Ferruginous Hawk Recovery Plan - Alberta

Official title: Ferruginous hawk draft recovery plan engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta developed an updated recovery plan for the ferruginous hawk, a species at risk. The plan focuses on protecting nest sites, maintaining grasslands, and reducing human-caused deaths. A public survey gathered feedback in early 2019, and the consultation is now complete.

Why This Matters

Live in southern Alberta's grasslands? This hawk is part of your local ecosystem. Ranchers and farmers play a key role in the recovery—the plan asks them to maintain pastures and avoid disturbing nests. If you care about prairie wildlife, this affects your backyard.

What Could Change

The updated recovery plan will guide conservation efforts through government and non-government partners. New rules may limit disturbance near nest sites during breeding season. Landowners could be encouraged to maintain grasslands and install nest structures.

Key Issues

  • How to reduce human disturbance at ferruginous hawk nest sites?
  • How to maintain grasslands and pasture lands on public and private land?
  • How to reduce human-caused mortality of ferruginous hawks?
  • How to ensure adequate nest structures in suitable habitat?

What Happened

A public survey gathered feedback on the threats, recovery goal and strategies proposed by the Alberta Ferruginous Hawk Recovery Team. The survey ran from January 11 to February 28, 2019. A summary of public response has been published.