http://www.albertatrappers.com/aboutUs/dao/daoFAQs.pdf
1. Does a need really exist
for a DAO?
Absolutely.
The dramatic increase in development
and exploration for
energy resources will continue.
New technology and the price
of fuel have made any deposit
of gas or oil a profitable venture.
The intensity of development
will increase probably for
another fifty years. I was told
“You ain’t seen nothing yet”.
Believe it.
If trappers cannot unite and
support a common set of standards
and goals now, the future
for trapping, in the face of all
this activity, will be bleak. It
has been suggested that trapping
should go to a non – tenured
system (no registered trap
lines) in the heavy oil and gas
areas of the Province (east half
, central and foothills).
2. What will happen the
Cabin Policy?
Currently a policy exists that
defines how big and how many
cabins a trapper may have.
Some choose to ignore the
policy and build outside the
standard. Trapper cabins are
for the business of trapping not
recreating. There has been little
or no enforcement/education of
this policy is. A recent review
of the policy suggested minor
changes but the size of the
main cabin remains 24’ X 24’.
Line cabins and sheds are still
allowed but at spacing that supports
trapping activity not recreation.
Trappers that chose to
ignore the policy make it difficult
for all trappers. Cabins will
be brought into compliance (at
the RFMA holders cost) upon
transferral. New cabins must
follow the policy. The crown
has the right to deal with violations
and they will.
3. How does a DAO affect
Compensation?
A sore point for trappers and
industry, compensation under
the DAO will be reformed and
standardized. Firstly, a trapper
must be active to be considered
for compensation. To be
considered an active trapper,
a management plan must be
completed and submitted annually
to the DAO. The DAO
will review the plan and enter
the information into the trapper
database. This plan will
include fur harvest records and
receipts, biological information,
a detailed map indicating
trails, bait sites, cabins, mineral
licks, and historical sites (if
any). This plan is your bargaining
position with industry.
Assets of traplines will be given
a set value i.e. so much for bait
sites, trails, etc. These values
will be developed by trappers
and industry. A standardized
list of asset values will allow
industry to know what their
costs will be as well as the active
trapper will know what to
claim.
By streamlining the compensation
process it will be expedient,
equitable and transparent
for both trappers and industry.
It is a challenging time to be
in the trapping industry. All
trappers need to know what
resources may be on their line.
Speak with the forestry and energy
folks and ask what their
plans are. For trappers to exist
in 21st century Alberta we have
to get along with all the people
on the land.
Mark Spafford
Zone 4 director
DAO Steering committee
The Delegated
Authority Order
(DAO)
Frequently Asked Questions
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