Hay-Zama Lakes, Alberta - Ramsar Site

Overview (Principal Characteristics): This extensive lowland area is a complex of several freshwater eutrophic lakes, marshes, and the floodplains and interior deltas of seven rivers.

Reasons for Ramsar Designation: The wetland complex is of continental importance to spring and fall migrating ducks and geese. Waterfowl from three of the four North American Flyways (Pacific, Central and Mississippi) utilize the complex. Recent monitoring indicates up to 250 000 ducks and geese use this area during the fall migration period.

Colonial-nesting waterbirds include Frankin’s, Herring, Bonapartes and Ring-billed gulls, and Common Terns.

Ten species of raptors have been documented in the area, including a number of nesting Bald Eagles.

Date of Ramsar Designation: 24 May 1982.

Jurisdiction: Provincial - Alberta Community Development., Parks and Protected Areas Division.

Land Tenure:

• Protected Area: The Government of Alberta

• Surrounding Area: Mainly First Nations and the Government of Alberta

Conservation Measures Taken: In 1999 the Province of Alberta declared 48,600 hectares of the wetland complex as the Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Provincial Park The complex is also recognized as an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the Canadian Nature Federation and Bird Studies Canada.

Conservation Measures Proposed: Phase out of oil and gas activity By 2017

Current Land Use/Activities in:

• Site: There is no active management practiced specifically for waterfowl as the complex is allowed to fluctuate under prevailing climatic conditions. Ducks Unlimited Canada continues to target conservation activities within the complex. Waterfowl use of the area is monitored by the Alberta Conservation Association on behalf of the petroleum industry and the data are assessed to determine if, where, and when petroleum field operations should be shut down. Further petroleum development is restricted, and production is scheduled to be phased out by the year 2017.

• Surrounding Area: No plans proposed at this time.

Threats to Integrity of:

• Site: Potential exists for contamination from petroleum extraction infrastructure.

• Surrounding Area: Extensive petroleum extraction operations.

Status of Management Plan: A management plan for the complex was developed in 2002 by Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Division in consultation with neighbouring First Nations and a multi-stakeholder advisory group known as the Hay-Zama Committee. A Fire Management Plan to address annual spring burning is being developed.

Management Authority:

Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
South Tower, Petroleum Plaza
9915 - 108th Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2G8

Alberta Community Development
Parks and Protected Areas Division
Room 1301, Box 18 Provincial Building
10320-99 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 6J4