ALBERTA LEGISLATURE LIBRARY l 0 CA2 ALLF A56 1956/1957 c.2 3 3398 0041 1 2040 ALBERTA LEGISLA' ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Department of Lands and Forests OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31st 195 7 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY EDMONTON PRINTED BY L. S. WALL, QUEEN'S PRINTER 1957 To the Honourable J. J. Bowlen, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Alberta. SIR; I have the honour to submit the Report of the Department of Lands and Forests for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1957. I have the honour, to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, NORMAN WILLMORE, Minister of Lands and Forests . Edmonton, December 12th, 1957 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Legislative Assembly of Alberta - Alberta Legislature Library https://archive.org/details/annualreportofde1956albe TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORT OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER 9 I - LANDS ADMINISTRATION Report of the Public and School Lands Division 10 II - FORESTRY ADMINISTRATION Report of the Director of Forestry 28 III - FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATION Report of the Fish and Game Commissioner 48 IV - TECHNICAL DIVISION Report of the Technical Division 60 V - ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION Report of the Accountant 72 VI - REGISTRATION DIVISION Report of the Registrar 85 VII - PROVINCIAL PARKS 89 VIII - PERSONNEL 9& IX - EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 98 CHIEF OFFICERS DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS March 31st, 1957. Hon. Norman Willmore Minister of Lands & Forests H. G. Jensen Deputy Minister Lands & For ests G. W. Acorn Departmental Solicitor V. A. Wood - Director of Lands E. P. Shaver _ Asst. Director of Lands E. S. Huestis Director of Forestry J.R.H. Hall Asst. Director of Forestry T. R. Hammer Supt. of Forest Protection R. L. Loomis Supt. of For est Surveys A. Earnshaw _ Radio Superintendent C. Harvie _ _ Supt. Provincial Parks E. S. Huestis _ Fish and Game Commissioner D. E. Forsland _ Superintendent of Game H. B. Watkins _ Superintendent of Fisheries T. W. Dalkin _ Director, Technical Division H. Soley _ Asst. Director, Technical Division A. McCallum _ Administrative Accountant H. E. Bennett _ Asst. Administrative Accountant C. B. Kenway _ Registrar MissR. Lavallee _ Per sonnel Officer Mrs. L. M. Brown _ Stationery & Supplies EASTERN ROCKIES FOREST CONSERVATION BOARD Major General Howard Kennedy, C.B.E., M.C., B. Sc. - Chairman Ivan Casey _ - Member A. T. Baker _ Member S. R. Hughes Administrative Officer REPORT OF THE Department of Lands and Forests 1956 - 1957 HONOURABLE NORMAN WILLMORE, Minister of Lands and Forests, Edmonton, Alberta, SIR: I have the honour to submit the annual report of the Department of Lands and Forests for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 1957. Respectfully submitted. H. G. JENSEN, Deputy Minister. Edmonton, December 9th, 1957. 10 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Public and School Lands Administration REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, V. A. WOOD In the fiscal year, April 1st, 1956, to March 31st, 1957, there were 113, 209 items of outgoing mail from this division compared to 107, 881 items for the previous fiscal year. This is approximately a 5 per cent gain over the previous year and indicates a steady increase in the amount of work processed by the division. As in the past fiscal year the policy was continued of offering for sale partially brushed and piled units in township 82, ranges 10 and 11, west of the 6th meridian. The policy of granting lessees in the Wanham clearing and breaking project the right to relinquish their homestead leases and obtain a pur¬ chase contract was continued but amended by reducing the purchase price of $25. 00 per cultivated acre to $15.00 and by cancelling the require¬ ment to pay interest except on overdue instalments. The term of the contract remains at 1 5 years. Twenty -four new sale contracts were is¬ sued during the fiscal year. This number includes some of the original contract holders who were given the right under the new contract. In the spring of 1957 a committee of three was appointed by the Minister to meet with the individual lessees whose crop share accounts were in poor standing. The first meetings were held from March 19th to 21st at Wanham and Eaglesham. Several of the lessees interviewed preferred to come under sale contract. Those wishing to remain under a lease contract gave commitments to pay their outstanding crop share indebtedness by the end of 1957. The exploration and oil development in the more sparsely settled areas continued and consequently the number of rights of entry for well¬ sites, pipelines and other related land uses stayed at a high level during the fiscal year. Since July 4th, 1955, when the first application for a homestead lease loan was accepted under The Homestead Lease Loan Act consider¬ able interest has been shown in this form of assistance although the num¬ ber of loans granted was less than for the previous year, 236, as com¬ pared to 643. In December, 1956, the Lands Division invited representatives of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, the Department of Municipal Affairs, the University of Alberta, the Forestry Division and the Econo¬ mic s Division of the Federal Department of Agriculture to a conference, to discuss the land settlement policies presently in effect in the depart¬ ment. A good discussion was held and several recommendations were made and presented to the Minister. From these recommendations and discussions held within the department, a new homestead sales policy was proposed. The amendments to The Public Lands Act to inaugurate PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 11 the new policy were drafted and submitted to the 1957 session of the legislature. Under this proposed homestead sale policy, a person may acquire up to three quarter -sections of land, and after performing five years' cultivation duties, similar to those required under a homestead lease and paying the purchase price, the purchaser may apply for title. The homestead sale regulations do not require any residence duties, which is their main advantage over the present homestead lease regula¬ tions. Although considerable areas of land have been newly surveyed, no additional lands were opened for settlement during the year. This step was taken because of a lack of interest in obtaining homestead leases and there are sufficient areas of land already open and available to take care of the small demand. During the fiscal year surveys of the following townships were wholly or partially completed and if the demand develops it is intended to make available some of the lands for homestead leases in the fall of 1957: Township 87, range 6, west of the 6th meridian Township 86, range 9, west of the 6th meridian Township 87, range 9, west of the 6th meridian Township 86, range 10, west of the 6th meridian Township 87, range 10, west of the 6th meridian Township 79, range 11, west of the 6th meridian Township 80, range 11, west of the 6th meridian In addition to these townships, surveys of lots were carried out in the Lodgepole and Sturgeon Lake subdivisions. A total of 614 veteran and civilian homestead leases were issued during the fiscal year. This number is a decrease of 260 from the 874 leases issued during the previous fiscal year. On March 25th, 1930, the granting of homesteads was discontinued and replaced by the establishment of agricultural lease regulations. The first "agricultural lease" which is now designated "homestead lease" was issued on September 1st, 1940. Since that time the number of leases in force increased until 1954. During the past two or three years a greater number of leases have been patented and there have been a large number cancelled because the lessee failed to complete the re¬ quired duties. The accompanying diagram shows the number of leases in force: 12 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 4800 4400 4000 3600 3200 2800 2400 2000 1600 1200 ■■■ civilian homestead leases VETERAN HOMESTEAD LEASES 800 400 1941 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31 ST PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 13 ORDER S- IN -COUNCIL The following are a few of the more important order s -in-council pertaining to the Lands Division which were passed during the fiscal year . O.C. 972-56, July 17, 1956 - Amended the wording and brought up to date the description of the areas which come under the regulations govern¬ ing the leasing of road allowances in southern Alberta. O.C. 1530-56, November 6th, 1956 - Authorized the setting aside of certain lands in the Fort Vermilion Settlement, for the Indian Affairs Branch of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. O.C. 1556-56, November 13th, 1956 - Authorized the sale of certain lands in Smith Landing Settlement as a site for commercial lumbering operations. O.C. 385-57, March 4th, 1957 - Amended a previous order -in-council and authorized the Minister to sell certain lands in a land clearing and breaking project to lessees at $15. 00 per cultivated acre plus any amounts paid by the Department for taxes. HOMESTEAD LEASE LOANS For the fiscal year 295 applications for loans were received and with the carry over from the previous year, 511 contracts were issued and sent to lessees for execution. Of this number 236 contracts were executed. There were 26 loan contracts cancelled during the year. Payments from the one million dollar fund established by The Home¬ stead Lease Loan Act, amounted to $385, 413. 25, on 287 completed and approximately 225 partially completed contracts. HOMESTEAD LEASES There were 564 civilian and 50 veteran homestead leases issued during the fiscal year, compared to 7 83 civilian and 91 veteran leases in the previous fiscal year. The number of cancellations decreased by 197. The number of leases patented increased by 32. The demand for homestead leases has shown a marked decrease in the past year due to the many opportunities for non-farm work and the generally unfavourable position of agriculture as compared to other non¬ farm industries. The Homestead Lease Loan Act has assisted many lessees in develop¬ ing a more stable farm unit. CROP SHARES Seeding of the 1956 crop got under way in the early part of May in some areas, with general seeding in progress by May 15th. 14 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Approximately 98% of the wheat and 84% of the coarse grains had been seeded by May 30th, 1956, an increase of approximately 10% more wheat and coarse grains seeded than in the corresponding date in 1955. This increase in seeding operations was made possible by good post¬ harvest conditions in 1 955, permitting Alberta farmers to partially pre¬ pare a good seed bed in the fall of 1955 and with a high degree of me¬ chanization which, combined with favourable weather conditions, per¬ mitted long hours of uninterrupted work. Moisture conditions throughout the early growing season were satis¬ factory except for the eastern portion of the Province where crops suf¬ fered from drought in the early part of June, resulting in uneven ger¬ mination and patchy crops in that area. However, general rain in mid- June generally revived most crops and from then on they progressed favourably. Precipitation was slightly less than in 1955, but was still above normal for Alberta. General harvesting began in early September but intermittent rainy weather held up operations which were not concluded in most areas until the end of September and early October. The 1956 crop was slightly below the average of 1954 and 1955 due to lack of precipitation in the early growing season. Wheat graded an average of No. 5, coarse grains from No. 2 feed, with some areas grading tough. The average yields per acre in Alberta were estimated as follows: Wheat 26. 5 Bushels Barley 33.2 Bushels Rye 15 Bushels Flax 13.9 Bushels Initial prices quoted by the Canadian Wheat Board for the crop year 1 956-57 commencing August 1 st, 1956, based on storage at Fort William, Port Arthur or Vancouver for No. 1 grades were: Wheat - $1.40 Barley- - - - .98 Oats - . 65 Cash closing prices on the Winnipeg Grain Exchange for rye and flax¬ seed as on the dates shown were as follows: August 13th, 1956 February 27th, 1957 Rye 2 CW - $ 1 . 27 5/8 - $ 1. 17 Flax 1 CW 3. 60 6/8 2. 85 1/2 PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 15 In 1956, yields of less than 5 bushels per acre for oats, barley and rye, 4 bushels per acre for wheat, 3 bushels per acre for flax, and other crops where the value of the yield was less than $4.00 per acre, were considered a failure. The initial delivery quota at all stations for 1956-57 crop year was 100 units other than Durum Wheat, each unit equal to 3 bushels of wheat or 8 bushels of oats or 5 bushels of barley or 5 bushels of rye. Maximum of 300 Bushels Wheat or 500 Bushels Barley or 500 Bushels Rye By February 28th, 1957, out of a total of 590 shipping points in Al¬ berta, the Canadian Wheat Board had been able to place 84 on a quota of 5bushels per specified acre and203 on a4-bushel quota. Of the remain¬ ing points, 214 on a 3-bushel quota, 70 on a 2-bushel quota and 1 9 stations were reported as closed. Prices on grass and legumes on the whole averaged the same as in 1955, with slightly higher prices for some varieties. It is interesting to note the introduction of rape to Alberta crops. During the year 1954, there was no rape seed production recorded in Alberta. However, in 1956, a total of 8, 000 acres had been seeded to this variety of crop and in 1956, 32, 000 acres were seeded to rape. Settlement of outstanding crop share accounts has improved con¬ siderably over the previous year, with the balance of these accounts re¬ maining unpaid due mainly to quota restrictions. Approximately 90% of the homestead lessees applying for notifica¬ tion had made payment in full for outstanding crop share indebtedness upon application. The early settlement of crop shares was also favour¬ ably affected by those lessees applying for assistance under The Home¬ stead Lease Loan Act, which required settlement of indebtedness prior to application for loan. The administration and collection of crop share on cultivation leases and homestead leases has been greatly improved in the past year in that individual correspondence clerks deal exclusively with a certain series of leases and are responsible for obtaining the required crop share forms and collection of crop share accounts, resulting in increased collection. It is felt that this system will show increased benefit with reference to crop share collections in the future. SALES AND CULTIVATION LEASES During the fiscal year ending March 31, 1957, a total of 127 parcels and 3 lots of public land and 139 parcels of school land were offered for sale. Of these, 74 parcels of public land, 120 parcels of school land and all 3 lots were sold. No lands were offered in the areas withdrawn from settlement nor, generally speaking, were lands suitable for homestead¬ ing or covered with commercial timber. 16 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS The highest price received per acre was $66. 00 for a parcel of non- irrigable land, at the Drumheller sale. The average price per acre re¬ ceived was $19.60 as compared with $13.16 per acre of the previous year. By the end of the fiscal year there was a decrease of 69 accrued area leases (5, 214. 43 acres) and 63 cultivation leases (20, 419. 57 acres). There was an increase of 35 sales (4, 543. 23 acres). In additionthe ex¬ changes of land and transfers of land to the St. Mary and Milk Rivers Irrigation Project and the transfer of tax recovery lands to the Depart¬ ment of Municipal Affairs have steadily increased. All cultivation leases issued now are on a cash rental basis but the holders of existing leases are given the option of converting from crop share rental to cash rental. A number of these conversions have taken place within the past year. The amalgamation mentioned in last year's report, of crop share collections and calculations on cultivation leases, has proved very sat¬ isfactory. The one group is now able to take care of the crop share collection and the general administration of the cultivation leases. SPECIAL LAND USES During the past year the department dealt with numerous applica¬ tions for wellsites, battery sites and oil and gas pipeline rights-of-way as the search for petroleum and naturalgas continued to extend into the unsettled areas of the province. Existing pipeline rights-of-way were extended as fields were developed or new fields were discovered. Many miscellaneous leases and permits were issued in undeveloped areas of the province for temporary camps for personnel engaged in searching for or producing petroleum or natural gas. There has been a continual demand for summer cottage sites on public lands adjoining lakes and rivers. Inspections were made of sev¬ eral areas to determine their suitability for such use and several of these sites were selected for survey during 1957. Under the present policy, ten-year miscellaneous leases are issued on lots in these summer cottage subdivisions. The lessee is required to build a cottage within two years of the issue of the lease. There has also been considerable demand for sites adjoining high¬ ways for filling stations, motels and other uses. Inspections and in¬ vestigations were carried out in these cases in co-operation with the Department of Highways and the Planning Commission to determine the feasibility of subdividing public lands adjoining the highways and the best location for such subdivisions. There have been numerous easements issued to Rural Electrifica¬ tion Associations and other electrical power companies for rights-of- way for power lines into farming areas and oil fields. PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 17 SUB-AGENCIES: Public land sub-agencies were maintained at Bonnyville, Lac La Biche, Peace River, Edson, Rocky Mountain House and Grande Prairie. The Office of Information in Calgary was also continued. Temporary sub-agencies for one or two days a month were continued at High Prairie, Spirit River, Bay Tree, Cherry Point, Hines Creek and Fort Vermilion. INSPEC TIONS: The inspection work was carried out by fifteen permanent and five temporary inspectors. During the winter and early spring, when unable to work in the field, the permanent inspectors assisted in office work. Inspectors also conducted the auction sales of school and public lands. The following is a summary of field inspections: Soil Survey (Applications for homestead leases): Requests outstanding at April 1, 1956 - - - — 321 Reports called during fiscal year - - — - - 372 Reports received during fiscal yaar - - 525 Requests outstanding at March 31, 1957 - ~168 General, Grazing and School Lands: Requests outstanding at April 1, 1956 - 2, 324 Reports called during fiscal year - - - 5, 631 Reports received during fiscal year - 5, 851 Requests outstanding at March 31, 1957 - 2, 104 There was a decrease of more than 800 requests for inspections over the preceding year, mainly due to the decrease in applications for homestead leases and loans. SUPERVISOR, LAND CLASSIFICATION: Inspections were made of the following lands in the green area due to requests from the public to have them made available for settlement: Townships 55 & 56, Ranges 13 & 14, W. 5th Meridian Townships 69 & 7 0, Ranges 25 26, W. 5th Meridian Township 63, Range 5, W. 5th Meridian Inspections for settlement purposes were made in Township 84, Ranges 9 and 10, West of the 6th Meridiem. General inspections were made in the Peace River district, in areas that were inaccessible to anything but a four wheel drive vehicle. Because of wet weather, it was impossible to make an exploratory survey for settlement purposes of Township 104, Ranges 13 to 18, West of the 5th Meridian. 18 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS COLLEC TIONS: During the year under review the temporary inspector of collections commenced operations in the late spring and was employed until Novem¬ ber. His work was confined to the northern districts. He travelled 13, 374 miles completing 590 collections for a total of approximately $12, - 000. 00. In addition many grain storage tickets and cheques for future presentation were obtained. Again grain quotas and a shortage of elevator space held up deliver¬ ies. Adding to the many difficulties in making collections and reports was the absentee lessee, many of whom were employed away from their leases. A considerable number of seeding and harvesting reports were ob¬ tained by the Inspector of Collections, bringing records up to date. The following is a summary of business transacted: HOMESTEAD LOANS Loans in force at April 1, 1956 - 643 236 j-jvjdixo aiitcu uux -LAAg, y cai o A Loans uui mg itoL cxx y cai in force at March 31, 1957 - L* D - 853 ACCRUED AREA LEASES Number Area in Acres Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - - 762 - - 44,581.25 Leases issued during fiscal year - 60 - 5,280.17 Leases cancelled during fiscal year — 129 - 10,494.60 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - - 693 - - 39, 366.82 HOMESTEAD LEASES - CIVILIAN Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 4, 475 Leases issued during fiscal year - 564 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 509 Leases patented during fiscal year - 223 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 4, 307 HOMESTEAD LEASES - VETERAN Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - Leases issued during fiscal year - Leases cancelled during fiscal year Leases patented during fiscal year - Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - CLEARING PROJECT LEASES INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TWO SECTIONS AT MARCH 31, 1957 Civilian — - 52 - 16,689.89 Veteran - 147 - 47,068.40 1, 526 - 415, 139.83 - 50 - 14, 035. 15 - 87 - 23, 973. 36 — 153 - 39, 279. 91 1, 336 - 365, 921.71 1, 075, 532. 02 ■ 144,137.63 - 127,923.47 — 45,739. 36 1, 046, 006. 82 Total 199 63,758.29 PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 19 CLEARING PROJECT PURCHASE Number AGREEMENTS at March 31, 1957 - 20 LICENSES OF OCCUPATION Licenses in force at April 1, 1956 - 419 Licenses issued during fiscal year - 31 Licenses cancelled during fiscal year - 26 Licenses in force at March 31, 1957 - 424 MISCELLANEOUS LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 298 Leases issued during fiscal year - 58 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 34 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - - - 322 SEED CROP LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 2 Leases issued during fiscal year - 0 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 0 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 2 TOWN SITE LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 6 Leases issued during fiscal year - — — 2 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 0 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - - 8 MINERAL SURFACE LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 10 Leases issued during fiscal year - 0 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 1 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 9 FUR FARM LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - - 4 Leases issued during fiscal year - 0 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 0 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 4 CULTIVATION LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - - 843 Leases issued during fiscal year - 31- Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 71 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - - 803 PUBLIC LAND SALES Sales in force at April 1, 1956 - - 890 Sales granted during fiscal year - 153 Sales patented during fiscal year - 107 ■ Sales cancelled during fiscal year — - 22 Area in Acres - 6, 393.66 8, 361.49 475.30 819.89 8, 016.90 22,935.37 967.66 1,217.75 22,685.28 25, 861.30 0 0 25, 861.30 - 790.33 - 308.20 0 1, 098.53 17,891. 13 0 272.20 17,618.93 929.00 0 0 929. 00 176, 073.88 5, 530. 59 21,709.48 159, 894.99 120,964.05 - 14,287.53 - 7,117.12 - 3,821.99 20 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Number Area in Acres Sales in force at March 31, 1957 - - 914 - - 124, 312.47 ROAD ALLOWANCE LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 — 1, 276 - - 61,725. 39 Leases issued during fiscal year - - 132 — - 4,583.15 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 63 - 1,938.76 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 — 1, 345 - - 64, 369.78 RIGHTS OF ENTRY Rights of Entry in force at April 1, 1956 - 873 Applications received during fiscal year - 1, 045 Rights of Entry cancelled during fiscal year — 1 6 1 Rights of Entry granted during fiscal year - 827 Applications pending at March 31, 1957 - 1, 026 Rights of Entry in force at March 31, 1957-1,539 Of the 1, 045 applications which were received 91 were block applications which covered approximately 312 well-site locations. EASEMENTS Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 293 Leases issued during fiscal year - 97 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 4 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 386 QUARRYING LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 19 Leases issued during fiscal year - 0 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 2 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 17 (These Quarrying Leases cover Sand and Gravel only) SAND AND GRAVEL LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 156 Leases issued during fiscal year - 42 Leases cancelled during fiscal year - 21 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 177 NOTIFICATIONS FOR TITLE (Homesteads and Soldier Grant Entries) Applications for Notification for Title on hand April 1, 1956 - 37 Applications for Title received during fiscal year - 2 Notifications for Title issued during fiscal year - 3 Homestead Entries cancelled — - 3 Unpatented Homestead and Soldier Grant Entries 36 PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 21 During the above fiscal year, three more squatters were found whose rights to homestead entries must be recognized under the terms of the Agreement for the transfer of the natural resources to the province. MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS Number Area in Acres Issued during fiscal year - 694 MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS (TRAPPERS CABINS) Issued during fiscal year - — 179 GRAZING PERMITS Issued - - - - 1, 503 - 295, 078. 11 CULTIVATION PERMITS Issued - 58 1,490.00 HAY PERMITS Issued - - 381 (Total number of tons - 4, 023) SAND AND GRAVEL PERMITS Issued — - — - - 97 SAND AND GRAVEL RESERVATIONS To Provincial Government Departments, Municipal Districts, Cities and Towns — To Government of Canada - - ASSIGNMENTS REGISTERED (Leases, Permits and Sales) - 243 GRAZING The field work of the Grazing Inspection Branch was carried out in 1956 by the Grazing Appraiser and Assistant Grazing Appraiser. During the year there were a large number of inspections required for the issuance of long term grazing leases on the lands covered by grazing permits. In addition there were the usual number of inspections for renewal of leases. The year 1956 was noted by a marked increase in the demand for grazing lands, especially in the southern portion of the province. Much of the demand was brought about by grain farmers who were unable to sell their grain and decided to process it through livestock. These far¬ mers desired summer grazing for the cattle while their cultivated land was in crop. 255 11 22 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Throughout the year contact withgrazing lessees was maintained and advice, where requested, was given with respect to increasing the forage production of native ranges and cultivated land. With the great demand prevailing for grazing lands more attention will have to be given in future to increasing the production of forage on ranch units. In 1956 the Grazing Appraiser was invited to become a member of the Forage Crops Advisory Committee. This is a Federal-Provincial organization consisting of members from the Dominion Experimental Farms, Provincial Government and University of Alberta who are en¬ gaged in forage crop production and plant breeding. Through this or¬ ganization up to date information will be available for the improvement and development of forage crops worthy of introduction into various dis¬ tricts of the Province of Alberta. Again, as in previous years, constant vigilance was maintained to prevent the invasion of range weeds from other provinces and the State of Montana. So far only downy brome or cheat grass, (an annual brome) has made an appearance, mostly in the southwestern portion of the pro¬ vince. This grass has some value for grazing in early spring and is not a serious pest at the present time. So far as is known, no invasion of goat weed and burro weed or halo- geton have been noted in the province. These two plants if once estab¬ lished could cause serious depletion of range grazing resources and at¬ tempts will at all times be made to isolate and eradicate them. During 1956 the question of the holder of a grazing lease being a- llowed to indiscriminately assign his lease became a matter of concern. The question was discussed at a meeting between the executive of the Western Stock Growers' Association and representatives of the depart¬ ment and it was agreed that the Minister should have the authority" to turn down any assignments which he did not consider to be in the public interest. During 1956 some complaints were received to the effect that persons other than Canadian citizens or British subjects were being allowed to hold grazing leases. It was decided that only persons who could provide evidence of Canadian citizenship or who were British subjects would be allowed to obtain a lease by application or through assignment. An amendment to The Public Lands Act to cover the two changes in policy were submitted to the 1957 session of the legislature. Alimited number of applications for assistance under the Range Im¬ provement Program were received and investigated for development of water supplies or regrassing former cultivated areas. The interest in community pastures is growing and it is felt that there will be an increasing demand for such pastures in the future. During 1956 the Purple Springs Community Pasture was established. This pasture will be operated by the department with a permanent care- PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 23 taker. It includes 1280 acres of which about 600 acres are irrigable. The irrigable area was broken up and mostly seeded to grass with a nurse crop. It is expected that cattle will be pastured on this area in the fall of 1957. During 1956 three "Wild Horse Round-Ups" were authorized, one in the Peace River area and two in the area around Smoky Lake. No re¬ turns have yet been received on the Peace River round-up but approxi¬ mately 60 head of "slick" unbranded horses have been taken out of the Smoky Lake area. There is considerable interest in the round-up of "slick" horses in the area south of the Jasper highway, from the coal branch west to the Jasper Park boundary. The average price for all grades of cattle, except fed calves, choice steers and choice heifers sold on the Calgary market during the period July 1st to December 31st, 1956, was 14. 06$ per lb. as compared to 14. 34$ per lb. for the same period in 1955. Accordingly, the rental and taxes per acre for the periodfrom January 1st to December 31st, 1957, on grazing leases and from April 1st, 1957, to March 31st, 1958, on grazing permits were decreased from 1956 as follows: One head to 24 acres One head to 32 acres One head to 40 acres One head to 50 acres One head to 60 acres 1956 18 3/4$ 14$ - 11 1/4$ 9* — 7 1/2$ 1957 18 1/4$ 13 3/4$ 11$ 8 3/4$ 7 1/4$ Lands formerly in the special areas which have been transferred to the jurisdiction of this department remain in a special category as far as rental is concerned. The rate is based on 8% of the forage value as compared to 12 1/2% for other lands outside the special areas. On lands formerly in the special areas, 1957 rentals for grazing leases and grazing permits as compared to 1956 are as follows: 1956 1957 One head to 40 acres One head to 50 acres One head to 60 acres 1/4$ 3/4$ 3/4$* 7$ 5 1/2$ 4 3/4$ Grazing rentals on a head tax basis for 1957 on Provincial Grazing Reserves were set as follows: Horses Cattle - Sheep - - - $1.40 per head per month - $1.20 per head per month - - - - $0. 10 per head per month Where no caretaker or other facilities are provided by the depart¬ ment, grazing rental on a head tax basis is as follows: Horses - 50$ per head per month Cattle - 40$ per head per month Sheep - 08$ per head per month 24 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS There were twenty-eight grazing association leases and three Pro¬ vincial grazing reserves in operation in 1956 as well as five long term grazing leases by associations in the process of formation. The following is a summary of the grazing reserves and community pastures operated by associations: DEPARTMENTAL RESERVES (Permanent Caretakers) Twin River Provincial Grazing Reserve The Twin River Provincial Grazing Reserve comprises an area of 21, 388 acres with 23 3/4 miles of fencing. In 1956, forty -three permits were issued for the grazing of 1,434 head of cattle on a six-month basis. The caretaker was resident on the reserve during the full grazing season. May 1st to November 1st, and his services were very satisfactory. Vauxhall Provincial Grazing Reserve The area of the Vauxhall Provincial Grazing Reserve available for allotment in 1956 was approximately 100, 000 acres with 39 3/4 miles of two - three - and four - wire fence belonging to the department. The area which was formerly dealt with as a reserve and adminis¬ tered by a permanent caretaker was turned over to the Vauxhall Graz¬ ing Association during 1953. The said association operated in 1956 in the same manner as an association holding a lease. The area of this reserve was slightly reduced in 1956 by the expan¬ sion of the Bow River Irrigation Project. On lands surrounding the area held by the Vauxhall Grazing Associa¬ tion, allotments were made to individuals in 1956 on a similar basis as that followed in previous years. Purple Springs Irrigated Community Pasture The area of the Purple Springs Irrigated Community Pasture is 1280 acres. A caretaker was hired in 1956 for fencing and irrigation work. The oat crop grown as a nurse crop for the newly planted grass was sold privately. It is expected that possibly 200 head of stock will be placed on this pasture during the latter part of 1957. RESERVES HANDLED BY ASSOCIATION (Association responsible for upkeep and care of the stock) Grazing Reserves under long term grazing leases by association Name of Grazing Reserve Area in Acres Barnwell Grazing Association - Barnwell Big Four Lease Association - Armada - Blackfoot Grazing Association - Uncas — 3, 142 - 3, 035 24, 599 PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 25 Name of Grazing Reserve Area in Acres Bluefield Grazing Association - Elkwater - 11,726 Boundary Creek Association - Boundary Creek - - 637 Bow Island-Forty Mile Grazing Association - Burdett - 24, 365 Bowell West Grazing Association - Bowell — - - 8, 009 B, T. Grazing Co-Operative Ltd. - Hilda - 26,351 Castle River Stock Association - Beaver Mines - 6, 159 Chauvin District Grazing Association - Chauvin - 1, 113 Comrey Grazing Association - Comrey - - 29, 954 Cresthill Farmers Community Cattle Grazing Lease Association - Chauvin-— - 14, 271 Deimuth Lease Association - Turin - 1,478 Dunn Lake Cattle Association- Edgerton - - 3, 596 Fir Grove Stock Association - Bellevue - - -3,750 Green Prairie Grazing Group - Armada - - 2, 875 Jumping Pound Stock Association - Calgary - 13,406 The Lakes Grazing Association - Czar - - - 1,907 Lomond Grazing Association - Lomond - 90, 069 Many Island Lake Grazing Association - Medicine Hat - — - 17,647 Nemiscam Community Pasture Organization - Nemiscam - 4,781 North Group Cattle Association - Lea Park - 9, 935 Pipeline Grazing Association - Bowell - 23, 261 Poll Haven Community Pasture - Mountain View - 10,462 Rocky Coulee Grazing Association - Bowell - - 4,432 Ross Lake Community Pasture - Owendale - - 4,473 Tide Lake Grazing Association - Jenner - — -15,779 Tulliby Lake Stockmen's Association - Marwayne - 13,990 The Buffalo Park Grazing Association operating atWainwright made use of grazing facilities on the military camp area at Wainwright and se¬ cured grazing privileges of 10, 576 cow months and 2, 272 sheep months during 1956. The association provided grazing privileges for 2, 052 head of cattle, 568 head of sheep and 17 head of horses. In addition, a permit was granted to cut and remove 740 tons of hay from the military area in 1956. The arrangement for obtaining grazing privileges in this area is in accordance with an agreement between the Department of National De¬ fence, the Buffalo Park Grazing Association and this department. Ren¬ tal paid for grazing obtained and hay cut is applied to the Department of National Defence's rental account with this department. LONG TERM GRAZING LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 Leases issued during fiscal year Leases renewed during fiscal year Leases cancelled during fiscal year Leases in force at March 31, 1957 Number Area in Acres 2, 530 3, 206, 850. 65 558 322, 276. 88 72 80, 598. 38 66 69, 572. 75 3, 022 3,459, 554.78 26 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS SCHOOL LANDS Of the 139 parcels of school land offered for sale during the past fiscal year a total of 120 were sold. This is an increase of parcels of¬ fered and sold over the previous year. The amount of money collected on new school land sales during the fiscal year was $59, 211. 35, an in¬ crease of $3,458.05 over the previous year. The total revenue derived from school land sale accounts during the fiscal year was: Principal - $ 370, 151. 89 Interest - $ 59,591.97 Total - $ 429, 743. 86 It will be noted that this also is an increase over last year of $43, 279. 16. The following is a summary of other school land business trans¬ acted: SCHOOL LAND SALES Number Area in Acres Sales in force at April 1, 1956 - 1, 898 - - 295, 425. 18 Sales granted during fiscal year - 128 18, 176.66 Sales cancelled during fiscal year - 25 4, 593.73 Sales patented during fiscal year - 92 12, 388. 12 Sales in force at March 31 , 1957 - 1,909 -296, 619. 99 MISCELLANEOUS Leases in force at April 1, 1956 — Leases issued during fiscal year — Leases cancelled during fiscal year Leases in force at March 31, 1957 CULTIVATION LEASES Leases in force at April 1, 1956 - 1, 181 Leases issued during fiscal year - 24 Leases cancelled during fiscal year— - 47 Leases in force at March 31, 1957 - 1, 158 GRAZING PERMITS Issued during fiscal year - - 803 - 2 06, 260. 1 8 CULTIVATION PERMITS Issued during fiscal year - 29 - 1 , 027 . 00 HAY PERMITS 238,428. 08 - 5, 321. 39 - 9, 562. 07 234, 187.40 — 69 - 0 2, 685. 16 0 Q 383 31 60 2, 301. 85 87 Issued during fiscal year - (Total number of tons - 1, 092) PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTRATION 27 ASSIGNMENTS REGISTERED Number Leases, Permits and Sales - 166 Statement of revenue pertaining to School Lands may be found in the report of the Accounting Division. Note: The term "Leases cancelled during fiscal year" includes leases which expired. STAFF The turnover of staff, mainly in the stenographic group was about the same as in former years. Due to the increase in workit was necessary to add one correspon¬ dence clerk in the special land use group. Mr. W. P. Coad, Supervisor, Field Staff, left the department to accept a position as a member of the Right of Entry Arbitration Board. Mr. Coad had been with the department for approximately 17 years dur¬ ing which time his services were very much appreciated. As in former years the co-operation and faithful service of the lands branch staff was appreciated. 28 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Forestry REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY E. S. HUESTIS FIRE Heavy snowfall during the winter provided ample moisture in all areas. This favourable condition deteriorated rapidly throughout the month of May due to hot and dry weather and continuous high winds. This prolonged persistent period of high fire hazard together with a high fire incidence resulted in one of the worst fire seasons on record. Relief from this condition was obtained by heavy rains in the first part of June. The occurrence in July of hot dry periods, accompanied by severe elec¬ trical storms over large areas greatly increased fire suppression dif¬ ficulties. Well distributed rains during the latter part of the summer and fall months, kept the hazard normal and fire occurrence low. An unusual feature in the fall weather was an abnormally warm and dry November, mostly in the west central area, resulting in a number of small fires and an increasing fire danger until snow fell at the end of the month. The extreme northern part of the province obtained heavier than average precipitation, well distributed throughout the season. The con¬ sistently low fire hazard assisted greatly in fire control, as fire occur¬ rence was one of the lowest on record in this northern area. Suppressive action was taken on 258 fires. Of these fires, 147 (57%) originated in the forest zone, and 111 (43%) in the settlement zone. A total of 694,480 acres were burned over, consisting of 577, 801 acres of forested land and 116, 679 acres of non-forested land. Principal causes were settlers, responsible for 24%, lightning 17 . 8%, campers 14.4%, smokers 12%, and incendiary 12% forming 80.2% of all fires. Principal cause showing improvement is "incendiary" declining from 1 3. 8% to 12%. Causes showing increases are smokers from a pre¬ vious 9.9% to 12%, and settlers again showing an increase from 21.9% to 24%. Our detection system was improved this season by construction of nine new towers and associated buildings. A number of these were carried over from last year and were in various stages of construction. Not all were completed for full time service this season. The new fiberglas cupolas have been very satisfactory and over a period of time it is the intention to replace all the older ones with this type. Listed below are the number of fires reported by the different agencies indicating an increase in fires reported by towers and aircraft and continued good co-operation by the public. Forest Officers Towers Public Railway Aircraft 61 94 87 8 8 Percentage 23.7% 36.4% 33.7% 3.1% 3.1% FORESTRY 29 Fire Fighter. 30 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS A total of 76 prosecutions were instigated and 66 convictions obtained by the Forest Service under Part III of The Forests Act. An increase in heavy equipment included two D6 caterpillar tractors with dozers and winches, two bombardiers, 12 fire pumps, fire hose, boats and canoes, wagons, trailers, heavy and patrol type trucks. Suf¬ ficient light equipment was obtained to replace lost and worn out equip¬ ment and to supply new ranger districts. An improvement in the fire suppression organization was made by increasing the permanent staff by four district rangers and six assistant rangers. Seasonal four -man standby fire crews used successfully in previous years were increased from six to eight crews this year. A very heavy program of new construction and maintenance of roads and buildings was carried out by the field staff, including standby fire crews, when fire conditions were favourable. This includes three new ranger stations, consisting of a fully modern house, 26 x 34 semi-bun¬ galow, a two-stall garage 24 x 22, equipment cache 16 x 24, and engine house 10 x 12. These stations were built by contract under supervision of the forest superintendent. An improvement was made in the fire control plans. Forest cover maps and statistical records of past fire experiences were used in the preparation of maps and overlays showing areas of high value, highhaz- ard, high incidence, high lightning storms, lowdetection and poor acces¬ sibility, etc. TIMBER The number of active timber operations increased on provincial lands. The production of railway ties and round timber, increased, but there was a decrease in the amount of lumber manufactured. Lumber export markets were fairly good until early winter. Then poor market conditions in theU.S.A. together with the high rate of dis¬ count on U. S. funds resulted in lower returns on lumber shipped. The North Western Pulp & Power Ltd. pulp mill at Hinton is rapidly nearing completion and will be turning out a good grade of Hi-Brite pulp. The exporters of fire-killed pulpwood have expanded their opera¬ tions and expect a larger cut next year. The pulpwood was shipped to mills south of the Great Lakes. Participation by the Federal Government, particularly in the field of silviculture, entomology and pathology, continues on a high scale. Extensive work has been carried out by the Dominion Forest Ser¬ vice in a pilot management unit in the Marsh -Head Creek area of the Whitecourt Division. A management plan is almost completed and it is hoped that experimental methods of cutting will start next winter. Mapping timber application areas from aerial photographs at a scale of 1 to 15, 840 was continued. Applications dealt with totalled 527, amount¬ ing to 884, 360 acres. FORESTRY Loading Pulpwood, Camp 1, North Western Pulp and Power Co., Hinton. Unloading Pulpwood at Hinton Pulp Mill. 32 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS The temporary cutting control plans previously prepared were ap¬ proved and a report in summary form was sent to the field offices for implementation. Work continued during the year on obtaining a more detailed inven¬ tory. Five of the eleven management units in the Slave Lake forestry division were field examined by four seven-man parties during the sum¬ mer months. Nearly 6, 000 plots were measured to obtain detailed in¬ formation on forest conditions, such as growth, site, age class distribu - tion and yield for various sub-types. During the winter months nearly 1 , 000, 000 acres of these units were typed in detail from vertical aerial photographs at 1, 320 feet to 1 inch. In order to have a suitable large scale base (1 to 15, 840) to prepare forest cover maps for the above work, 2, 000 square miles of base map¬ ping was completed at the above scale. FOREST INVENTORY The initial over -all broad provincial inventory is now complete. Forest cover maps at scales of 1 to 40, 000, 1 to 63, 360, 1 to 126,720 and 1 to 253,440 are available. Also available are statistical data of volume and area in map sheet units of 15’ of latitude and 30' of longitude (approximately 330 square miles on the average) for all the Crown owned forested areas of the province with the exception of Indian reserves, national parks, and that area under the jurisdiction of the East Slope Forest Conservation Board. The data are set up onl.B.M. punch cards. This system of recording makes it possible to obtain information in any desired combination of the original data or any combination of the above map sheets. The work is well advanced on the preparation of a composite map of the province showing the forest cover in broad classes by a combination of colors and symbols in accordance with a standard legend. It is pro¬ posed to have this map lithographed and copies at suitable scales made available to the public, but the main purpose of this map is for use in protection planning. Maintenance of the inventory was continued by keeping up to date records of current major changes in forest cover through cutting and fire losses. In conjunction with the mapping and compiling of 1956 fires, over 2, 600 photographs were taken and 926, 000 acres mapped and tim¬ ber losses calculated. This does not include fires under 160 acres in area. Current timber cutting is also being recorded on I.B.M. punch cards. A continuous record of approximately 600 separate timber op¬ erations are being kept. New operations are constantly coming while old ones are dropping out but the average is as quoted above. RADIO Plans have been completed and work started on the conversion of the first few portable SPF sets purchased to a more sensitive and later type of tube. The modification will roughly double the battery life of FORESTRY 33 Radio Operator — receiving fire message. 34 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS each set. These sets are being withdrawn from portable service and used as standby equipment. The policy of overhauling gasoline electric plants at the Edmonton service depot is proving much more practical than field overhauls and is to be continued. Lightning protection is being provided for all new towers and is in the process of being installed on the older towers. The Forestry Radio Repair Depot was moved in January from the west end to larger premises on 120th street which provides suitable storage facilities and a larger work shop area. A screened room is also included to aid the technicians in carrying out accurate tests on sensitive radio equipment. A stockman was hired to assist with the storage of stock and the keeping of stock and shipping records. At Peace River a remote receiver site was obtained and a thorough¬ ly insulated receiver house erected there. A dry battery-operated re¬ ceiver provides reception free of man-made interference. During the winter, the building is heated by a single propane lamp which develops about three thousand BTU's and keeps the inside temperature above freezing. A remote operated receiver was installed at Whitecourt in February for operation on 16 16 kilocycles. The improved ratio of signal to noise has improved communication in the division. New equipment placed in service in the N.A. F.D. includes twenty medium frequency portables, seven gas electric power plants and six low power transmitter receiver units. Thirteen towers were equipped for radio operation. Installation work and maintenance has been pro¬ vided for two stations operated by the Department of Public Welfare at Northern Metis Colonies. In the East Slope area new equipment consisted of one FM radio equipped tower and ten Handie Talkie radiophones. The Handie Talkies have two transmit channels per unit. All previous single frequency Handie Talkies have been modified to provide transmission on two fre¬ quencies, the work being done by the Calgary staff. A remote control unit is being built for the Alder Flats station. The unit will be housed in the ranger station and will control the FM radio installed in the lookout tower. Communication will then be pro¬ vided the year round with Rocky Mountain House, Breton and local port¬ able s . A fir st helicopter trip was made by the radio staff to service equip¬ ment at a tower . The elapsed time for the trip was one afternoon. Earlier in the year the same trip was made by pack horses and the elapsed time was six days. There was an increase in the amount of traffic handled compared to previous years. FORESTRY 35 Unloading Jeep from barge on way to Thickwood Hills Tower Road from McMurray. Stern of freighter canoe in foreground Athabasca River at McMurray. Simonette Lookout Tower. 36 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS FIRE SUPPRESSION During the fire season of 1956 a total of 258 fires were dealt with as shown below in classes: 57 Class "A" or small fires (less than 1/4 of an acre) 43 Class "B" fires (over 1/4 up to 10 acres) 40 Class "C" fires (over 10 acres up to 100 acres) 48 Class "D" fires (over 100 acres to 500 acres) 70 Class "E" fires (over 500 acres) RAILWAY FIRE LOSSES, CALENDAR YEAR 1956 CAUSES AND NUMBER OF FIRES: Railway Causes - Locomotives 1 Employees 2 Total 3 KNOWN CAUSES OTHER THAN RAILWAY: Other Known Causes Total 3 Grand Total 6 NUMBER OF ACRES BURNED; Slashing or Old Burn Timber Land Young Growth Non-forested 2. 22 10. 00 13. 00 8. 00 Total 33.22 LOSS: Timber Young Growth Forest Products Other Property $ 100.00 19.50 Nil 2, 750. 00 Total $ 2, 869. 50 FORESTRY 37 COMPARISON OF FIRE CAUSES BY PERCENTAGES FOR THE YEARS 1945 TO 1956 INCLUSIVE CAUSE 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 Campers 18.7 14.9 15. 5 29.9 21.4 23. 8 16.7 25.0 40. 0 36. 5 14.7 14.4 Smokers 8.8 5.5 6.6 12. 5 9.6 10. 1 23. 8 9- 4 10.0 11.8 9.9 12.0 Settlers 15. 1 10.5 7.4 10.9 23.6 14.9 19.0 12.5 10.7 17.6 21.9 24.0 Railways 12.0 21.1 32. 8 15. 2 8.9 10.9 10.7 17.7 11.4 3. 5 6.0 1.2 Lightning 6.0 4.4 4. 1 3.8 6. 8 8.9 8. 3 3. 1 5.0 5.9 15. 1 17.8 Industrial Operations 3.5 9.5 4.9 8.7 3. 5 4.0 6.0 7.8 2.9 7.1 (lumbering) 6.0 5.0 Incendiary 6.0 2.9 4. 1 2.7 7.3 8.0 8. 3 12.0 12.9 1.2 13. 8 12.0 Public Works 0.4 — — — 1.6 1.2 — — 0.7 4.7 1.8 1.9 Unclassified 13.4 6.9 0. 8 0.6 3.9 6.9 6.0 4.2 2. 2 2.3 3.5 4.7 Unknown 16. 1 24.3 23.8 15.7 1 3 ; 4 11.3 1.2 8.3 4.2 9.4 7.3 7.0 COMPARISON OF FIRE LOSSES AND CAUSES BY PERCENTAGES FOR THE YEAR 1956 Merchantable Number of Timber Losses Total Acreage Fires Acres Burned % % % Campers 14.4 1.4 6. 1 Smokers 12.0 48. 5 20.4 Settlers 24.0 13. 1 28.6 Railways 1.2 Nil Nil Lightning 17. 8 13.2 23. 1 Lumbering 5.0 17 j 8 9.1 Incendiary 12. 0 1.3 6.4 Public Works 1.9 Nil Nil Unclassified 4.7 0.2 0.6 Unknown 7.0 4. 5 5.7 SUMMARY SHOWING TOTAL NUMBER OF FIRES AND BURNT OVER AREAS FROM 1945 TO 1956 INCLUSIVE YEAR TOTAL FIRES NON- FORESTED FORESTED TOTAL AREA SUPPRESSION COSTS No. Acres Acres Acres $ 1945 284 128, 264 88,473 216, 737 64, 002 1946 275 179,731 92, 552 272, 283 54, 129 1947 122 46, 895 33, 166 80, 061 19, 876 1948 184 195,491 107, 726 303, 217 90, 904 1949 314 552, 185 908, 862 1,461, 047 248, 635 1950 248 233, 509 472, 178 705, 687 336, 304 1951 84 13, 303 10, 565 23, 868 25, 092 1952 192 184, 905 299,424 484, 329 70,443 1953 140 137, 275 196, 826 334, 101 188, 202 1954 85 71, 008 57, 869 128, 877 77,453 1955 232 76,716 124, 578 201, 294 165, 906 1956 258 116, 679 577, 801 694, 480 657, 092 Totals 2,418 1,935,961 2, 970, 020 4, 905, 981 1, 998, 038 ANNUAL SUMMARY OF FOREST FIRE LOSSES FIRES WITHIN FOREST RESERVES ! 39 LANDS AFFECTED LOSS SUPPRESSION COSTS CAUSE NUMBER OF FIRES OWNERSHIP AREA CONDITION TIMBER (MERCHANTABLE AND CUT-OVER) H C s of ber Loss of Young Growth Loss of Other Property Total Loss Ranger Service Other Expenditure Total CLASS Public Private Total Merchantable Timber Cut-over Timber Young Growth Not Forested UNSALVABLE A B C D E Total Saw- Timber Other Campers Smokers Settlers Railways Lightning Lumbering Incendiary Public Works Unclassified Unknown — 1 — — — 1 11 1 Acres 8 Acres Acres 8 1 2 Acres 8 Acres _ £ Acres Acres M.Ft.B.M. 12 Cords 68 $ 184 $ $ 2, 000 2,750 $ 2, 184 2,750 $ 68 59 $ 273 25 $ 341 84 1 2 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 314 314 191 123 348 3,665 7 ,766 943 8, 709 784 10 6, 904 7,688 10 _ _ _ _ _ TOTALS 9 3 1 1 14 323 1 324 119 123 2 360 3. 733 7 1.950 943 4,750 13. 643 921 7,202 8, 123 FIRES OUTSIDE FOREST RESERVES Campers Smoker s Settlers Railways Lightning Lumbering Incendiary Public Works Unclassified Unknown 11 11 6 5 3 4 1 4 3 10 6 2 1 6 2 2 4 4 3 7 3 6 2 12 3 5 2 4 19 7 2 7 2 4 6 6 29 5 2 13 2 7 36 30 62 3 35 12 31 5 12 18 40,415 140,412 149,922 28 159,489 63,217 32,494 16 3,977 34, 073 2,140 908 48,543 3 300 12, 114 42, 555 141, 320 198,465 31 159,489 63, 517 44,608 16 4,287 39, 868 4, 374 94, 474 73, 817 10 29, 373 39,014 5,496 4 751 23, 349 142 10,933 6, 069 30, 675 30,718 62,646 13 120,976 7,777 24, 570 11 2,796 1, 942 7, 364 5, 195 55,933 8 8, 680 9,755 14, 542 1 622 14, 577 8, 362 179, 950 39, 668 72,684 2, 002, 894 1,210,542 200 533,920 882,288 117,762 68 12, 809 404,751 110 3, 846 1, 036 1,042 1,411 101 15 354 37 8 L 124 ,444 100 , 321 ,290 ,605 151 ,432 , 162 173, 996 266, 199 172,229 20 230, 525 41, 786 48, 133 94 4, 554 9,249 14,950 96 284, 374 4, 127, 273 1,208,769 120 1, 282, 846 1,484, 676 151,923 245 49, 986 363,411 1.655 1, 695 4,479 32 4, 880 1.656 1,748 250 576 1, 824 38, 889 122, 007 130, 163 132 185,039 80,621 17, 291 1,034 11,981 43,017 40, 544 123,702 134, 642 164 189,919 82, 277 19,039 1,284 12, 557 44, 841 460 6,971 70, 356 49, 549 4, 292 3 389 19. 880 10,000 31,600 2, 185 310 5,795 118 30,000 TOTALS 48 40 39 47 70 244 624, 043 70, 113 694, 156 270, 662 24,693 282, 124 116, 677 372,449 5,237,918 7, 918 , 007 946,785 88, 831 8,953,623 18,795 630, 174 648, 969 FIRES ^ .V I T H IN A I'' ID WI THOUT FOREST RESERVE s Campers Smokers Settlers Railways Lightning Lumbering Incendiary Public Works Unclassified Unknown 11 11 6 13 4 4 1 4 3 11 7 2 1 7 2 2 4 4 3 7 3 6 2 13 3 5 1 2 4 19 8 2 7 2 4 6 6 29 5 2 13 2 7 37 31 62 3 46 13 31 5 12 18 40,423 140,413 149, 922 28 159, 803 63,217 32,494 16 3,977 34, 073 2, 140 909 48, 543 3 300 12, 114 42, 563 141, 322 198,465 31 159, 803 63, 517 44, 608 16 4, 287 39, 868 4, 382 94, 474 73, 817 10 29, 564 39, 014 5,496 4 751 23, 349 142 10,933 6, 069 30,675 30,718 62,646 13 121,099 7,777 24, 570 11 2,796 1,942 7, 364 5, 197 55, 933 8 8,680 9,755 14, 542 622 14, 577 8, 374 179, 950 39, 668 72,752 2, 002, 894 1, 210, 542 200 537, 585 882,288 117,762 68 12,809 404,751 110 3, 846 1,036 1,050 1,411 101 15 354 L 562 j, 124 [ 444 i 100 l 087 , 290 L 605 151 j, 432 J, 162 173,996 266, 199 172,229 20 231,468 41,786 48, 133 94 4, 554 9,249 2,000 17,700 96 286, 558 4, 130, 023 1, 208,769 120 1, 291, 555 1,484,676 151,923 245 49, 986 363,411 1,723 1,754 4,479 32 5, 664 1,666 1,748 250 576 1, 824 39, 162 122, 032 130, 163 132 191,943 80,621 17,291 1,034 11, 981 43,017 40, 885 123,786 134,642 164 197, 607 82, 287 19, 039 1,284 12,557 44, 841 460 6,971 70,704 49, 549 4, 292 3 389 19, 880 10, 000 31,600 2, 185 310 5,795 118 30,000 TOTALS 57 43 40 48 70 258 624, 366 70, 114 694,480 270, 861 24,693 282, 247 116, 679 372, 809 5,241,651 7,925 1957 947,728 93, 581 8, 967, 266 19,716 637, 376 657, 092 SUMMARY BY DIVISIONS Forest Pro¬ tection Area Outside Reserves Clearwater Bow River Crowsnest 44 38 39 47 70 238 6 7 7 624, 042 70, 103 694, 145 270,661 24,683 282, 124 116,677 372,449 5, 237, 918 7,918 1007 946,785 88, 831 8, 953,623 18,728 630,093 648, 821 4 4 5 2 2 1 1 1 313 10 10 1 11 314 10 1 189 10 10 67 758 163 81 6,772 430 148 7, 530 593 123 2 333 27 3,662 71 7, [ 670 280 943 2,750 2, 000 11,363 2, 280 TOTALS 43 40 48 70 258 624, 366 70, 114 694,480 270, 861 24,693 282, 247 116, 679 372. 809 5,241,651 7,925 ,957 947,728 93, 581 8,967,266 19,716 637, 376 657,092 * . FORESTRY 41 sO in o m 41 4) Tl > 5 « d » ° K Area Acres 42,555 L41, 320 L98.465 L 59, 489 63, 517 44,608 16 00 CM 39, 868 s© s© bt 05 , 5 £ c i £ s & •ON 36 30 62 CO 35 12 CO m 12 18 244 95 1 O $ © (?J © 00 „ 1 1 , ' , j , L 5 s as ^ u ◄ 1 co * i CO ETC . > cu to 0) « 2 03 .3 0 a rt 1 l i .1 1 1 1 rt %© 2.3 H P cq « H 1 0 CO CM 1 1 ! - ! 1 - 1 r- CO . A S H s 18 QO 58 fO s© G*' V© 03 CM f- 14 161 fM s© CO M co 5 h fr « CM ! I 1 | - ! rt rt 00 CO < U N (4 S 1 I i 1 1 1 I - g - - BY rfi © 1 Mill 1 1 '1 1 co W « | - I | ! I 1 i 1 i ! rt A Area ] 99 e© o V© M3 e© 00 %© eo o ®Q 0 < cm 141, os* S’ co NO CO O s© H 2 W S W H Damage j m 286,558 4, 130,023 V© r** oo © CM 120 1,291,555 1,484,676 co CM m 245 49, 986 5 CO s© CO 8,967,266 < 6 o o CM 0© © © r*“ o i o H co A CM CM a© CM r- 1 o P < D « Total 37 co CM V© co 46 CO CO - 12 so 258 2 2 W ffi S W •*© sO 0^ CM 1 m CM CO 1 CM - 70 27 •< P 2 P CM 1 eo CM h- 1 fM 48 O' o CO v© CM 13 co ii> 1 1 rt 40 15 ffl h- CM - r*» CM CM co 43 < - s© 1 13 - CO 57 fM CM CAUSE 03 41 N « 1 1 rt u Smokers Settlers Railways Lightning Lumbering Incendiary Public Works Unclassified Unknown TOTALS Per Cent. 42 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS CO tr ui x h- o UJ OL 3 CD 3 UJ > < (/) UJ X u CD < O < X 5 z o cn Q UJ >- o o cr miCAL FORESTRY 43 NUMBER OF INCENDIARY FIRES 1956 ■ 3 1 ■ ■ II 1 10 15 10 .11. NUMBER OF FIRES CAUSED BY SMOKERS 1956 DISTRICTS 10 10 DRAWN BY TECHNICAL DIVISION 44 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 15 NUMBER OF FIRES CAUSED BY CAMPERS 1956 15 10 10 NUMBER OF FIRES CAUSED BY LIGHTNING 1956 NUMBER OF FIRES CAUSED BY LUMBERING 1956 DISTRICTS 10 DRAWN BY TECHNICAL DIVISION FORESTRY 45 MISCELLANEOUS TIMBER PERMITS FISCAL YEAR 1956 - 1957 Number of Permits - 2, 994 Fuelwood (cords) - - 11,027 Lumber (F. B. M. ) - 20, 857,454 Pulpwood (cords) - 35,009 Round timber for Mines, Fencing, Corrals, Building Logs, etc. (lineal feet) - 5,102,475 Shingles - - - * — 24,444 Timber Seizures - - “ - — 115 Custom Sawmill Permits (number) - 148 Radio Messages (Permit clearances) - 642 TIMBER OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS FISCAL YEAR 1956 - 1957 Timber Berths and Special Permits TkT. _ _ A r\^ _ _ ... _ 1 1 ixumuer ui ntuve upcrduuns 561 Fuelwood (cords) 1 615 950 Lath (pieces) T / TT* 13 \ 366 143 923 LumDer \s: • jlvi « j 35 47 0 Mane Ties (pieces) 1 602 321 Poles and Piling (lineal feet) ]A3 125 Pulpwood (cords) 3 792 829 Plywood Logs - Poplar (F.B.M. ) 1 785 466 Railway Ties (pieces) 3 =;£,? 530 Round Timber (lineal feet) A 1 r iugwuuu us ; v ■*> SUMMARY OF TIMBER OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS FISCAL YEAR 1956 - 1957 Timber Berths and Special Permits Other Permits 1, 071 564 1,615, 950 366, 143, 923 35,470 1,602, 321 153, 125 3,792, 829 1,785,466 3, 562, 530 2, 994 11, 027 20, 857, 454 35, 009 5, 102,475 24, 444 61 Total Number of Active Operations - Fuelwood (cords) - Lath (pieces) - Lumber (F. B. M. ) - Mine Ties (pieces) - Poles and Piling (lineal feet) - Pulpwood (cords) - Plywood Logs, Poplar (F.B.M.)- Railway Ties (pieces) - Round Timber (lineal feet) - Shingles - Plugwood (cords) - Timber Seizures - Radio Messages (permit clearances) 4, 065 11, 591 1, 615,950 387, 001, 377 35,470 1, 602, 321 188, 134 3,792, 829 1, 785,466 8, 665, 005 24,444 61 115 148 642 IMPROVEMENTS - STATEMENT OF MAN - DAYS WORKED BY FORESTRY PERSONNEL - FISCAL YEAR 1956 46 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS TVJ.OT 3,117.5 O' o o o O' m f- O' rg* nj o Q W W Om H O O O' sO oo* (M v Z d in O rt o u u &4 Ok ffl o 'O rt K a < H O H FORESTRY SUMMARY OF THE YEAR'S OPERATIONS, 1956 - 57 47 LOOKOUT STATIONS Engine Time Gas Oil Messages Words hrs. gals. qts . No. No. Alder Flats 1,969 492 38 — Athabasca 441 133 9 1/2 974 19, 145 Bald Mountain 395 85 9 220 3, 625 Battle River 458 101 10 213 3,415 Brazeau 309 76 6 643 12, 098 Buffalo 198 32 3 19 521 Carrot Creek 575 140 11 317 5, 111 Clear Hills 459 124 13 1/2 236 4, 019 Conklin 338 92 10 229 3,423 Copton Windcharger Cowpar 131 26 2 7 193 Doucette 678 150 12 378 6, 845 Economy Creek 573 137 12 254 4, 483 Goose Mountain 414 101 11 866 18, 536 Heart Lake 478 106 8 261 4, 376 Kakwa 447 90 12 196 3, 101 Lovett 388 135 14 332 5,202 Mayberne 443 106 10 103 1,720 Naylor Hills 511 122 8 209 3, 287 Nose Mountain 50 13 2 217 4, 605 Notikewin 30 6 2 — — Pass Creek Windcharger 291 1, 631 Pelican 535 100 7 183 2, 823 Pimple Windcharger 299 4,460 Puskwaskau 470 111 12 278 5, 283 Round Hill 539 171 10 252 3,732 Salt Prairie 397 104 6 344 6,066 Sand River 30 6 2 Simonette 559 165 7 231 3, 531 Snuff Mountain 443 125 32 236 4, 115 Stony 434 95 8 248 4, 251 Swan Dive Windcharger 286 4, 549 Sweathouse 335 77 1/2 4 231 4,269 Thickwood Hills 69 15 2 — — Tony Creek 220 39 9 250 3, 967 Whitecourt 431 93 11 2, ,277 58, 622. White Mountain 341 69 7 1/2 267 4,646 Whitemud 773 161 16 1/2 759 19, 368 Wolf 50 11 1 215 3,479 Yellowhead Installed after close of fire season TOTAL 14, 911 3,609 1/2 338 12, 321 241,406 HEADQUARTER STATIONS Calgary - — - E dmonton 8, 810 206, 055 396, 378 74, 605 99,732 79, 929 65, 826 54, 336 130, 858 Eds on ID, D OH: 3 238 Grande Prairie Ecic Le Biche Tj u OD 3 451 P63.C6 River 2 376 Q1 o v p T a Tf 2 019 oiav e LdAc e n r r Whitecourt yjDo TOTAL 44, 802 1, 107, 719 GRAND TOTAL 57, 123 1, 349, 125 48 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Fish and Game Administration REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER E. S. Huestis Active public participation in the sports of hunting and fishing con¬ tinued to increase throughout the province during the fiscal year under review. The commercial production of whitefish reached a record high with close to 3, 700, 000 pounds being marketed. A slight decline is re¬ corded in the amount of wild fur marketed. This is coupled with a con¬ tinued moderate devaluation in prices paid for major fur items. Tabulations of permit and license sales provide excellent indices of the extent of Fish and Game Branch service requirements at this time. Bird game permit sales have more than tripled in the past ten years. Big game hunting has increased in roughly the same proportion, more recently. Angling per mit sales have reached the hundred thousand mark and indicate that participation has quadrupled during the same period. In each case sales are again in excess of last year. As indicated by these trends expanded services by the Fish and Game Branch were required. One fisheries biologist, two fish and game field officers, and one field office stenographer were added to the permanent staff. Fish hatchery rolling stock was augmented by the addition of oxygen dispersal equipment. The pheasant hatchery vehicle was replaced with a heavy duty truck, capable of handling larger loads. The policy of the branch to build a complete supply of field-based equipment was continued by the addition of boats and outboard motors to several points. Field staff also received instruction and equipment that enabled them to aid in research programs during winter months. A mobile 110-volt field generator was constructed and used by re¬ search staff for trout stream population counts. The unit consists of a gasoline motor and generator mounted on a carriage. Two electrodes are connected to the generator by 75 yards of wire. The operation con¬ sists of immersing the electrodes in the water area, while current is being generated. Fish within the electrified field are stunned, captured and impounded. Normally, quick recovery is made by specimens and they may be returned to the water unharmed after examination. Elec¬ trodes may be moved from point to point manually. Sixmembersof the Fish and Game staff attended the Department’s training school at Kananaskis where they received specialized instruc¬ tion in several phases of their work. Senior staff members attended re¬ search and conservation meetings at Toronto and in South Dakota. Commercial production of all fish was slightly in excess of the past two seasons. Whitefish recorded a new high and tullibee continued to FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATION 49 supply the demands of the fur farm industry at a fairly uniform rate. Domestic consumption of whitefish maintained its rise of the pre¬ vious year, remaining at over 40% of the total catch. Resident angling reflected the rise noted in license sales. Many Alberta streams are now so crowded on weekends as to discourage the confirmed outdoor enthusiast. With this in mind the successful manage¬ ment of small "pothole" lakes by stocking and other means becomes an increasingly important measure of fisheries conservation. A notice¬ able trend is evident among sport fishermen to turn to these waters for productive recreation, and the Branch has shown similarly increased interest toward maintaining these waters as attractive fisheries. A new trout stocking policy for lakes was formulated and is being made effec¬ tive in field operation. A method of fish population control was tested at one prominent Southern Alberta trout lake. The collection of dissolved oxygen data from lakes during winter is an important feature of fisheries research and management. From the information obtained. Branch staff may assess the relative merits of newly discovered waters and those already stocked. The ability of waters to support fish over winter months must be known whenever stocking programs and other management procedures are being pre¬ pared. This work was expanded to include more of the important trout fisheries. On three lakes in the vicinity of Edmonton complete winter analyses of dissolved oxygen levels were made using bi-weekly samples. Winter -kill is indicated for a number of trout lakes again this year. In spite of the multiple management requirements that are now ap¬ pearing through utilization of formerly barren waters , many anglers are being happily accommodated at this stage of exploitation. To date, stock¬ ing of newly discovered wat ers has maintained a good supply of trout for the creel, while some of the earlier planted lakes have tapered off in pro¬ duction. Biological surveys indicate an early termination to new dis¬ coveries, at least in the accessible field. Hence, intensive management procedures for establishedfisheries may be expected to become a grea¬ ter part of the work in the future. Trout stocking for the season was somewhat less than satisfactory. High losses among hatchery stocks at Calgary during the preceding fis- cal year were reflected by the increased number of very small trout that had to be used for stocking during the season under review. Remnants of stricken trout that were also used for stocking are not expected to add appreciably to the waters served with them. However, the actual stock¬ ing procedure was carried out relatively unimpeded, with an assist from some reasonable weather accompanied by good roads. Raven Rearing Station produced trout of high quality and good re¬ turn. These served to a small degree, to offset losses sustained at the hatchery. A survey was conducted to indicate the possibility of draining and reclaiming a small tract of land adjacent to the present rearing ponds . The biological research station at Gorge Creek completed its seventh 50 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS year of spring and summer operation. The station is an important aid to the Fish and Game Branch and is sustained jointly by the Department and the University of Alberta. Some further assistance was recently provided through a Canadian Industries Limited fellowship. Four undergraduate students staffed the station during the past sea¬ son. Studies were continued on the competition between wild and hat¬ chery-reared trout. A system of fish blood sampling was tested and used to determine the degree of exhaustion in trout by measuring their lactic acid production. Further study was continued on stream trout "home territory " influence. Investigation of the movements and habits of Rocky Mountain whitefish was initiated. Studies of habits and behavior of Big Horn sheep and blue grouse were continued. Samples of native trout and char were prepared and shipped to in¬ terested research parties in Michigan and Quebec. Rocky Mountain sheep blood samples were provided to the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police crime detection laboratory in Regina. A permanent structure was established at the station during the sum¬ mer of 1956. This consists of a one-room frame building on concrete footings. It has added materially to comfort and efficiency at the station, being used chiefly as a combined work room, kitchen, dining room and discussion centre. As in past seasons supervision of activities at Gorge Station was provided jointly by University staff and Departmental biologists. Hunting returns were generally lower than for the previous fiscal year. While aerial and ground surveys indicated that continued harves¬ ting of both birds and animals was desirable in all areas, a warm, dry and windy autumn prevented hunters from reaching satisfactory quotas in many localities. Post-season surveys disclosed relatively high popula¬ tions remaining on many "shot-over" lands. The most significant decline inhunting success occurred in the Cam- rose pheasant area where winter-kill of 1955-56 had drastically reduced the numbers of birds available. The 1956 harvest of cock birds was es¬ timated to be about 15% of the 1955 harvest in the Camrose district. In Brooks -Bassano irrigation district hunting pressure doubled that of the 1955 season. The increased pressure, coupled with warm, dry and windy weather, required bird hunters to spend more time in the field to rea¬ lize a moderate degree of success. In spite of this an estimated 32, 000 cock pheasants were harvestedfrom the Eastern Irrigation District dur¬ ing the first week of the 1956 season. Following a period of six yaars' closure an eight day antelope sea¬ son was offered the hunter during November, 1956, in a specified area of Southern Alberta. The herd size, evaluated by pre-season surveys, was such as to demand explicit restrictions upon the extent of harvest. Further need for restriction was invoked by the relatively small area involved. As a result a limited number of hunting permits were issued. As anticipated, hunter success was of high ratio (about 85%) and it ises- FISH' AND GAME ADMINISTRATION 51 timated that 22. 7% of the total population was harvested. An estimated total of approximately 1, 800 animals were taken. Complete post-season investigations indicate that the final harvest was exceptionally close to the recommended herd reduction. The 1956 big game season incorporated further multiple zoning for moose, elk and deer as the Branch increased the scope of detailed game management procedures. In an area the size of the Province of Alberta, having its wide variety of climate, soil and terrain, intensive game management may only be obtained by treating type zones individually. Checking stations which operated at several points throughout the big game area supplied information provided by hunters contacted. Their reports indicated an overall drop in return to the hunter , attributed large¬ ly to the warm, dry weather prevailing throughout the big game season. The deletion of December hunting from the 1956 season also accounted in part for the lower return. The forest reserve area formerly known as the Kananaskis Game Preserve was opened to hunting in the year under review. New Legislation affecting the hunting of Rocky Mountain sheep was enforced. A separate sheep and goat license for residents was issued, the price being $10. 00. Sheep hunting was limited to male animals bear¬ ing horns of at least "three-quarter curl". Biologists and others continued to report on field game conditions. Among the more important measures taken was the establishment of range management exclosure plots in big game areas. Intensive phea¬ sant surveys were continued on chosen study areas and more casual in¬ vestigation applied to the larger upland bird zones . The search for habi¬ tat suitable to the establishment of new pheasant populations was fur¬ thered. Big game aerial tabulations were resumed over much of the forested lands during the winter. The Brooks game bird farm operated at capacity again. Pheasant releases were accomplished in chosen locations to a total of 4, 313 birds. Some improvements, in the form of additions, were completed at the game bird farm dwelling. Greater utilization of trapping privileges in the Province could be realized by the registered trapper . However, a continued decline in fur prices, coupled with higher wages for other work, has discouraged some trappers from full scale operations. The number of beaver pelts appearing on the market continued to hold in line with the sharp rise accomplished two seasons earlier. Mus¬ krat pelts, however, have not significantly recovered from their re¬ duction of the previous year . Squirrel pelts remained in slight decline. Reports from all field staff indicated that carnivore predation has not shown any serious increase since abatement of the rabies contr ol system. Studies of avian predation were augmented by the development of a magpie control technique in a specified area of the Province. 52 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS The Fish and Game Branch wishes to express appreciation for the continued co-operation received from Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachments throughout the Province. Their assistance with enforce¬ ment, prosecution and roadside checking is highly valued. Gratitude is also extended to the Forest Service for enforcement duties accomplished in forest reserves and elsewhere. The added influx in recent years by hunter s and fishermen to the forested areas of the Province has deman¬ ded increased vigilance by those responsible for forest administration. FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATION 53 GAME COMPARISON OF THE NUMBER OF GAME LICENSES ISSUED Kind 1953 1954 1955 1956 Resident Bird Game Licenses - 58, 188 59,281 63, 220 72, 518 Non-Resident (Canadian) Bird Game Licenses - 365 298 396 406 Non-Resident (Non-Canadian) Bird Game Licenses - 557 582 863 1, 048 Resident Big Game Licenses - 6, 198 8,747 24, 858 27, 650 Non-Resident (Canadian) Big Game Licenses - - 4 4 13 10 Non-Resident (Non-Canadian) Big Game Licenses - 78 95 131 159 GAME LICENSES April 1st, 1956 to March 31st, 1957. Kind Number of Total Licenses Fee Amount Residents' Bird Game Licenses - 72, 518 $ 2. .50 $ 181, , 295, . 00 Non-Residents' (Canadian) Bird Game - 406 5. , 00 2, , 030, . 00 Non-Residents' (Non-Canadian) Bird Game - 1, 048 25. , 00 26, , 200. . 00 Residents' Big Game Licenses — - 27, 650 5. , 00 138, , 250, .00 Non-Residents' (Canadian) Big Game Licenses - - — 10 50. , 00 500. , 00 Non-Residents' (Non-Canadian) Big Game Licenses 159 100. 00 15, 900. , 00 Permit to Collect - - — - 20 FREE Taxidermists' Licenses - 15 5. 00 75, . 00 Residents' Special - 280 5. 00 1, 400. ,00 Non-Residents' Special - - 103 25. 00 2, 575. , 00 Guide's Licenses (Class "A" &c "B") - - 200 2. 50 500. , 00 Guide's Licenses (Class "C") - 6 1, 00 6. 00 Game Farms - - 17 5. 00 00 U1 00 Game Farms— - 2 fr: EE Outfitter's Licenses - - 40 25. 00 1, 000. 00 Fur Farms - - 1 10. 00 10. 00 Resident Trapper's Licenses - — 2,891 3. 00 8, 673. 00 Dog Trainers 3 Various 11. 00 Residents' Spring Bear - - 180 5. 00 900. 00 Non-Residents' Spring Bear - - 8 25. 00 200. 00 Residents' Antelope Licenses 2, 295 5. 00 H, 475. 00 Residents' Sheep and Goat Licenses 615 10. 00 6, 150. 00 BOUNTY ON COUGARS - SEASON 1956-57 Cougars killed from April 1st, 1956 to March 31st, 1957. 25 Cougars at $15.00 - • $ 375.00 5 Cougars at $40.00 - — - 200. 00 Beaver 1 LICENSED ALBERTA FUR FARMS 54 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS ALBERTA FUR PRODUCTION - SEASON 1956-57 (WILD FUR) Total Number Average Value Total Value of Pelts of Pelts of Pelts Badger - 1 1 - - - 9 $ . 50 $ 4. 50 Beaver - 26, 914 9.22 248, 147.08 Coyote — — - - 1,383 1.50 2, 074. 50 Ermine - 66,777 1.00 66,777.00 Fisher — - - 196 16.30 3, 194.80 Blue Fox - 9 4. 00 36. 00 Cross Fox - - - 34 1.10 37.40 Red Fox — - 39 .65 25.35 Silver Fox - 60 3.20 192. 00 White Fox - - 99 17.50 1,732.50 Lynx — - - - 1,729 11.57 20, 004. 53 Marten - - 175 7.70 1, 347.50 Mink - 2,931 16.60 48, 654.60 Muskrats - 389,668 .80 311,734.40 Otter - 96 22.00 2, 112.00 Jack Rabbits - - 8, 939 . 46 4, 111.94 Skunk - 38 .63 23.94 Squirrel - 614, 812 .48 295, 109.76 Wolverine - 8 15.35 122.80 Timber Wolves - 21 2. 00 42.00 1,113,937 $ 1, 005,484.60 Total FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATION 55 CONVICTIONS UNDER THE GAME ACT 1956-57. Number of Convictions - — — - 254 CONFISCATED FURS Amount realized from the sale of confiscated fur during the period April 1st, 1956 to March 31st, 1957 - $ 716.60 TRAP-LINE REGISTRATIONS Number of Registered Trap-Lines and Revenue April 1st, 1956 to March 31st, 1957 2, 353 at $10. 00 — - - $ 23,530. 00 94 at $20. 00 - - 1, 880. 00 FUR DEALERS* LICENSES, ETC. Kind Number Revenue Resident Fur Dealer's Licenses to carry on business in a city, and elsewhere than in a city — - - 220 - $ 2, 200. 00 Non-Resident Fur Dealer's Licenses to carry on business in the Province - 2 - - 200. 00 Resident Travelling Fur Purchasing Agent's Licenses - 10 250.00 Furrier's Licenses - 22 220.00 Tanner's Licenses - - - - - 4 - — - 40.00 FUR TAX REVENUE Amount Collected - - - $ 81,776. 11 MUSKRATS AND BEAVER Muskrat Permits issued free - - — - - - 96 Muskrats reported taken - — - - - ' ‘ 2,485 Beaver Permits issued free (Damage to Farmers' Land, Roads and Irrigation) - - — - 187 Beaver reported taken - — - - - — 494 Beaver Permits issued (On Registered Trap-Lines) - - - 1, 531 Beaver reported taken (On Registered Trap-Lines) - - - — 10,724 56 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS ESTIMATED TOTAL HARVESTS BY SPECIES 1953 - 56 Species Bird Game 1953 1^954 1955 1956 Mallard 511, 360 559, 000 630, 000 538, 000 Pintail 136,430 164,400 159, 000 144, 000 Other Species 184, 590 183, 300 210, 200 222, 500 Canada goose 25, 070 25, 000 29, 400 30, 100 Snow goose 10, 340 13, 200 12,400 15, 500 Other Species 38, 160 5, 300 5,700 6, 500 Pheasant 122, 560 143, 200 182,400 131, 330 Sharptailed grouse 57, 000 46,400 53, 900 51,700 Ruffed grouse 44, 130 25, 100 36, 000 36, 900 Hungarian partridge Other species 140, 500 1, 060 116, 600 130 134, 900 77,400 680 Total 1, 271, 200 1, 281, 630 1,453, 900 1,254,610 FISH AND GAME ADMINISTRATION 57 FISH LICENSES AND PERMITS Kind 1952-53 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 1956-57 No. No. No. No. No. Angling Permits (Season) Angling Permits (Limited) 23, 270 2, 318 30, 842 2, 935 29,979 2,709 36,472 3, 103 100, 883 Domestic Licenses 139 108 179 137 159 Fisherman's Licenses 5, 159 5, 129 5, 764 5, 365 6, 352 Commercial Licenses 280 366 398 250 156 Fish Dealer's Licenses 93 84 125 124 142 Motor Boat Li censes 32 39 44 39 74 Total 31, 291 39, 503 39, 198 45,490 107, 766 COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF FISH Species 1952-53 1953-54 1954-55 1955-56 1956-57 Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Whitefish 3, 113, 007 3, 161, 001 3,471, 372 3, 614, 007 3, 689, 193 Trout 10, 886 6, 268 35,410 15, 906 17, 214 Pike 475,485 503, 349 394, 796 426, 683 460, 915 Pickerel 142,446 407, 648 718, 696 618,440 195, 251 Perch 192,775 150, 544 217, 220 119, 232 43, 363 Tullibee 5,703,285 5, 970, 966 3, 991,690 3, 753, 209 4, 074, 803 Mixed Fish 297, 932 660, 563 392, 542 537,489 915, 302 Total 9,935, 816 10,860,339 9, 221,726 9, 084, 966 9, 396, 041 Weight Lbs. Value to Fishermen $ Value as Marketed $ Totals for year 1952-53 9, 935, 816 629,847.60 899, 720. 32 Totals for year 1953-54 10, 860, 339 699, 150. 16 1, 205, 969. 04 Totals for year 1954-55 9, 221,726 720,447.94 1, 199, 871. 23 Totals for year 1955-56 9, 084, 966 751, 574.96 1, 291,567.86 Totals for year 1956-57 9, 396, 041 794, 648. 83 1, 289, 254. 68 FISH EXPORTED FROM ALBERTA 1956-57 Canadian United States Species Markets Markets Lbs. Lbs. Whitefish Pickerel ■ Pike - Perch - Trout - Tullibee Ling - 171,457 302 1, 557 37 8 2, 057,855 121, 870 42, 575 31, 821 5,400 66,418 173, 361 2, 325,939 Total 58 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 1955-56 1956-57 Prosecutions 147 171 Confiscations 74 99 STOCKING TO ANGLING WATERS 1956 Species Number \- Q z LU < o w S3H0V JO SQNVSnOHl 62 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS SUBDIVISION INCLUDED IN THE 90 NOTIFICATIONS ISSUED UNDER SCHOOL LAND SALES Willingdon, 1329 H.W. 10 11 2 Total 10 11 2 Area not stated in these 47 notifications — 37 sales 10 school land sales 47 Total No. of notifications in which area stated 529 Total No. of notifications 576 LAND SETTLEMENT SURVEYS This division has been engaged during the past seven years in a pro¬ gram of surveys for settlement purposes in the Blueberry Mountain area and it is a pleasure to report that at the end of the past survey season the program in this area has to all intents and purposes been completed and is comfortably ahead of settlement requirements . Various surveys were completed for homestead lands on which tenants had completed sufficient duties ta apply for notification for title. Surveys were also carried out in Northwestern Alberta and particulars of these surveys are as follows: Clear Prairie and Gordondale Areas Number of Sections Location Surveyed Township 87, Range 6, West 6th Meridian 11 Township 86, Range 9, West 6th Meridian 36 Township 87, Range 9, West 6th Meridian 1.5 Township 86, Range 10, West 6th Meridian 36 Township 87, Range 10, West 6th Meridian 1.5 Township 79, Range 11, West 6th Meridian 7 Township 80, Range 11, West 6th Meridian 36 129 = 3 7/12 townships Ten books and eight township plans of final returns of surveys, and 25 township plans showing elevations of bench marks were compiled and forwarded as records to the Director of Surveys. MISCELLANEOUS SURVEYS AND INSPECTIONS Due to the increased interest in commercial and recreational pro¬ perties bordering on lakes, etc., various miscellaneous surveys and in¬ spections were undertaken to provide lots, etc. , for building sites and to prepare plans. Brief details are as follows: TECHNICAL DIVISION 63 Lodgepole Townsite 67 lots were surveyed and a composite plan prepared showing all surveys of this townsite. Sturgeon Lake Subdivision A subdivision survey was made on the north shore of Sturgeon Lake for cottage sites and 49 lots were made available. Hinton Administration Site Land required for an administration site by the Forestry Branch was surveyed at Hinton and a plan compiled and drawn by the Division was forwarded to the Land Titles Office for registration. Edmonton Beach The shoreline of Spring Lake in the East half and South West quar¬ ter of Section 30, Township 52, Range 1, West of the 5th Meridian was traversed and a plan registered in the Land Titles Office in order that the Province could obtain title to the land covered by the waters of this Lake. Whitecourt Checking Station The checking station site, required by the Forestry Branch, on the Whitecourt-Valleyview Highway west of the Town of Whitecourt, was surveyed. Harvie Heights A survey was undertaken for a nuisance ground as an addition to the plan of Harvie Heights Subdivision. Buck Lake Levels were run along the creek and the Department of Public Works' ditch adjacent to Block 10 in the South West quarter of Section 11, Town¬ ship 46, Range 6, West of the 5th Meridian. Wabamun Lake Provincial Park A reconnaissance and inspection were made of the lands in the west half of Section 7, Township 53, Range 3, West of the 5th Meridian and a survey was made of the beach and parking areas. Lake Miquelon Provincial Park In Legal Subdivisions 3 and 6 of Section 20, Township 49, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian a resurvey of the 1894 traverse was carried out in order to delimit the north boundary of patented land. 64 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Beauvais Lake Provincial Park Provincial Park Grazing Lease No. 19769 located in the North East quarter of Section 29, Township 5, Range 1, West of the 5th Meridian, was surveyed to re-establish the boundaries. Cross Lake Provincial Park Sections 25 and 36, Township 65, Range 26, West of the 4th Meridian were inspected for the suitability of land for picnic and play grounds. Vermilion River Provincial Park A subdivision survey was made of the lands in the north half of Sec¬ tion 31, Township 50, Range 6, West of the 4th Meridian comprising 10 lots in Block 1 and 9 lots in Block 2. Sites were located for picnic and band shelters, pier, storage building and baseball ground. Jackfish Lake, Island No. 3 A reconnaissance and inspection were made of this island in the south west quarter of Section 16, Township 52, Range 2, West of the 5th Meridian with the intention of having same surveyed for lease purposes. RESTORATION SURVEYS The restoration survey season commenced on May 23rd with in¬ spections in the Rocky Mountain House area and later in the area east of Peace River Town in Township 84, Ranges 17 to 19 inclusive, West of the 5th Meridian. At the conclusion of these inspections, arrange¬ ments were made to commence the inspection of the 22nd base line be¬ tween Range 24, West of the 4th Meridian and Range 19, West of the 5th Meridian with the use of pack horses. Inspections continued with the use of horses on the 22nd base line and in Townships 7 5 and 76, Ranges 7 to 11 inclusive, West of the 5th Meridian until the first week in August at which time our contract for the use of the pack outfit was terminated. Several other small inspection tours were made in other areas of sus¬ pected damage. However, no further large inspections were undertaken due to the early onset of winter. During the season the inspection party consisted of three men split into two groups, one man spot-checking various areas for destruction while the other two men thoroughly inspected all areas of known destruc¬ tion. Approximately two and one-half months of the summer were spent with packhorses in the areas describedin preceding paragraphs. During the summer approximately 200 miles of survey line was inspected with the use of this pack outfit. The restoration survey party commenced operations in early June and worked in several areas of the province, namely Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, Peace River and East Peace River. TECHNICAL DIVISION 65 During this period 389 survey monuments were restored affecting some 50 different townships. Restoration plans of these surveys were compiled and forwarded to the Director of Surveys. Very fine weather prevailed throughout most of the season except during late July and early August when a prolonged wet spell made travel extremely difficult. After an extensive investigation into the activities of various com¬ panies working in the townships restored, accounts were sent to the following companies in the amounts listed: Tennessee Gas Transmission Company Texaco Exploration Company Stanolind Oil and Gas Company Accurate Explorations Limited Texaco Exploration Company Southern Production Co. Inc. Texaco Exploration Company Mobil Oil of Canada Limited The British American Oil Company Texaco Exploration Company Hudson's Bay Oil and Gas Company British American Oil Company (Canadian Gulf Oil Company) Shell Oil Company Pan American Petroleum Corporation Imperial Oil Limited Texaco Exploration Company 192.94 320. 01 279. 51 306. 52 142.41 285.94 158.29 75.00 1,713.78 78. 18 78. 18 6,470.73 706.70 973.50 184.78 2,754. 50 Total $ 14,720.97 Our records show that over the past five years 2, 348 survey monu¬ ments have been restored and a total of $111,433. 57 collected from var¬ ious oil companies for the restoration of these monuments. It is very gratifying to report that through the increased co-operation received by this office from the various oil companies working in the field, reports received of damage to survey monuments were negligible during the fiscal year. It would appear that the situation with respect to damage to survey monuments is now under control and with adequate supervision over geophysical activities, we are able to foresee an end to this restoration project in the not too distant future. During the past two years the inspections and restoration surveys have been taking place in relatively remote areas of the Province and this will be the case again next year. Progress will naturally be slower and will be reflected in the number of monuments restored. However, all oil operators now seem to be very monument-conscious and it only remains for this division to catch up on old reports. 66 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS BOUNDARY SURVEYS Alberta-North West Territories Boundary: A report of the Commission appointed to delimit the boundary be¬ tween the Province of Alberta and the North West Territories was re¬ ceived in this office through the Alberta Boundary Commissioner, Mr. J. H. Holloway, D. L. S. , A. L. S. This report was accompanied by an atlas which showed the location of monuments erected, roads and trails used, and distances in miles and chains, along the boundary be¬ tween the 110 and the 120 parallels of longitude. The receipt in this office of the Boundary Commissioner’s report and atlas for the survey of the Alberta-North West Territories Boundary brings to a successful conclusion all surveys of the exterior boundaries of the Province of Alberta. PLANS OF SURVEY A total of 374 plans were submitted for examination and filed in this Division so that rights of the applicants could be established on the Crown lands. Brief details are as follows: 156 - pipe line plans, filed 32 - transmission line plans, filed 22 - subdivision and parcel plans checked, in which there was no Crown land in¬ cluded. 5 - plans of access roads used by oil companies, filed 45 - plans of survey were checked, some of which border ed on lakes and rivers affecting Crown lands. The Crown land was purchased in order to per¬ mit the registration of plans in the Land Titles Office. 114 - plans of survey of roadways affecting Crown land were received. The usual reservations were entered in our re¬ cords. Titles Acquired in the Name of the Crown: Titles to 3 Provincial Parks were acquired in the name of the Crown as follows: 1 - Wabamun Lake Provincial Park 2 - Steveville Provincial Park 3 - Taber Provincial Park Exchange of Lands: Title in the name of the Crown was obtained in 10 cases involving exchange of privately-owned land for Crown land. TECHNICAL DIVISION 67 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Aerial Photographic Library: A very substantial increase in the number of photographs upon scales of 3333* and 1320' were sold during the fiscal year. The total number of photographs sold on both scales amounted to 79, 890 and this com¬ pares with 60,365 sold during the previous year. This now makes a grand total of 400,012 photographs sold since 1950. Replacement photography received this year amounted to 180 line- miles, taken to replace a bad magazine in the original flying contract. Aerial Photographic Surveys Act A total of fourteen licenses were issued this year, bringing to 89 the number of licenses issued since the negotiation of The Aerial Sur¬ veys Act in April 1951. Of the fourteen licenses issued, eight of these were for government projects. Photographic Enlargements There was a substantial decrease in the number of enlargements turned out this year. A total of 567 enlargements were made as com¬ pared with 712 last year. A large majority of the 567 were for inter¬ departmental use. Mosaics During the fiscalyear 2705 square miles were mosaicked for various departments. This is a very large increase over last year when only 75 square miles were done. Some of the areas mosaicked are as follows: The Bow River Development Project for the Department of Water Resources - 1620 square miles The South Sheep River Area, Eastern Rockies Forest Conserva¬ tion Board - 365 square miles Townships 77 to 84 inclusive, Ranges 8 and 9, West of the 6th Meridian - Soil Surveys, University of Alberta 576 square miles Contour Mapping Five contour maps were completed this year, however, there is still a backlog to be done. Progress on contour maps is necessarily slow as the photography and ground control cannot be obtained during the winter months. The maps completed are as follows: 1. City of W eta ski win for the Town and Rural Planning Branch, Depart¬ ment of Municipal Affairs. 2. Section 8, Township 71, Range 23, West of the 5th Meridian for the Parks Board, Department of Lands and Forests. 68 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS TECHNICAL DIVISION 69 3. Sections 19, 29, 30 and 32, Township 49, Range 26, West of the 5th Meridian for the Department of Lands and Forests. The other two maps were for private concerns and were located in Townships 16 and 17, Ranges 5 and 6, West of the 5th Meridian and in Township 22, Ranges 3 and 4, West of the 4th Meridian. MAPPING Planimetric Mapping The fairdrawings of 82 0/9, 15 and 16, 83 B/l, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 were completed during the year. The map areas 83 A/ 3 to 6 inclusive were completed in their entirety from the processing of photography to the final drawing on films and thence the photographic reduction to one inch equals one mile. The processing of photography for map sheet areas 82 G/8, 9 and 16, 82 J/16 and 83 F/5, 6, 11 and 12 has been completed. The laydown and transcription of the data interpreted have been placed on the manu¬ scripts awaiting final drawing. The template laydown has been completed for the production of plani¬ metric maps for areas 83 L/l to 7 inclusive and 83 L/12, also 83 E/9, 10, 14, 15 and 16. Up to date 650 planimetric maps of our Province have been com¬ pleted and ozalid copies are available. 150 of these maps have been lithographed, in two and three colors, and are available to the general public. See map showing the extent of mapping completed up to March 31st, 1957. 16-Mile Map The new sixteen-mile map of the Province was issued in the latter part of October, 1956. This issue is a reduction of the provincial eight- mile map and 4, 000 copies were printed. Public Lands Sub-Agency Districts Map Anewmap of the Peace River and Grande Prairie Sub-Agency Dis¬ tricts was published showing all pertinent information relative to these agencies and utilizing the eight -mile map of the province as a base. This map was issued in August, 1956 at a scale of one inch equals twelve miles and 4, 000 copies were obtained from the printers. Map of Alberta - Open and Closed to Settlement The heavy demand for this map still exists and a new map was pub¬ lished showing the boundaries of the yellow and green areas of the Pro¬ vince. 3, 000 copies were printed. 70 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Township Plans Thirty-six township plans covering new and revised surveys were issued. These were prepared through the office of the Director of Sur¬ veys and cover the following lands: Township 1, Range 28, West of the 4th Meridian t 1 24, It 8, 1 1 I 1 It 5 th If 47, It 8, II ft II 5th " ft 23, 11 9, It 1 1 1 1 5th If 24, ft 9, II If 1 1 5 th " It 47, 1 1 9, II 11 11 5 th " 1 1 107, If 12, II 1 1 II 5th 1 t 79, If 16, II 11 1 1 5th If 79, II 17, 11 It II 5th " II 79, II 18, 1 1 1 1 II 5th " II 79, 1 1 19, II II ft 5th " II 79, If 20, II II 1 1 5th " 1 1 80, 1 1 17, 1 1 II 11 5th " 1 t 80, 11 18, 11 1 1 11 5th " t 1 80, 1 1 20, 11 If II 5th " I 1 101, 1 1 23, 1 1 II 1 1 5th " 1 1 102, 1 1 23, 1 1 II 11 5th " 1 1 73, 1 1 24, I 1 1 1 II 5 th " 1 1 77, 1 1 24, ft 1 1 II 5th " 1 1 73, 1 1 26, 1 1 II 1 1 5th " 1 1 74, 1 1 26, If 11 II 5th " II 74, II 1, II 1 1 II 6 th " If 76, II 1, II 1 1 1 1 6th " I 1 76, II 2, If 1 1 II 6th " II 71, II 6, II If II 6th 1 1 83, 1 1 8, II 1 1 II 6th " I 1 84, II 8, 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 th 1 1 83, 1 1 9, 1 1 1 1 11 6th " II 84, II 9, 1 1 II II 6th If 79, II 10, II 1 1 1 1 6 th " II 83, II 10, 1 1 If II 6th " 1 1 85, 1 1 10, 1 1 II 1 1 6th " 1 1 82, 1 1 11,- II It 1 1 6th " 1 1 85, II 11, II II 1 1 6 th " II 79, II 12, II 1 1 1 1 6th It 82, II 12, It II II 6th " Map Sales During the fiscal year map sales amounted to $32, 987. 50. Photostat and Ozalid Machines The two photostat machines and the ozalid machine have been work¬ ing at full capacity throughout the year in order to meet the requirements of this and other government departments. TECHNICAL DIVISION 71 This year can be regarded as a busy one within the Department as the work of this Division is closely interwoven with the Lands Division and the Forestry Division in the disposal of the natural resources. It can also be regarded as an interesting one in our relations with the officials of industry, surveyors, engineers and the general public. Apart from the problems that arise in connection with certificates of title, plans of survey, etc., the large volume of maps, plans and aerial photographs handled by the Division it has been a busy and interesting year. Appreciation is expressed to the staff for rendering this service within the Department, to other Government Departments and the gen¬ eral public. 72 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Accounting Division REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ACCOUNTANT, A. McCallum REVENUE During the year ending March 31, 1957, cash receipts (net) from all sources totalled $7,550, 658.72, an increase of $51 8, 797 . 86 over the previous year. Total cash receipts (net) on Income Account amounted to $6,151,202.44 being an increase of $287, 079.41 over the previous year. Cash disbursements were $4,535,719.71, leaving an amount of $1,615,482.73 in receipts over disbursements. Main increases and de¬ creases are as follows: Account Increase Decrease Fishing Licenses _ Fisheries Royalty _ Game Licenses _ Fur Tax _ Grazing Leases, Permits, etc. . Homestead Leases _ Public Land Sales - Interest _ Cultivation Leases, Permits, etc. Miscellaneous Leases- _ Land Patent Miscellaneous _ Timber Fees, Dues, etc. _ School Lands Sales Interest _ School Land Leases, Permits, Berths, etc. _ _ East Slope Surface Rights _ Maps and Plans _ Restoration of Survey Monuments- Administration Sundry Revenue _ Photographic Survey Maps _ Dominion-Provincial Agreement re: Forest Inventory _ Sale of Automobiles _ Government of Canada re: Forestry Tower Sites _ Miscellaneous _ Net Revenue Increase- _ $ 18, 585. 00 2, 121. 38 34, 958. 12 17, 732. 85 57, 679. 04 3, 755. 81 88, 556.98 151, 137. 87 110, 122.43 6, 030.40 1, 832. 89 11, 091. 18 22, 401. 57 $ 43, 111.20 20, 285.63 109,754.43 2, 384. 97 24, 060.71 4,452. 19 21, 338.47 9, 597. 84 3, 940. 67 287, 079.41 $ 526, 005.52 $ 526, 005.52 For details of revenue from Income Account see Statement "B". ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION 73 Refunds processed from all sources during the year totalled 5, 291 amounting to $864,753. 15. Refunds to the taxing authority as provided by the "Grazing Lease Taxation Act", the "Crown Cultivation Leases Act", and the "Tax Recovery Act", totalled $281, 305. 60. NOTE: "The Crown Cultivation Leases Act, 1954" which came into force January 1, 1955, provides that land held under a crop share culti¬ vation lease, shall be assessed as to value, and tax statements shall be sent to the Department by the municipality . The Minister may pay to the taxing authorities, the amount shown in the statement. Funds held intrust as at March 31, 1957, amounted to $1, 144, 611.80 made up as follows: Timber Trust Deposits Parks Board Trust East Slope Road Tolls Trust Homesteader's Compensation Trust Miscellaneous Trust $ 1, 063, 583. 94 23,402.69 11,766.61 22, 197. 09 23, 661.47 $ 1, 144, 611. 80 As at March 31, 1957, there were 20,722 active accounts receivable together with approximately 1, 500 fish and game vendors' accounts. Cash entries for the year totalled 57,926 for which receipts and permits issued 51,981. Fish and game licenses sold during the year under review, show a marked increase over the previous year, being angling permits 100, 883, game licenses 105, 084. EXPENDITURE Total expenditure on income account for the year amounted to $4, 535, 719. 71 of which salaries accounted for $1, 931, 579. 14. Advisory Board expenses were $264. 24. Payment of bounties together with the crows and magpies campaign amounted to $21, 1 30. 67 . Maintenance expenditure in the operation of the East Slope Forest Reserves totalled $451, 043. 36. Costs of fire suppression for the year under review were exces¬ sively high, being $673, 292. 10. Administration of the Fish and Game Branches amounted to $450, 068.75. 74 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS In accordance with the amendment to the "Crown Cultivation Leases Act" the amount of $131,279.10 was disbursed as taxes to the taxing authority in respect to the assessed value of land held under a crop share cultivation lease. The operation of the forestry training school for the year totalled $7, 803.34. Provincial parks salaries and expenses amounted to $138, 863.42. In addition to this amount a further sum of $18,650.95 was disbursed from trust funds. For details of expenditure from income account see Statements "E" and "G". The year just ended has been one of growth, expansion and reorgan¬ ization. The Department's revenue continues to maintain a buoyant level, while expenditure has increased approximately 50% in the past five years. In keeping with this expansion the staff of the Accounts Branch has been kept constantly busy with a high degree of efficiency. The effort and spirit and cooperation of all members of the staff is once again great- fully acknowledged. INDEX OF STATEMENTS A. Statement of Receipts from all Sources. B. Statement of Receipts - Income Account. C. Statement of Receipts - Capital Account. D. Statement of Receipts - School Lands. E. Statement of Expenditure for the year ending March 31, 1957. F. Statement of Receipts by Branches. G. Statement of Disbursements by Branches. H. Alberta School Land Trust Fund. I. Alberta School Land Sales - Revenue Account. ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION 75 Statement A STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM ALL SOURCES From April 1, 1956 to March 31, 1957 Gross Receipts Refunds Net Receipts $ $ $ Income account 6, 422, 163. 14 270, 960.70 6, 151, 202.44 Capital account 200,438. 07 4, 688. 20 195, 749. 87 Reimbursement of previous year's expenditure 7, 631. 22 7, 631. 22 School land trust fund 372, 591.60 2,439.71 370, 151. 89 Timber deposit trust 835,453.75 348, 334. 00 487, 119.75 Homesteader's compensation trust 11, 074. 98 231.05 10, 843. 93 Homestead lease loan fund trust 300. 00 300. 00 East Slope road tolls trust 4, 183. 36 100. 00 4, 083. 36 Parks Board trust 15, 623.75 71.00 15, 552.75 Miscellaneous trust 3, 957. 97 300. 00 3,657.97 Unapplied receipts carried forward: Impr o v em ent s 24, 370. 57 11, 080. 12 13, 290.45 Suspense 347,623.46 226, 548. 37 121, 075. 09 Grazing lease fees and rental 45, 000. 00 45, 000. 00 School land grazing permits 17, 000. 00 17, 000.00 Grazing permits and reserve permits 15, 000. 00 15, 000. 00 Homestead lease crop share 80, 000. 00 80,000.00 Cultivation crop share 3, 000. 00 3,000.00 School Land cultivation crop share 10, 000.00 10, 000. 00 Total $ 8: ,415,411. 87 $ 864, 753. 15 $7, 550,658.72 76 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Statement B STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS - INCOME ACCOUNT From April 1, 1956 to March 31, 1957 Gross Receipts Refunds Net Receipts $ $ $ FISHERIES ACCOUNT Fishing licenses 129,494.25 395. 55 129, 098.70 Fisheries miscellaneous 423. 30 423. 30 Fisheries royalty 25,462. 86 25,462. 86 Total 155, 380.41 395. 55 154,984.86 GAME ACCOUNT Game licenses 405,020.98 2, 912. 03 402, 108.95 Fur tax 83, 763. 39 1, 967. 28 , 81,796. 11 Game Branch miscellaneous 1, 116.40 84. 30 1, 032. 10 Total 489,900.77 4, 963. 61 484, 937. 16 LANDS AND GRAZING Grazing leases, permits, etc. 354, 077. 14 59, 220. 34 294, 856. 80 Hay permits, fees, dues, etc. 3, 561.60 863.75 2, 697. 85 Homestead leases, etc. 184, 573.95 122, 061. 86 62, 512. 09 Public land sales interest 16,795.24 85.47 16,709.77 Cultivation leases, permits, etc. 174, 254. 85 3, 646. 12 170,608.73 Miscellaneous leases 318, 260. 19 11, 204. 91 307, 055. 28 Land patent miscellaneous 64, 194, 08 4, 146. 07 60, 048. 01 Total 1, 115, 717.05 201, 228. 52 914,488. 53 TIMBER Timber fees, rent, dues, etc. 3, 321,786. 15 28, 182. 39 3, 293, 603.76 SCHOOL LANDS School land sales interest 59, 591.97 59, 591.97 School land leases, permits. berths, etc. 445,722.90 31, 036. 05 414, 686. 85 Total 505, 314. 87 31, 036. 05 474,278.82 EAST SLOPE SURFACE RIGHTS REVENUE 593,418.76 2,489. 91 590, 928. 85 MISCELLANEOUS Maps, plans, etc. 32, 987. 50 32, 987. 50 Restoration of survey monuments 10, 107.91 10, 107.91 Administration sundry revenue 43, 340. 12 1, 293.75 42, 046. 37 Photographic survey maps 43, 373. 14 68. 30 43, 304. 84 Dominion-Provincial forestry agreement re: forest inventory 21, 980. 05 21, 980. 05 Sale of automobiles 13, 096.45 1, 302.62 11, 793. 83 Sale of equipment 300. 00 300. 00 Sale of materials and supplies 8.41 8.41 Canada-Provincial agreement re: Air Weapons Range - Primrose Lake 53, 049. 98 53, 049. 98 Dominion Government of Canada re: forestry tower sites 22,401. 57 22,401. 57 Total 240, 645. 13 2, 664. 67 237, 980.46 TOTAL INCOME ACCOUNT $6,422, 163. 14 $ 270, 960.70 $ 6, 151, 202.44 (Carried Forward to Statement A) ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION 77 Statement C STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS - CAPITAL ACCOUNT From April 1 . 1956 to March 31, 1957 Gross Receipts Refunds Net Receipts $ $ $ Land sales principal 153, 934. 39 4, 592.46 149, 341.93 Clearing and breaking crop share 26, 322.68 95.74 26,226.94 Dominion-Provincial Forest Agreement re: forest inventory 20, 181. 00 20, 181.00 Total 200,438.07 4, 688. 20 195,749. 87 Statement D STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS - SCHOOL LANDS From April 1. 1956 to March 31, 1957 Gross Receipts Refunds Net Receipts $ $ $ INCOME ACCOUNT School land sales interest 59, 591. 97 59, 591.97 School land grazing leases, rental, etc. 47, 819. 55 17, 202. 86 30,616.69 School land hay permits, fees, dues, etc. 739.75 106. 50 633. 25 School land cultivation rent, fees, crop share, etc. 329,066.37 13, 522.44 315, 543. 93 School land miscellaneous leases 21, 674.42 138. 00 21, 536.42 School land timber fees, dues, etc. 45, 863.69 45.25 45, 818.44 School land miscellaneous revenue 559. 12 21.00 538. 12 Total 505, 314. 87 31, 036.05 474,278.82 STATEMENT No. E Government of the Province of Alberta LANDS AND FORESTS DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURE CLASSIFIED BY APPROPRIATIONS AND CHARACTER FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1957 INCOME ACCOUNT Service 1901 Minister’s Office 1902 Deputy Minister's Office 1903 Accounts Branch 1904 Advisory Board 1905 Destruction of Pests 1906 Eastern Rockies Forest Conservation 1909 Forest Protection and Timber Operations 1910 Forest Inventory 1911 Forest and Prairie Fires Suppression Act 1912 Fish and Game Branch 1914 Lands Branch 1 1916 Radio Communications 1917 Technical Branch 1918 Registration Branch a, 1920 Printing, Stationery and I Office Supplies 1921 Forestry Training 1922 Provincial Parks Totals Accountable advance $ % # . $ . # . $ £ # . $ 149.76 # . # . $ $ 3 1$ * . % 149.76 8,007.13 109,715.76 35,616.84 3,121.07 21.130.67 1,500.00 19,179.81 11.392.68 Advertising . 1,185.47 2,150.75 47,304.51 22,810.84 2,893.89 13.50 4,346.10 311.31 P Autontobiles . 14,974.08 950.45 9.296.72 7.932.72 10.00 23,417.33 1,016.66 5,736.46, 8,986.66 Board . 2,906.17 19.57 Books and binding . Bounties for destruction of pests . 79.04 35.25 60.07 ib"bo 13.25 21,130.67 Buildings and sites . Cinema and photographic supplies . Clothing . 1,500.00 363.90 573.22 125.44 1,172.62 16,176.53 768*10 2,887.67 89.75 4,333.11 146,214.97 122,048.27 383.35 61.10 4,070.00 560.55 40.80 Construction contracts . 146,865.27 171,237.48 9,647.98 850.55 13,969.98 29,627.37 395.52 Equipment . „ . L89 142.61 473*57 2,719.86 387.08 1,496.69 34.37 13,206.91 4,677.66 424.38 2,03 LIO 4,086.00 16.70 21,847*87 5,928.02 79.52 1,340.39 Feed and seed . . . Fees and commissions . 40.00 94.25 8,173.61 12,917.06 14.50 275-22' Freight, express and cartage . Heating, lighting and power . Laundry and cleaning . .60 1,184.87 73.88 10.00 115.50 2,087.19 2,640.93 55.20 964.71 908.52 512.35 40.90 23.35 6L04 11,017.43 74.44 299.94 2,344.07 19.70 314.20 81.48 2.45 51.95 Legal fees and expenses . 39.85 101.30 1,980.92 2,122.07 Material . 2,466.60 1,121.93 11,092.01 13,558.61 Miscellaneous expenses and supplies . ' 1170 10,046.22 160.53 514.93 2.93 7,499.18 46.68 3,352.52 4.00 3,347.15 1,305.21 4.00 38.03 219.94 121,560.40 149,017.21 Newspapers and periodicals . 27.00 44.90 66.34 5.95 42.72 81.10 486.15 Postage . 40.00 1,188.97 1,872.26 146.45 37,764.10 82,509.63 540.00 134.00 120.00 200.00 18,‘395"52 10.00 22,500.75 Printing, stationery and office supplies .... 117.19 22.63 1,075.55 8,700.26 75,407.15 28.57 7,227.73 4,049.90 6.22 15.63 15.261 16,883.72 1,807.97 835.20 48,326.24 137.35 68.582.7ff Rates, rentals and insurance . Repairs and replacements . 59.40 76.61 60.30 4,148.28 158,152.57 4,407.07 1,803.49, 16,530.69 186.80 235.545.43 674.29 56.58 558.35 16,228.41 11,959.68 4,122.06 113.73 164.18 200,251.03 12,068.20 35,495.51 123,231.82 249,446.56 664,161.40 78,784.36 225,132.36 251,770.05 58,519.18 136,176.62 79,490.06 17,303.02 1,931.579.14 Surveys . . . 9,919.46 9,919.46 Telegrams and telephones . 237.17 299.87 111.94 376.89 138.60 135.58 818.87 3,267.17 136.40 3,745.44 1,385.32 953.78 252.84 | 3.75 290.39 38.25 682.09 1,628.00 11.089.53 344,052.86 964,606.82 Wages .. 8.....P . 264.24 28,045.61 46,625.95 129,034.39 154,239.24 4,627.61 673 292 10 112,877.94 3!814!64 4,63 2^62 3L347.23 22,823.36 26,203.68 TOTAL: Income Account . $ 13,589.05 $ 36,447.31 $124, 610.22 $ 264.24 $ 21,130.67 $451,043.36 $1,454,444.25 $137,365.71 $673,292.10 #450,068.75 $498,852.95 $125,267.52 $252,321.76 * 83,633.30 $ 18,395.52 # 48,326.24j # 7,803.34 $138,863.42j $4,535,719.71 ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION 81 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS BY BRANCHES From April 1. 1953 to March 31. 1957 Statement F Fisc al Year En ding March 31/53 March 31/54 March 31/55 March 31/56 March 31/57 $ $ $ $ $ INCOME ACCOUNT Fisheries Branch 98,183.39 109,925.93 124,930. 16 134,637.77 154,984.86 Game Branch 371,949.93 335, 309.28 335,433.89 494,215.37 484,937.16 Lands and Grazing Branch 663,717.82 526, 377.95 513,378.25 615,969.01 914,488. 53 Timber Branch 2, Unearned Increment Tax 993,472.52 311.05 2,746, 697.74 64.05 3, 071, 300. 53 3,403, 358. 19 3,293,603.76 School Lands 529,085.22 384, 115.37 408,442.41 366, 541.36 474, 278.82 East Slope Surface Rights 467,939.53 353,579.52 496, 059.42 614,989.56 590,928.85 Mis cellaneous 126, 843. 19 254,231.06 197, 133.94 234,411.77 237, 980.46 CAPITAL ACCOUNT Land sales principal Seed grain principal 89,631.29 187. 50 154,789.63 146.41 201,357.37 170,966.68 149, 341.93 Clearing and breaking projects, crop share 41,974.73 41, 184.39 38,725.55 25,698.74 26,226.94 Reimbursement from Dominion Government re: forest inventory 132,974.92 95,770.62 72, 323.06 23,092.22 20, 181.00 Transferred to other Departments 3,183.91 1,097.50 2,079.72 2, 694. 37 7,631.22 School land trust fund 366,000.98 340,079.10 361, 813. 38 324,487.76 370,151.89 Timber deposits trust 362, 172. 82 354,442.70 296,930.88 487, 119.75 Home steader 's compensation trust Homestead lease loan fund trust 1,235.31 2, 864.00 4, 113.80 7,528.40 10,843.93 300.00 East Slope road tolls trust 1,290.64 4, 808.79 2, 589.52 3, 502.88 4,083.36 Parks Board trust Miscellaneous general trust 17,854.55 16,445.32 13,842.23 T, 395. 00 15,673.90 10,364.33 15, 552.75 3,657.97 Unapplied receipts carried forward 356,400.88 398,000.00 320,253.88 286,797.67 304, 365. 54 Total $6, ,262,237.36 6,127,659.48 6, 519, 614. 81 7,031,860.86 7, 550,658.72 82 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Statement G STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS BY BRANCHES From April 1, 1953 to March 31. 1957 Fisc al Year En ding March 31/53 March 31/54 March 31/55 March 31/56 March 31/57 $ $ $ $ $ INCOME: 1901 Minister's Office _ 1902 Deputy Minister's 9,214.65 14,812.56 13,349.44 16, 195.65 13,589.05 27,748. 54 34, 109.27 36, 447.31 124,610.22 1903 Accounts Division _ 96, 323. 84 110, 844. 53 104,339.35 110, 814. 13 900.75 785.02 264. 24 1905 Destruction of Pests_ 1906 Eastern Rockies 84, 390. 94 321,746.03 134,614.51 41,264.72 21. 130.67 Forest 261,430.22 172, 586.63 314,820.04 347. 687. 51 451. 043. 36 1907 Fisheries Division - 156, 892. 88 172,212.84 (Amalgamated with 1912) 1909 Forest Protection & Timber Operations - 642,686.46 807, 312.07 1,064,926.68 1, 192, 469.20 1,454,444.25 1910 Forest Survey 55,511.74 90,396.64 117,791.85 146,601.53 137,365.71 1911 Forest and Prairie Fires Suppression Act _ 66,120.05 186,354.00 68, 835.99 157,749.56 673,292.10 1912 Game Division (Fish and Game Branch 1955-56) _ 176,382.27 174,194.41 175,914.52 395, 676.61 450,068.75 1913 Eastern Rockies Forest Conservation Board 63,349.37 62, Oil. 11 63,734.22 104,886.82 (Amalgamated with 1906) 1914 Lands Division _ 1916 Radio 244,509.90 257,614. 84 306,964.93 431,571.15 498, 852.95 Communications _ 84,414.01 121,797.41 122,692. 15 114,367.52 125,267.52 1917 Technical Branch - 340,549.73 312,274.48 397,213.79 318, 670.69 252, 321.76 1918 Registration Division 63,995.68 67,077.75 78,785.60 81, 176.95 83,633.30 1919 Postage 12,501.85 12,636.27 15,121.72 16,642. 18 18, 395.52 1920 Printing, stationery & office supplies - 32,227. 84 42,439.49 38,916.01 38, 853. 12 48, 326.24 1921 Forestry Training School 10,717.05 102,028.62 7, 641. 83 91,433.76 6,926.96 91, 117.39 6,497.70 101,467.48 7, 803. 34 1922 Provincial Parks _ 138, 863.42 SW 2-25/52-53 Cost of Survey of Depart¬ ment by Stevenson 8,297.96 Kellogg Ltd, SW 5-57/54-55 Amount required to pay claims of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (Canada) 1,907.00 Total Income Account $2, 518,514.65 3,139,049.37 3,318,834.28 3,657,486.81 4, 535,719.71 CAPITAL: 1980 Land settlement clearing & breaking 188,513.59 13,482.61 40,936.68 1982 Aerial photography & forest inventory 306, 320.46 257,225.96 SW 11/53-54 Purchase of Hudson's Bay Co. lands situated -with¬ in the Province 118, 327.80 16,229.80 SW 74/55-56 Aerial photo¬ graphy and forest inventory SW 5/55-56 Purchase of 4,514.92 acres of land from the Hudson's Bay Co. 15,692.00 Total Capital Account $ 494, 834. 05 $389,036.37 $40,936.68 $31,921.80 ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION 83 Statement H ALBERTA SCHOOL LAND TRUST FUND Balance Sheet - March 31, 1957 As at March 31, 1957 the fund amounted to $16, 080, 043.97 made up as follows: Cash _ $ 70,274.98 Accounts receivable, collections not remitted _ 137,464.67 Investments: School districts' and school division debentures _ 14, 287, 488. 93 Unpaid principal on school land sales: (a) Not due _ $ 1,362,587.72 (b) Due or in arrears _ 221,872.98 1, 584,460.70 Sundry ~ 5,248.87 Less earnings not transferred to general revenue at March 31, 1957 4, 894. 18 DR. $ 16. 080, 043.97 Statement I ALBERTA SCHOOL LAND SALES - REVENUE ACCOUNT From April 1, 1956 to March 31, 1957 Arrears interest as at March 31, 1956 _ $ 47,384.94 Interest charges _ 60,719.48 Interest revenue _ $ 59, 591.97 Interest written off (cancelled sales) _ 5,219.43 Arrears interest as at March 31, 1957 _ _ 43,293.02 $ 108, 104.42 $ 108, 104.42 INCOMING MAIL IN THOUSANDS 84 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS REGISTRATION DIVISION 85 Registration Division REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR. C. B. Kenway During the past sixteen years the incoming mail has varied from a high of 274, 019 pieces for the fiscal year 1946-47, to a low of 104, 965 pieces in 1952-53, Since the latter date, there has been a slight in¬ crease each year . This is shown graphically in the accompanying chart. The past year shows about 5 1/2% increase over the previous year. The graph (not shown) for outgoing mail is very similar to that for incoming mail. On the other hand, there is a decrease of about 4% in the number of entries in the township registers for the past year, as shown by a number of representative record entries. During the previous year, a decrease of 2% was noted. In the last annual report, the opinion was expressed that various statistics throughout the report indicated a level¬ ling off, or a plateau had been reached in the number of licenses, per¬ mits, etc. in force. This seems to be borne out by the figures in the present report. For a number of years now, this Division has eliminated, amalga¬ mated and generally improved the methods and procedures within the Division. That the changes have been worthwhile is borne out by the fact that our staff has remained more or less constant, regardless of the additional work assumed, closer attention to detail and the better service provided. Around the middle of September the change-over of files from file backs to folders was completed. Lack of staff and folders at various times delayed the work and the change-over was not completed as soon as expected. During January the file room was moved to the sixth floor of the building with the result that all filing cabinets are in one room and not scattered throughout the halls and vaults, as formerly. In October, the Dominion Government sent all the land files patent¬ ed prior to the transfer of the natural resources. There were 290 cases of stripped files. Extra staff was employed in January to microfilm these files. Now that these files are located within the Department, there has been a considerable increase in the number of requests for proof of age and nationality. Three hundred and eighty rolls of microfilm were ex¬ posed during the past year. Transcribing of file plot books and township registers are continu¬ ing as "pick-up" jobs during slack times. More standings of land are being requested internally and externally . 86 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Dispositions of land in the oil-producing areas are becoming con¬ gested, with the result that records and plots will have to be redesigned on a larger scale in order to enter the necessary details. The staff is to be commended for the way in which the work of the Department has been accomplished over the year, and my sincere ap¬ preciation is extended to each and everyone for his or her contribution. SUMMARY OF INCOMING AND OUTGOING MAIL BY NUMBER OF PIECES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS Year Incoming Outgoing Total 1952-53 104,965 174, 388 279, 530 1953-54 107,268 189, 123 296, 391 1954-55 112,235 193,961 307, 196 1955-56 114,659 208, 821 323,480 1956-57 120,947 222,401 343, 348 A TWO YEAR COMPARISON OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL RECORD ENTRIES Item 1955-56 1956-57 Difference Assignments registered 335 409 74 Notifications for patent 622 576 -46 Timber berth and special timber permit applications 559 696 137 Accrued area leases entered 55 60 5 Accrued area leases cancelled 78 129 51 Homestead leases (civilian) entered 783 564 -219 Homestead leases (civilian) cancelled 674 509 -165 Homestead leases (veteran) entered 91 50 -41 Homestead leases (veteran) cancelled 119 87 -32 Licenses of occupation entered 18 31 13 Licenses of occupation cancelled 18 26 8 Miscellaneous leases entered 55 58 3 Miscellaneous leases cancelled 25 34 9 Cultivation leases entered 82 31 -51 Cultivation leases cancelled 39 71 32 Public land sales entered 176 153 -23 REGISTRATION DIVISION 87 Item 1955-56 1956-57 Difference Public land sales cancelled 8 22 14 Road allowance leases entered 120 132 12 Road allowance leases cancelled 51 63 12 Grazing leases entered 271 558 287 Grazing leases cancelled 66 66 0 School land sales entered 112 128 16 School land sales cancelled 14 25 11 School land miscellaneous leases entered 0 0 0 School land miscellaneous leases cancelled 2 9 7 School land cultivation leases entered 24 24 0 School land cultivation leases cancelled 38 47 9 Right of entry applications entered 1, 116 1, 045 -71 Right of entry applications cancelled 176 161 -15 Sand and gravel leases entered 34 42 8 Sand and gravel leases cancelled 11 21 10 Miscellaneous permits entered 577 694 117 Grazing permits entered 1, 840 1, 503 -337 Cultivation permits entered 59 58 -1 Sand and gravel permits entered 36 97 61 School lands grazing permits entered 1, 176 803 -373 School lands cultivation permits entered 26 29 3 TOTAL 9,486 9, 011 -475 INFORMATION ON ALBERTA PROVINCIAL PARKS 88 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Technical Division PROVINCIAL PARKS 89 Provincial Parks Administration REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL PARKS BOARD V. A. Wood, Chairman T. \Y. DALKIN, Board Member The past year has been the busiest in the history of the provincial parks. That the provincial parks are playing an important part in meet¬ ing the recreational needs of the people is shown by the growing attend¬ ance at these parks. The demands for increased improvements have strengthened the Board's belief that the parks are providing fine recrea¬ tion for Albertans. Previous development plans for orderly expansion in providing facilities, have been found in several cases to lag behind the need, and revised plans are being prepared. By Orders in Council 1557/56 and 478/57, Winag ami Lake and Long Lake were established as provincial parks to provide further recreational facilities in the northern portion of the province. Consideration is being given to the establishment of several other areas in the province as pro¬ vincial parks. A policy is being followed of reserving suitable areas of Crown land throughout the province for future park development. The Board's program to safeguard Alberta's historical sites of interest has been handicapped because of the difficulty in securing titles to the desired areas but it is felt that titles to these areas will be ac¬ quired in the near future. To achieve good sanitary conditions and to help maintain the parks, seventeen summer caretakers were employed. Two parks have full time employees while the others were maintained by casual labour. There are thirty -three provincial parks, twenty-six of which are being developed and are considered active parks. Six are considered inactive and little or no development is taking place at the present time. One is being maintained as an historical site. The following is a brief summary of the main developments and activities carried on at the active parks during the fiscal year: Aspen Beach Park - The installation of playground equipment and picnic facilities were the major undertakings, besides maintenance of the beach and picnic grounds. Beauvais Lake Park - The main improvements included the con¬ struction of a caretaker's residence, storage building, bathhouses, pier extension, and clearing the camping grounds. Crimson Lake Park - Work was started on a parking lot, trailer park and campsite. Barriers were erected to prevent cars -being driven on the beach. A large sand knoll, in which the children had been tunnel¬ ling, was levelled, to prevent the possibility of accidents occurring. A demand for cottage lots has resulted in consideration being given to the surveying of additional lots. 90 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS Cross Lake Park - This park is in the first stages of development. Access to the park is now possible by means of a road constructed by the Department of Highways. Toilet facilities, a supply of drinking water and picnic tables have been provided. Some playground equipment has been installed and 10 acres of under -brushing have been completed. Work was started to improve the beach. Cypress Hills Park - The road program was continued as well as improvements to the beach, playground and camp areas. A new Assist¬ ant Warden's residence was built. More machinery was purchased for maintenance work. Dillberry Lake Park - Improvement of the roads within the park, brush clean up and maintenance of the beach were the major works car¬ ried out in this park. Due to the stocking of the lake with trout a very definite increase has been noted in the number of visitors and campers at the park. The demand for cottage lots has increased. Garner Lake Park - A considerable rise in the level of the lake re¬ duced the beach area to a fraction of its former size. Further work on the beach has been postponed until it is possible to accurately establish the lake level. The park is well supported by the public. Expenditures were for maintenance only. Gooseberry Lake Park - A new floor was laid in the main hall and picnic facilities were improved. Kinbrook Island Park - More trees were planted and extensive im¬ provements made to the irrigation system. Another bathhouse was con¬ structed and extra playground equipment installed. Although consider¬ able thought was given to building a permanent pier, the idea was re¬ jected because of fluctuating lake levels, and the merits of the various types of floating piers are being investigated. Lac Cardinal Park - This is a new park and development consisted of improving and sanding the beach, installing playground equipment, picnic and sanitary facilities, and the drilling of a water well. Little Bow Park - A tractor and various attachments were purchased for park maintenance. The irrigation system was enlarged, additional road work undertaken, and more playground equipment installed. As water wells in this area contain a high percentage of salts, considera¬ tion is being given to the construction of a cistern and filter. Long Lake Park - No development was undertaken, as extensive survey work is required. This work will be undertaken in the forth¬ coming year. Ma-Me-O Beach Park - Work consisted mainly of general mainten¬ ance and providing additional picnic facilities. Park Lake Park - A major undertaking at this park was the rip¬ rapping of the wave -eroded shore line at the north picnic area. Improved picnic and playground facilities were provided and general maintenance and repairs to buildings carried out. PROVINCIAL PARKS 91 Pembina River Park - Major undertakings included additional road work, construction of a garbage pit and incinerator, and erection of more sanitary facilities. Further picnic facilities were provided and general maintenance carried out. Red Lodge Park - Work in this park was designed to improve the existing facilities, and to utilize the limited area to provide the maxi¬ mum accommodation. Rochon Sands Park - Work was limited to improving the picnic facilities and to general maintenance of the area. Saskatoon Island Park - Work was limited to improving the picnic facilities and to general maintenance of the area. Steveville Dinosaur Park - No improvements were undertaken. The land within the park, owned by the Eastern Irrigation District, was ac¬ quired and negotiations started to purchase other privately-owned land. Sylvan Lake Park - Additional fill dirt was placed to raise the park above the level of the lake. The four picnic shelters were raised another two feet to make them serviceable. Taber Park - Work in this park was generally restricted to the maintenance of existing facilities. The Vermilion Park - Development has continued at a steady pace during the past few years, increasing the popularity of the park. Gravel¬ ling of roads, sanding of the beach, underbrushing, increased sanitary facilities and construction of an Administration Building, were some of the improvements undertaken during the year. A sub-division has been surveyed as a result of inquiries and requests made to the department. Wabamun Lake Park - Extensive dragline work on the beach and the clearing and brushing of 13 acres for future parking were the main pro¬ jects undertaken. Further work in this area will be hampered until the highway is diverted. Winagami Lake Park - No projects were undertaken during the year. Woolford Park - General maintenance only. Writing -on -Stone Park - Improvements to the picnic and playground areas were made, and general maintenance carried out. Standing of Provincial Park Leases on March 31/57 Leases Applications Cancellations Beauvais Lake Park 43 1 Crimson Lake Park 77 18 1 Cypress Hills Park 141 12 1 Dillberry Lake Park 12 6 Gooseberry Lake Park 6 6 Kinbrook Island Park 29 10 Total 308 53 2 92 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS The following is a summary of the revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year: Amount appropriated for provincial park purposes $ 126, 380. 00 Revenue received from each park: Admini str ation Gooseberry Lake Beauvais Little Bow Cross Lake Saskatoon Island Cypress Hills Crimson Lake Dillberry Lake Red Lodge Ma-Me-O Beach Garner Lake Pembina River Kinbrook Island Steveville Taber Park Lake Writing -On -Stone Wabamun Lake Woolf ord Sylvan Lake Rochon Sands Aspen Beach Lac Cardinal Drumheller Protected Area Vermilion 50. 00 275. 35 16.00 277.60 13, 356.42 859.95 115.00 56. 00 21. 00 190. 00 45.00 114.00 16. 00 45.69 114.74 Total $ 15, 552.75 PROVINCIAL PARKS 93 Expenditures for each park: Admini str ation $ 5,516.79 Gooseberry Lake 1,275.62 Beauvais 2, 778. 10 Little Bow 6, 041. 27 Cross Lake 1, 968. 67 Saskatoon Island 1,489.74 Cypress Hills 29, 126.86 Crimson Lake 5, 826. 57 Dillber ry Lake 1, 138.62 Red Lodge 3, 675. 10 Ma-Me-O Beach 233. 81 Garner Lake 1, 608.60 Pembina River 3,406. 83 Kinbrook Island 3, 665.41 Steveville 13. 12 Taber 2, 563.68 Park Lake 10,765.48 W r it ing - On - Stone 1, 077.30 Wabamun Lake 18, 324. 00 Woolford 126. 36 Sylvan Lake 3,712.00 Rochon Sands 1, 130.00 Aspen Beach 5, 190. 60 Lac Cardinal 4,473.92 Vermilion 6,431.95 Drumheller Protected Area Total $ 121, 560.40 94 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS General Expenses such as Salaries, Office, Travelling, etc. $ 17, 303.02 Expenditures from Parks Board Trust: Admini s tr ati on Gooseberry Lake Beauvais Little Bow Cross Lake Saskatoon Island Cypress Hills Crimson Lake Dillberry Lake Red Lodge Ma-Me-O Beach Garner Lake Pembina River Kinbrook Island Steveville Taber Park Lake Writing -On -Stone Wabamun Lake Woolford Sylvan Lake Rochon Sands Aspen Beach Lac Cardinal Vermilion Drumheller Protected Area $ 120. 00 18, 530.95 Total $ 18, 650. 95 PROVINCIAL PARKS 95 Beach and Playground — Crimson Lake. Rochon Sands. 96 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS PER SONNEL Of Department of Lands and Forests by Branches 1. MINISTER'S OFFICE 1 Minister 1 Secretary 2 2. DEPUTY MINISTER'S OFFICE I Deputy Minister 1 Departmental Solicitor 1 Secretary 1 Stationery and Equipment Clerk 1 Personnel Officer 1 Personnel Clerk 1 Stenographer 2 Clerk-Typists ~9~ 3. PUBLIC LANDS 1 Director of Lands 1 Asst. Director of Lands 1 Supervisor Grazing Appraisal 1 Grazing Appraiser 1 Supervisor Land Classification 1 Field Supervisor 4 District Supervisors 8 Soil Investigators 6 Supervisors (Office) 1 Asst. Supervisor (Office) 16 Correspondence Clerks 1 Counter Clerk 2 Clerks 25 Stenographers 6 Clerk-Typists 1 Sub-Agent, Peace River 1 Sub-Agent, Grande Prairie 77 4. FORESTS AND WILDLIFE DIVISION 1 Director of Forestry 1 Asst. Director of Forestry and Superintendent of Management 1 Asst. Superintendent of Management 1 Forester i/c Training School 1 Asst, to Forester i/c Training School 1 Chief Clerk 1 Timber Administrative Officer 1 Clerk- Accountant 5 Correspondence Clerks 4 Clerks 1 Counter Clerk 1 Secretarial Clerk 1 Clerk-Stenographer 8 Stenographers 1 Clerk-Typists 4 Timber Auditors 33 4a. Forest Protection Branch 1 Sr. Superintendent of Protection 1 Asst. Sr. Superintendent of Protection 6 Forest Superintendents 10 Asst. Forest Superintendents 1 Timber Inspector 1 Chief Check Scaler 2 Asst. Check Scalers 11 Forest Officer III 71 Forest Officers II 25 Forest Officers I 6 Radio Operators 14 Lookout Men - classified and year round Lookout Men - seasonal 7 Stenographers 7 Forest Clerks 1 Asst. Forest Clerk 164 4b. Forest Surveys Branch 1 Sr. Superintendent 1 Forester i/c Inventory 1 Forester i/c Planning 6 Foresters 1 Photogrammetry and Compilation Supervisor 6 Photogrammetrists 5 Draughtsmen and Compilers 2 Draughtsmen 1 Photo Librarian 1 Stenographer 1 Clerk- Typist 26 4c. Radio Communications Branch 1 Radio Superintendent 1 Asst. Radio Superintendent 2 Chief Radio Operators 10 Radio Technicians 3 Radio Operators 2 Stenographers 19 4d. Fish and Game Branch 1 Superintendent of Game 1 Superintendent of Fisheries 6 Biologists 1 Chief Clerk 1 Hatchery Supt. (Fisheries) 1 Asst. Hatchery Supt. (Fisheries) 1 Hatchery Supt. (Game) 1 Asst. Hatchery Su£t. (Game) 5 Hatchery Assistants 42 Fish and Game Officers 2 Clerks 8 Stenographers 70 PERSONNEL 97 5. EASTERN ROCKIES FOREST CONSERVATION BOARD 5a. Administrative Office, Calgary 1 Administrative Officer 2 F orester s 1 Forest Engineer 1 Maintenance Foreman (Construction) 1 Maintenance Foreman (Mechanical) 1 Road Foreman 2 Gradermen 1 Garage Mechanic 1 Warehouseman 1 Office Supervisor 1 Stenographer 1 Accounting Clerk 1 Clerk-Typist 15 5b. Crowsnest Forest Reserve 1 Forest Superintendent 1 Asst. Forest Superintendent 1 Forest Officer III 6 Forest Officers II 4 Forest Officers I 1 Mechanic Operator 5 Lookout Men - classified and seasonal 1 Forest Clerk 1 Stenographer 21 5c. Bow River Forest Reserve 1 Forest Superintendent 1 Asst. Forest Superintendent 1 Forest Officer III 6 Forest Officers II 11 Forest Officers I 1 Mechanic Operator 7 Lookout Men - classified and seasonal 1 Forest Clerk 1 Stenographer 1 Clerk-Typist 31 5d. Clearwater Forest Reserve 1 Forest Superintendent 1 Asst. Forest Superintendent 1 Forest Officer III 3 Forest Officers II 6 Forest Officers I 1 Mechanic Operator 4 Lookout Men - classified and seasonal 1 Forest Clerk 1 Stenographer 1 Clerk-Typist 20 6. TECHNICAL DIVISION 1 Director Technical Division 1 Assistant Director 2 Surveyors 2 Asst. Surveyors 1 Engineer 1 Senior Photogrammetrist 3 Photogrammetrists 1 Senior Draughtsmen 4 Technical Assistants 9 Draughtsmen 2 Draughtsmen - Computers 1 Inspector and Investigator 1 Instrument Man (Restoration Surveys) 1 Photo Processor and Supervisor 2 Asst. Photo Processors 1 Photostat Operator 1 Ozalid Machine Operator 1 Map Mounter and Junior Photostat Operator 4 Stenographers 3 Clerk-Typists 1 Librarian ~43 7. ACCOUNTS 1 Administrative Accountant 1 Asst. Administrative Accountant 4 Supervisors 24 Clerks 2 Cashiers 5 Bookkeeping Machine Operators 2 Stenographers 7 Clerk-Typists 46 8. PROVINCIAL PARKS BOARD 1 Superintendent of Parks 1 Park Planning and Administrative Officer 1 Park Warden - Cypress Hills 1 Asst. Park Warden - _ Cypress Hills 4 9. REGISTRATION 1 Registrar 2 Supervisors 2 Asst. Supervisors 2 Recordak Operators 25 Clerks 1 Stenographer 33 613 Total for Department 98 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS OFFICE OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES More outside offices were opened by the Department during the year commencing April 1st, 1956, and consequently the work of this office in¬ creased proportionately. The following is a statement of stationery, fish and game licenses and tags, small office equipment and incidentals forwarded by this Branch during the year: - Express Parcels 545 Registered Mail 3, 833 Parcels Mailed 1, 692 Pamphlets 1, 137 Letters 273 A record is kept in this office «f all typewriters in the Department with entries made for service charges and repairs. All telephone list¬ ings are checked and changes made when required. All magazines and periodicals for the different branches are recorded here and notations made when the subscription is renewed. All advertisements for sales of timber berths, notices of tenders, sub-agencies etc. are processed through this office to Mr. Bryant, Director of Advertising. The mimeograph machine is being used continually and during the year 1,288 stencils were cut and 437,940 sheets runoff. This is an average of 107 stencils and 36,495 sheets per month or 5 stencils and 1, 659 sheets per day. The annual report was again typed in this office. This is a big item on our work calendar during August and September. I sincerely appreciate the co-operation of the staff in seeing that all their duties are carried out in a pleasant and co-operative manner. I deeply regret the fact that they will be leaving to take on other responsi¬ bilities in the near future.