DRDC Suffield, Ferruginous Hawk nest relocation from utility poles onto an artificial nesting platform in the Experimental Proving Grounds - Canadian Forces Base Suffield

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project. Located within the Experimental Proving Grounds (EPG) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield, Ferruginous Hawks (FEHA) have established nests on a de-energized utility line that will be re-energized for a proposed development of a new facility, these nests will require relocation away from a trial site danger template, and the high-risk utility poles.

A permanent Artificial Nesting Platform (ANP) will be installed ~450m North-Northeast, a distance that will allow for maximum setback distances from oil and gas infrastructure, roadways, the high-risk utility pole, and the Defence Research trial site.

To effectively have the FEHA nest on the permanently installed ANP, a mobile nesting platform will be developed with similar height of the existing utility pole, while still maintaining stability. The mobile platform will be moved incrementally ~100m per year towards it, with the first move only 50m from the current nesting location, to better ensure nest acceptance upon the FEHA's return in spring.

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Latest update

December 2, 2025— The authorities issued their Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
2 Notice of Determination - December 2, 2025
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - October 17, 2025

Contacts

Corey Davidson
Defence Research and Development Canada
Corey Davidson, Chief Environment
PO Box 4000, Station Main
Suffield, Alberta T1A 8K6
Email: corey.davidson@forces.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Canadian Forces Base Suffield (Alberta)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-10-17

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89946

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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