COS 152-4 - Moose Habitat Quality in Eeyou Istchee under the Adapted Forestry Regime

Background/Question/Methods

The goal of this research project is to evaluate moose habitat quality within the Adapted Forestry Regime region of Eeyou Istchee, the Cree territory of Northern Québec. We are working closely with the provincial Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), the Cree Québec Forestry Board (CQFB), the regional Cree Nation Government (CNG), Cree Trappers’ Association (CTA) and Cree First Nations of Oujé-Bougoumou, Waswanipi, Nemaska, and Mistissini. In this study, we are employing a weight of evidence approach to bring together scientific and Cree knowledge into the development of quantitative and semi-quantitative models that will contribute to the creation of a moose habitat quality index for the western black spruce - feather moss forest of this region. Our analysis includes location data from 74 moose collars deployed in traplines (family hunting grounds) that have been differentially affected by the forestry regime, extensive footage from GPS-enabled video recorders on collars, and qualitative data collected from semi-structured interviews with Cree Knowledge Holders. Translating expert knowledge among all research partners contributed to a more complete understanding of the effects of forest management on moose habitat quality.

Results/Conclusions

During our project co-development phase, we created a project steering committee to allow for frequent and transparent communication between partner organisations. To understand how to work together successfully, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with steering committee members and results were used to develop and align the focus of the study with existing priorities and initiatives of partner organizations. In fall 2021, we conducted 37 interviews with Knowledge Holders from four Cree communities to inform analyses of collar data and the overall assessment of moose habitat quality. A conceptual mapping technique (fuzzy cognitive mapping) was used to identify key variables during interviews and estimate how each variable influences habitat. Interview results were used to inform the selection of variables for the assessment of habitat using resource selection functions (RSF), emphasizing the importance of mature mixed forests, riparian areas, and disturbances from road networks. Footage from video collars was used to ground truth land cover maps at the scale of the forest patch and measure habitat-specific foraging frequency and cover availability. This collaborative project has allowed us to address key knowledge gaps in moose habitat quality, while working together respectfully, and building common understandings based on both scientific and Cree knowledges.