About
Funded by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) through the support of 12 forestry companies in Alberta, the ARCKP has over $1 million per year for five years (2020-2025) to address region-specific knowledge gaps in woodland caribou ecology. The ARCKP is governed by a steering committee of government and industry representatives who oversee the allocation of ARCKP funds and guide the operation of the partnership. We work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and draw on the expert knowledge of our technical subcommittee to annually identify priority topics and projects for the ARCKP to fund. Members of the research and consulting communities are then invited to submit Expressions of Interest for projects that are delivered in close collaboration with the partnership.
Goals
- Create a forum for discussion and identification of woodland caribou issues and solutions among stakeholders, industry, government and academia.
- Provide industry stakeholders with science-based recommendations that can be tailored to landscape management practices specific to their region, helping them more effectively balance timber harvesting with caribou management.
- Collaboratively identify priority areas and fund research opportunities that address knowledge gaps, with the aim of advancing Alberta’s operational forestry practices and woodland caribou management.
- Leverage the existing scientific knowledge and expertise of the fRI Research Caribou Program and other regional experts to help inform knowledge gaps and priority research areas.
- Promote the implementation of science-based caribou habitat management solutions through diverse knowledge exchange and communication strategies.
- Leverage the support and expertise of partner organizations, such as fRI Research, the Government of Alberta and the National Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium for stronger research outcomes and increased opportunities for knowledge exchange.
Woodland caribou are a cultural and ecological icon of Alberta’s forests. However, they are also a threatened species and represent a significant conservation challenge. In response to this challenge, and to the additional challenge of managing woodland caribou across different ecological ecosystems, the Government of Alberta and the province’s forest sector formed the Alberta Regional Caribou Knowledge Partnership (ARCKP) in 2018-2019. Together, we are committed to finding on-the-ground solutions that balance forestry activities with woodland caribou conservation.
The partnership is a forum between government and industry to discuss research outcomes, alternative practices and various implementation options. To further our commitment to knowledge sharing and getting important information into the hands of our practitioners, the ARCKP also funds a regular knowledge exchange program. This consists of high-quality, accessible science publications, infographics, learning seminars, workshops and more.
An Independent Association
The ARCKP became an association of fRI Research in 2020. By leveraging fRI Research’s efficient administration and exceptional research experience, the ARCKP is well-positioned to help Alberta’s forest sector find regional solutions that contribute to woodland caribou conservation.