Habitat Management Plans help:

• Protect wildlife habitat and support ecological health
• Maintain  the natural areas people love
• Keep parks accessible for walking, cycling and recreation
• Reduce erosion and damage before it becomes a larger problem
• Help ensure natural spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come 

By addressing issues early, Habitat Management Plans help avoid more disruptive repairs in the future.

Natural areas are also part of Calgary’s infrastructure system and provide ecological benefits Calgarians rely on every day. They support biodiversity while also offering opportunities to connect with nature, help stabilize riverbanks and contribute to healthier, more resilient landscapes. Caring for these spaces helps reduce long-term costs and keeps them working the way they’re intended.

Every natural area contains unique ecological features and faces different challenges . Habitat Management Plans identify what is putting pressure on a site and outline actions that will help protect and improve it over time, while continuing to support public enjoyment and access. 

These plans help natural areas continue to function as healthy ecosystems and as part of the city’s overall park system by: 

• Understanding site-specific pressures like erosion, informal trails and invasive species
• Identifying actions to reduce damage and improve conditions 
• Supporting access while protecting sensitive areas
• Planning ahead so work can happen over time instead of all at once

Habitat Management Plans help maintain and improve habitat health and ecological function by addressing issues before they become more serious.

Natural areas in cities experience more pressure than similar habitats outside urban areas.

In Calgary, frequent use, nearby development and changing environmental conditions can impact how these areas function over time.

Without ongoing care, this can lead to:

• Erosion and unstable landscapes
• Loss of native vegetation and increased weeds
• Damage to sensitive habitats and ecological features
• Reduced habitat quality and connectivity for wildlife
• Reduced access or safety concerns

Active management helps maintain and improve natural area ecosystems by addressing these impacts early. It keeps natural areas resilient and functioning for wildlife and native plants, and safe and accessible for people to connect with nature.

Each Habitat Management Plan is developed using:

• Field assessments and technical data
• Input from park users and nearby communities
• Indigenous and local knowledge
• Expertise from City staff and subject matter experts

Plans are prioritized based on factors like park condition, ecological significance, sensitivity to disturbance, and location within Calgary’s ecological network. Habitat Management Plans balance community priorities with ecological expertise and industry best practices to identify actions that will have the greatest long-term benefit for both people and nature.

Habitat Management Plans support: 

• A greater variety of wildlife and native plants across Calgary
• Stronger connections between natural areas across the city
• Restoration of riverbanks, wetlands and other ecosystems
• Long-term, proactive care to maintain condition
• Natural spaces that support wellbeing, recreation and connection to nature