MODULE #1 Baseline Documentation Report Training Module

GLOSSARYAffirmative obligations - A clause in the restrictions section of the conservationeasement that requires the landowner or the land trust to conduct management in acertain manner or to meet a certain goal.Baseline Documentation Report - The legal record of the site and condition of theresource; included in the easement or deed package. BDRs are also referred to asbaseline inventories or baselines.Conservation Easement - A legal agreement between a landowner and a qualifiedconservation organization or government agency that limits a property's uses inorder to protect the property's conservation values. It is a voluntary, writtenagreement that is registered on title to the land in Alberta in accordance with theAlberta Land Titles Act. It binds current and future owners of the land.Compliance - Being in accordance with the restrictions and property managementprinciples listed in the conservation easement agreement.Due diligence - The conduct that a land trust can reasonably be expected to exerciseto protect the public interest (i.e., the conservation value) of a property.Ecological Gifts Program - The Ecological Gifts Program is a federal income taxincentive program administered by Environment Canada that offers tax incentivesto private and corporate landowners. An Ecogift is a donation to a conservationcharity of land or an interest in land (such as a conservation agreement) that hasbeen certified as "ecologically sensitive" according to specific national andprovincial criteria.Fee Simple Interest - Ownership of all rights, title, and interest in a property.Grandfathered - An exception to a restriction that allows all those already doingsomething to continue doing it even if they would be stopped by the new restriction.Management plan - A fully researched, structured, and formally approved strategyincluding a set of actions for the long-term maintenance or enhancement ofconservation values on a property.Monitoring - The act of observing and keeping a record of the activities andconservation values associated with a conservation property.Property Management Principles - Sets of guidelines written into the conservationeasement agreement that direct property management on a conservation easementproperty (may also be called affirmative obligations).Real Property Report - A legal document that clearly illustrates the location ofsignificant visible improvements relative to property boundaries.Restrictions - Terms or conditions placed in the conservation easement agreementthat restrict certain uses of the property by current and future owners.2

BACKGROUNDThe purpose of a baseline survey or baseline documentation report (BDR) is todocument the conservation value of a property at the time of securement, detailcurrent land uses and existing developments, and threats and impacts toconservation values. It provides a common reference point for future inspections.This purpose is similar for conservation easement properties and for fee simpleconservation properties. However, the goals for completing baseline documentationreports differ between conservation easements and fee simple properties andtherefore, the content of the documents should also differ.The baseline documentation report for a conservation easement property serves asthe basis from which to monitor compliance and defend the conservation easement(CE) in a court of law. It also provides the basis to ensure a successful partnershipbetween the conservation easement holder (the land trust) and the conservationeasement grantor (the landowner).The baseline documentation report for a fee simple property serves as a basis forfuture management actions designed to protect and enhance natural features.4

WHEN SHOULD THE BDR BE COMPLETED?BDRS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTSBaseline reports associated with conservation easements should be completed priorto closing the agreement, but after the landowner and land trust have agreed on therestrictions and property management principles. The timing of the BDR in the caseof CEs is important for a number of reasons including:• The BDR documents the existing condition of the property at the time that allparties enter into the CE agreement. If the BDR is completed prior to signingthe agreement, both parties have a chance to review it and agree to thecontent as part of the commitment to the CE. Disagreements on the contentof a BDR that is completed after signing the CE agreement can lead tomistrust between parties to the agreement and may ultimately put theconservation of the property or the conservation easement agreement atrisk.• Violations of the CE that occur shortly after signing may be difficult to proveif the BDR is not completed before the violation occurs.It is sometimes difficult to complete a BDR before signing if funding deadlines andschedules dictate that the CE must be completed before the field season. In thiscase, it is common for land trusts to complete an interim report and finalize a BDRover the following year. The interim report should, at minimum, documentinformation relating specifically to the restrictions of the CE, including land uses anddevelopments.5

BDRS FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESThe timing of completing baseline documentation reports is less critical for feesimple properties than for CE properties. The BDR for fee simple properties is aninventory of the natural and cultural features of a property that form the basis andrationale for future management. Therefore, the BDR needs to be completed priorto a management plan. BDRs for fee simple properties should be completed prior to,or within one year after the property is secured. The rationale for this guideline isto minimize threats to the conservation values of the property. For example, if a feesimple property has exotic plants when secured, the invasions should bedocumented immediately so that rapidly expanding populations can be managedbefore they degrade the conservation value of the property.The timing of the BDR for fee simple properties is less critical for due diligence thanBDRs for CEs. If funding is limited, the baseline documentation can be done inphases, dealing with the most critical issues first and documenting resources thatrequire less urgent management when funds become available.If the property secured is part of more than one contiguous property to bepurchased over the space of a few years, it may make sense to postpone completingthe BDR until all properties can be surveyed together.6Baseline documentation may actually form part of the management plan report andin this case the land trust may not refer to the document as a ‘baselinedocumentation report’ . However, the information gathered would be the same as aBDR.

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THE BDR?BDRS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTSThe template or outline of desired content for a BDR should be set as a standardoperating procedure by a land trust. As such, this guiding information should bedetermined by the stewardship team. The stewardship team may include anycombination of stewardship staff, board members, senior staff, and/or legaladvisors.Baseline documentation reports are one of the most critical documents prepared inassociation with a CE. It is the key document used to defend the CE and, as such,must be able to withstand inspection in legal proceedings. In addition, it is the maindocument used to protect conservation values; it is the basis for monitoring and thebasis for recommending management actions to prevent degradation toconservation values; and it provides new staff, volunteers and landowners with thebackground information necessary to continue a successful conservationpartnership.Because of the critical nature of the BDR, land trusts can increase their due diligenceby having the document prepared by a qualified registered professional. Dependingon the type of conservation values and land uses of the CE property, land trustsshould consider obtaining the services of professionals registered to practice inAlberta such as a professional biologist (P. Biol.), a professional agrologist (P. Ag.) ora professional forester (RPF) to complete the baseline. Which type of profession toselect will depend on the type of landscape and the restrictions associated with theCE agreement.7Professional organizations are established to protect the public interest andconservation values are a public interest. Hiring qualified professionals, whetherthey are staff or contractors, to complete the BDRs increases a land trust’s duediligence by providing the following advantages:• Professional associations which are legislated to register natural resourceprofessionals in Alberta ensure that their registered members meet aminimum level of education and require members to undertake continuingeducation programs to maintain competence,• The land trust has some recourse through the professional organization ifserious errors are made in the baseline documentation that threaten thepublic interest,• The professional designation of the author lends credibility to the BDR if the

CE must be defended in court, and• Registered professionals are often considered to be credible witnesses inlegal proceedings because they are publicly recognized as having at least aminimum level of expertise.It is also good practice for the landowner to be involved in baseline documentation.At minimum, the land trust should work with the landowner to determine thecontent of the report and the landowner should be interviewed regarding currentand past land uses. The landowner should also be invited to provide additionalinformation that they feel is relevant, to participate in the gathering of baselineinformation and to review the draft BDR. Involving the landowner in the baselinedocumentation serves two purposes: it establishes a positive working relationshipbetween the land trust and the landowner at the onset of the CE and it helps educatethe landowner about the conservation value of the land and may contribute to thelandowner’s commitment to its protection.BDRS FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESSince baseline documentation for fee simple properties serve the primary purposeof describing the condition of conservation values with future management in mind,a variety of expertise is often required. Because the conservation values of feesimple properties are less likely to require defence in a court of law, it is less criticalto obtain the services of a registered professional to complete the BDR. However,land trusts conserve natural capital for the benefit of Albertans. The legislationenacted to support the registration of professionals exists to ensure a high quality ofservice from professionals registered to practice their profession in Alberta.Therefore, a team of experts led by a registered professional would be desirable toensure a publicly recognized, minimum level of expertise and the completion of thework to a professional standard. In Alberta, professional organizations exist forvirtually all natural resource management professions.8

WHAT ARE THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A BDR?The contents of BDRs will differ substantially between CE and fees simpleproperties, between fee simple properties managed for different resources orpurposes and between CE properties with different restrictions and different landuses. The following sections provide guidance for the content of BDRs for CEs andfor fee simple properties, but the potential for variation in content means that notall potential content can be addressed here.Some basic content will be common to BDRs for both CEs and fee simple properties.These basic topics include location and legal description of the property, adescription of natural features emphasizing the conservation values specific to thatproperty, documentation of current developments and current land uses, and adiscussion of potential threats to the property.BDRS FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENTSThe content of a BDR for conservation easement properties must be tailored to theCE agreement and the conservation values of the property. The content needs tomeet the following goals of the land trust:1. The BDR is the basic document used to defend the easement, therefore itmust address each restriction or affirmative obligation agreed to in the CE;2. The BDR provides the basis against which future monitoring is completed.To facilitate monitoring, the baseline needs to describe the conservationvalues, developments and threats associated with the property using detailedlocations, measurements and descriptions;3. The BDR is a snapshot of the conservation values and condition of theproperty at the time of entering into the CE agreement. Therefore, it providesan overview of the property that can be used to familiarize new staff, boardmembers and new landowners with the conservation values of the propertyand how the conservation agreement protects those values;4. The BDR may be used to design communication material about the property.In this case, it is important that the BDR document the significance of theproperty. Photographic images used in the BDR should not be edited for anypurpose.9In addition to the basic contents of a BDR as previously described, CEs shouldcontain the following information:• The purpose of the BDR;• A summary of the CE agreement including the intent of the agreement (what

conservation values are being protected); the easement restrictions; and theaffirmative obligations (or property management principles) identified in theeasement;• A detailed description of all developments (e.g., fences, buildings, corrals,roads and trails, cleared or cultivated land, etc.) on the property withparticular emphasis on those that are grandfathered into the CE. An exampleof a grandfathered development would be the residence of the landowner.Because the residence already exists at the time of entering into theconservation easement agreement, it is a development that can stay and bemaintained and replaced. However, additional residences would berestricted under the CE agreement. The descriptions of developments shouldinclude GPS locations, measurable descriptions (i.e., lengths, heights,distances, materials used etc.), photos and be shown on a map or air photo ofthe property;• An assessment of the condition of resources that are addressed byaffirmative obligations. The assessment should use methods that arestandard and repeatable. For example, if an affirmative obligation addressesriparian health, riparian health should be assessed in the BDR using standardAlberta protocols for the health assessment;• A signature page for acknowledgement by both the landowner and the landtrust;• An appendix containing a copy of the CE agreement;10A real property report should form part of the BDR and/or the CE agreement. Realproperty reports are legal documents prepared by accredited Alberta land surveyorthat shows improvements to land in relation to the legal boundary. Such reports areuseful in defending easements and in discussions with new owners of propertieswith existing CEs.The complexity of a BDR for CE properties will depend primarily on the complexityof the CE agreement and somewhat on the size and diversity of the property. Insimple terms, the fewer the number of restrictions, the less baseline documentationis required. For example, a no break/no drain CE requires only a map or remoteimage of the property showing wetlands and natural habitat and description of thenatural features of the property.When restrictions are added that, for example, restrict certain types of fencing, theintroduction of non-native species or off highway vehicle use, the baselinedocumentation becomes more complex and must describe in detail the existingfences, existing non-native species presence and evidence of current and historic offhighway vehicle use. The BDR must also indicate what existing developments, landuses and invasions are grandfathered into the agreement or what level of existingdisturbance from use by the landowner is acceptable.

When affirmative obligations are added to a CE agreement, baseline documentationbecomes even more complex. For example, adding a property managementprinciple that requires a certain level or range or riparian health will require thatthe land trust assess and document current health.The Land Trust Accreditation Commission in the US describes the content forminimum standard BDRs and for desired content BDRs for CE properties as follows:Baseline Documentation Report – Minimum ContentsAt a minimum, a baseline documentation report should contain the items below.• The date of completion.• Documentation (such as maps, photographs, and written summaries) of theconservation values protected by the CE.• Documentation (such as maps, photographs, and written summaries) ofexisting conditions that relate to the easement's restrictions and reservedrights. This may include the location and condition of any manmadeimprovements, data that would influence the exercise of reserved rights, preexistingconditions that are otherwise prohibited by the easement and/orother features that may threaten the conservation values.• A combination of dated signatures and/or acknowledgments that wouldmake the material admissible as a business record in court, such as datedsignatures of parties.11Baseline Documentation Report – Desired ContentsA desirable baseline documentation report might also include the items below.• A title page stating that the document is a baseline documentation report.• Background information on the project that would help in easementmonitoring or enforcement.• Information on the location of the easement.• A property description.• Documentation of the public benefits provided by the CE.• The authorship and qualifications and/or experience of the baseline.• A statement signed by the landowner and the land trust that attests to theaccuracy of the information contained in the report.Appendix A outlines a template for BDRs for CEs and provides options for a range ofcomplexity. Appendix C contains a sample baseline documentation report for CEsfrom the Foothills Land Trust.

BDRS FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESThe content of a BDR for fee simple properties must be tailored to the futuremanagement of the property and may, as such, form part of a management plan forthe property. The content needs to meet the following goals of the land trust:1. The BDR provides the basis and rationale for future management of theproperty and therefore, needs to describe the current condition of theproperty, outline existing threats, and make recommendations forrestoration and management actions;2. The BDR provides the basis against which future monitoring is completed. Tofacilitate monitoring, the baseline needs to describe the conservation values,developments and existing and potential threats associated with theproperty;3. The BDR is a snapshot of the conservation values and condition of theproperty at the time of securement. Therefore, it provides an overview of theproperty that can be used to familiarize new staff, board members and newlandowners with the conservation values of the property;4. The BDR may be used to design communication material about the property.In this case, it is important that the BDR document the significance of theproperty.While it is often sufficient to describe conservation resources in a general mannerfor a CE, it is often desirable to inventory those resources for fee simple properties.Land trusts are responsible for the management of fee simple properties andwhether management is undertaken by staff or volunteers, some sort of plan mustexist to guide management and monitoring activities and any uses of the property.Assuming the primary goal of managing land trust properties is to maintain andenhance the conservation values, it may be necessary to inventory the conservationvalues in some detail. It is also necessary to assess the condition or health of thoseconservation resources. In addition, it is desirable to identify and assess the threatsto conservation values.12Appendix B outlines a template for BDRs for fee simple properties and providesoptions for a range of complexity. Appendix D contains a sample baselinedocumentation report and management plan for a fee simple property from theAlberta Conservation Association.

HOW SHOULD BASELINE DATA BE COLLECTED?Baseline information can be obtained from a variety of sources. Data may beavailable from the Alberta Natural History Information Centre, various departmentsof Alberta Sustainable Resource Development or local government. The landowneris often a valuable source of information about the land, especially in terms ofinformation about current and historic land use. Of course, the best source ofinformation is the land itself and data is usually best collected during a site visit. Sitevisits provide the best information during the growing season when plants are bestidentified and migratory wildlife is present.Baseline information gathered prior to field work would be gathered fromdatabases, aerial photographs, orthophotos, satellite imagery, and other maps andreports. Maps and remote images are typically used in a BDR to visually displayinformation such as land use or vegetation communities. In these situations, it isimportant to determine and document the date and time of year the imagery wastaken, and the accuracy or resolution of the imagery. Dates are also important forinformation collected from databases, maps and reports.In the field, information can be collected in the form of photographs and surveys.Photographs are most often used to document items that rarely change or changeslowly such as developments such as fences, buildings, roads and trails, dams anddugouts, drainage ditches, shelterbelts or habitat improvements. Photographs canbe used to effectively document archaeological and historic resources. Photographsare also effective when used in combination with surveys to documentrepresentative vegetation communities, waterbodies, range and riparian health andinvasive plants.13Photographs are very useful in BDRs associated with CE agreements to describedevelopments exempted from the restrictions or for which permission was grantedfor periodic replacement such as corrals and fences. Photographs allow forcomparison between original and replacement developments. Detailed descriptivemeasurements (location from a global positioning system, heights, widths, materialsetc.) should also be recorded for these types of developments.Surveys are used to measure or inventory conservation values, such as vegetationcommunities, that cannot be distinguished using remote imagery. Inventorymethods that allow for remeasurement and comparison between years aredesirable for a BDR for fee simple properties. Survey protocols exist forinventorying many components of biodiversity such as most fish and wildlifespecies, rare plants, and vegetation or habitat mapping. Protocols also exist forinventories of archeological resources, invasive plant species, water quality and

ange and riparian health. Using defined and remeasurable methods of inventoryand assessment allow land trusts to measure the success of restoration andrehabilitation projects, to monitor and adjust land uses such as grazing orrecreational uses to ensure conservation values of the property are not degraded,and to monitor conservation values such as species at risk to ensure conditionsremain suitable to support them.If portions of a parcel of land have been kept out of a CE agreement or in caseswhere different restrictions or affirmative obligations apply to different parts of theproperty, delineations of property should be measured on the ground and describedin the BDR using a method acceptable under the Alberta Land Titles Act, or it shouldbe surveyed by a professional surveyor.14

WHERE SHOULD THE BDR BE STORED?Land trusts should have a designated location and an established filing system forhard copy baseline documentation. BDRs should be stored in both electronic andhard copy format as a hedge against a permanent loss of one format. Electronicversions of the BDR should be stored in a designated location within the land trust’sdigital files. Electronic versions of BDRs should be available online to land trust staff(stewardship, communications and fundraising), volunteers and board members.However, public access to BDRs, especially BDRs associated with CE properties,should be restricted.Land trusts should consider having CE and fee simple donors sign a giftingagreement that clarifies the donor’s intent. A copy of the gifting agreement shouldbe kept in the BDR file for review by future staff , volunteers or board members.The original version of a BDR should never be changed. It may be necessary toundertake a new BDR or to update the original in the event that the land is alteredor components become outdated, but these should form reports separate from theoriginal. Electronic versions of BDRs and updates that are available to land trustrepresentatives should be in an unalterable form such as a secure pdf.A section detailing data storage and archiving best management practices isincluded in the training module entitles Stewardship Best Practices.15

ADDITIONAL RESOURCESThe Baseline Documentation Report (BDR): A manual to assist in thepreparation of BDRs for natural heritage properties and natural heritageconservation easement agreements in Ontario. 2006. Ontario Heritage Trust andthe Ontario Land Trust Alliance.LTABC Guide to Baseline Inventories. 2006. Land Trust Alliance of BritishColumbia. http://www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca/research.htmlConservation Easement Stewardship. 2008. Standards and Practices Curriculum.The Land Trust AllianceReal Property Reports. 2009. Alberta Land Surveyors’ Associationhttp://www.alsa.ab.ca/uploads/files/PDF/ALSARPRBrochure.pdfThe Conservation Easement Handbook. 2005. 2nd Edition. Elizabeth ByersKarin Marchetti Ponte. Land Trust Alliance and The Trust for Public Land16

APPENDIX A: BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTTEMPLATE FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIESThe volume and specificity of information required by the baseline documentationreport will vary depending on the terms of the easement and the conservationobjectives at the site. The intent of this format is to allow flexibility in thedocumentation technique and to correlate the quantity and nature of thedocumentation to the terms of the easement.Title Page: Name of easement property (as the land trust has it filed), date of BDR,author(s) and their affiliations.Purpose of the Baseline Documentation Report: This states the intent of the BDR – todocument the condition of the property at the date the CE is registered. BDR may be used todefend the CE in the event of future violations.Purpose of the Conservation Easement: This sets the stage for the report, andsummarizes the purpose of protecting the property (i.e., significance of the land and theconservation goals). Include a summary of reserved rights and restrictions. Defining theconservation objectives for a property requires consideration of a number of factors suchas:• the ecological values to be protected, including the variety of ecosystems on theproperty, the type and extent of sensitive ecosystems, and unique and sensitiveecological features;• why and how the ecological values are to be protected and for how long;• the motivation of the landowner in protecting the property; and• the conservation priorities of the organization.17Property Background Information:A. Legal description of the property . Description of relevant titleencumbrances (easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, water rightsetc.)B. Size of property and /or easement area.C. Location of property and directions from land trust monitoring office.Description of legal access to the land or right of access granted to theland trust.D. Date of site visit.E. Historical information on the donation/acquisition – a briefchronological description of events that led to the protection of theproperty.Location and Physical Setting: General description of the landscape and surrounding area,including adjacent land use.Existing Human Modifications: Provide detailed descriptions, measurements and

locations.A. Existing structures – residences, accessory structures, commercialbuildings, docks/floats/piers, walls, fences, seasonal storage, bridges,boardwalks, aboveground utility lines and corridors, junk/refuse,recreational facilities, aquaculture facilities, etc.B. Existing surface alterations – pipelines, irrigations systems, dikes/dams/ impoundments/ diversions, roads/trails, dugouts/wells, gravelpits/mines, subsurface utilities, septic, waste disposal, etc. within theeasement area.Prior Land Use: Obtain information from the landowner on history of property and its pastland use, if available.Existing Land Use:A. Landowner’s objectives for the property.B. Present land use (agriculture, forest management, wildlife management)along with copies of any existing management plans (e.g., forestry plans,prescribed burning plans, agricultural conservation plans, stewardshipplans, etc.). Obtain copies and include as an Appendix to the BDR ifavailable.C. Zoning on or around the land.D. Adjacent land uses.Natural Features:A. Note any natural heritage areas and element occurrences.B. Note aquatic resources, including location of streams, water bodies andwetlands and general condition of water quality. If property is grazed,logged or is subject to intensive recreational uses, consider assessingriparian health.C. Note terrestrial features, including soils, geology, physiology andclimate.D. Vegetation community types (e.g., native grasslands, wetlands, riparianareas, forests, shrublands, tame forages, cropland etc.) delineated on amap or remote image (If there are rare natural communities, notespecific locations. Note presence of any non-native invasive plantspecies, if known. Note specific locations of both on site maps). Generallists of predominant plants.E. Wildlife species habitat and general species list.F. Species at risk habitat (If there are known species at risk present,identify specific habitat types and locations).G. Note special status of any of the site’s natural features.18Cultural Features: Note any significant archaeological, cultural and/or historical featureson property.Threats: Note any potential impacts to the conservation values from disturbances oractivities on, or adjacent to, the property (e.g., access issues such as from energydevelopment; garbage dumping; stray animals; invasive species; evidence of off highwayvehicle use etc.).

Monitoring Recommendations: The BDR should recommend what to monitor, thefrequency of monitoring needs, and recommended methodology.References and Additional Information: Provide reference to planning documents andstudies that include the property or general area.Photographic documentation: This is a photographic record of the protected propertythat is periodically updated. This section should include photos that are easily replicable(from roads or permanent features, or using GPS waypoints).A. Photos should be numbered and a compass direction should be includedto note the direction the photo was taken.B. Include captions or a photograph index with descriptions.C. Include photographs of manmade structures, representative vegetationcommunities, and existing impacts to the property.Maps:A. Photo documentation map (note location of all photopoints).B. Road map, general location map for directions to property.C. Current aerial photo or satellite image of property (including boundariesmarked).D. Topographical map of property (with boundaries marked).E. Map identifying human modifications and improvements (it is importantto show the entire length of linear features such asroads/trails/pipelines etc.).F. Map of easement area within property (if different) or a maphighlighting areas with specific restrictions (i.e., riparian buffer areas,rare species habitats).G. Stand maps or forest type maps, or farm maps, if available.H. Map of natural communities.I. General soils map.19Appendix: Copy of the signed, recorded easement documentSigned Copy of Owner Acknowledgement of Condition (Property ConditionCertification form): This document acknowledges that the landowner agrees with the BDRand the condition of the property at the time an easement is placed on the property. Thedocument may also used as a schedule to the Conservation Easement and copies should besigned by the landowner and land trust at closing.

The following table outlines the general types of restrictions and property management principles that might be associated withconservation easements in Alberta and describes the associated kinds of information that should be collected for the BDR. This table isadapted from the Ontario Land Trust Alliance’s 2006 Annotated Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) Template for Natural HeritageLands subject to a Conservation Easement Agreement held by a Land Trust.General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional ConsiderationsNo Subdivision Copy of existing legal survey.Shall not sever or subdivide the Lands;No Additional Buildings and StructuresShall not construct, erect, maintain or allow theconstruction, erection or maintenance of anybuilding or structure Describe purposes of each builtfeature (i.e. barns, corrals, bridges,wells, sheds, ) and location (i.e. GPS)on a baseline map. If relevant, specify each usingdimensions, quantities andmaterials if relevant, and attachphotos. If the conservation easement agreementprohibits a change of building locations or anincrease in existing building footprintswithin a defined “building area”, or if all therestrictions apply to the whole property –(i.e. no residential boundary defined butthere are buildings on the property) then theauthors of the baseline/BDR will want veryspecific data on the location and size of theexisting buildings. On the other hand, if thereare no restrictions applicable to the “buildingarea” or “residential area” then more basicinformation on the presence or absence andfunction of buildings may be all that isrequired with regard to that restriction.20No New Roads or TrailsShall not construct, improve or allow theconstruction or improvement of any road or trail,except for the maintenance of existing accesses; Indicate on a baseline map thelocation (i.e, GPS) of existing trailsand access points. Consider usingGPS to map trails. Average width of road or trail. Photograph a representative section Consider using sound field procedures forphotographing changes in vegetation andsoils. This will facilitate future monitoringthrough repeat photography.

General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional ConsiderationsNo Motorized Vehicles, Off Highway Vehicles orMountain BicyclesShall not use or operate or allow the use oroperation of mountain bicycle, off highwayvehicles or motorized vehicles on the Landsincluding without limitation snowmobiles, allterrainvehicles, motorcycles, motorboats orpersonal watercraft;No Mobile HomesShall not use or allow the Lands to be used as atrailer or mobile home park, parking or storagearea;of the trail or access point toindicate its width and terrain (i.e.compacted soil, gravel, woodchips). Describe the trail system, when itwas established and its purpose. Indicate the locations of trails andaccess points. Photograph, GPS and describe anyevidence of past use by motorizedvehicles such as tire ruts or soilcompaction. Indicate whether there is thepresence or absence of existing sitesfor mobile homes, trailers, parkingor storage. If there are existing sites, fullydescribe them, GPS locations, takephotographs and map them.21No DumpingShall not dump or allow the dumping of soil,rubbish, ashes, garbage, waste or other unsightlyor offensive materials of any type or description;No PesticidesShall not use or allow the use of pesticides, Indicate whether there is thepresence or absence of existing siteswhere materials have been dumped. If there are existing sites, fullydescribe them, GPS locations, takephotographs and map them. Describe existing locations (i.e. GPS)and uses of chemical materials onthe property. This may require documenting anecdotalinformation from the landowner on pastpractices This may require documenting anecdotalinformation from the landowner on past

General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional Considerationsinsecticides, herbicides, chemicals or other toxicmaterials of any type or description;No Alteration of Topographypractices.Shall not change or allow any changes in thegeneral appearance or topography of the Lands,including and without limiting the generality ofthe foregoing, the construction of drainageditches, tile drains, retaining walls, dams orponds or any similar undertakings, as well as thedumping, excavation, dredging or removal ofloam, gravel, soil, rock, sand or other materials; Photograph, GPS and map allexisting ditches, ponds, streams,wetlands, and other water bodies(both permanent and seasonal). For streams, indicate on the mapthe location of major bends, pools,runs and rifles. Describe thematerials on the bottom of thestream (e.g. gravel, sand), the widthand depth, direction and speed offlow and any flora and fauna theysupport. For wetlands, indicate their classand significance as well as anysignificant flora and fauna theysupport. Photograph, GPS and map anyretaining walls, dams or otherstructures. Include a topographic map anddescribe the topography of the land.Emphasize any unique orecologically important features.Describe the drainage pattern of theproperty. Identify and recharge ordischarge areas on the propertysuch as springs. Describe, photograph and GPS anyevidence of past dredging gradingor soil removal. The focus in this data collection is tothoroughly document historic disturbances.As this is a “no disturbance” clause, anyviolations would be relatively visible andshould be easy to see in annual monitoringvisits. However, this task is made moredifficult if recent construction activityoccurred prior to the conservation easementagreement.22

General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional ConsiderationsNo Break/No DrainShall not cause or allow any alteration to theland, including pumping, burning, drainage,conversion, tillage of or filling in of the wetlandsor uplands; Map the location and size of anywetlands or natural habitat. Describe and map any previouslyaltered wetlands or waterbodies. Map any cleared and/or cultivatedland.No Vegetation RemovalShall not remove, destroy or cut or allow theremoval, destruction or cutting of trees, shrubsor other vegetation; Indicate the location and size of anywoodlots. Describe any disturbed loggingareas or pre-existing evidence ofcutting. Map the major vegetationcommunities (i.e. ELC) on theproperty and show theirboundaries. Describe these communities(indicate location, dominantspecies, and the functions theyserve such as linkage, attenuation ofwater flow, habitat, and so on). List the rare, unusual or sensitiveflora and fauna which have beenreported in the area by thelandowner and by past studies aswell as the species you observe onthe property. What is the status ofthese species locally, regionally andprovincially? Describe the natural and humanmadehabitat on the property. Howcommon is this habitat in the If a particular plant species is not protectedby the conservation easement agreementthrough the restrictions, it may not be,necessary to provide specific measurementsof that species in the baseline. However, theland trust may want to documentendangered, threatened, rare and significantspecies and it may want to maintain theirexact location confidential. Relation to existing forest management plans23

General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional ConsiderationsNo Introduction of Plants and AnimalsShall not introduce non-native plant or animalspecies within the Landsecological region where theproperty is situated? Describe the location and type ofnon-native vegetation observed onthe property. To provide the basis for monitoring andevaluating the success of any weedmanagement, invasive plant infestationsshould be GPSed in the centre and aroundthe perimeter and an estimate of plantdensity givenNo Hunting, Fishing and TrappingShall not use or allow the Lands to be used forcommercial or sport hunting, fishing or trapping;Habitat RestorationShall allow wetland restoration….Shall restore cultivated land to native plantspecies… Describe any evidence of pasthunting, fishing and trapping. Map and describe the disturbedareas to be restored. Explain the goals and requirementsfor restoration. This may require documenting anecdotalinformation from the landowner on pastpractices This may require a restoration ormanagement plan specific to the habitatrestoration area, however this can bereferred to in the BDR and completedseparately.24Shall reforest cleared land….

General Types of Conservation EasementAgreement RestrictionsTypes of Information to Consider for DataCollectionAdditional ConsiderationsLivestock GrazingShall maintain the property in current or betterhealthLoggingShall complete and follow a woodlotmanagement plan… Complete range condition and/orhealth surveys on the areas to begrazed. Complete riparian healthassessments on riparian areas withlivestock access. Complete a commercial timberinventory. Map and describe historic loggingand logging practices. Identify management practices tominimize impacts to conservationvalues such as timing of logging. Alberta has standard protocols for assessingrange and riparian health and rangecondition. Check with municipalities to see if they havelogging guidelines or restrictions for privateland.25

APPENDIX B: BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTTEMPLATE FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESThe following template is intended to provide a guideline for preparing a BaselineDocumentation Report for lands owned by land trusts. The volume and specificity ofinformation required by the baseline documentation report will vary depending onthe condition of the property and the anticipated land uses. The intent of this formatis to allow flexibility in the documentation technique and to correlate the quantityand nature of the documentation to the conservation goals for the property .Title Page: Name of property (as the land trust has it filed), date of BDR, author(s) and theiraffiliations.Conservation Goals for the Property: This sets the stage for the report, and summarizesthe purpose of protecting the property (i.e., significance of the land and the conservationgoals). Describe the goals for the property and make reference to other reports or strategiesthat may be relevant (e.g., species recovery plans, restoration plans, corridor maps, etc.).Defining the conservation objectives for a property requires consideration of a number offactors such as:• the ecological values to be protected, including the variety of ecosystems on theproperty, the type and extent of sensitive ecosystems, and unique and sensitiveecological features;• why and how the ecological values are to be protected and for how long;• the conservation priorities of the organization.26Property Background Information:A. Legal description of the property. Description of relevant titleencumbrances (easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, water rightsetc.)B. Size of property or easement area (if different).C. Location of property and directions from land trust monitoring office.Description of legal access to the land or right of access granted to theland trust. Include any information about points of access to theproperty and type of access (vehicle, foot, boat etc.).D. Date of site visit.E. Historical information on the donation/acquisition – a briefchronological description of events that led to the protection of theproperty.Ecological Description:A. Site description including a general description of the topography andnatural features of the property.B. Site designations - describe any ecological designations on or adjacent tothe property (e.g., Heritage Rangelands, National Parks etc.).

Land Use:C. Other ecological or heritage values - corridor, buffer, archaeologicalresources etc.D. Geology and soils description.E. Aquatic resource description - Identify any water features with name,type (e.g. pond, lake, stream, river, wetland type,), approximate size ordistance with directional description of its location within the propertyand direction of flow; whether location is upstream or downstream ofother activities; whether ephemeral or year-round; specify if constructedor natural.F. Riparian health - identify riparian areas and describe riparian health.G. Vegetation - map and describe vegetation communities.H. Include a list of plant species (does not have to be exhaustive. Need onlyto provide dominant and indicator species). Indicate which are at risk,non-native, invasive and/or noxious weeds.I. Range condition or range health.J. Wildlife and wildlife habitat - describe any important wildlife habitatand note any evidence of wildlife (sightings, tracks, scat, nests, burrowsetc.)K. Include a list of wildlife species - may include those known to exist andthose that should be there based on information from the region.A. List and describe current land used including how long it has beenoccurring and any damage it is causing.B. List and describe historic land uses. If a Phase 1 environmental audit hasbeen completed either refer to it here or append it to the BDR.C. Describe adjacent land uses and identify any resulting potential threatsto the property.27Existing Human Modifications: Provide descriptions and locations.A. Existing structures – residences, accessory structures, commercialbuildings, docks/floats/piers, walls, fences, seasonal storage, bridges,boardwalks, aboveground utility lines and corridors, junk/refuse,recreational facilities, aquaculture facilities, etc.B. Existing surface alterations – pipelines, irrigations systems, dikes/dams/ impoundments/ diversions, roads/trails, dugouts/wells, gravelpits/mines, subsurface utilities, septic, waste disposal, etc.Public Access: Describe, map and GPS the points of access. If public access is allowed,describe if permission is required and who to contact for permission.Land Uses Allowed: List the land uses allowed on the property and describe any conditionson use.A. Scientific/Educational (research, nature study, etc.)B. Habitat/Ecosystem restoration, management or preservation (wetland

estoration, native grassland restoration, tree planting, bird houses, etc.)C. Residential (permanent or seasonal residences, mobile homes, etc.)D. Agricultural (livestock grazing, crops, etc.)E. Forestry (reforestation, harvesting, etc.)F. Industrial (aggregate, petroleum development, etc.)G. Recreational (hiking, picknicking, camping, hunting, fishing, trapping,horseback riding, mountain biking, off highway vehicle use, etc.)Disturbances & Potential Threats to Property: The following table is adapted from theOntario Land Trust Alliance’s 2006 Annotated Baseline Documentation Report for NaturalHeritage Lands Owned by a Land Trust. It lists disturbances already noted (o), as well asadditional uses that can be anticipated to merit a particular management strategy (x)because of their nature or noted frequency of occurrence:Vegetation/AnimalsoxRemovalofResourcesoxVandalism/LiabilityoxTrails/Roads/CutlinesoxNaturalProcessesoxTree CuttingPetroleumresourcesGarbage/litterATV/SnowmobilesTrailsWinddamageCollectingPlants/AnimalsSand,gravel etc.Signage orlack ofsignageRoadsFlooding28Hunting,Fishing orTrappingPeatStructuraldamage orpoorconditionHiking TrailsFireInvasives Water CampfiresEquestrianTrailsOtherDisturbances(describe):Use ofPesticides orHerbicidesOtherDisturbances(describe):SwingRopes (fordiving,swimming,etc)Cutlines/SeismicLivestockGrazingSteep CliffFacesFence lines

TreePlantationBeaverCutting/FloodingOtherDisturbances(describe):MountainBiking orOffHighwayVehicle UseOtherDisturbances(describe):PipelinesUtility LinesTrail ErosionDrainageDitchesOtherDisturbances(describe):Recommendations for Management: Give recommendations for management actionsincluding timelines. Also give recommendations for future monitoring visits (schedule,timing etc.), prohibited activities to watch for, disturbances and threats that need to bemonitored, etc. This section may become extensive enough to form a management plan forthe property.29Maps:A. Photodocumentation map (note location of all photopoints).B. Road map, general location map for directions to property.C. Current aerial photo or satellite image of property (including boundariesmarked).D. Relevant zoning information.E. Topographical map of property (with boundaries marked).F. Map identifying human modifications and improvements.G. Map of natural communities.Photos: Photos of natural features, developments and disturbances. This section shouldinclude photos that are easily replicable (from roads or permanent features, or using GPSwaypoints).A. Photos should be numbered and a compass direction should be includedto note the direction the photo was taken.B. Include captions or a photograph index with descriptions.

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTSFOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIES1

APPENDIX D: SAMPLE BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTS FORFEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESEAST HAYS CONSERVATION SITEMANAGEMENT PLAN(PLAN 8510645 BLOCK 90APTNS 25 & 26 13-13-W4M)East Hayes Management Plan1

PREPARED BYALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN REGIONPROJECT PARTNERSALBERTA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION, ALBERTA FISH AND GAMEASSOCIATION, BROOKS PHEASANT FESTIVAL, PHEASANTS FOREVER –CALGARY, PHEASANTS FOREVER – CHINOOK CHAPTER, PRIVATE DONORSAPRIL 2009East Hayes Management Plan2

INTRODUCTIONThe East Hays Conservation Site was purchased in 2008 through the collaboration among AlbertaConservation Association, Pheasants Forever – Calgary Chapter, Pheasants Forever – ChinookChapter (Medicine Hat), Alberta Fish and Game Association, Brooks Pheasant Festival, and privatedonors. The site is located near the Bow River east of the town of Vauxhall. The 144 acre site isalso part of the Municipal District of Taber and within an hour of the cities of Lethbridge and MedicineHat.This parcel represents an ideal opportunity for restoration and enhancement activities as it isdominated by an alfalfa/grass pasture. The overall intent of this purchase is to enhance habitat forupland game birds and to provide improved access to a large parcel of crown lease land that is alongthe Bow River. The 144 acre site was previously a flood irrigated hay crop with 133 acres of waterrights attached to the property. The remaining 11 acres are comprised of a coulee draw thatreceives the flood irrigation run off of both this parcel and the adjacent parcel to the south.All agricultural and/or industrial applications/dispositions will be forwarded by the prospective landmanager to the following contact(s) for review and input as part of this conservation managementplan:Brad TaylorAlberta Conservation AssociationBpx 1139, Provincial BuildingBlairmore, AlbertaT0K 0E0Tel: 403.562.3288Copies will be provided to Partners by ACAEast Hayes Management Plan3

PROPERTY LOCATIONQUARTER (LEGAL LAND DESCRIPTION)QuartersectionSection Township Range MeridianPtn SW 25 13 13 4Ptn S 26 13 13 4Title NumberAreaha (acre)Plan NumberBlockNumber081249227 58.5 (144.6) 8510645 90ALot NumberPROPERTY DESCRIPTIONLocationThe East Hays Conservation Site is located approximately 20 km east of the town of Vauxhall (Figure1) and approximately 100 km northeast of Lethbridge and 80 km west of Medicine Hay (Figure 2).The site is close to two other conservation sites: Sproule and Hays Drain.Natural RegionEast Hays is part of the Grassland Natural Region, specifically the Dry Mixed Grass NaturalSubregion. This subregion is dominated by Brown Chernozemic and Solonetzic soils and an aridclimate. Generally, natural vegetation communities are composed of Stipa comata, Koeleriamacrantha, and Bouteloua gracilis.WaterbodiesThe Bow River flows by on an adjacent quarter to the east of the property. No other significantnatural water bodies occur on this parcel. The site does however have two dugouts that wereEast Hayes Management Plan4

historically used for irrigation of this parcel and some trenching along the south and north fences toreturn excess water to coulees that lead to the Bow River.VegetationThe 144 acre parcel is approximately 90% alfalfa and grass mix and 10% native and tame grassesand shrubs (Figure 3). The 10% native/tame mix is currently restricted to a small coulee that runsalong the south edge of the fence down to the Bow River. Some native shrubs, particularly sandbarwillow (Salix exigua), are present along the south and west fencelines near irrigation ditches.Properties to the north and south are privately owned and under cultivation and the Bow River valleyto the east is crown lease land that is primarily native and used for livestock grazing.TopographyThe site is very gently sloping west to east towards the Bow River and was historically flood irrigated.One small coulee is present in the south east corner of the property that receives run off from anadjacent property to the south and historic runoff from flood irrigation..WildlifeWildlife species present on the property are generally limited to species that are tolerant toagricultural disturbances. Mule deer, pheasants, and partridges are the dominant game species anda variety of song birds will utilize the marginal habitat that currently exists on the property. A FWMISsearch indicated the following species were observed within the township that the site is located in:American White Pelican, Black Crowned Night Heron, Burrowing Owl, Golden Eagle, Lesser Scaup,Long-billed Curlew, Northern Harrier, Northern Pintail, Prairie Falcon, Prairie Rattlesnake, ShortearedOwl, and Sprague’s Pipit. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Fish and WildlifeDivision has also identified the area along the Bow River as critical Mule Deer habitat as well as onequarter that is part of the property as being highly suitable for several species at risk (Table 1;http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/guidelinesresearch/landuse.aspx).Table 1: ASRD Species at Risk HSI Model ResultsSpeciesLong-billedCurlewSE 26-13-13-W4MSE 26-13-13-W4MSW 25-13-13-W4MLess Suitable Less Suitable Highly SuitablePrairie Falcon Least Suitable Least Suitable Highly SuitableSharp-tailedGrouseFerruginousHawkShort-hornedLizardLeast Suitable Least Suitable Highly SuitableLess Suitable Less Suitable Highly SuitableLeast Suitable Least Suitable SuitableBurrowing Owl Least Suitable Least Suitable SuitableSprague’s Pipit Least Suitable Least Suitable Highly SuitableEast Hayes Management Plan5

LoggerheadShrikePrairieRattlesnakeLeast Suitable Least Suitable Highly SuitableLess Suitable Less Suitable SuitablePlains Spadefoot Least Suitable Least Suitable Less SuitableGreat PlainsToadAmericanBadgerLeast Suitable Least Suitable Least SuitableLeast Suitable Least Suitable Highly SuitableGround Squirrel Less Suitable Less Suitable Highly SuitableFishNo waterbodies suitable for sustaining a fishery are present on the property. Although the propertyprovides an access point to an adjacent property whereby one could access the Bow River withappropriate permission.Other FeaturesNo buildings or structures are present on the property. Two surface leases from past drilling activityare currently being reclaimed. One access trail is located along the south edge of the property.There are also 133 acres of water rights attached to the property which are administered by the BowRiver Irrigation District.East Hayes Management Plan6

Figure 1.Map showing the location of the East Hays Conservation Site (Landscape Context)East Hayes Management Plan7

Figure 2.Map showing the location of the East Hays Conservation Site (Regional Context)Figure 3.Valtus imagery 2000. Aerial photograph of the East Hays Conservation SiteEast Hayes Management Plan8

East Hayes Management Plan9

EAST HAYS MANAGEMENT PLANIt is the intent of ACA and its partners to manage the East Hays Conservation Site in such a way asto improve the wildlife habitat to benefit upland game birds and provide sustainable recreationalopportunities. Details for each objective are outlined in the Proposed Enhancement Plan andImplementation Plan in Appendices A and B.A preliminary quantitative land cover analysis of the conservation site plus a 1.6 km buffer, indicatethat the area is dominated by Annual Cropland (~40%) and Perennial Cropland (~20%). Naturalvegetation or naturally non-vegetated areas comprise the remaining 40 percent (Grassland – 36%,Wetland – 3%, and Exposed – 1%). Road and irrigation networks within the buffered area createapproximately 14 km and 12 km of linear disturbance, respectively. Linear hydrological featuresprovide approximately 16 km of riparian habitat.HABITAT OBJECTIVESHabitat objectives were identified that will eventually meet habitat requirements for all life stages ofupland game birds within the buffered area around the site. Since high quality winter cover is lackingin the greater landscape (~3%), this activity will be a priority on this site to help mitigate surroundingland uses. The remaining objectives will help to provide additional habitats to meet reproductive andsecurity needs.We are acknowledging at the outset that the development of habitat requires time to becomefunctional and objectives are set at 10 year milestones. The length of time required to complete theobjectives may vary depending on environmental conditions, but can be reassessed at the 5 yearmilestone of this management plan.Objectives:UPLANDS1. To enhance winter habitat to benefit upland game birds by 2018.Strategic Actions:a. Establish a minimum of 10 acres of shelterbelts beginning in 2009.i. ACA – Site Preparation and maintenanceii. PHD – Acquire, plant, and replace trees as necessaryb. Establish a minimum of 3 acres of wetlands beginning in 2009.i. DU – provide planning assistanceii. ACA – implement planiii. ACA/BRID – manage waterc. Establish a minimum of 2 acres of food plots beginning in 2010.East Hayes Management Plan10

i. ACA – Prepare, plant, and maintain2. To enhance reproductive habitat to benefit upland game birds by 2018.Strategic Actions:a. Establish a minimum of 40 acres of nesting and brood rearing cover beginning in2011i. ACA – Prepare, plant, and maintain3. To enhance security cover and movement corridors to benefit upland game birds by2018.Strategic Actions:a. Establish travel and escape cover to provide connectivity to the surroundinglandscape beginning in 2012.i. ACA – Prepare, plant, and maintain4. To maintain existing habitat and enhancement areas to benefit upland game birdsthrough 2018.Strategic Actions:a. Maintain shelterbelts in a cultivated state to reduce weed and grass competition.b. Determine appropriate flow of water to maintain wetlandc. Control weeds and vegetation in an appropriate mannerRECREATIONAL OBJECTIVESRecreational objectives were identified that will allow for the safe and sustainable use of thisproperty. Primarily these objectives relate to the creation of a parking area, installation of sitesignage to increase ACA and partner profiles, general maintenance of the site, and barriers toundesired vehicular and OHV traffic across the property.Objectives:1. To ensure safe and sustainable recreational access is available to the conservation siteby 2009.Strategic Actions:a. Widen access road on NW corner of property by October 1, 2009.b. Develop a fenced in parking area to restrict vehicular access by October 1, 2009.c. Install locked gate at SW access.for maintenance equipment only by October 1,East Hayes Management Plan11

2009.d. Install 1 ACA Conservation Site at the parking area by September 15, 2009.2. To maintain the site in an aesthetically pleasing manner throughout 2013.Strategic Actions:a. Ensure site is clean and litter free.b. Ensure all damaged infrastructure (i.e. fences, parking area) are repaired in atimely manner.c. Ensure vegetation control is completed annually within designated parking areato reduce risk of fires.MONITORING OBJECTIVESACA Land Management Program will collaborate with ACA Wildlife Program to develop a monitoringprotocol that is consistent with other projects to enhance efficiencies in data collection and analysis.Furthermore, LMP will also incorporate the results and recommendations of other Wildlife Programprojects that benefit target species or habitats. Objectives will be developed for wildlife monitoringand incorporated into this management plan following further discussions with ACA Wildlife Programstaff.ACCESS MANAGEMENTWILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIESFoot access only will be permitted to all areas of the property for photography, hiking and wildlifeviewing. These activities may occur year round, as they will have little impact on the wildlife andhabitat. No contact is required to access the conservation site.HUNTING AND TRAPPINGHunting will be permitted on these lands on foot and under the authority of an appropriate huntinglicense. Since this site will be open to the public year round, trapping will only be available withapproval from ACA and its partners.ANGLINGNo angling opportunities are available on this conservation site.OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE USEEast Hayes Management Plan12

OHV use and access will be permitted on the site for the purpose of field inspections, monitoring, orresearch by ACA, its partners, and other designated persons. The use of OHVs for recreationalpurposes is not allowed to minimize damage and disturbance to wildlife and their habitat.COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIALCommercial and industrial development is not a desired use for this conservation site; however,ownership of this property is limited to surface rights. In instances where mineral rights areconcerned, ACA will encourage discussions with project proponents to find viable alternatives orsolutions.SPECIAL ISSUESTAXESACA will be responsible for making annual tax payments to the County of Taber.WATER RIGHTS(ACA will be responsible for making annual water payments to the Bow River Irrigation District for the133 acres of water rights purchased with the property. ACA will not entertain selling these rights;however, if allowed, these rights or a portion thereof, may be leased to neighbors for a 10 yearperiod.TITLE RESTRICTIONS (E.G. COVENANTS, EASEMENTS, LEASES)Currently two surface leases to Grey Wolf Inc. are present on the site. The sites are currently beingreclaimed and a reclaimation certificate has been applied for on one of the sites. These leases willexpire in 2016 and 2018. The leases generate revenue in the amount of $936/year and $2,500/year.All revenue for leases will be forwarded to the ACA for the maintenance of this site.INSPECTIONSACA will be responsible for completion of annual maintenance inspections to identify and solveproblems and plan for future enhancements.IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN(Provide information pertaining to timelines, who is doing what)ACA and Partners will manage the conservation property in accordance with the Management Plan,including modifications made to the Management Plan that may be developed from time to time.Modifications to the Management Plan must be reviewed and approved by the partner organizations.East Hayes Management Plan13

AGREEMENT TERMThis agreement defines the long-term land management plan among the undersigned parties for theterm of 5 years. It is recognized that partners review the management plan every 5 years, partnersmay also modify this agreement within the agreement term upon consensus by the undersigned.East Hayes Management Plan14

Management PartnersAlberta Conservation AssociationRepresentative:_________________________________Date:_____________________Alberta Fish and Game AssociationRepresentative:_________________________________Date:______________________Pheasants Forever – Calgary ChapterRepresentative:_________________________________Date:______________________Partners in Habitat DevelopmentRepresentative:_________________________________Date:______________________East Hayes Management Plan15

APPENDIX A – PROPOSED ENHANCEMENT PLANEast Hayes Management Plan16

APPENDIX B - IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2009 - 2013YEAR 2009-2010OBJECTIVESSTRATEGICACTIONSTASKSOrganizationResponsibleOtherParticipatingOrganizationsProposedCompletion DateSITEADMINISTRATIONComplete annualadministrativeactivities toensuremanagementplan compliancebeginning in2009.CompleteManagementPlanACAPheasantsForever,Partners inHabitatDevelopment,Alberta Fish andGameAssociationJuly 30, 2009Meet withPartnerManagementTeam twice(October andFebruary)All Partners October 31, 2009and February 28,2010Completereferrals andpublic enquiriesas they arrive(ACA)ACAAll partners ifrequiredWithin 2 weeks ofreceiptUPLAND HABITAT1. To enhance winterhabitat to benefitupland game birds by2018.a. Establish aminimum of 10acres ofshelterbeltsbeginning in2009.Stake outproposedshelterbeltlocation(EasternShelterbeltlocation)ACA April 30, 2009(COMPLETED)Contract toindividual orgroup to disk aminimum of 3passes andmaintain sitewith a cultivatora minimum of 3times per year(Easternshelterbeltlocation)ACA May 30, 2009(COMPLETED)Determineappropriatespecies of treesfor planting inshelterbelt(Easternshelterbeltlocation)ACA PHD August 30, 2009East Hayes Management Plan17

Orderappropriatenumber of treesfor planting in2010 (Easternshelterbeltlocation).PHD December 1,2009Providefinancial orinkind supportwhereapplicable andif availableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 2010b. Establish aminimum of 3acres ofwetlandsbeginning in2009.Determinefeasibility ofconstructing asmall wetlanddominated bycattails (Typhaspp.) withconsultationwith DucksUnlimitedCanadaACADucks UnlimitedCanada, BowRiver IrrigationDistrictMay 30, 2009(COMPLETED –project is feasible)If constructionis feasible,contract toindividual orgroup todevelop site inaccordancewith designspecificationsacquired fromDucksUnlimitedCanada.Secureassistance fromBow RiverIrrigationDistrict inmanaging flowto wetlandEnsureadjacentlandowner isaware of theproject and whoto contact if hehas anyconcernsACA July 30, 2009(INITIATED -Contract in prepfor McNivenconstruction –estimated cost$12,000)ACA July 30, 2009ACA July 30, 2009(COMPLETED -Meeting held withElmer Doerksenin April 2009 – noconcerns voiced)Providefinancial orinkind supportwhere availableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 2010(PF contributed$8k to thewetlandconstructioncontract)East Hayes Management Plan18

c. Establish aminimum of 2acres of foodplots beginningin 2010.Orderappropriateseed mixACA March 31, 2009Providefinancial orinkind supportwhere availableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 20102. To enhancereproductive habitatto benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.3. To enhancesecurity cover andmovement corridorsto benefit uplandgame birds by2018.4. To maintainexisting habitat andenhancement areasto benefit uplandgame birds through2018.a. Establish aminimum of 40acres of nestingand broodrearing coverbeginning in2011a. Establishtravel andescape cover toprovideconnectivity tothe surroundinglandscapebeginning in2012.a. Maintainshelterbelts in acultivated stateto reduce weedand grasscompetition.No activitiesplanned for2009/2010No activitiesplanned for2009/2010No activitiesplanned for2009/2010b. Determineappropriate flowof water tomaintain wetlandDiscuss withBow RiverIrrigationDistrictmonitoring andmanagement offlow rates towetland todetermineoptimaldistribution ofwater to thesystem.ACA BRID September 30,2009c. Control weedsand vegetationin an appropriatemannerComplete 2 siteinspections toensure minimalweedinfestationACAMay 1 – October1, 2009Completevegetationcontrol in theACA July 30, 2009East Hayes Management Plan19

most efficientmanner(manual,mechanical, orchemical)dependent onscope andscale ofproblem.RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES1. To ensure safeand sustainablerecreational access isavailable to theconservation site by2009.a. Widen accessroad on NWcorner ofproperty byOctober 1, 2009.Contract toindividual orgroup to widenexistingapproach toenhance safety(possiblycoordinate withcontractor thatwill developwetlandACA October 1, 2009Providefinancial orinkind supportwhereapplicable andif availableAll PartnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 2010b. Develop afenced inparking area torestrict vehicularaccess byOctober 1, 2009.Contract toindividual orgroup to installpost and railfence (or otherstyle deemedappropriate) torestrictvehicular traffic.Fence mustaccommodate aminimum 12foot lockablemetal gate toallowACA/Partnerequipment ontothe site formaintenanceandenhancementactivities.ACA October 1, 2009Providefinancial orinkind supportwhereapplicable andif availableAll PartnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 2010East Hayes Management Plan20

c. Install lockedgate at SWaccess.formaintenanceequipment onlyby October 1,2009.Installpurchased orfabricatedlockable metalgate in SWcorner torestrictvehicularaccess. (Thisactivity may bedeferred to2010).ACA October 1, 2009Providefinancial orinkind supportwhereapplicable andif availableAll PartnerswhereapplicableMarch 31, 2010d. Install 1 ACAConservationSite at theparking area bySeptember 15,2009Install 1 4x8ACAConservationSite sign in NWcorner of theproperty.ACA September 15,20092. To maintain thesite in anaesthetically pleasingmanner throughout2013.a. Ensure siteis clean and litterfree.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times peryear andaddressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31, 2010b. Ensure alldamagedinfrastructure(i.e. fences,parking area)are repaired in atimely manner.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times peryear andaddressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31, 2010c. Ensurevegetationcontrol iscompletedannually withindesignatedparking area toreduce risk offires.If parking lot isleft grassedthen ACA willmow in fall priorto huntingseason, ifgraveled ACAwill sprayvegetationwithin fencedarea.ACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffOctober 1, 2009YEAR 2010-2011OBJECTIVESSTRATEGICACTIONSTASKSOrganizationResponsibleOtherParticipatingOrganizationsProposedCompletionDateEast Hayes Management Plan21

SITEADMINISTRATIONComplete annualadministrativeactivities toensuremanagementplan compliancebeginning in2009.Review andUpdateManagementPlan (ACA)ACAPheasantsForever, Partnersin HabitatDevelopment,Alberta Fish andGameAssociationOctober 31,2010Meet withPartnerManagementTeam twice(October andFebruary)All Partners October 31,2010 andFebruary 28,2011Completereferrals andpublic enquiriesas they arrive(ACA)ACAAll partners ifrequiredWithin 2 weeksof receiptUPLAND HABITAT1. To enhance winterhabitat to benefitupland game birds by2018.a. Establish aminimum of 10acres ofshelterbeltsbeginning in2009.Rototillshelterbelt rowsin preparationfor tree plantingACA May 30, 2010Stake outproposedshelterbeltlocation(WesternShelterbeltlocation)ACA April 30, 2010Contract toindividual orgroup to disk aminimum of 3passes andmaintain sitewith a cultivatora minimum of 3times per year(Westernshelterbeltlocation)ACA May 30, 2010Determineappropriatespecies of treesfor planting inshelterbelt(WesternACA PHD August 30,2010East Hayes Management Plan22

shelterbeltlocation)Plant trees inaccordance withagreed uponplantingschedule(species and #of rows)(Easternshelterbeltlocation).Orderappropriatenumber of treesfor planting in2011 (Westernshelterbeltlocation).PHD ACA July 30, 2010PHD December 1,2010Provide financialor inkindsupport whereapplicable and ifavailableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,2011b. Establish aminimum of 3acres of wetlandsbeginning in2009.Inspect andmodify projectas necessaryACA September 1,2010Liaise withadjacentlandowner toensure noconcerns withwetlandACA July 30, 2010c. Establish aminimum of 2acres of foodplots beginning in2010.Rototill site andplant accordingtorecommendedseed spacingand depthACA June 15, 20102. To enhancereproductive habitat tobenefit upland gamebirds by 2018.a. Establish aminimum of 40acres of nestingand broodrearing coverbeginning in2011Determineappropriateseed mix andorder for springplantingACA December 1,2010Provide financialor inkindsupport whereapplicable and ifavailableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,20113. To enhancesecurity cover andmovement corridorsa. Establishtravel andescape cover toNo activitiesplanned for2010/2011East Hayes Management Plan23

to benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.provideconnectivity tothe surroundinglandscapebeginning in2012.4. To maintainexisting habitat andenhancement areasto benefit uplandgame birds through2018.a. Maintainshelterbelts in acultivated state toreduce weed andgrasscompetition.Maintain areabetweenshelterbelt rowswith cultivatorACA June 15, 2010August 15,2010b. Determineappropriate flowof water tomaintain wetlandMonitor andmanage flowrates to wetlandACA BRID May 1, 2010-September 30,2010c. Control weedsand vegetation inan appropriatemannerComplete 2 siteinspections toensure minimalweed infestationACA May 1 –October 1,2010Completevegetationcontrol in themost efficientmanner(manual,mechanical, orchemical)dependent onscope and scaleof problem.ACA July 30, 2010RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES1. To ensure safe andsustainablerecreational access isavailable to theconservation site by2009.a. Widen accessroad on NWcorner ofproperty byOctober 1, 2009.ACTION SHOULD BE COMPLETEDb. Develop afenced in parkingarea to restrictvehicular accessby October 1,2009.ACTION SHOULD BE COMPLETEDc. Install lockedgate at SWaccess.formaintenanceequipment onlyby October 1,2009.Install purchased orfabricated lockablemetal gate in SWcorner to restrictvehicular access ifdeferred from 2009.ACA July 30, 2010East Hayes Management Plan24

d. Install 1 ACAConservationSite at theparking area bySeptember 15,2009ACTION SHOULD BE COMPLETED2. To maintain thesite in an aestheticallypleasing mannerthroughout 2013.a. Ensure site isclean and litterfree.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2011b. Ensure alldamagedinfrastructure (i.e.fences, parkingarea) arerepaired in atimely manner.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2011c. Ensurevegetationcontrol iscompletedannually withindesignatedparking area toreduce risk offires.If parking lot isleft grassedthen ACA willmow in fall priorto huntingseason, ifgraveled ACAwill sprayvegetationwithin fencedarea.ACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffOctober 1,2010YEAR 2011-2012OBJECTIVESSTRATEGICACTIONSTASKSOrganizationResponsibleOtherParticipatingOrganizationsProposedCompletionDateSITEADMINISTRATIONComplete annualadministrativeactivities toensuremanagementplan compliancebeginning in2009.Review andUpdateManagementPlan (ACA)ACAPheasantsForever, Partnersin HabitatDevelopment,Alberta Fish andGameAssociationOctober 31,2011Meet withPartnerManagementTeam twice(October andFebruary)All Partners October 31,2011 andFebruary 28,2012Completereferrals andpublic enquiriesas they arrive(ACA)ACAAll partners ifrequiredWithin 2 weeksof receiptEast Hayes Management Plan25

UPLAND HABITAT1. To enhance winterhabitat to benefitupland game birds by2018.a. Establish aminimum of 10acres ofshelterbeltsbeginning in2009.Rototillshelterbelt rowsin preparationfor tree planting(Westernshelterbeltlocation)ACA May 30, 2011Plant trees inaccordance withagreed uponplantingschedule(species and #of rows)(Westernshelterbeltlocation).PHD ACA July 30, 2011Replace deadtrees (Easternshelterbeltlocation)PHD July 30, 2011Provide financialor inkindsupport whereapplicable and ifavailableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,2011b. Establish aminimum of 3acres of wetlandsbeginning in2009.Inspect andassess infill ofcattailsACA September 1,2011Liaise withadjacentlandowner toensure noconcerns withwetlandACA July 30, 2011c. Establish aminimum of 2acres of foodplots beginning in2010.Disc site andplant accordingtorecommendedseed spacingand depthACA June 15, 20112. To enhancereproductive habitat tobenefit upland gamebirds by 2018.a. Establish aminimum of 40acres of nestingand broodrearing coverbeginning in2011Contractindividual orgroup toprepare site andseed selectedmixACA June 30, 2011Provide financialor inkindsupport whereAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,2012East Hayes Management Plan26

applicable and ifavailable3. To enhancesecurity cover andmovement corridorsto benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.a. Establishtravel andescape cover toprovideconnectivity tothe surroundinglandscapebeginning in2012.No activitiesplanned for2011/20124. To maintainexisting habitat andenhancement areasto benefit uplandgame birds through2018.a. Maintainshelterbelts in acultivated state toreduce weed andgrasscompetition.Maintain areabetweenshelterbelt rowswith cultivatorACA June 15, 2011August 15,2011b. Determineappropriate flowof water tomaintain wetlandMonitor andmanage flowrates to wetlandACA BRID May 1 -September 30,2011c. Control weedsand vegetation inan appropriatemannerComplete 2 siteinspections toensure minimalweed infestationACA May 1 –October 1,2011Completevegetationcontrol in themost efficientmanner(manual,mechanical, orchemical)dependent onscope and scaleof problem.ACA July 30, 2011RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES1. To ensure safe andsustainablerecreational access isavailable to theconservation site by2009.a. Widen accessroad on NWcorner ofproperty byOctober 1, 2009.OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE COMPLETEDb. Develop afenced in parkingarea to restrictvehicular accessby October 1,2009.c. Install lockedEast Hayes Management Plan27

gate at SWaccess.formaintenanceequipment onlyby October 1,2009.d. Install 1 ACAConservationSite at theparking area bySeptember 15,20092. To maintain thesite in an aestheticallypleasing mannerthroughout 2013.a. Ensure site isclean and litterfree.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2012b. Ensure alldamagedinfrastructure (i.e.fences, parkingarea) arerepaired in atimely manner.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2012c. Ensurevegetationcontrol iscompletedannually withindesignatedparking area toreduce risk offires.If parking lot isleft grassedthen ACA willmow in fall priorto huntingseason, ifgraveled ACAwill sprayvegetationwithin fencedarea.ACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffOctober 1,2011YEAR 2012-2013OBJECTIVESSTRATEGICACTIONSTASKSOrganizationResponsibleOtherParticipatingOrganizationsProposedCompletionDateSITEADMINISTRATIONComplete annualadministrativeactivities toensuremanagementplan compliancebeginning in2009.Review andUpdateManagementPlan (ACA)ACAPheasantsForever, Partnersin HabitatDevelopment,Alberta Fish andGameAssociationOctober 31,2012Meet withPartnerManagementTeam twice(October andFebruary)All Partners October 31,2012 andFebruary 28,2013East Hayes Management Plan28

Completereferrals andpublic enquiriesas they arrive(ACA)ACAAll partners ifrequiredWithin 2 weeksof receiptUPLAND HABITAT1. To enhance winterhabitat to benefitupland game birds by2018.a. Establish aminimum of 10acres ofshelterbeltsbeginning in2009.Replace deadtrees (Easternand Westernshelterbeltlocations)PHDACA (inspectionsonly)July 30, 2012b. Establish aminimum of 3acres of wetlandsbeginning in2009.Inspect andassess infill ofcattailsACA September 1,2012Liaise withadjacentlandowner toensure noconcerns withwetlandACA July 30, 2012c. Establish aminimum of 2acres of foodplots beginning in2010.Disc site andplant accordingtorecommendedseed spacingand depthACA June 15, 20122. To enhancereproductive habitat tobenefit upland gamebirds by 2018.a. Establish aminimum of 40acres of nestingand broodrearing coverbeginning in2011Inspect projectarea and assessregrowth.Reseed ifnecessary.ACA June 30, 2012Provide financialor inkindsupport whereapplicable and ifavailableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,20133. To enhancesecurity cover andmovement corridorsto benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.a. Establishtravel andescape cover toprovideconnectivity tothe surroundinglandscapebeginning in2012.Determineareas forenhancingmovement andescapecorridors anddevelop plantspecies list.ACA PHD September 30,20124. To maintainexisting habitat andenhancement areasa. Maintainshelterbelts in acultivated state toMaintain areabetweenshelterbelt rowsACA June 15, 2012August 15,East Hayes Management Plan29

to benefit uplandgame birds through2018.reduce weed andgrasscompetition.with cultivator 2012b. Determineappropriate flowof water tomaintain wetlandMonitor andmanage flowrates to wetlandACA BRID May 1 -September 30,2012c. Control weedsand vegetation inan appropriatemannerComplete 2 siteinspections toensure minimalweed infestationCompletevegetationcontrol in themost efficientmanner(manual,mechanical, orchemical)dependent onscope and scaleof problem.ACA May 1 –October 1,2012ACA July 30, 2012RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES1. To ensure safe andsustainablerecreational access isavailable to theconservation site by2009.a. Widen accessroad on NWcorner ofproperty byOctober 1, 2009.OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE COMPLETEDb. Develop afenced in parkingarea to restrictvehicular accessby October 1,2009.c. Install lockedgate at SWaccess.formaintenanceequipment onlyby October 1,2009.d. Install 1 ACAConservationSite at theparking area bySeptember 15,20092. To maintain thesite in an aestheticallya. Ensure site isclean and litterComplete siteinspections 2 toACAAll other partnersto forward anyMarch 31,2013East Hayes Management Plan30

pleasing mannerthroughout 2013.free.3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon sitecomments orconcerns to ACAstaffb. Ensure alldamagedinfrastructure (i.e.fences, parkingarea) arerepaired in atimely manner.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2013c. Ensurevegetationcontrol iscompletedannually withindesignatedparking area toreduce risk offires.If parking lot isleft grassedthen ACA willmow in fall priorto huntingseason, ifgraveled ACAwill sprayvegetationwithin fencedarea.ACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffOctober 1,2012YEAR 2013-2014OBJECTIVESSTRATEGICACTIONSTASKSOrganizationResponsibleOtherParticipatingOrganizationsProposedCompletionDateSITEADMINISTRATIONComplete annualadministrativeactivities toensuremanagementplan compliancebeginning in2009.Review andUpdateManagementPlan for next 5year termACAPheasantsForever, Partnersin HabitatDevelopment,Alberta Fish andGameAssociationFebruary 28,2014Meet withPartnerManagementTeam twice(October andFebruary)All Partners October 31,2013 andFebruary 28,2014Completereferrals andpublic enquiriesas they arrive(ACA)ACAAll partners ifrequiredWithin 2 weeksof receiptUPLAND HABITAT1. To enhance winterhabitat to benefitupland game birds by2018.a. Establish aminimum of 10acres ofshelterbeltsbeginning in2009.Replace deadtrees (Easternand Westernshelterbeltlocations)PHDACA (inspectionsonly)July 30, 2013East Hayes Management Plan31

. Establish aminimum of 3acres of wetlandsbeginning in2009.Inspect andassess infill ofcattailsACA September 1,2013c. Establish aminimum of 2acres of foodplots beginning in2010.Disc site andplant accordingtorecommendedseed spacingand depthACA June 15, 20132. To enhancereproductive habitatto benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.a. Establish aminimum of 40acres of nestingand broodrearing coverbeginning in2011Inspect projectarea and assessregrowth.Reseed ifnecessary.ACA June 30, 2013Provide financialor inkindsupport whereapplicable and ifavailableAll partnerswhereapplicableMarch 31,20143. To enhancesecurity cover andmovement corridorsto benefit uplandgame birds by 2018.a. Establishtravel andescape cover toprovideconnectivity tothe surroundinglandscapebeginning in2012.Prepare site andplantpredeterminedplant/seed mix.ACA PHD June 30, 20134. To maintainexisting habitat andenhancement areasto benefit uplandgame birds through2018.a. Maintainshelterbelts in acultivated state toreduce weed andgrasscompetition.Maintain areabetweenshelterbelt rowswith cultivatorACA June 15, 2013August 15,2013b. Determineappropriate flowof water tomaintain wetlandMonitor andmanage flowrates to wetlandACA BRID May 1 -September 30,2013c. Control weedsand vegetation inan appropriatemannerComplete 2 siteinspections toensure minimalweed infestationACA May 1 –October 1,2013Completevegetationcontrol in themost efficientmannerACA July 30, 2013East Hayes Management Plan32

(manual,mechanical, orchemical)dependent onscope and scaleof problem.RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES1. To ensure safe andsustainablerecreational access isavailable to theconservation site bya. Widen accessroad on NWcorner ofproperty byOctober 1, 2009.b. Develop afenced in parkingarea to restrictvehicular accessby October 1,2009.OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE COMPLETEDc. Install lockedgate at SWaccess.formaintenanceequipment onlyby October 1,2009.d. Install 1 ACAConservationSite at theparking area bySeptember 15,20092. To maintain thesite in an aestheticallypleasing mannerthroughout 2013.a. Ensure site isclean and litterfree.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2013b. Ensure alldamagedinfrastructure (i.e.fences, parkingarea) arerepaired in atimely manner.Complete siteinspections 2 to3 times per yearand addressconcerns whenon siteACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffMarch 31,2013c. Ensurevegetationcontrol iscompletedannually withindesignatedparking area toreduce risk offires.If parking lot isleft grassedthen ACA willmow in fall priorto huntingseason, ifgraveled ACAwill sprayvegetationwithin fencedarea.ACAAll other partnersto forward anycomments orconcerns to ACAstaffOctober 1,2013East Hayes Management Plan33