 2017 and 2022, assesses progress towards meeting its population and distribution objectives, and evaluates its socio-economic impacts. It addresses 15 species, including 9 SARA-listed Endangered, Threatened species (for which an action plan is required) as well as 2 SARA-listed Special Concern species^{Footnote 8}  and 4 species of conservation concern.

Site-based population and distribution objectives were developed for 15 species for which implementation measures within Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP) or Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (BURNHS) could have a substantive impact on recovery: Bolander's Quillwort, Limber Pine, Whitebark Pine, Half-moon Hairstreak, Western Bumble Bee, Long-toed Salamander, Northern Leopard Frog, Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Common Nighthawk, Lewis's Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Little Brown Myotis, Grizzly Bear, Plains Bison.

2. Implementation of the action plan

Implementation of the Multi-Species Action Plan for Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site of Canada is assessed by measuring progress towards completing the recovery measures identified in the action plan (Table 1). Refer to the original action plan for a description of each measure, the desired outcomes, and the threats that each measure addresses. A more detailed description of the implementation of some of the measures is outlined in Appendix A.

In 2017, the Kenow wildfire burned approximately 50% of the vegetated area within WLNP; 44% of the park's vegetated area burned with high or extreme severity, removing all or most organic matter including soil. This wildfire provided both challenges and opportunity in the implementation of recovery measures and is important context for the progress made on recovery measures.

Additional measures were identified in the action plan that would be beneficial to complete should resources become available. Table 2 describes the actions that Waterton Lakes National Park and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site were able to initiate between 2017 and 2022. Measures from the action plan that were not initiated will be carried forward for consideration in an amended action plan.

3. Action plan highlight

Waterton Lakes National Park's Knowledge Weaver

Parks Canada is making concerted efforts to build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities within whose territories it operates. Paahtómahksikimi, the Blackfoot name to describe the area of Waterton Lakes National Park, is within the territory of the Siksikaitsitapi or Blackfoot People. In April 2021, through the Nature Legacy Program, Waterton Lakes National Park introduced a new and innovative position titled Knowledge Weaver. The purpose of this position is to create respectful, meaningful, and reciprocal connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways of knowing, understanding, and interacting with the land in the Paahtómahksikimi region.

Carleigh Grier-Stewart, whose Blackfoot name is Natoyanshkiaakii (Holy Singing Woman), is from Piikani Nation within the Blackfoot Confederacy, and has held this position since its inception. She has undertaken various projects and activities within and beyond the park's boundaries. These include accompanying field crews to learn about Parks Canada's western science-focused work with species at risk such as Limber Pine, Bull Trout and Northern Leopard Frog, and supporting Blackfoot nations with species at risk projects. For example, Carleigh has supported Piikani Nation's collaborative project focused on building capacity for species at risk conservation efforts and facilitating Piikani youth engagement. Through this project, approximately 150 youth from Carleigh's community have spent time on the land in 2021 and 2022, learning and engaging in caring for species at risk and the lands that support them.

In addition to its positive impacts beyond park boundaries, Carleigh's work is helping Waterton Lakes National Park build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners while caring for species at risk.

4. Ecological impacts

Ecological impacts of the action plan are assessed by measuring progress towards meeting the site-based population and distribution objectives described in the action plan (Table 3). See the original action plan for national Population and Distribution Objectives (where available) and General Information and Broad Park Approach for each species. A more detailed description of progress made towards the site-based population and distribution objectives for some of these species is outlined in Appendix B.

5. Socio-economic impacts

The Species at Risk Act requires the responsible federal minister to report on the socio-economic costs of the multi-species action plan (MSAP) and the benefits derived from its implementation. The MSAP only applies to protected lands and waters under the authority of the Parks Canada Agency, which are often subject to fewer threats (e.g., industrial activities) compared to other areas as the lands are managed to preserve ecological and commemorative integrity. This section does not include socio-economic impacts of existing permitted activities that may be occurring in Parks Canada places as those have been addressed through other processes (e.g.: impact assessments). This socio-economic assessment is narrow in scope, as it is focused on the measures implemented within the action plan, and primarily focuses on Indigenous partners, leaseholders, licensees, residents and visitors. The overall socio-economic impacts of the multi-species action plan for Waterton Lakes National Park and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, described as costs and benefits, are outlined below.

Costs

The majority of costs to implement this action plan were borne by Parks Canada. Action plan measures were integrated into the operational management of Waterton Lakes National Park. These costs were covered by prioritization of existing funds and salary dollars and did not result in additional costs to society. However, many partners also contributed resources and collaborated on these measures.

The multi-species action plan did not bring any restrictions to land use outside the national park or historic site. As such, this action plan placed no extraneous socio-economic costs on the public. However, some minor restrictions were placed on visitor activities on park lands and waters to protect and recover species at risk. Examples include temporary area closures to protect sensitive species such as Grizzly Bear or to ensure public safety during active management operations such as prescribed fires. To reduce risks to aquatic systems, including species at risk, watercraft were subject to aquatic invasive species inspections and permitting, whereas fishing regulations and licensing were maintained.

Benefits

Measures presented in the action plan contributed to meeting recovery strategy objectives for Threatened and Endangered species, and to management objectives for species of conservation concern.

The measures sought a balanced approach to reduce or eliminate threats to populations and habitats. Measures included use of active management for habitat such as prescribed fires or invasive species prevention and control. Other measures included direct protection of individuals and their habitat such as establishing best practices to limit the spread of White-nose Syndrome in bat populations. Actions supported conservation and recovery programs through developing and contributing to multiple partnerships, increasing public awareness and stewardship through signage, visitor programs, and highlights in communication media. In addition, many partnerships and collaborations were developed with academic researchers as part of the post-Kenow wildfire research and monitoring program, leveraging a better understanding of fire effects on species at risk in support of management towards conservation and recovery.

Benefits in this period include highlights such as the return of the regionally extirpated Northern Leopard Frog to Waterton Lakes National Park through reintroduction efforts. Working with partners and many volunteers, staff enhanced 89 ha of Whitebark Pine habitat and 46 ha of Limber Pine habitat in planting putatively resistant seedlings. Improvements to the quality of species at risk habitat was achieved by applying prescribed fires over 1171 ha in Waterton Lakes National Park, in addition to the continued implementation of an invasive plant inventory and control program that incorporates best management practices for species at risk. Overall, the actions taken to

implement the multi-species action plan have an overall positive impact on ecological integrity and enhanced opportunities for appreciation by visitors and the public. Furthermore, implementing these measures resulted in benefits to Canadians, such as positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity.

Potential economic benefits of species at risk recovery at these sites cannot be easily quantified, as many of the values derived from ecology are non-market commodities that are difficult to appraise in financial terms. Flora and fauna, in all their forms, have value in and of themselves, and are valued by Canadians for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, educational, historical, economic, medical, ecological and scientific reasons. The conservation of flora and fauna at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada's commitment to conserving biological diversity, and is important to Canada's current and future economic and natural wealth. Maintaining healthy ecosystems is important to visitor experience and the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of its unique assemblage and high diversity of flora and fauna concentrated in a small area.

Implementing this action plan had positive benefits for park visitors and local residents. Through interpretive programming, over 26,500 park visitors learned about species at risk, gaining a greater appreciation for management of their conservation and recovery. Further communications were targeted through volunteer events, signage, social media releases, web pages, and media articles to support dissemination of knowledge, enhanced understanding, and promoting compliance with Species at Risk Act requirements. As part of volunteer programs, 44 people participated directly in Whitebark Pine restoration by planting seedlings, and 795 users were engaged through the iNaturalist project.

Summary

The recovery measures in the action plan had limited socio-economic impact and placed no restrictions on land outside the boundaries of the national park. The majority of direct costs were borne by Parks Canada, along with some contributions from partners and collaborators. Indirect costs were minor and limited to temporary visitor restrictions. Benefits included positive impacts on park ecological integrity, greater awareness of species and enhanced opportunities for participation and engagement of visitors, local communities and Indigenous groups.

Appendix A: Technical compendium – Recovery measures

Recovery measure #4 and #28 – Implement prescribed fire plans

Parks Canada carried out four prescribed fires from 2017 to 2022, following up on past prescribed fires in the grassland and montane areas of Waterton Lakes National Park. These prescribed fires took place between early March and mid-May and met the objective of returning regular burning intervals to the landscape. While planning prescribed fires, Parks Canada staff considered species-specific needs and sensitivities and focussed on maintaining open grassland and reducing shrub and tree encroachment.

In early 2017, a prescribed fire burned an area of 8.6 hectares in the Compound Meadows Sub-Unit, followed shortly after by the Eskerine Unit achieving an additional 778 hectares of burned area. On September 11, 2017, the Kenow wildfire subsequently affected 19,303 hectares of grassland, montane, and subalpine habitats within Waterton Lakes National Park (Figure 1); triggering a re-assessment and adaptation of the prescribed fire program and some of Waterton Lakes National Park's Multi-Species Action Plan commitments. Prescribed fires were once again implemented in 2021, with an area burned of 10 ha in the Maskinonge Unit (Figure 2), and in 2022, with an area burned of 650 ha in the Y-Camp Unit (Figure 3).

While the area burned targets for this measure were fully achieved through wildfire and implementation of prescribed fire plans, it should be noted that the Kenow wildfire had vastly different impacts compared to the planned prescribed fires, which typically burn cooler and do not consume high volumes of organic matter. The Kenow wildfire was an extreme event driven by extreme conditions, burning approximately 50% of the vegetated area within Waterton Lakes National Park; 44% of the park's vegetated area burned with high or extreme severity. High and extreme severity results in removal of most or all organic matter, including soil. Much of the park's infrastructure was impacted and has since been rebuilt.

Since 2017, the post-Kenow wildfire research and monitoring program has examined the ecological impacts of this extreme fire and the renewal taking place since. Through collaborations with academic researchers this work has examined a suite of ecological focal areas such as vegetation, fungi, forest hydrology, amphibians, invasive plants, carbon exchange, bats, aerial insectivores, and bees. The program is informing park management and future monitoring and research, including species at risk conservation and recovery efforts. It also serves to inform managers of other national parks and beyond of the impacts of extreme wildfire and ecological responses in a changing climate.

Recovery measure #15 and #16 – Indigenous community collaboration in species at risk education and recovery

Waterton Lakes National Park collaborates with Indigenous communities on many species at risk related initiatives, through sharing messaging with the public and implementing impactful recovery projects. For example, from 2015-2019, there was very high attendance for the Blackfoot-led interpretive program called Blackfoot Crafts and Stories. This program included messaging on Plains Bison and other species of Blackfoot cultural significance. Further to this, Blackfoot community members co-developed engaging display content for the new visitor centre that opened in 2022, including messaging related to species at risk. Other collaborations include engaging Blackfoot community members in the return and management of the Waterton Lakes' Plains Bison herd since 2021 (Figure 4). Parks Canada has also been a significant supporter of the Kainai Iinnii Rematriation (the Blood Tribe-led establishment of an ecocultural Plains Bison herd on the Blood Reserve) since 2019.

The Blood Tribe and the Waterton Lakes National Park fire program have begun to develop an important relationship regarding fire management. Recently, the two partners signed a letter of agreement to work cooperatively on fire management projects, including the support of Blood Tribe members to Parks Canada by participating in the May 2022 Y-camp prescribed fire in Waterton, followed by Parks Canada staff assisting a Blood Tribe-led burn on Iitaika'kiakio'pi (the Blood Timber Reserve) two weeks later. In aquatic-related projects, Blood Tribe Lands Management participated in monitoring the restored Northern Leopard Frog population in the Waterton drainage since 2019 and is collaborating with Parks Canada toward Northern Leopard Frog restoration in the Belly River drainage, including Iitaika'kiakio'pi (Figure 5). Parks Canada staff are further supporting Piikani Lands Department, Blood Tribe Lands Management, and Blackfoot Confederacy in planning and implementing their Summit to Sage Priority Place Initiative, Environment and Climate Change Canada funded projects focused on terrestrial species at risk and culturally significant species. This includes conducting amphibian eDNA surveys, Piikani and Kainai youth engagement in Waterton Lakes' conservation and restoration work, and community-based creation of an ecocultural restoration plan for Iitaika'kiakio'pi. Please note that, despite the original objectives within the Multi-Species Action Plan being fully achieved, these are ongoing measures and efforts that requires consistent, long-term effort.

Recovery measure #21 and #36 – Partnerships on Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout objectives

Parks Canada staff have pursued cooperative partnerships to support recovery planning and actions for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. These include gaining valuable skills and knowledge to apply during future Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout recovery efforts in the park. Waterton Lakes Field Unit staff have observed and participated in recovery projects in other jurisdictions. For example, joining Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay Field Unit on staff training and developing methods for chemical removal of non-native fish species from historic Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout habitat, and for Westslope Cutthroat Trout gamete collection methods from pure populations for reintroduction of the species to historically occupied waterbodies. Waterton Lakes staff have participated in efforts that Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has taken to establish a Westslope Cutthroat Trout restoration broodstock for populations within the Oldman River watershed.

Further to this, a three-year contribution agreement exists between Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and the University of Montana to support collaboration on future genetic testing and analysis for three native trout species (Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout, and Athabasca Rainbow Trout). Parks Canada has access to this agreement through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to ensure genetic results are consistent across the species range. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has also delineated critical habitat for Bull Trout within Waterton Lakes National Park and Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

Waterton Lakes National Park has been a key supporter of the Blackfoot Confederacy Native Trout Project since 2020and collaborative project work includes field support during annual Bull Trout redd surveys in North Fork Belly River since 2020, and ongoing logistic support for this Indigenous-led work. Recovery of native trout in the eastern slopes is a collaborative and ongoing effort.

Appendix B: Technical Compendium - Population and Distribution Objectives

Half-moon Hairstreak

Since 2019, staff from the Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo (hereafter called Wilder Institute) and Parks Canada have joined together to develop and implement conservation research and monitoring programs for the Half-moon Hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna) butterfly in Waterton Lakes National Park (Figure 7).

A. Conduct surveys for adult and larval Half-moon Hairstreak in known habitats within Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Wilder Institute designed a new monitoring program to detect larvae, pupae and adult hairstreaks on known habitat within the Blakiston Fan. Larval surveys run from early May until late June and switch to record the transition from larvae to pupae in late June and early July. Surveys continue into mid-August, with adults typically emerging in mid-July.

For the first time in Canada, this research recorded the larval and pupae stages of this butterfly and confirmed a symbiotic relationship with ant species. The vast majority of larvae were observed with the ant species Lasius americanus (Figure 8). However, other ant species observed protecting and grooming Half-moon Hairstreak larvae include Formica argentea, Formica neogagates, and Formica obscuripes. In addition, when Half-moon larvae were disturbed, they were observed going into the nest galleries of their host ants for protection.

B. Habitat assessment and restoration plan for the Blakiston Fan population in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Along each of the transects used for larval and adult surveys, researchers also recorded the occurrence of key plant species – the larval food plants Silky and Silvery Lupine (Lupinus sericeus and L. agenteus), adult food plants Yellow and Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum flavum and E. umbellatum), and the invasive Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) – a key threat to Half-moon Hairstreak critical habitat.

Using this information, researchers will be able to determine areas for priority habitat restoration which will include the control of Spotted Knapweed and revegetation of the native plant community.

C. Collection of the genetic samples of the Waterton Lakes population versus other populations in the United States and British Columbia as part of a feasibility study of wild-to-wild translocations.

The Wilder Institute and Parks Canada partnered with the Dr. Felix Stirling Lab at the University of Alberta, along with Dr. Zac MacDonald, and Dr. Julian Dupuis to plan and run full genome analysis for the Half-moon Hairstreak. Samples were collected from populations in Waterton Lakes National Park, British Columbia and Montana with plans for additional samples to be collected from additional populations in 2023. The full genome was run by Dovetail Genomics and the data are currently being analyzed by the University of Alberta Lab. Additionally, 16 DNA samples were sent for genetic analysis to the University of Calgary, to determine population genetics and differences between the Waterton Lakes National Park, British Columbia, and Montana populations. The results of these genetic studies will help determine feasibility of wild-to-wild translocations.

Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout

Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Alberta population) are one of the few species for which genetic purity is specified in the Recovery Strategy and is the determining factor in population classifications. Populations which have been tested and show greater than 99% alignment with genetic markers associated uniquely with Westslope Cutthroat Trout are considered genetically pure. Populations with genetic purity between 95 and 99% are considered near-pure, and populations with genetic purity of less than 95% are considered hybridized.

Genetic testing of Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations in Waterton Lakes National Park was first undertaken using microsatellite markers in 2010. A total of six populations were tested, resulting in identifying four hybridized populations and two near-pure populations. Since 2010, a new method of genetic testing using single nucleotide polymorphisms has replaced microsatellite testing as the acceptable standard for determining genetic purity. This method is more sensitive, accurate, and can differentiate between hybridization with Rainbow Trout and other non-native sub-species of cutthroat trout. As of July 2022, the new testing has been completed on one of the near-pure Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations in Waterton Lakes National Park and tissue samples have been collected to allow future testing of the other second near-pure population.

Additionally, restriction site-associated DNA (RAD capture or Rapture) technology has been effective in gathering other genetic information for use in restoration planning. Rapture analysis is able to determine the degree of inbreeding and genetic variation within isolated and bottlenecked populations, and provides insight into the relatedness between populations. Both of these recent advancements can provide significant direction to restoration plans, resulting in the reintroduction of the most genetically fit individuals to historically occupied waterbodies. Rapture analysis can be used to inform the source of donor populations for future reintroduction projects in the park.

As of July 2022, no acceptable test of genetic purity exists for the Alberta population of Bull Trout and the Recovery Strategy does not define how a 'pure Bull Trout population' would be determined. However, tissue samples have been collected and genetic purity can be assessed when testing becomes available.

Parks Canada has not investigated the genetic purity of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Pekisko Creek at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, although Alberta Environment and Protected Areas identifies this area as genetically hybridized based on tissue samples collected further upstream. The presence of Bull Trout in Pekisko Creek has not been investigated since 2017, when the Alberta Conservation Association identified migratory Bull Trout and breeding sites in the area just downstream of the national historic site.

Parks Canada staff are currently working towards the feasibility and planning of future recovery efforts in the park. Reintroduction events for both species are likely five to ten years away and depend on appropriate recipient habitat, cooperation with other organizations for access to donor populations, health of donor populations, results of disease testing, and funding availability.

Whitebark and Limber Pines

The following table supports the summary population and distribution progress statements in Table 3.

A monitoring program began in 2003 to measure the condition of Whitebark and Limber Pine in the Canadian Rocky and Columbia Mountains. Permanent plots extending from the Canada-United States border to the Willmore Wilderness area in the north have been re-measured every five years. Data collected include blister rust infection levels, tree mortality and natural regeneration. These data informs and provides direction for restoration action across national parks, provincial parks, and Alberta and British Columbia provincial lands. While these data are important, Whitebark Pine trees are very slow-growing, and it will take many decades for this type of population monitoring to respond to restoration action such as seed collecting, seedling planting (Figure 13), or prescribed fire.

Since the Multi-Species Action Plan was written, restoration experts have identified goals to measure progress towards population and distribution objectives for Whitebark and Limber Pine recovery^{Footnote 11} . The approach, which can be refined for a region, recommends a network of "component populations" that consist of more than 5,000 mature parent trees located within 12 km of another component population (within 30% of the species' regional range). Given existing seedling survival estimates (~50%), roughly 10,000 putatively resistant seedlings should be planted in each component population. This approach combines the best available datasets and science into a flexible, data-informed decision-making process that can be applied consistently across large geographic areas. Importantly, this approach allows Parks Canada to measure progress towards recovery. Moving forward, monitoring the condition of "component populations" may be identified as the approach to measure progress towards meeting population and distribution objectives.