Collaborative and adaptive resource management planning for endangered species recovery: Evaluation of sage grouse recovery planning in Alberta

The Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA) (2003) calls for consultation and/or collaboration with stakeholders during the endangered species recovery planning process. However, there is no indication in the act or supporting documents that recommends how collaboration be achieved. Collaborative resource management (CRM) combined with adaptive resource management (ARM) offers a process for resource planning incorporating value-based decisions guided by science. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division applied the principles of CRM and ARM in a planning process for Sage Grouse (Centrocersus urophasianus ). Much of sage grouse habitat in Alberta occurs on land leased for ranching and energy development. Past recovery efforts have been hampered by inadequate involvement of stakeholders in planning. I helped to implement an inclusive planning process in which government managers, the petroleum industry, environmental interests and the ranching community were engaged as a Recovery Action Team. This process was evaluated for its effectiveness in terms of whether legislative requirements were met, whether implementation proceeded as planned, participant satisfaction and the quality of the recovery plan. I found that the process was able to meet legislative requirements for planning, but a gap in SARA means implementation of recovery actions is not mandatory. Also provincial policies hinder interagency collaboration. Implementation of the process proceeded as planned and participants were largely satisfied with the outcomes. The recovery plan was high quality because it incorporated accountability principles, but was weak with respect to setting thresholds for energy activity. Recommendations for improvement and incorporating collaboration in future planning processes are provided.;Key words. sage grouse, collaboration, adaptive management, resource planning, stakeholders, species at risk, public involvement, stakeholder, recovery planning.