the MNR
This winter, the Ministry of Natural Resources once again conducted aerial caribou surveys throughout Northwestern Ontario.
These surveys help the ministry to monitor the population health of forest-dwelling woodland caribou, as well as determine caribou distribution during winter across the surveyed areas.
Last year, surveys were flown out of Webequie, Moosonee, Marten Falls, Pickle Lake, and Attawapiskat.
This year, surveys focused on the Webequie, Peawanuck, and Fort Severn areas.
Supplemental survey work also was conducted in the Attawapiskat and Sachigo Lake areas.
The month-long aerial surveys wrapped up March 7. MNR staff monitored caribou distribution by plane for three weeks.
Then they returned by helicopter to areas where caribou were observed to monitor and assess population health.
Part of this assessment includes determining how many adult females still have a surviving calf with them.
The MNR will continue caribou monitoring into the spring and summer months to determine the rate of caribou calves’ survival and recruitment to the population.
