The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society [ACTWS] is a non-profit organization comprised of professionals and students in the field of wildlife biology and management. Alberta`s growing human population and increased level of resource use and extraction point to an urgent need to understand the effects of human landuses on wildlands, wildlife, and ecosystem integrity. It is essential that wildlife professionals exchange and communicate their thoughts on issues of resource sustainability to each other as well as to the public, government, and industry. ACTWS can play an important role in this respect.
The chapter was initiated in 1988 and has since grown to ~250 members. Our members represent a broad cross-section of professionals [research scientists, biologists, technicians, managers, policy makers] and students. Members are associated with universities, government agencies, consultants, various private organizations, and industry. Professionals dealing with both terrestrial and aquatic systems are represented.
ACTWS is dedicated to wise stewardship of natural resources and to sound management practices of wildlife populations and habitat. Where possible, the Chapter will advise Albertans, the government and industry about the value of wildlife and ecosystems and the various land use practices that affect our natural heritage. Some of the wildlife issues in Alberta that ACTWS has become involved in include:
* Suffield Reserve wild horses
* Commercialization of Wildlife
* Bison Management in Wood Buffalo National Park
* Loggerhead shrike habitat retention
* Wildlife Immobilization Course
The Alberta Chapter belongs to the parent organization The Wildlife Society. By becoming a member of the parent organization you can receive publications [Journal of Wildlife Management, Wildlife Monographs, Wildlife Society Bulletin, The Wildlifer], seek professional certification through a peer-review process, and remain informed about national and international wildlife issues.
The executive of the ACTWS consists of a president, president/elect, past president, secretary treasurer, and 4 directors. Executive positions, filled by annual elections, are filled for a 1 year term except for directors which serve for two years. The executive meets on a monthly basis, often by conference call, to discuss Chapter business, plan events, and review progress of various committees. Chapter members can bring issues or recommendations to the executive throughout the year.