vi 1.0 time. Morley Riske generously provided his expertise on grebe ecology and surveying techniques, accompanied us on field surveys, and inspired us all with his dedication to grebe conservation. Andre Breault, of the Canadian Wildlife Service in Vancouver, also provided us with his expertise in grebe ecology and surveying techniques. Andrea Thompson conducted fieldwork, data management, and edited an earlier draft of this report, for which we are very grateful. We sincerely appreciate the logistical assistance provided to us by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis project is in its second year, and is designed to monitor population trends and reproductive success of western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared grebes ( Podiceps nigricollis) within the Stony Plain study area, Alberta. Surveys are projected to span a five year period, and the results will be used in conservation and management efforts. This project also provides information to support lake habitat conservation and public education. Survey protocols developed by this project are applicable to other regions in Alberta. In 2002, surveying effort was focused on the primary western and eared grebe populations identified in the initial year of this project. Ground nest surveys were the primary means used to estimate adult population sizes; however, this technique was modified slightly from 2001. Instead of conducting a single total nest count at the predicted peak of the nesting season, we surveyed each colony along a sample transect several times during the nesting season. Total nest counts were conducted near end or after the nesting period, and the results from which were used to derive a total breeding adult population estimate.

This project continued inventory and monitoring efforts for long-toed salamanders in the Alberta foothills. A total of 154 ponds were surveyed, of which 56 had evidence of breeding salamanders. Long-toed salamander eggs were found in all but one known breeding pond in the Athabasca Valley area (surveyed 2000-2001), and in 78% of previously identified breeding ponds in Jasper National Park (surveyed 1995-1996). In the Bow Valley area, only 61% of known salamander breeding ponds (surveyed 1998-2001) continued to have evidence of breeding. Attempts to identify populations in new survey areas were unsuccessful with the exception of one observation in an ancillary survey south of the Peace River. Pitfall trapping results at two ponds provided data for long-term population monitoring, and mark-recapture was initiated in the Athabasca Valley. It appears that long-toed salamander populations may be stable in protected areas, but are isolated and vulnerable to habitat destruction in other parts of their range within Alberta. Continued monitoring, education, and conservation actions are recommended. vi * Ponds with previous observations of breeding long-toed salamanders. ** Persistence refers to ponds in which evidence of breeding salamanders were observed in 2002 in addition to a previous year.

The types and numbers of amphibian species captured and observed in 2002 were, for the most part, similar to previous years. Four species were captured: boreal chorus frogs, boreal toads, long-toed salamanders, and wood frogs. Shoreline pond surveys were conducted at 185 ponds within four RANA study areas. Species observed, in order of decreasing abundance, were: wood frogs (the most ubiquitous), long-toed salamanders, boreal toads, boreal chorus frogs, Columbia spotted frogs, and northern leopard frogs. No Canadian toads were observed, despite having several study sites within their range. Regional and provincial summaries of amphibian morphological characteristics are provided in this report, along with summaries of capture rates for all species encountered at each of the RANA trapping ponds. Educational programs reached approximately 6700 people. Vll viii Additional details of the salamander program are in Wilkinson and Hanus (2003a). Public education has always been a fundamental component of the RANA program. Education for school groups and park visitors take the form of presentations, public event displays, guided hikes, and other activities. Technical presentations are given to land-use managers (industry and government), and at biological conferences. In conjunction with RANA educational programs, the Alberta Amphibian Monitoring Program (AAMP) is promoted. This program encourages members of the public to record and submit amphibian observations throughout the province. An instruction manual, including identification photos and a tape of frog and toad calls, are also provided to interested individuals. This document is a compilation of 2002 field results from each RANA site. Individual field summary reports for 2002 have been developed for Hinton (Hanus 2003), Kananaskis (Rose 2002),