MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK - Last week the provincial government held an informal open house at Kenosee Lake to discuss their ecosystem-based management plan.
Representing and speaking on behalf of the government were senior park landscape ecologist Thuan Chu, grassland ecologist Dale Gross and park conservation officer Rob Stolz.
It was noted that 68 per cent of the forested area in Moose Mountain Provincial Park is considered to be mature or over mature. There has not been a meaningful forest fire in the park since 1897. To assist with natural regeneration, prescribed burns or mechanical harvesting are being considered with additional tree planting thereafter.
Woody plant and bush encroachment continues to slowly affect the grasslands located in MMPP. Canada thistle is the park’s most invasive weed.
There are approximately 300 head of cattle that graze the park. The last survey of the actual moose and elk numbers was conducted in 2017 which showed a population of 1,100 elk and 800 moose. The 2022 figures are estimated to be 1,000 and 200-300 respectively.
The dramatic decrease in the moose population is entirely because of increased hunting. The next aerial flight survey count is scheduled for the winter of 2023-24.
Jim Brown of Carlyle is the president of Moose Mountain Water Resource Management. He addressed the crowd and highlighted the present water levels and beaver population.
“Water levels in the park have dramatically increased since the record low levels of 2009. The installation of a new culvert from Little Kenosee to the main lake in 2017 has helped with the flow of water,” he said.
“For the most part, the beaver population has been well controlled but still requires constant attention. In 2021, a $30 bounty per beaver resulted in 524 being trapped. We feel that by increasing the bounty to $50, that would help get more beavers harvested. However, the provincial government has discontinued their participation in this program, and we sorely need their assistance. Any individual or corporate donations are also welcome and greatly appreciated.”
