Lakeland Industry and Community Association  Box 8237, 5107W - 50 Street, Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J5  780 812-2182  780 812-2186  www.lica.ca

Integrated Watershed Management Plan Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, April 1, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Virtually via Microsoft Teams

Present: Jason Quinney Robert Machatis (left at 10:46 a.m.) Clem Parenteau Dylan Landstrom Shelby Kennedy (left at 10 :50 a.m.) Madison Arsenault Al Bertschi (left at 10:51 a.m.) Roxane Bretzlaff (arrived at 9 :51 a.m.) Kellie Nichiporik Randi Dupras Richard Bourgeois Katlyn Degenhardt

Observers and Guests: Fin MacDermid Sandi Riemersma, Palliser Environmental Services Ltd.

Staff: Kristina Martel, LICA Executive Director Tricia Fleming, Environmental Coordinator Rachel Bates, Education & Outreach Coordinator Tina Johnson, LICA Administrative Professional Eveline Hartog, LICA Administrative Professional

Regrets: Delano Tolley Maureen Delorme-Ouellette Richard Pearce Amanda Avery-Bibo Mitch Sylvestre Monty Moore Annette Hobart Abdi Siad-Omar Bob Buckle Katherine Currie Shana Langley

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1.0 CALL TO ORDER

Jason Quinney, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:16 a.m.

1.1 Introductions

1.2 Attendance

1.3 Vision, Mission and Values

1.4 Approval of Agenda

#1 Moved by Richard Bourgeois AND CARRIED that the April 1, 2021, Agenda be approved as amended: • Item 2.1.3 to read “Draft Terms of Reference Summary Document: Final Version”

1.5 Approval of Minutes

1.5.1 January 19, 2021, IWMPC Minutes - Draft

#2 Moved by Robert Machatis AND CARRIED that the January 19, 2021, Minutes be approved as presented.

2.0 ONGOING BUSINESS

2.1 Update: Terms of Reference and Summary Documents

2.1.1 Draft Terms of Reference: Final Version

The Environmental Coordinator presented the Beaver River IWMP Draft Terms of Reference: Final Version to the Committee for information.

2.1.2 Summary of LICA Board Changes to Draft Terms of Reference

The Environmental Coordinator notified the Committee that the sentence “Municipalities promote economic development in the region.”, was added to Section 7.7 Municipal Governments in the Beaver River IWMP Draft Terms of Reference.

2.1.3 Draft Terms of Reference Summary Document: Final Version

The Environmental Coordinator presented the Beaver River IWMP Draft Terms of Reference Summary Document: Final Version to the Committee for information. Figure 1. was updated to include a better map of the Beaver River watershed and its main sub-watersheds (LICA 2021).

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2.2 IWMP 2021-2022 Budget

An updated version of the 2021-2022 IWMP Budget was presented to the committee for approval. This budget included the scope of work outlined within the Palliser contract as well as funds allocated towards advertisement.

#3 Moved by Clem Parenteau AND CARRIED that the 2021-2022 IWMP Budget be approved as presented.

The Committee would like the Environmental Coordinator to look into advertising on 98.5 FM CFWE (Moose Hills) and 89.1 FM Ayik (Frog Lake) radio stations should the budget allow for additional advertising.

2.3 Engagement Session 1

2.3.1 Survey

There were 10 respondents to the sample survey sent out with the agenda. Committee suggestions included: • Add the description of watershed issues at the top of each page for reference, • Link the State of the Watershed Report to the survey as knowledge of this document is helpful for survey completion, and • Adjust the amount of time it takes to complete the survey to a range of time.

#4 Moved by Clem Parenteau AND CARRIED that the survey be accepted as amended: • Add the description of watershed issues to the top of each page, • Link the State of the Watershed report to the introduction, and • Change the time to complete the survey to a range of 15-30 minutes.

2.3.1.1 Recommendation: Survey Interactive Map Content

The Environmental Coordinator recommended that we do not include an interactive map in the survey. The Committee agreed to this; however, it was felt that an interactive map may facilitate engagement within Indigenous communities. The Environmental Coordinator agreed to investigate an interactive map to be included in future engagement session surveys and advised that this would not be feasible for the first round of engagement due to the short turnaround time. Further discussion will be held at a future Committee meeting.

2.3.2 Format and Expectations

The first round of engagement sessions has been scheduled via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions. These sessions will be primarily led by the LICA Environmental Coordinator and the Palliser Environmental contractor. Committee members are encouraged to attend the engagement session for their sector.

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2.3.3 Presentation Overview

The Palliser Environmental contractor shared a draft of the presentation for the public engagement sessions. The Committee felt the overall presentation was well done and that some of the more technical aspects may still require lower-level explanation to gain understanding by the general public.

2.3.4 Engagement Schedule

The Environmental Coordinator presented the dates for the first round of engagement sessions: • Provincial/Regional Associations & Non-Government – April 20th • First Nations/Métis – April 26th • Federal/Provincial Government – May 3rd • Municipal Government – May 6th • Industry – May 12th • Public – May 18th

3.0 ACTION LIST

3.1 Follow-up on Action List

3.1.1 January 19, 2021

The IWMP Committee reviewed the action list from the January 19, 2021, IWMP Meeting noting that all items have been completed.

4.0 UPCOMING MEETING DATES

4.1 LICA Board Meeting – April 15, 2021

4.2 Next Meeting – TBD

A meeting will be planned in June to review the outcomes of the first round of engagement sessions.

5.0 ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 11:41 a.m.

#5 Moved by Richard Bourgeois AND CARRIED that the meeting be adjourned.

Approved on: ______Date

______Signature

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BEAVER RIVER INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN

DRAFT Terms of Reference

(Note to Reader: This is a draft document that will be updated following engagement)

Prepared by: Palliser Environmental Services Ltd.

Revised March 15, 2021 DRAFT Terms of Reference

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LICA would like to thank the following people for their contribution to this Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan Terms of Reference.

LICA IWMP Committee

Abdi Siad-Omar, Alberta Environment and Parks Al Bertschi, Portage College Annette Hobart, Alberta Energy Regulator Bob Buckle, City of Cold Lake Clem Parenteau, Métis Nation Region 2 Delano Tolley, Community Dylan Landstrom, Beaver Lake Cree Nation Fin MacDermid, Cold Lake First Nations Jason Quinney, LICA Board of Directors Katherine Currie, Town of Bonnyville Katlyn Degenhardt, MD of Bonnyville Kellie Nichiporik, Lakeland Agriculture Research Association Madison Arsenault, Youth Maureen Delorme-Ouellette, Fishing Lake Métis Settlement Mitch Sylvester, Moose Lake Watershed Society Monty Moore, Husky Energy Randi Dupras, Lac la Biche County Richard Bourgeois, Muriel Lake Basin Management Society Richard Pearce, Community Roxane Bretzlaff, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. Robert Machatis, Cold Lake First Nations Rosie Radmanovich, First Nations Technical Advisory Committee Shana Langley, Military Shelby Kennedy, Kikino Métis Settlement

Ex-officio Members Kristina Martel, Executive Director Rachel Bates, Education & Outreach Coordinator Tricia Fleming, Environmental Coordinator

Cover Photo Credit Amber Martin

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... ii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 About This Document ...... 1 2.0 BACKGROUND ...... 2 2.1 Previous Planning Initiatives ...... 2 2.2 Need for a New Plan ...... 4 3.0 PURPOSE, INTENT, PLANNING CONTEXT AND SCOPE ...... 4 3.1 Purpose, Intent and Authority ...... 4 3.2 Legislative Policy and Planning Context ...... 5 3.3 Scope ...... 5 4.0 PLANNING AREA ...... 6

5.0 ISSUES, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES ...... 8 5.1 Issues ...... 8 5.2 Goal ...... 10 5.3 Objectives...... 10 5.4 Indicators, Targets and Thresholds ...... 12 5.5 Recommendations ...... 12 5.6 Implementation Strategy ...... 12 5.7 Measuring Success ...... 13 6.0 STAKEHOLDER, FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS ENGAGEMENT ...... 13 6.1 Goal ...... 13 6.2 Objectives...... 13 6.3 Guiding Principles ...... 13 6.4 Format, Schedule and Tools ...... 13 7.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 16 7.1 Lakeland Industry and Community Association ...... 16 7.2 General: Stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis ...... 17 7.3 Federal Government ...... 17 7.4 First Nations ...... 17 7.5 Provincial Government ...... 18 7.6 Alberta Energy Regulator ...... 18 7.7 Municipal Governments...... 18

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7.8 The Métis ...... 19 7.9 Industry ...... 19 7.10 Watershed Stewardship Groups, Non-Profit Organizations, Academia ...... 20 7.11 Residents ...... 20 8.0 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT ...... 21

9.0 SCHEDULE ...... 22

10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 24

APPENDIX A. KEY STAKEHOLDERS, FIRST NATIONS, AND MÉTIS ...... 28

APPENDIX B. SUB-WATERSHED DESCRIPTIONS ...... 29

APPENDIX C. HISTORY OF BEAVER RIVER IWMP STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERT ADVICE ..... 30

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

LICA is a community-based not-for-profit association that is a Synergy Group, the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Beaver River watershed, and an Airshed Zone. LICA focuses on environmental monitoring, environmental management, and community education and outreach. As the designated provincial WPAC for the Beaver River watershed in Alberta, LICA reports on watershed health, leads collaborative planning, and facilitates education and stewardship activities. This work supports the goals of Alberta’s Water for Life Strategy, namely: • Healthy aquatic ecosystems • Safe, secure drinking water supplies • Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

LICA recently initiated the Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) process to help direct future watershed management activities and achieve the vision of “A healthy Beaver River watershed for the future”. The Beaver River IWMP will be a guidance document and planning tool for resource managers, including governments, planners, Indigenous communities, other stakeholders and landowners in the watershed. The plan will identify goals for improving and/or maintaining watershed health, and will make recommendations on how to reach those goals. An implementation strategy will accompany the IWMP that will indicate implementation roles and responsibilities, priorities and timelines.

LICA established an IWMP Committee to provide technical knowledge and support the development of the plan in collaboration with stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis. The IWMP Committee will strive to establish a consensus on land and water resource management strategies to achieve shared environmental, social, and economic outcomes supportive of a healthy watershed.

LICA and the IWMP Committee are committed to engaging with communities and stakeholders in the watershed throughout the planning process. This will ensure that the final plan is relevant and reflects local and regional concerns. Appendix A provides a list of key stakeholders, First Nations and Métis in the watershed.

1.1 About This Document

This document is the Terms of Reference (TOR) that will direct the development of the Beaver River IWMP. It will be used to create a common understanding among LICA, the IWMP Committee, stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis regarding the purpose, intent and scope of work that will be undertaken as part of the planning process. The TOR includes:  Background information pertaining to previous planning initiatives  Description of the planning area and issues  IWMP goals, objectives and outcomes  Roles and responsibilities of those involved in the management and stewardship of the watershed  Work schedule to track project milestones.

The Terms of Reference should be supported by the IWMP Committee, the LICA Board of Directors, stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis early in the planning process.

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2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 Previous Planning Initiatives

Coordinated planning efforts for the management of natural resources in the Beaver River watershed have occurred for more than 30 years. The following provides a brief overview of planning initiatives since 1985.

Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (1985) The Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (CLBR WMP) was prepared in partnership with Alberta Environment, LICA, and the Cold Lake-Beaver River Basin Advisory Committee. The CLBR WMP was authorized by Alberta Environment under the Water Act in 1985 to manage water resources in the Cold Lake and Lower Beaver River Basin (Alberta Environment 1985). The intent of the plan was to provide adequate water quantity and quality to meet the long-term user requirements of the basin. The CLBR WMP made specific recommendations concerning:  Major oil sands water supply  Municipal, agricultural, industrial, and minor oil sands water supply  Surface and groundwater quantity  Surface and groundwater quality  Identified lakes to be managed for the purposes of conservation, fisheries, wildlife or recreation.

The CLBR WMP (1985) projected a long-term increase in use of freshwater for industrial activity based on anticipated industrial and population growth in the region. However, this projected demand was not realized. After the plan was complete, significant improvements were made by industry to the efficiency of water use through water recycling and technology that enabled the use of brackish groundwater in operations. Although freshwater use diminished there was a greater need to assess and develop a better understanding of groundwater quality, availability and use.

Cold Lake Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan (1996) The Cold Lake Sub-Regional Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was initiated in 1986 by an interdepartmental planning Team coordinated by the Strategic and Regional Support Division of Alberta Environment and Protection. The plan was prepared in response to the development of heavy oil and oil sands resources in the area and was approved by Cabinet in 1996 (AEP 1996). The planning area covered the eastern part of the Beaver River watershed, excluding the Sand River, First Nation lands, Métis Settlements, and any other federal or private lands. The purpose of the IRP was to promote the coordinated management of public land and resources within the Cold Lake planning area to achieve maximum economic, environmental and social benefits for Albertans. The resource management strategy was based on a 20-year time period. The plan focused on energy, agriculture, forestry and recreation.

Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (2006) In 2006, the Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (CLBR WMP) (1985) was updated by Alberta Environment, LICA and the Basin Advisory Committee. The 2006 Authorized Water Management Plan intended to provide direction in managing water resources in the combined Cold Lake-Lower Beaver River basin — specifically, to provide adequate water quantity and quality to meet long-term user requirements (Alberta Environment 2006a). The revised plan was prompted by increased industrial

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DRAFT Terms of Reference and population growth and extended periods of below-normal precipitation that occurred after the original plan was completed. The combined growth and dry weather had resulted in record low water levels in the area’s lakes, and low flows in rivers and streams.

To support the update of the plan, four State of the Basin reports were developed for the Cold Lake- Beaver River area:  Surface water quality (Alberta Environment 2006b)  Surface water quantity and aquatic resources (Alberta Environment 2006c)  Groundwater quantity and brackish water (Alberta Environment 2006d)  Groundwater quality (Alberta Environment 2006e).

Key issues and objectives for the WMP were based on the findings presented in the State of the Basin reports. Recommendations addressed: 1) Water Supply and Demand 2) Surface and Groundwater Quality 3) Strategies for Protection of Aquatic Resources These recommendations reflected additional stewardship needs in the basin, beyond infrastructure and engineered solutions (e.g., dams and diversions). Although regulatory (under the direct mandate of Alberta Environment) and non-regulatory (Best Management Practices) tools were provided to implement the recommendations, no implementation plan was developed to direct activity.

The updated 2006 WMP retains the same planning area as the original 1985 Plan (Figure 1) and continues to focus on lakes, downstream rivers, and aquifers that are most likely to be affected by existing water withdrawals and future withdrawal applications (AEP 2016). The extent to which the recommendations in the CLBR WMP (2006) were implemented is unclear.

Figure 1. Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan planning area (2006) (AEP 2016).

Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (2012) In August 2012, the Government of Alberta (GOA) approved the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) which encompasses the Lower Beaver River watershed in its planning area. To support the LARP, the GOA is developing a series of Management Frameworks to identify management targets for air quality,

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DRAFT Terms of Reference surface water quality, groundwater, biodiversity and landscape management. To date, the Groundwater Management Framework, Surface Water Quality Management Framework, and Surface Water Quantity Management Framework (2015) have been completed. The Biodiversity Management Framework is in draft form (2014), and the Landscape Management Plan is underway.

2.2 Need for a New Plan

Healthy watersheds are essential since they support interdependent human, animal, and ecosystem health. Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMP) are important for guiding land and water resource management in consideration of environmental, sociocultural and economic aspects. Implementation strategies that accompany IWMPs are essential for initiating action. Although the 2006 Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (CLBR WMP) provides a strong foundation for management of the eastern Lower Beaver River, it pre-dates important legislative changes that affect watershed management, and excludes parts of the greater Beaver River watershed. A new plan should also better reflect all stakeholder concerns, including First Nations and Métis Rights and Indigenous knowledge.

3.0 PURPOSE, INTENT, PLANNING CONTEXT AND SCOPE

3.1 Purpose, Intent and Authority

The Beaver River IWMP provides broad guidance for watershed management, and sets out clear direction that will result in consistent, specific actions for integrated management of land and water resources to support long-term watershed health.

The IWMP will not replace the existing authorized 2006 CLBR WMP 1 but rather augment it with aspects not previously considered.

While the watershed plan is not legally binding, developing the plan collaboratively means it is more likely to be supported and implemented by decision-makers in the Beaver River watershed.

To maximize opportunities for successful implementation, the IWMP should be supported by all stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis. Recommendations should be incorporated in future planning documents and updates of existing plans that have legal/regulatory authority (e.g., the CLBR WMP (2006), the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan and sub-regional management frameworks, and municipal statutory plans and policies).

1 Water Management Plans provide a framework for Alberta Environment and Parks to make water management decisions under Alberta’s Water Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA).

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3.2 Legislative Policy and Planning Context

The development of the Beaver River IWMP will be guided in part by the Framework for Water Management Planning (1999), the Guide to Watershed Planning in Alberta (Alberta Government 2015) and Water for Life Strategy (2003; renewed in 2008).

The IWMP will be developed within the context of existing federal, provincial and municipal legislation, policies and regional plans. The IWMP will acknowledge and adhere to the commitments outlined in the inter-provincial Master Agreement on Apportionment (1969) as administered by the Prairie Provinces Water Board2. The IWMP will reflect current policies and practices in place since completion of the CLBR WMP in 2006 and will encourage advancement of policies and practices for continued effort to steward the Beaver River watershed.

A compilation of legislation, policy, plans and procedures relevant to the Beaver River watershed was prepared as a reference that will be available as part of the Beaver River IWMP. At the provincial level, the most notable changes to legislation, policies and plans since 2006 are the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, the Alberta Wetland Policy, and the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (2012).

3.3 Scope

The Beaver River IWMP will include:  A summary of issues  Goals and objectives  Indicators, targets and thresholds  Roles and responsibilities  Recommendations  An implementation strategy

In response to recommendations identified in the 2006 CLBR WMP, the IWMP will:  Include the entire Beaver River watershed in its planning area  Better reflect all stakeholder concerns, including First Nations and the Métis  Improve municipal influence by providing recommendations related to municipal development planning, including area structure plans for lakeshore (subdivision) development  Create a more comprehensive plan by broadening the focus from a specific sector (i.e., oil/gas) to address additional resource management objectives that consider and reflect watershed- scale processes and needs  Integrate and address wildlife and fisheries management issues  Provide specific recommendations with more implementation detail, as opposed to general recommendations that are not easily implemented

The scope of issues addressed in the plan will include those identified in Section 5.0 and are subject to change according to further engagement with stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis.

2 68% of the natural flow of the Beaver River and Cold Lake basins must be allowed to flow to the adjacent province (Saskatchewan).

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Limitations The IWMP will not:  Gather new information to fill data gaps  Formulate legislation, policy, or regulations  Address air quality3 unless it relates to other watershed issues  Consider the Saskatchewan portion of the watershed

4.0 PLANNING AREA

The Beaver River watershed is located in the boreal plain of east-central Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan, in Treaty 6, 8 and 10 territories and in the Métis homeland northeast of Edmonton (Figure 1). The Beaver River originates near the Town of Lac La Biche as the outflow from Beaver Lake. It flows in an easterly direction for about 250 km, flowing south of Cold Lake before entering Saskatchewan. The Cold River originates at the east end of Cold Lake in Saskatchewan becoming the Waterhen River, and continues flowing east to join the Beaver River. The river flows north and joins the Churchill River at Île à-la-Crosse to flow into Hudson Bay. The length of the river from its source to its mouth is about 661 km. The total drainage area of the Beaver River at its confluence with the Churchill River is 50,003 km2. About 22,000 km2 of the watershed is in Alberta (Beaver River Watershed Alliance (BRWA) 2013).

Additional detail about the Beaver River watershed and its sub-watersheds can be found in Appendix B, and in the Beaver River State of the Watershed Report (BRWA 2013).

3 Air quality initiatives are well underway in Alberta with:  Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) and the establishment of Airshed Zones, which includes the Bonnyville/Cold Lake area  Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA)  Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM) (2012-2014; three-year program); JOSM addressed Air Quality, Water, Wildlife Contaminants and Toxicology, and Biodiversity and Habitat  Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Air Quality Management Framework (Alberta Government 2012)

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Figure 1. Map of the Beaver River watershed planning area (BRWA 2013). Note to Reader: This map is currently being updated, and will include FN traditional lands, among other changes.

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5.0 ISSUES, GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

5.1 Issues

The following section summarizes watershed issues which relate to surface water and groundwater quantity and quality, wetlands and riparian areas, biodiversity, and land management. The subsequent list of issues was compiled in consideration of the following documents and additional expert advice:  Alberta Lake Management Society, LakeWatch Lake Water Monitoring Reports  Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment Program (Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity, 2009-2011)  Beaver River State of the Watershed Report (2013)  Bibliography of scientific research related to watershed issues (Section 10 Bibliography)  Cold Lake-Beaver River Water Management Plan (2006)  Community Groundwater Monitoring - Domestic Well Survey (2009, 2011)  Enhanced Wetland Classification for Beaver River Watershed (Ducks Unlimited Canada 2010)  Lakeland Uranium Study (2009-11)  LICA long-term Soil Acidification Monitoring Project reports  Stakeholder workshops held in 2013-2014 to identify and prioritize issues (BRWA 2013, BRWA 2014, CPP Environmental 2014)  The Technical Advisory Team that reviewed and prioritized issues identified through prior stakeholder engagement (Appendix C)  Wetland Inventory (2009-10)  Winter Lake Level Study (2008-11)

Surface Water Quantity  Fluctuating water levels (lakes and wetlands) and streamflows caused by climate change and variability (e.g., temperature, evaporation, and precipitation) that can: o Impact water availability for municipal water supplies, agricultural uses, and First Nations and Métis o Increase risk of flooding, and impacts associated with drought o Impact recreation activity o Alter aquatic, riparian and upland habitat o Alter land use (e.g., cultivation, development) around wetlands and ephemeral streams (watercourses that flow briefly in direct response to rainfall or snowmelt (USEPA 2015)).  Surface water withdrawals.  Altered drainage patterns and/or discharges of treated effluent, and stormwater. Quality  Water quality in lakes and streams does not meet desired end uses (e.g., drinking water, contact recreation, agriculture, Indigenous traditional practices, and/or wildlife and aquatic species needs ) in some areas due to soil type and geology, climate change and variability, and/or influx of point and non-point source pollution from adjacent lands (e.g., nutrients, sediment, bacteria).  The influx of nutrients originating from external sources and the internal natural cycling of nutrients contributes to eutrophication4 in many lakes in the watershed.

4 Eutrophication: Enrichment of aquatic ecosystems by plant nutrients (e.g., phosphorus and nitrogen); characterized by increased growth of plants and algae. The process of eutrophication can be accelerated by human activity (e.g., effluent disposal, land drainage), and can have negative impacts on aquatic health.

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Groundwater Quantity  Uncertainty regarding groundwater quantity resulting from climate change and variability, and withdrawals for human and industrial use.  Limited understanding of the impact that groundwater withdrawals have on aquifer dynamics (e.g., shallow/deep aquifer interactions) and on lake water levels and streamflows (i.e., groundwater-surface water interactions). Quality  Human health concerns related to naturally occurring and/or human-caused mobilization (e.g., thermal mobilization5) of trace metals (i.e., arsenic and uranium) in concentrations above drinking water guidelines.  Concerns related to land use, including potential contamination from improperly abandoned water wells, landfills, agricultural activity, septic fields and, oil and gas activity (casing failures).

Wetlands and Riparian Areas  Loss of wetland and riparian areas and their respective functions: o Water storage (absorptive capacity, flood control) and water balance in lakes/streams o Groundwater recharge o Water quality (retention of nutrients, suspended sediment, soil and associated contaminants) o Biodiversity o Ecological services6 (recreation, carbon sequestration, stormwater treatment)

Biodiversity  Fragmented and poor-quality habitat, due to increased road density, access, recreational activity, industrial activity (e.g., pipelines, well-sites, mining [sand and gravel]), and other developments.  Changing abundance and/or size of certain fish and wildlife species in the watershed.  Potential threat of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species (e.g., quagga mussel, Himalayan Balsam) in and adjacent to waterbodies in the watershed.  Berries, plants and animals are safe to eat.

Land Management  Cumulative impact of development7 and industry8 on water resources, ecosystem and landscape function (including riparian areas and wetlands), biodiversity, and First Nations and Métis traditional land use9.

5 Thermal mobilization: Refers to the mobilization of trace metals when heat or steam is used to assist in the recovery of heavy oil 6 Ecological services: The direct and indirect benefits ecosystems provide for humans. 7 Development: Includes urban and recreation developments. 8 Industry: Generally refers to oil and gas, forestry, agriculture, and sand and gravel extraction, among others 9 Tradition Land Use: Traditional land use (TLU) refers to any land use by an Indigenous person that is rooted in their cultural identity and ancestral connection to certain areas. This includes the Treaty right to hunt, fish, and trap for food, but may also include plant harvesting and/or spiritual ceremonies. Analogous terms or phrases may include any combination of ‘Indigenous’, ‘aboriginal’, or ‘ancestral’ and ‘users’, ‘land uses’ or ‘harvesting’. TLU is often shown as map data or geographic information in both qualitative and quantitative forms.

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Climate Change  Impacts of climate change as it relates to: o Water availability and quality o Increased risk of drought, fire and floods, o Pest management (e.g., forest insects and diseases) o Altered landscapes and habitat conditions o Risks to fish, wildlife, and vegetation

Knowledge and Understanding  Gaps in knowledge and understanding of natural conditions and anthropogenic (human-caused) impacts on watershed function.  Limited public understanding or use of First Nations and Métis Rights, Indigenous Knowledge10 and Practices in the development and implementation of plans and policies.

5.2 Goal

Collaborative management of land and water resources that results in a healthy Beaver River watershed.

The LICA IWMP Committee (2020) established that a healthy watershed supports interdependent human, animal, and ecosystem (aquatic and terrestrial) health where: • Human health involves individual and community physical, mental and social well-being, including the ability to express one’s culture. • Domestic and production animal health involves physical and psychological well-being that supports productivity, reproduction, and expressions of innate characteristics. • Wildlife health involves resiliency under changing environmental conditions and the ability to sustain their ecological, social, and cultural roles. • Ecosystem health involves the ability to maintain and improve organizational structure and function, resilience under stress, and to continuously provide quality ecosystem services.

5.3 Objectives

The Beaver River IWMP objectives in Table 1 are based on issues documented in previous stakeholder engagement sessions and review by a Technical Advisory Team composed of subject matter experts (PESL 2016). The objectives will be further refined to reflect stakeholder, First Nation and Métis input.

10 Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional Knowledge held by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples that is transmitted from generation to generation. Indigenous Knowledge emerges from complete knowledge systems and is expressed in many formats (e.g., oral, ceremony, artistic creations, and artifacts). Indigenous Knowledge is not all in the past; there is continued growth, innovation and change in practices. Indigenous Knowledge includes history, law, spirituality, agriculture, environment, science, medicine, animal behaviour and migration patterns, art, music, dance, craft, construction, among others. Indigenous (Traditional) Knowledge is held collectively by all members of a community, although some members may have particular responsibility for its transmission. The terms “traditional knowledge” and “Indigenous knowledge” are sometimes used interchangeably (University of Alberta 2020; Government of Canada 2020b).

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Table 1. Draft objectives and outcomes for the Beaver River IWMP.

Component Objectives Outcome 1. Review and determine status of existing Water Conservation Objectives in the original Cold Lake Beaver River Water Management Plan (CLBR WMP 2006). Secure, reliable water supplies are 2. Review the need to establish water Conservation Objectives for streams and lakes outside of the available for desired uses (i.e., environmental, First Nations and Water Quantity original CLBR WMP planning area. Métis, municipal, agricultural, 3. Recommend strategies that encourage water industrial and recreational). conservation. 4. Understand the status of current surface water and groundwater initiatives and recommend strategies to better manage the resource. 1. Establish Water Quality Objectives for the Beaver River and select tributaries that are compatible with the Surface Water Quality Management Framework. 2. Establish Water Quality Objectives for major Surface water and groundwater recreational lakes. quality that is protected from Water Quality 3. Identify stormwater management targets and Low contamination, maintained within Impact Development strategies to minimize the range of natural variability, and development impacts to water quality (and meets end-use criteria. quantity). 4. Identify appropriate land use, management and stewardship strategies to maintain and/or improve water quality. 1. Identify appropriate land use targets and thresholds (e.g., stream crossings and linear features) to better understand and track cumulative impacts on aquatic and terrestrial Fish, wildlife, and plants are healthy and resilient to changing Biodiversity habitat. 2. Recommend best management practices and environmental conditions. Their actions that improve wildlife habitat, health, and ecological, social, and cultural roles biodiversity. in the watershed are sustained. 3. Recommend appropriate actions to address the risks associated with invasive species. 1. Establish riparian11 setbacks12 and management Healthy riparian areas and wetlands Riparian Areas objectives/targets that are applied consistently throughout the watershed. contribute to watershed resiliency and Wetlands with respect to flood and drought, 2. Recommend actions that contribute to healthy quality water, and critical habitat. riparian areas and wetlands.

11 Riparian: Riparian lands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic ecosystems that have soil and vegetation characteristics that reflect the influence of water. They have variable width and extent both above and below ground. 12 Setback: A minimum distance that must be maintained between a land use or development activity and a waterbody/watercourse.

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Component Objectives Outcome 1. Recommend appropriate water and land

management practices that mitigate impacts of Cumulative effects of diverse land industry and development (i.e., urban, recreation, uses are reduced or mitigated to Land agriculture, oil and gas, forestry, and sand and maintain and/or improve ecosystem Management gravel extraction), and maintain and/or improve health. ecosystem health. 1. Recommend climate actions and climate change Climate change considerations are mitigation and adaptation strategies related to Climate Change central to all watershed-related watershed management for consideration by planning and decision-making decision-makers, resource managers and processes. residents. 1. Assess and prioritize knowledge gaps in the Beaver Knowledge and River watershed. Indigenous Knowledge and scientific 2. Recommend outreach materials and other tools to Understanding research guide decision-making. disseminate Indigenous Knowledge, and scientific research related to watershed health.

5.4 Indicators, Targets and Thresholds

Indicators, targets and thresholds will be used to measure success in achieving watershed goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Indicators refer to an easily measurable attribute that reflect one aspect of the underlying condition or state of watershed health (AEP 2008). Criteria used to establish indicators will include: relevance to the watershed, importance to residents and stakeholders, and measurability.

Targets and thresholds are numerical (quantitative) or written (quantitative statements) that reflect desired or achievable conditions of attributes used to measure watershed health. Targets are used to determine how valued components in the watershed rate or compare to acceptable or desired ratings and/or conditions. Interim targets, thresholds and objectives may be established when comprehensive or local data is unavailable. Examples of indicators include nutrient concentrations and riparian health scores. 5.5 Recommendations

Recommendations will be put forward to address issues, and to achieve the objectives and outcomes listed in Table 1 (once finalized through engagement). Relevant recommendations from previous planning initiatives may be carried forward into the Beaver River IWMP. New recommendations will be developed collaboratively to align with current initiatives and directions.

5.6 Implementation Strategy

An Implementation Strategy will accompany the Beaver River IWMP to support the implementation of recommendations presented in the plan. The strategy will summarize implementation actions, identify roles and responsibilities, and suggest a preliminary timeline in a series of tables related to the main aspects of watershed management in the IWMP.

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5.7 Measuring Success

The IWMP will be successful when:  It is fully implemented through the collaboration of all stakeholders.  Targets and thresholds are achieved and/or measurable improvements are observed for established indicators.

6.0 STAKEHOLDER, FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS ENGAGEMENT

6.1 Goal

Watershed stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis participate in the development of the Beaver River IWMP to ensure relevancy, long-term viability, and collaborative implementation of the plan.

6.2 Objectives

The objectives of engagement are to: 1. Involve stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis in the IWMP development process 2. Share information with stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis about the IWMP, Beaver River watershed, and progress related to IWMP development 3. Identify and gather existing technical and scientific material to support the development of the IWMP, and address stakeholder, First Nations and Métis questions and concerns 4. Facilitate and establish a common public understanding of the hydrological, ecological, socio- cultural and economic state of the Beaver River watershed and associated issues 5. Obtain stakeholder, First Nations and Métis input at key stages in the development of the IWMP; consider this information alongside best scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge to develop credible recommendations for resource management 6. Promote communication between agencies responsible for watershed management, stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis to maximize collaboration and effective stewardship of the Beaver River watershed.

6.3 Guiding Principles

 LICA is committed to open communication that fosters trust, credibility and integrity.  LICA will engage in a timely manner, and will provide sufficient time for participant feedback, which LICA expects will be submitted in a timely manner.  LICA respects and values a diversity of knowledge, interests and values. LICA will consider input provided by stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis along with technical information available for sub-watersheds in the Beaver River watershed.

6.4 Format, Schedule and Tools

LICA will schedule engagement sessions to gather input into the Beaver River IWMP at four key stages: 1. Draft Beaver River IWMP Terms of Reference (Intent, Scope, Current Watershed Condition and Description of Issues, Goals and Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities, Work Plan and Schedule) 2. Draft I Beaver River IWMP – Indicators, Targets and Thresholds, Preliminary Recommendations

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3. Draft II Beaver River IWMP Recommendations and Implementation Strategy 4. Presentation of the final IWMP and next steps

While four formal engagement sessions are listed above, it is likely that additional meetings will be scheduled as discussions advance, according to individual needs of stakeholder groups, First Nations and the Métis.

*Engagement Session Participation Engagement sessions related to each of the four key stages in the planning process will be organized for the following individual stakeholder groups, First Nations and the Métis:  First Nations o Beaver Lake Cree Nation o Cold Lake First Nations o Kehewin Cree Nation o Whitefish First Nations  General public, including youth  Industry – Oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, sand and gravel  Local municipal governments - staff, appointed Council members  Provincial and Federal government agencies  Provincial/Regional Associations, Non-Government Organizations and Academia  The Métis o Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement o Elizabeth Métis Settlement o Fishing Lake Métis Settlement o Kikino Métis Settlement o Métis Nation of Alberta - Regions 1 and 2

*Note: The number of engagement sessions may be reduced by combining sectors, organizations, and/or groups based on feedback and participation. Benefits to combined workshops include:  Cross-dialogue between target groups facilitates comprehension of varying view-points and may lead to better community buy-in and implementation success  Achieving a “critical mass” of participants for a more effective meeting.

Individuals who are unable to attend their sectors engagement session are encouraged to complete the online survey, and participate in a different engagement session.

Engagement Format While in-person engagement with stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis is preferred, current COVID- 19 related restrictions and health recommendations direct that engagement sessions be held virtually to safeguard public health. In-person engagement will be considered if restrictions and public health recommendations allow.

Stakeholder Input Input to the IWMP may be provided at scheduled engagement sessions through question, answer and discussion period, through online response forms (surveys), or through written letters or email submitted to LICA or the IWMP Committee during the designated time period. Throughout the engagement process, stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis may provide insight, ideas, technical

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DRAFT Terms of Reference information, and general input to LICA or the IWMP Committee who will consider it during the development of the IWMP.

All summaries and reports related to stakeholder engagement will be shared on the LICA website.

Table 1. Schedule of stakeholder, First Nations and Métis engagement at key stages in the development of the Beaver River IWMP.

Schedule Engagement Session Purpose  Review intent and scope of the Beaver River IWMP  Review and confirm watershed condition, key issues and opportunities for watershed 1. Draft Beaver River IWMP Terms of management February-April 2021 Reference  Review roles and responsibilities  Review work plan and schedule  Seek input into availability of data, technical reports, research in the watershed relevant to the main IWMP objectives  Review “What we Heard: Session I 2: Draft I Beaver River IWMP –  Review and confirm draft indicators, targets and Sep-October 2021 Indicators, Targets and Thresholds, thresholds Early Recommendations  Review and discuss preliminary recommendations 3. Draft II Beaver River IWMP  Review “What we Heard: Session II February-March Recommendations and  Review, discuss and refine recommendations 2022 Implementation Strategy and implementation strategy 4. Final Beaver River IWMP  Presentation of the Final Beaver River IWMP and September 2022 Presentation summary of next steps

Communication Tools Multiple communication tools will be used to engage and communicate with stakeholder, First Nations and the Métis. Specific methods may be preferred for individuals and/or groups. Tools include:  Posts on the LICA website and social media accounts (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)  Emails and/or phone calls to point of contacts for individual stakeholder, First Nation and Métis groups and other community members of interest  Invitations to engagement sessions advertised on local radio stations

Surveys Surveys will be developed as an alternative method to provide input into the IWMP to accommodate individuals who are unable to participate in the engagement session, and to receive additional feedback from participants following the presentation of material. Survey content will reflect information pertaining to the appropriate key planning stage. Surveys will be circulated to all point of contacts on the stakeholder, First Nation and Métis list (Appendix A), and will be posted to the LICA website and Facebook page. Summarized results of the surveys will be presented on the LICA website.

Communication and Engagement Evaluation LICA will take several steps to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication and engagement strategy and determined areas for improvement. Steps include: post-engagement surveys regarding

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DRAFT Terms of Reference sessions, review of session attendance, and interest in social media posts and the IWMP page of the LICA website.

7.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Watershed management planning and implementation of recommendations is a shared responsibility, and requires the collaboration of multiple levels of government, various industries (e.g., agriculture, oil and gas), non-government organizations, landowners, leaseholders, and residents in the watershed. The planning process is considered successful when stakeholders recognize and support their individual or shared responsibility for achieving the collective goals and objectives of the IWMP. General roles and responsibilities for Beaver River watershed management are further described below.

7.1 Lakeland Industry and Community Association

LICA will manage the development of the Beaver River IWMP including:  Forming, managing and overseeing the IWMP Committee and their meetings  Overseeing contractors and their work pertaining to IWMP development  Managing product quality for reports, communication material, and any supporting documents  Identifying and addressing data gaps  Collaborating and engaging with stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis throughout the process  Ensuring the best combination of scientific information, Indigenous Knowledge and stakeholder, First Nations and Métis feedback is used to develop the IWMP  Lead communication, education and engagement  Helping to implement the IWMP by acting on action items in the IWMP implementation plan specific to LICA and providing support to others implementing the plan

IWMP Committee The role of LICA’s IWMP Committee is to provide technical knowledge and support to develop the IWMP, help to plan for future phases, and to ensure that the work is being conducted in a transparent manner (LICA IWMP Committee TOR 2020). The IWMP Committee has representation from:  Agriculture  Alberta Environment and Parks  Alberta Energy Regulator  CFB Cold Lake  First Nations  Local community  Métis Nation of Alberta - Region 2  Métis Settlements  Municipal Governments  Oil and Gas  Watershed Stewardship Groups  Youth

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7.2 General: Stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis

 Participate in engagement sessions to provide feedback at key stages in the development of the IWMP  Respect, support and collaborate with other participants  Support implementation of the IWMP to achieve common goals and objectives for the Beaver River watershed, where possible

7.3 Federal Government

The federal government performs a key role in shared management of watershed resources. The Canada Water Act enables co-operative agreements between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to regulate, apportion, and monitor water resources, and to implement joint programs. The federal government has authority for water quality and publishes water quality guidelines pertaining to the environment, drinking water and recreation. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans oversees fisheries resources and fish habitat under the Fisheries Act. Other federal roles include pollution control, and the management of interprovincial waters (e.g., Cold Lake), navigation and water on federal lands.

Department of National Defence (CFB Cold Lake) The National Department of Defence has created a Defence Environmental Strategy that identifies the military’s approach to integrating environmental management into activities that support its mandate, including the use of best practices and sustainable development.

7.4 First Nations

The Beaver River watershed is located on Treaty 6, 8, and 10 territories. Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, Kehewin Cree Nation, and Whitefish Lake First Nations (Goodfish) have reserve lands and associated traditional territories located in this region.

First Nations have traditional values and rights, constitutional rights and key principles embodied in their treaties, which guide their way of life and jurisdiction in the watershed. Treaty rights are recognized and affirmed in the Constitution Act (S. 35), 1982. Treaty rights include protection of traditional ways of life, the right to occupy and use lands and resources (e.g., the right to hunt, fish and trap on unoccupied Crown land), cultural and social rights, rights to consultation, and rights to participate in land and resources management decisions (Government of Canada 2020).

In 2007, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was signed. The Declaration affirms and sets out minimum standard rights of Indigenous peoples related to self-determination and self-government, culture and identity, lands, territories and resources, and environment to name a few.

First Nations are reliant on healthy watersheds for sustenance, and to support their way of life. They retain Indigenous Knowledge and information regarding Indigenous Practices that can increase common understanding of watershed resources, and inform recommendations that support protection and/or restoration of water and land resources.

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LICA wants to clearly communicate to First Nations that by participating in the Beaver River watershed planning process, First Nations will not abrogate any rights they have, and the obligation of governments to duly consult with First Nations will not be diminished. Neither the LICA Board of Directors, nor LICA staff considers any discussion entered into with First Nations to fall within any mandated duty to consult.

7.5 Provincial Government

The provincial government includes multiple ministries that are responsible for the management of public lands and natural resources on behalf of Albertans.

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) AEP has a legislated mandate to manage air quality, water resources, waste management, cumulative effects, provincial Crown (public) lands, the bed and shore of naturally occurring water bodies, and biodiversity (including fish and wildlife resources). AEP is responsible for key legislation and policies influencing watershed management, including Alberta’s Water Act and Wetland Policy.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AEF) AEF is a Water for Life partner and shares responsibility for achieving its goals. AEF is responsible for the Agricultural Operations Practices Act (AOPA), legislation that sets manure management standards in Alberta. AEP delivers programs to assist producers to develop and implement plans to minimize impacts on the environment (e.g., Environmental Farm Plan program). AEF strives to develop the agriculture and food industry, sustain the industry’s natural resource base and encourage the development of rural communities.

7.6 Alberta Energy Regulator

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) was founded in 2013 as the single regulator of energy development (e.g., oil, oil sands, natural gas, and coal projects) in Alberta. AER regulates application and exploration, construction and development, and abandonment, reclamation and remediation activities. AER is authorized to make decisions on applications for energy development, monitoring for compliance assurance, decommissioning of developments, and all other aspects of energy resource activities. This authority extends to authorizations pursuant to the Public Lands Act, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act that relate to energy resource activities.

7.7 Municipal Governments

The Beaver River watershed is represented by the rural municipalities of Athabasca County, County of St. Paul, Lac La Biche County, Municipal District of Bonnyville, Smoky Lake County, and Thorhild County. Urban centres include the City of Cold Lake, and the Town of Bonnyville.

Under Part 17 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities have responsibilities in planning, regulating, subdividing, and developing land in Alberta. Municipalities have the authority to create statutory plans (i.e., intermunicipal development plans, municipal development plans, area structure plans, and area redevelopment plans) to identify future plans for development within municipal boundaries and the immediate surrounding area. Municipalities are required, by the MGA, to adopt a Land Use Bylaw that divides the municipality into districts, prescribes the types of land uses permitted, establishes development standards, and provides a system for issuing permits. Municipalities promote

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Agricultural Services Boards (ASBs) form part of the rural municipal government and are responsible for administering and developing programs to compliment Provincial legislation, including the Agricultural Service Board Act, the Weed Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act, and the Soil Conservation Act. It is generally the role of the Agricultural Fieldman to implement the work plan established by the ASB.

Summer Villages Summer Villages are designated municipalities established by the Government of Alberta. The Summer Villages of Bondiss, Bonnyville Beach, Mewatha Beach and Pelican Narrows are in the Beaver River watershed. All four Summer Villages have Land Use Bylaws in place, some with specific reference to shoreline management. The Association of Summer Villages in Alberta (ASVA) provides a forum for all Summer Villages in the province. The ASVA undertakes special initiatives that seek to address challenges facing Alberta’s lake communities (e.g., Lake Stewardship Guide). Summer villages strive to minimize or mitigate human impact on the environment by promoting lake stewardship, including lake planning and implementation of actions that help protect water quality.

7.8 The Métis

Métis Nation of Alberta The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is the representative voice of the Métis people in Alberta. The MNA governance is divided into six regions across the province, including Region 1 and Region 2 that span areas of the Beaver River watershed. The MNA represents all Métis at the provincial and federal level. The MNA is striving to establish a modern day treaty with the Federal Government that recognizes land and resource rights including secure harvesting rights, and rights to self-government.

In 2019, the MNA signed the first self-government agreement between the Government of Canada and a Métis government.

Métis Settlements In 1938, the MNA lobbied for the Métis Population Better Act that provided Métis with a secure land base and services on Métis settlements. In the Beaver River watershed, the Métis Settlements of Elizabeth, Fishing Lake, Buffalo Lake and Kikino coordinate the development of natural resources with the GOA. The Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC), established by the Métis Settlements Act, addresses matters that affect the collective interests of the Métis Settlements.

The Métis Harvesting in Alberta Policy (2018) ensures that Métis people who are entitled to harvesting rights as guaranteed by the Constitution Act (s. 35), 1982, have the ability to hunt, fish and trap for subsistence (food). Both the Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Settlement members have harvesting rights in designated harvesting areas if they have a demonstrated historical connection to a Métis Harvesting Area in Alberta, and a contemporary connection to the same community. Harvesting Areas B and D are represented in the Beaver River watershed.

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7.9 Industry

Agriculture Agricultural lands cover about one-third of the watershed. About half of the agricultural land in the watershed is pasture land and 36% of the area is cropland. As a main industry in the Beaver River watershed, farmers and ranchers have a large role in watershed management, including the maintenance of water quantity and quality, and healthy riparian areas and grassland. Agricultural activity must comply with provincial legislation (AOPA). The Grazing Lease Stewardship Code of Practice was signed by the Alberta Beef Producers, the Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association, the Western Stock Growers Association, and the provincial government. The Code of Practice identifies the roles and responsibilities that public land grazing leaseholders have in land management.

Forestry Two Community Timber Permit Programs are currently active in the Lac La Biche Forest Area’s Forest Management Unit LO1. The programs’ annual volume harvests are 30,000 m3 of deciduous and 14,000 m3 of conifer trees. All forestry operations in the watershed are conducted according to the Northeast Alberta Timber Harvest Planning and Operating Ground Rules (GOA 2018). Approximately 8 timber permits are issued annually to program members and competitive sale winners.

Oil and Gas The Cold Lake oil sands deposit is one of the largest in Alberta. Since Imperial Oil began production of bitumen in 1975, oil and gas exploration and development has increased in the Beaver River watershed. Several companies now conduct in situ recovery operations from the Cold Lake oil sands, including areas within the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (BRWA 2013). Oil and gas activity is regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator. Oil and gas companies have a responsibility to develop resources in a way that minimizes impacts on watershed resources. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) encourages responsible development in the upstream oil and gas industry. CAPP aims to enable environmentally and socially responsible performance, and encourages the use of best management practices to reduce impacts on air, land, water, and people.

7.10 Watershed Stewardship Groups, Non-Profit Organizations, Academia

As partners in the Water for Life Strategy, Watershed Stewardship Groups (WSGs) are key partners in watershed management planning, beneficial management practice implementation, and education and outreach programs in the Beaver River watershed. WSGs encourage watershed stewardship at a local level. Similarly, many non-profit organizations support watershed management and stewardship efforts through planning, environmental condition monitoring and evaluation, and education initiatives. Universities and research institutes provide essential data and perspective on emerging watershed issues and environmental conditions by undertaking primary research. Academia may identify research needs, as well as suggest how data and knowledge gaps can be addressed.

7.11 Residents

Residents have valuable knowledge and insight about current watershed condition and can provide direction on how to achieve community goals. Residents also have a role in stewardship.

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8.0 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

It is expected that the Beaver River IWMP will be complete in 2022. Progress on its implementation should be tracked and reviewed annually. The plan should be reviewed in 2025, and every five years after – to ensure it remains relevant and addresses priority issues.

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9.0 SCHEDULE

Note: The schedule presented below is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, due to events such as additional meetings, or delays due to issues surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Years 2020 and 2021

2020 2021 Phase Task Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec IWMPC Meeting #1 Review draft Beaver River IWMP Terms of Reference

IWMPC Meeting #2 Review engagement strategy and survey to stakeholders Circulate engagement notice, draft TOR – summary document, and survey to stakeholders Engagement Session 1 Consider engagement input; Revise TOR based on feedback Termsof Reference (TOR) IWMPC Meeting #3 Finalize TOR, Review approach to Draft I IWMP: indicators and preliminary recommendations Collect, review and organize relevant data. Identify data gaps to support recommendations. Establish indicators.

(Ongoing) Interpret, analyze and synthesize findings. Establish Indicators, Targets and Thresholds; Leading recommendations Circulate Draft I IWMP to IWMPC DRAFT DRAFT IWMP I IWMPC Meeting #4 Review Draft I IWMP Consider IWMPC input; Revise Draft I IWMP

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2020 2021 Phase Task Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Circulate materials for engagement, including Draft I IWMP and survey Engagement Session 2: Review Draft I IWMP Consider engagement input; Revise Draft I IWMP

Circulate Draft II IWMP to IWMPC

II IWMPC Meeting #5 IWMP DRAFT DRAFT Debrief engagement, Review Draft II IWMP

Year 2022

2022 Phase Task Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Circulate Draft II IWMP for engagement

II Engagement Session 3:

Review Draft II IWMP IWMP Draft Consider engagement input; Revise Draft II IWMP Circulate final draft IWMP to IWMPC IWMPC Meeting #6

Review Final draft IWMP; discuss next steps Finalize IWMP and seek support; Develop summary documents and communications

Final IWMP Final Final Beaver River IWMP is available to partners, stakeholders and public on website.

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10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alberta Environment. 1984. Cold Lake-Beaver River Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Water Management Study – Main Report. Planning Development (ESRD). 2013. Lower Athabasca Region Division, Alberta Environment. Edmonton, Alberta. Groundwater Management Framework: Supporting 92 pp. Document for the Cold Lake-Beaver River (CLBR) Area. Queen’s Printer for Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Environment. 1985. Cold Lake-Beaver River Alberta. 93 pp. Long Term Water Management Plan. Planning Division. Edmonton, Alberta. 11 pp. Alberta Environment and Parks. 2016. Cold Lake - Beaver River Water Management Plan Area. Alberta Environment. 2006a. Cold Lake-Beaver River Website. http://aep.alberta.ca/water/programs- Basin Water Management Plan. Regional Services, and-services/river-management-frameworks/cold- Northern Region. Edmonton, Alberta. 56 pp. lake-beaver-river-water-management-plan/planning- area.aspx Accessed January 26, 2016. Alberta Environment. 2006b. Cold Lake-Beaver River Basin Surface Water Quality State of the Basin Alberta Health. 2000. Arsenic in Groundwater from Report. Queen’s Printer for Alberta. 65 pp. Three Areas of Northern Alberta. Alberta Health and Wellness, Edmonton, AB. Alberta Environment. 2006c. Cold Lake-Beaver River Basin Surface Water Quantity and Aquatic Resources Alberta Health and Wellness. 2014. Domestic Well State of the Basin Report. Queen’s Printer for Water Quality in the Beaver River Basin. Drinking Alberta. 154 pp. Water Quality and Human Health Assessment Edmonton: Government of Alberta. Alberta Environment. 2006d. Cold Lake-Beaver River Basin Groundwater Quantity and Brackish Water Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures. 2011. State of the Basin Report. Queen’s Printer for Uranium and Arsenic Sources in Shallow Alberta. 144 pp. Groundwater near Bonnyville, Alberta: A Mineralogy Study. Government of Alberta, Edmonton. Alberta Environment. 2006e. Cold Lake-Beaver River Alberta Lake Management Society. 2019. Aquatic Basin Groundwater Quality State of the Basin Report. Plant Surveys 2019. Edmonton, AB. 28 pp. Queen’s Printer for Alberta. 85 pp. AMEC Earth & Environmental. 2007. Current and Alberta Environmental Protection. 1996. Cold Lake Future Water Use in the Beaver River. Edmonton: Subregional Integrated Resource Plan. Strategic and AMEC Earth & Environmental. Regional Support Division. Edmonton, Alberta. 63 pp. AMEC Earth & Environmental. 2007. Exploratory Study of Potential Acidification Impacts on Soils and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Surface Water within the LICA Area. Prepared for Development (ESRD). 2012. Lower Athabasca Region Lakeland Industry and Community Association. Surface Water Quality Management Framework for Bonnyville, AB. 70 pp. + Appendices. the Lower Athabasca River. Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. 48 pp. Aquality Environmental Consulting. 2007. Skeleton Lake State of the Watershed Report. Prepared for Alberta Government. 2015. Guide to Watershed the Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association. Planning in Alberta. Queen’s Printer for Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. 51 pp. Aquality Environmental Consulting. 2009. Report on Krazy Creek. Prepared for the Skeleton Lake Alberta Government. 2015. Roadway Watercourse Stewardship Association. Crossing Inspection Manual. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Bayley, S.E., A.S. Wong and J.E. Thompson. 2013. Alberta. 16 pp. Effects of Agricultural Encroachment and Drought

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DRAFT Terms of Reference on Wetlands and Shallow Lakes in the Boreal Environment and Sustainable Resource Transition Zone of Canada. Wetlands. 33:17–28 Development, Bonnyville, AB. 13 pp. + Appendices.

Beaver River Watershed Alliance. 2013. Surface CPP Environmental. 2013. Winter dissolved oxygen Water Quantity: Technical Briefing Package. in the Beaver River, February 2013. Report prepared Bonnyville, AB. 23 pp. for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance. Bonnyville, AB. Beaver River Watershed Alliance. 2013. The State of the Beaver River Watershed: Summary Report. CPP Environmental. 2014. Development of a Beaver River Watershed Alliance, Bonnyville, AB. 28 Watershed Management Plan for the Beaver River pp. watershed. Summary of Sector Priorities From Workshops Held in February 2014. Prepared for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance (Keess, H.). 2013. Beaver River Watershed Alliance, Bonnyville, AB. 19 Public concerns and insights regarding the Beaver pp + Appendices. River watershed collected during information sessions in March and April 2013. Beaver River CPP Environmental. 2015. Moose Lake Watershed Watershed Alliance, Bonnyville, AB. 8 pp. Nutrient Export Study. Prepared for Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Beaver River Watershed Alliance (Keess, H.). 2014. Development. Management Issues and Concerns in the Beaver River Watershed in Alberta Summary of discussions CPP Environmental. 2015. Beaver River Watershed held at a meeting between Alberta Parks and the Indices of Aquatic Ecosystems. Prepared for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance on March 14, 2014 Beaver River Watershed Alliance, Bonnyville, AB. 21 in Lac La Biche, Alberta. Beaver River Watershed pp + Appendices. Alliance, Bonnyville, AB. 4 pp. Donker, S. and B. Maile. 2014. Aerial Ungulate Cantin, A., and T. Johns. 2012. A fish-based index of Survey (2014), Moose in WMU 726 (Cold Lake Air biological integrity for assessing ecological condition Weapons Range). Environment and Sustainable of the Beaver River watershed. Technical Report, T- Resource Development, Government of Alberta. 2012- 001, produced by Alberta Conservation Lower Athabasca Region, Edmonton Alberta. Association, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. 49 pp + App. Ducks Unlimited, Inc. 2009. Beaver River Project Enhanced Wetlands Classification User's Guide. Charette, T. 2007. Long-term Changes and Trends in Prepared for: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Government the Water Quality of Lakes in the Beaver River Basin of Alberta, Lakeland Industry and Community in Alberta. Alberta Environment, Northern Region. Association, U.S. Forest Service, The PEW Charitable 47 pp. Trusts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Canadian Boreal Initiative. Charette,T. 2010. A Plan for Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems in the Beaver River Watershed. Report Environment Canada. 2012. Recovery Strategy for prepared for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance. the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), 24 pp. Boreal population in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, City of Cold Lake. 2015. Independent study sought Ottawa. for Cold lake as a regional water supply. News Release. City of Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Online: Found et al. 2008. Selection of lake habitats by http://www.coldlake.com/content/independent- waterbirds in the boreal transition zone of study-sought-cold-lake-regional-water-supply northeastern Alberta. Can. J. Zool. 86: 277-285. Accessed March 30, 2016. Government of Alberta. 2008. Land-Use Framework. CPP Environmental. 2013. Drivers of Water Quality in Queen’s Printer for Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. 54 the Beaver River Watershed of Alberta. Prepared for pp. Beaver River Watershed Alliance and Alberta

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Government of Alberta. 2014. Domestic Well Water Lovely, H. 2004. The Fish and Fisheries of Selected Quality in the Beaver River Basin. Drinking Water Lakes in the Cold Lake - Beaver River Basin. Lovely Quality and Human Health Assessment Physical & Consulting. Chemical Testing. Alberta Domestic Well Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Program. Health Millennium EMS Solutions and Northwest Hydraulic Protection Branch, Health System Accountability Consultants. 2012. Review of Muriel Lake Hydrology. and Performance Division, Alberta Health. Prepared for Pengrowth Energy Corporation. Edmonton, AB. 84 pp + Appendices. O’Shaughnessy, K. 2015. Riparian Health Summary, Government of Alberta. 2015. Landscape Final Report, Moose Lake Tributaries Revisit. Part 1: Management Framework – Overview. Queen’s 2014 Results Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Printer for Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. 8 pp. Society (Cows and Fish). Prepared for the Moose Lake Watershed Society, Bonnyville, AB. 51 pp. Government of Alberta. 2020. Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils. Website: Watershed Planning Parks, K., L.D. Andriashek, K. Michael., T. Lemay, S. and Advisory Councils | Alberta.ca. Accessed Stewart, G. Jean, G. and E. Kempin. 2005. Regional November 2020. Groundwater Resource Appraisal, Cold Lake-Beaver River Drainage Basin, Alberta. EUB/AGS Special Government of Canada. 2020. Treaties and Report 74. Agreements. Crown and Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Website: Treaties and agreements Prairie Provinces Water Board (PPWB). 2009. 1969 (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca) Master Agreement on Apportionment and Bylaws, Rules and Procedures. Prairie Provinces Water Government of Canada. 2020b. Tri-Council Policy Board, Regina, Saskatchewan. 78 pp. Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, Chapter 9 – TCPS 2 (2018). Riemersma, S. and A. Dolan. 2016. Issues in the https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2- Beaver River Watershed. Beaver River Watershed eptc2_2018.html Alliance, Bonnyville, Alberta.

Hayward, M. 2012. Ecologically and Culturally Rippin, B. 2004. An assessment of change in habitat Significant Areas in the Beaver River Watershed and associated wildlife on 28 lakes in the Cold Lake- (draft document). Beaver River Watershed from 1980 to 2003. E5 Environmental Inc. Komex International Ltd. 2004. Lakeland Region Watershed Study Phase II: Beaver River Basin S.A. Abboud and L.W. Turchenek. 2015. LICA Long Landcover and Hydrology Study. Komex Term Soil Acidification Monitoring Moose Lake Site - International Ltd., Calgary. 2014. Abboud Research Consulting Edmonton, Alberta. Prepared for: Lakeland Industry and Korosi, J.B., Irvine, G., Skierszkan, E.K., Doyle, J.R., Community Association, Bonnyville, AB. Abboud Kimpe, L.E., Janvier, J., and J.M. Blais. 2013. Localized Research Consulting Edmonton, Alberta. enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil, spruce needles, and lake sediments linked to in- S.A. Abboud and L.W. Turchenek. 2017. LICA Long situ bitumen extraction near Cold Lake, Alberta. Term Soil Acidification Monitoring Tucker Lake Site – Environmental Pollution 182: 307-15. 2016. Abboud Research Consulting Edmonton, Alberta. Prepared for Lakeland Industry and Lemay, T., K. Parks, L.D. Andriashek, K. Michael, G. Community Association, Bonnyville, AB. 9 pp. + Jean, E. Kempin, and S. Stewart. 2005. Regional Appendices. Groundwater Quality Appraisal, Cold Lake-Beaver River Drainage Basin, Alberta. EUB/AGS Special S.A. Abboud and L.W. Turchenek. 2016. LICA Long Report 73. Term Soil Acidification Monitoring - Whitney Lakes Site – 2015. Abboud Research Consulting Edmonton, Alberta. Prepared for: Lakeland Industry and Community Association, Bonnyville, AB.

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Tattrie, K., Gibson, J. and L. Eerkes-Medrano. 2011. Integrity DVDs. Walker Environmental, Cherry Grove, Radon Measurement in Selected Lakes of the Beaver AB. River Watershed, Alberta. Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures, Victoria. Walker Environmental. 2012. Beaver River Riparian Management Area Health and Integrity Project. University of Alberta. 2020. First Nations, Métis and Prepared for the Beaver River Watershed Alliance. 7 Inuit: Indigenous Knowledge. pp, https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/c.php?g=279385& p=2401769 Welsh, B., E. Kerkhovan and G. van der Kamp. 2012. A winter water balance approach to quantifying lake- van der Kamp, G, D. Keir and M.S. Evans. 2008. Long- groundwater interactions in the Beaver River Basin, term water level changes in closed-basin lakes of the Alberta. Paper presented at IAH Congress, Niagara Canadian Prairies. Canadian Water Resources Journal Falls, ON. 33: 23-38. WorleyParsons Komex. 2007. Hydrological van Huystee, S., and T. Furukawa. 2009. Historical Assessment of Skeleton Lake. Prepared for Skeleton fisheries information on the Beaver Lake Stewardship Association. River drainage basin. Report produced by the Alberta Conservation Association, Sherwood Park, Alberta. WorleyParsons. 2009. Vulnerability and Risk Mapping of the Lower Athabasca Region Plan. Walker Environmental. 2012. User's Guide to the Report Prepared for Alberta Environment. Beaver River Riparian Management Area Health and

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APPENDIX A. KEY STAKEHOLDERS, FIRST NATIONS, AND MÉTIS

Academic Town of Bonnyville Lakeland College Portage College Local Organizations Beaver River Naturalists Society Business and Industry Bonnyville Fish and Game Association ATCO Crane Lake Advisory and Stewardship Society Green Alberta Energy Lac La Biche Birding Society Lakeland Agricultural Research Association CFB Cold Lake Moose Lake Watershed Society Economic Development Muriel Lake Basin Management Society Cold Lake Chamber Riverland Recreational Trail Society Bonnyville Chamber Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association

St. Paul Chamber Local Youth Lac La Biche Chamber Travel Lakeland Métis Settlements Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Federal government Elizabeth Métis Settlement Agriculture Canada Fishing Lake Métis Settlement Fisheries and Oceans Canada Kikino Métis Settlement

First Nations Métis Nation of Alberta Regions 1 Beaver Lake Cree Nation Cold Lake First Nations Métis Nation of Alberta Regions 2 Kehewin Cree Nation Whitefish Lake First Nation (Goodfish) Provincial Government/Regulators Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Industry Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) Bonnyville Chamber Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) Cold Lake Chamber Alberta Health (AH) Forestry Kalinko Enterprises Provincial/Regional Associations Lac La Biche Chamber Agri-Environmental Partnership North East Bulk Transportation Alberta Beef Producers Association Oil and gas Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) Alberta Conservation Association  Cenovus Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and  Husky Reporting Agency (AEMERA)  Imperial Alberta Forest Products Inc (ALPAC)  Nexen Alberta Lake Management Society  OSUM Oils Sands Corp Alberta Native Plant Council  CNRL Alberta Trappers Association  Devon Energy Alberta Wilderness Association St. Paul Chamber Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Local Government (elected officials and staff) Cows and Fish (Alberta Riparian Habitat Athabasca County Management Society) City of Cold Lake Ducks Unlimited Canada Lac la Biche County Land Stewardship Centre

MD of Bonnyville First Nations Technical Services Advisory Smoky Lake County Committee (TSAG) St. Paul County Thorhild County

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APPENDIX B. SUB-WATERSHEDS

The Beaver River watershed is comprised of ten sub-watersheds that were previously defined in the Beaver River state-of-the-watershed report by either a major lake, river or creek system (Figure 1).

Upper Beaver Sub-Watershed: Refers to the area upstream of the confluence of the Sand River, which contributes substantial flow and affects downstream water quality in the Beaver River (BRWA 2013). The Upper Beaver River has not typically been included in previous planning initiatives.

Amisk River Sub-Watershed: Located south of the Upper Beaver, originates in a former glacier outwash channel at Long Lake in the west. The Amisk River drains several large lakes and is considered a major tributary of the Beaver River (BRWA 2013).

Moose Lake River Sub-Watershed: Rises in the extreme south and joins the Beaver River a few kilometers upstream of the Sand River confluence. The watershed contains a number of long, shallow lakes within glacial outwash channels that generally flow north into Thinlake River before joining Moose Lake (BRWA 2013).

Sand River Sub-Watershed: The Sand River drains much of the watershed north of the Beaver River, including the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. This river is considered a major tributary to the Beaver River. The upper part of the watershed lies in the central mixed wood natural sub-region, while the lower part is in the dry mixedwood sub-region (BRWA 2013). A major tributary to the Sand River is the Wolf River.

Lakeland Sub-Watershed: This area is comprised of the western tributaries that flow into the Sand River and includes Touchwood Lake, Spencer Lake, Seibert Lake, and Pinehurst Lake.

Manatokan and Jackfish Creek Sub-Watersheds: These sub-watersheds rise in the Moostoos Upland near the southern boundary of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. Manatokan Creek and Jackfish Creek flow south to join the Beaver River.

Marie Creek Sub-Watershed: Similar to Manatokan and Jackfish creeks, Marie Creek originates in the Moostoos Upland in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and flows south to join the Beaver River at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) – Cold Lake. Marie Lake is a dominant feature in the watershed.

Muriel Creek Sub-Watershed: Muriel Creek flows north to join the Beaver River south of CFB-Cold Lake. This sub-watershed is represented by Muriel Lake, and numerous smaller lakes, including Sinking lake, Jessie Lake and Charlotte Lake.

Lower Beaver River Sub-Watershed: This area includes the Beaver River lowlands from the confluence of the Sand River to the inter-provincial boundary, as well as Reita and Redspring creeks that flow from the south into the Beaver River east of CFB-Cold Lake.

Cold Lake Sub-Watershed: Cold Lake, the deepest lake in the watershed, and Primrose Lake are dominant features shared by Alberta and Saskatchewan. Medley River enters Cold Lake from the north and Martineau River (rising in Saskatchewan) enters Cold Lake from the north-east.

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APPENDIX C. HISTORY OF BEAVER RIVER IWMP STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERT ADVICE

The following describes previous effort taken in support of a Beaver River IWMP. Generally, engagement sessions were hosted in support of the Beaver River IWMP from about 2012-2015. A Technical Advisory Committee was established to review the issues identified, comment on the relevance of the issues and provide expert opinion along with science-based documentation for added context.

2012 The Beaver River Watershed Management Plan Terms of Reference (BRWA 2012) recommended that stakeholder consultations be held in two phases at the beginning of the project.  Information sessions which provide a technical background to the public in an approachable format, as well as a forum for the public to voice their concerns to the BRWA;  Stakeholder focus groups which target smaller groups of individuals from a common social or occupational background in order to bring forth sector-specific concerns and recommendations.

2013 In March and April 2013, the BRWA hosted four public information sessions. The series of session titled “What’s in Your Watershed?” gave attendees the opportunity to learn about watershed science from technical experts in various fields. Ninety-six people attended the sessions (ranging from 13 to 36 attendees at each session) (Keess 2013).

2014 In February 2014, six workshops were scheduled, one workshop for each of the following sectors: Industry, Non-Government and Stewardship groups, Recreation, Provincial government, Agriculture, and Municipal government. Thirty-nine issues that were identified from the State of the Watershed report (BRWA 2013) and Public Consultations completed in 2013 were reviewed for discussion. The workshops prioritized the top ten issues identified by sector group. All workshops had lower turnout than expected and one workshop was cancelled due to low attendance, however, valuable feedback was retained from all groups (CPP Environmental 2014).

2014 A meeting was held with staff from Alberta Parks and BRWA staff. A number of issues, priorities and recommendations were identified (Keess 2014).

2015 An updated Beaver River Watershed Management Plan Terms of Reference was developed (LICA and BRWA 2015).

2015 Issues identified through engagement, and recommendations pertaining to the issues were summarized in a brief report (BRWA 2015).

Informal, one-on-one meetings and/or presentations were initiated with local government) to encourage participation in the process.

2016 Feedback and advice on issues identified in the Beaver River watershed through previous engagement activities was provided by the BRWA Technical Advisory Team (PESL and Alan Dolan & Associates 2016). Draft Beaver River IWMP goals and objectives were developed along with preliminary recommendations (PESL 2016). The document was scheduled to proceed to engagement, but the planning process ended prematurely.

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7.7 Municipal Governments

The Beaver River watershed is represented by the rural municipalities of Athabasca County, County of St. Paul, Lac La Biche County, Municipal District of Bonnyville, Smoky Lake County, and Thorhild County. Urban centres include the City of Cold Lake, and the Town of Bonnyville. Under Part 17 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities have responsibilities in planning, regulating, subdividing, and developing land in Alberta. Municipalities have the authority to create statutory plans (i.e., intermunicipal development plans, municipal development plans, area structure plans, and area redevelopment plans) to identify future plans for development within municipal boundaries and the immediate surrounding area. Municipalities are required, by the MGA, to adopt a Land Use Bylaw that divides the municipality into districts, prescribes the types of land uses permitted, establishes development standards, and provides a system for issuing permits. Municipalities promote economic development in the region. Many municipalities also support programs, services and education initiatives that promote stewardship of watershed resources. BEAVER RIVER INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUMMARY OF TERMS OF REFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

LICA is a community-based, non-profit association that is the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Beaver River watershed. As a designated provincial WPAC, LICA reports on watershed health, leads collaborative planning, and facilitates education and stewardship activities. LICA initiated the Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) process to help guide watershed management activities in support of the vision “A healthy Beaver River watershed for the future”.

An IWMP is a guidance document and planning tool for resource managers, including governments, planners, Indigenous communities, other stakeholders, and landowners who manage water and land resources. The plan will identify goals for improving and/or maintaining watershed health, and will make recommendations on how to reach those goals.

LICA established an IWMP Committee to help oversee the development of the plan. LICA and the IWMP Committee are committed to engaging with stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis in the watershed throughout the development of the plan to ensure that it is relevant and reflects local and regional concerns.

This summary document highlights key elements of the draft Beaver River IWMP Terms of Reference (TOR), including a description of the planning area, issues, goals and objectives that may be addressed in the plan, and an overview of engagement. The full draft TOR is available on LICA’s website (www.lica.ca) and includes background information regarding historic planning initiatives, the purpose, intent and scope of work that will be undertaken as part of the planning process, and schedule and timelines.

BEAVER RIVER IWMP

Planning Area

The Beaver River watershed is located in east-central Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan, in Treaty 6, 8 and 10 territories and the Métis homeland northeast of Edmonton (Figure 1). A watershed is the area of land where all runoff from rain and snowmelt drain to a common body of water, in this case, the Beaver River. The Beaver River originates near the Town of Lac La Biche as the outflow from Beaver Lake and flows easterly into Saskatchewan to join the Churchill River at Île à-la-Crosse to flow into Hudson Bay. Although the Beaver River watershed spans Alberta and Saskatchewan, the IWMP will only apply to the Alberta Amber Martin portion.

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Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan

Figure 1. Map of the Beaver River watershed and its main sub-watersheds (LICA 2021).

Watershed Issues briefly in direct response to rainfall or The following issues, objectives and outcomes were snowmelt (USEPA 2015)). compiled by synthesizing stakeholder feedback o Surface water withdrawals. from 2014-15, subject matter experts, the IWMP o Altered drainage patterns and/or discharges of Committee, and available literature. This list of treated effluent, and stormwater. issues will be finalized after incorporating feedback from stakeholders, First Nations, and the Métis that Quality will be collected through engagement in 2021-22. o Water quality in lakes and streams does not meet desired end uses (e.g., drinking water, Surface Water contact recreation, agriculture, Indigenous traditional practices, and/or wildlife and Quantity aquatic species needs ) in some areas due to o Fluctuating water levels (lakes and wetlands) soil type and geology, climate change and and streamflows caused by climate change and variability, and/or influx of point and non- variability (e.g., precipitation, etc.) that can: point source pollution from adjacent lands o Impact water availability for municipal (e.g., nutrients, sediment). water supplies, agricultural uses, and First o The influx of nutrients originating from Nations and Métis external sources, and the internal natural o Increase risk of flooding, and impacts cycling of nutrients, contributes to associated with drought eutrophication1 in many lakes in the o Impact recreation activity watershed. o Alter aquatic, riparian and upland habitat

o Alter land use (e.g., cultivation, 1 Eutrophication: Enrichment of aquatic ecosystems by development) around wetlands and plant nutrients (e.g., phosphorus and nitrogen); ephemeral streams (watercourses that flow DRAFT Terms of Reference: Summary Document Page 2

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Groundwater activity, industrial activity (e.g., pipelines, well- sites, mining [sand and gravel]), and other Quantity developments.  Uncertainty regarding groundwater quantity  Changing abundance and/or size of certain fish resulting from climate change and variability, and wildlife species in the watershed. and withdrawals for human and industrial use.  Potential threat of terrestrial and aquatic  Limited understanding of the impact that invasive species (e.g., quagga mussel) in and groundwater withdrawals have on aquifer adjacent to waterbodies in the watershed. dynamics (e.g., shallow/deep aquifer  Berries, plants and animals are safe to eat. interactions) and on lake water levels and streamflows. Land Management  Cumulative impact of development4 and Quality industry5 on water resources, ecosystem and  Human health concerns related to naturally landscape function, biodiversity, and First occurring and/or human-caused mobilization Nations and Métis traditional land use6. (e.g., thermal mobilization2) of trace metals (i.e., arsenic and uranium) in concentrations Climate Change above drinking water guidelines.  Impacts of climate change as it relates to:  Concerns related to land use, including o Water availability and quality potential contamination from improperly o Increased risk of drought, fire and floods, abandoned water wells, landfills, agricultural o Pest management (forest insects, diseases) activity, septic fields and, oil and gas activity o Altered landscapes and habitat conditions (casing failures). o Risks to fish, wildlife, and vegetation.

Wetlands and Riparian Areas Knowledge and Understanding  Loss of wetland and riparian areas and their  Gaps in knowledge and understanding of respective functions: natural conditions and human-caused impacts o Water storage (absorptive capacity, flood on watershed function. control) and water balance in lakes/streams  Limited public understanding or use of First o Groundwater recharge Nations and Métis Rights, Indigenous o Water quality (retention of nutrients, Knowledge7 and Practices in the development sediment, soil and associated contaminants) and implementation of plans and policies. o Biodiversity o Ecological services3 (recreation, carbon sequestration, stormwater treatment) 4 Development: Includes urban and recreation Biodiversity developments.  Fragmented and poor-quality habitat, due to 5 Industry: Generally, oil and gas, forestry, agriculture, increased road density, access, recreational and sand and gravel extraction, among others 6 Traditional Land Use: Includes the Treaty right to hunt, characterized by increased growth of plants and algae. fish, and trap for food, but may also include plant The process of eutrophication can be accelerated by harvesting and/or spiritual ceremonies. human activity (e.g., effluent disposal, land drainage), 7 Indigenous Knowledge: Knowledge held by First and can have negative impacts on aquatic health. Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples that emerges from a 2 Thermal mobilization: Mobilization of trace metals complete knowledge system, past and current, including when heat or steam is used to assist in the recovery of history, law, spirituality, agriculture, environment, heavy oil science, medicine, animal behaviour and migration, art, 3 Ecological services: The direct and indirect benefits music, dance, craft, among others (University of Alberta ecosystems provide for humans. 2020; Government of Canada 2020b).

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Beaver River IWMP Goal and Objectives

The following goal was set for the Beaver River IWMP:

Collaborative management of land and water resources that results in a healthy Beaver River watershed.

Draft objectives for the Beaver River IWMP.

Component Objectives 1. Review and determine status of existing Water Conservation Objectives in the original Cold Lake Beaver River Water Management Plan (CLBR WMP 2006). 2. Review the need to establish water Conservation Objectives for streams and lakes Water Quantity outside of the original CLBR WMP planning area. 3. Recommend strategies that encourage water conservation. 4. Understand the status of current surface water and groundwater initiatives and recommend strategies to better manage the resource. 1. Establish Water Quality Objectives for the Beaver River and select tributaries that are compatible with the Surface Water Quality Management Framework. 2. Establish Water Quality Objectives for major recreational lakes. Water Quality 3. Identify stormwater management targets and Low Impact Development strategies to minimize development impacts to water quality (and quantity). 4. Identify appropriate land use, management and stewardship strategies to maintain and/or improve water quality. 1. Identify appropriate land use targets and thresholds (e.g., stream crossings and linear features to better understand and track cumulative impacts on aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Biodiversity 2. Recommended best management practices and actions that improve wildlife habitat, health, and biodiversity. 3. Recommend appropriate actions to address the risks associated with invasive species. 1. Establish riparian8 setbacks9 and management objectives/targets that are applied Riparian Areas and Wetlands consistently throughout the watershed. 2. Recommend actions that contribute to healthy riparian areas and wetlands. 1. Recommend appropriate water and land management practices that mitigate impacts of industry and development (i.e., urban, recreation, agriculture, oil and Land Management gas, forestry, and sand and gravel extraction), and maintain and/or improve ecosystem health. 1. Recommend climate actions and climate change mitigation and adaptation Climate Change strategies related to watershed management for consideration by decision-makers, resource managers and residents. 1. Assess and prioritize knowledge gaps in the Beaver River watershed. Knowledge and Understanding 2. Recommend outreach materials and other tools to disseminate Indigenous Knowledge, and scientific research related to watershed health.

8 Riparian: Riparian lands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic ecosystems that have soil and vegetation characteristics that reflect the influence of water. They have variable width and extent both above and below ground. 9 Setback: A minimum distance that must be maintained between a land use or development activity and a waterbody/watercourse.

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Indicators, Targets and Thresholds

Indicators, targets and thresholds will be used to measure success in achieving watershed goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Indicators refer to an easily measurable attribute that reflect one aspect of the underlying condition or state of watershed health (AEP 2008). Criteria used to establish indicators will include: relevance to the watershed, importance to residents and stakeholders, and measurability. Targets and thresholds are numerical (quantitative) or written (quantitative) statements that reflect desired or achievable conditions of attributes used to measure watershed health. Targets are used to determine how valued components in the watershed rate or compare to acceptable or desired Brenda Claude ratings and/or conditions. Examples of indicators include nutrient concentrations and riparian health scores.

Recommendations and Implementation Strategy

Recommendations will be developed collaboratively to address issues and to achieve the objectives outlined in Table 1. An Implementation Strategy will accompany the Beaver River IWMP to support the implementation of recommendations presented in the plan. The strategy will summarize implementation actions, identify roles and responsibilities, and suggest a preliminary timeline related to the main aspects of watershed management in the IWMP.

STAKEHOLDER, FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS ENGAGEMENT

LICA and the IWMP Committee will provide stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis opportunities to participate in the development of the Beaver River IWMP to ensure relevancy, long- term viability and collaborative implementation of the plan. The main objectives of engagement are to: 1. Obtain input at key stages in the development of the IWMP; consider this information alongside best scientific information and Indigenous Knowledge 2. Share information about the IWMP, the Beaver River watershed, and progress related to IWMP development 3. Identify and gather existing technical and scientific material to support the development of the IWMP 4. Facilitate and establish a common public understanding of the hydrological, ecological, socio-cultural and economic state of the Beaver River watershed and associated issues 5. Promote communication between agencies responsible for watershed management to maximize collaboration and effective stewardship of the Beaver River watershed. Jenny Roy

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Engagement Schedule and Participation

LICA will schedule four engagement sessions to gather input into the Beaver River IWMP regarding: 1. Intent, Scope, Current Watershed Condition and Description of Issues, Goals and Objectives, Roles and Responsibilities, Work Plan and Schedule 2. Indicators, Targets and Thresholds, Preliminary Recommendations 3. Recommendations and Implementation Strategy 4. Presentation of the final IWMP and next steps

Engagement sessions related to each of the four key stages in the planning process will be organized for the following individual stakeholder groups, First Nations and the Métis:

 First Nations  Provincial and Federal government agencies o Beaver Lake Cree Nation  Provincial/Regional Associations, Non- o Cold Lake First Nations Government Organizations and Academia o Kehewin Cree Nation  The Métis o Whitefish First Nations o Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement  General public, including youth o Elizabeth Métis Settlement  Industry – Oil and gas, agriculture, forestry, o Fishing Lake Métis Settlement sand and gravel o Kikino Métis Settlement  Local municipal governments - staff, appointed o Métis Nation of Alberta - Regions 1 and 2 Council members

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Watershed management planning and implementation of recommendations is a shared responsibility, and requires the collaboration of multiple levels of government, various industries (e.g., agriculture, oil and gas), non-government organizations, landowners, leaseholders, and residents in the watershed. The planning process is considered successful when stakeholders recognize and support their individual or shared responsibility for achieving the collective goals and objectives of the IWMP.

The IWMP will be successful when:  It is fully implemented through the collaboration of all stakeholders.  Targets and thresholds are achieved and/or measurable improvements are observed for Unrau established indicators.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tricia B. Fleming, LICA - Environmental Coordinator Phone: 780-812-2182 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lica.ca

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IWMP Budget 2021-2022

Funding Source The IWMP budget is part of a larger Watershed Advisor and Planning Committee (WPAC) funding agreement with the Government of Alberta. The grant does not disclose a specific amount to be spent towards the IWMP. For internal budgeting purposes, LICA designates a specific amount of funding towards the IWMP from the consolidated budget. Actual IWMP budgets 2019-2020 - $14,111

• This was unspent and was carried over to 2020-2021 2020-2021 - $25,000 (including $14,111 carry-over)

• $13,620 unspent (a request will be made to carry this amount over to 2021- 2022, however there are no guarantees the government will approve this request) 2021-2022 - $23,940 (not including carry-over)

• This amount was pre-approved by the LICA Board a year in advance based on anticipated expenses. The Palliser contract was not yet executed at this time. • Should we not receive carry-over and continue with the first and second rounds of engagement, it will appear as though LICA will have a shortfall of $4,060 in the Palliser contract work budget. Note: LICA will be working diligently to ensure the overall budget is not exceeded. There is flexibility in these expenses and as Palliser submits invoices based on major milestones, Sandi is more than happy to work with us and carry-over some expenses into the next fiscal’s year if needed. • Other areas of the budget (i.e. advertising) were increased in anticipation of the beginning of IWMP engagement sessions. o Total estimated amount that can be drawn for advertisement within the WPAC budget: $2,500 2021-22 - $37,860 (including carry-over)

• This amount will cover the estimated $28,000 in the 2021-22 Palliser contract work schedule and include an additional $9,860 for engagement session expenses and any unforeseen costs. Such expenses may include additional advertisement.

2022-2023 - TBD As the Palliser contract work schedule shows work to be completed in the 2022-23 fiscal year, LICA will assess and allocate additional funding towards the IWMP budget to cover the remainder of the expenses, including the final report summary document. Carry-Over In the past, LICA has been granted carry-over and although we expect the same will occur this year, this is not a guarantee. 2020-2021 Budget

Budget Line Type Source Expense (per Number of Total Notes Item (GL Code) Engagement Engagement Expense Session) Sessions

IWMP PESL 11,080 Total Expenses 11,080 Total Funds 25,000 Surplus 13,920 Advertisement Local Lakeland 150 2 300 LICA paid in news Connect advance for provider advertising for the 2021-2022 expenses in this budget

2021-2022 Budget Budget Line Type Source Frequency Expense Number of Total Notes Item (GL Code) (per (per Engagement Expense Session) Session) Sessions

IWMP PESL 28,000 Estimate based on the work schedule up to completion of Engagement Session 2 Total 28,000 Expenses Total Funds 23,940 (without carry-over) Deficit -4,060 Since there is fluidity in PESL's invoices, LICA will not be going over budget Total Funds 37,860 (with carry- cover) Surplus 9,860 Advertisement Newspaper Bonnyville 1 week 333.84 2 667.68 Nouvelle @1/4 page Cold Lake 1 week 294 2 588.00 Sun @1/4 page Radio 101.3 3 X/day X $10/30sec 2 300.00 Radio stations have HOT 5 days not yet confirmed pricing, this price is 95.3 3 X/day X $10/30sec 2 300.00 last year's pricing BOOM 5 days Social Facebook 30 2 60.00 media Total 1,915.68 Expenses Total Funds 2,500 (without carry-over) Surplus 584.32 Total Funds 9,860 (with carry- cover) Surplus 7,944.32

Recommendation to the IWMP Committee Survey Interactive Map Component

Recommendation: Not to include an interactive map component in the IWMP Survey

Background: The IWMP Committee requested that an interactive map component be added to the first IWMP survey. The goal of this component was to allow participants an opportunity to visually identify areas of concern and/or to conserve. The Committee requested the interactive map be embedded in the written survey.

Steps Taken: Three online survey platforms were investigated and the advantages and disadvantages are listed below:

Platform Summary of Main Advantages Main Disadvantages and function function Google A map is provided • Sandi is already • It is not interactive for the Forms: and participants preparing the participant Interactive enter the following survey in • Participants must provide a map information: Google Forms description of the location • Name of location • To our (e.g. GPS coordinates) to • Location (e.g. knowledge it is answer the questions GPS free o This may be difficult coordinates) for some • Short description participants/locations Participants do not • Only one location can be directly interact with identified per question the map. Google forms populates all answers and creates a map with pinpoint responses Survey A map is provided • Participants can • Cost: an annual Monkey: and the participant interact directly subscription of $700 Click Map can click on a on the map • Only one location can be location identified per question ESRI A geo-spatial • Has an • Development of the survey Survey123 focused survey interactive map will be time consuming component o Tricia would have to • To our take an online knowledge is course and then free with LICAs develop the survey forthcoming • Since the survey is mostly subscription to text-based, this platform is ArcGIS not the best to accommodate that need • Would require participants to have an ArcGIS Online account (free) and to download an app

A brief literature search was conducted and we could not find documented evidence that interactive map questions would bring information that will change overall results and approach. 2021‐03‐24

Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan Engagement Session I: Introduction & Review of Watershed Issues

Note to Reviewer: Red text indicates incomplete areas that will be completed in the final presentation.

Prepared by: Palliser Environmental Services Ltd. Prepared for: Lakeland Industry and Community Association and Integrated Watershed Management Plan Committee

DRAFT March 22, 2021

Welcome and Introductions

• Stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis are provided opportunities to participate in the development of the Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan to ensure relevancy, long‐term viability and collaborative implementation of the plan.

Lynne Vining

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Principles of Engagement

• Open communication that fosters trust, credibility and integrity • Respect and promote a diversity of knowledge, interests and values • Timely engagement with sufficient time for participant feedback • All input provided by stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis will be considered along with technical information in the development of the IWMP

Housekeeping

• Please keep microphones muted • Questions and comments can be made through the chat box • Questions and comments will be responded to throughout the presentation • Be prepared if additional clarification to your question is sought

Unrau

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Session Overview

• Background – Lakeland Industry and Community Association – Beaver River watershed – Watershed Management and Planning • Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan – Purpose, Intent and Authority – Issues, Goals and Objectives • Questions and Discussion

Cathy Olstad

Lakeland Industry Community Association

• A community‐based, non‐ profit association • Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) • Key activities: – Reports on watershed health – Leads collaborative planning – Facilitates education and stewardship activities

• Vision “A healthy Beaver River watershed for the future”

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Beaver River Watershed

Total Area: 50,003 km2 at its confluence with the Churchill River

Area in Alberta: ~ 22,000 km2

Unique Watershed Features

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Population

Urban Rural (Bonnyville No. 87) First Nations Métis

25000

20000

15000

10000

5000

0 2001 2012 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

City of Cold Lake Town of Bonnyville MD of Bonnyville No. 87 20000

15000

10000

5000

0 2001 2012 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Source: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/alberta‐population‐estimates‐ data‐tables; 2019 Municipal Affairs Population List (alberta.ca)

Cumulative Human Footprint

TRANSPORTATION 6% OTHER 7% OIL&GAS 9%

FORESTRY 6%

AGRICULTURE 72%

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Cumulative Human Footprint

TRANSPORTATION GRAVEL/SAND/ OTHER 6% OPEN‐PIT/PEAT 6% 1%

OIL&GAS 9%

FORESTRY 6%

AGRICULTURE 72%

PEAT 3% OPEN‐PIT MINE 21%

GARVEL‐ SAND PIT 76%

Watershed Management Planning

• Compile and assess supporting research, reports and knowledge to understand issues • Set goals and objectives to address watershed issues • Identify indicators, targets and thresholds that can be used to measure conditions and support evaluation of achieving goals • Recommends actions

Denise Antoniuk

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Integrated Watershed Management Plan

• A guidance document and planning tool • Provides direction through recommendations • Receives authority through collective action taken to implement recommended actions

https://apscpp.ubc.ca/Water/integrated

Watershed Management RENEW Approach Build Partnerships MONITOR, EVALUATE & REPORT

Characterize Implement Watershed IMPLEMENT Lakeland Industry and Community Association

Develop PLAN Implementation ADJUST Goals & Solutions REFLECT Strategy

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History of Planning Initiatives

1985 2006 Cold Lake‐Beaver River Cold Lake‐Beaver River Water Management Plan Water Management Plan

1996 2012 Cold Lake Sub‐Regional Lower Athabasca Regional Integrated Resource Plan Plan Frameworks: ‐ Surface Water Quality ‐ Groundwater ‐ Biodiversity

Need for a New Plan

• 2006 Cold Lake‐Beaver River Water Management Plan – pre‐dates important legislative changes that affect watershed management – excludes parts of the greater Beaver River watershed • 2012 Lower Athabasca Regional Plan

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Purpose, Intent and Authority

• The Beaver River IWMP will – Provide broad guidance for watershed management – Set out clear direction that will result in consistent, specific actions for integrated management of land and water resources to support long‐ term watershed health

• The Beaver River IWMP will not – Replace the existing authorized 2006 CLBR Water Management Plan but rather augment it with aspects not previously considered

• The GOA considers IWMPs in decision‐making and in regional planning – the partnership is established by the Water for Life Strategy – the process is guided by the Framework for Watershed Management Planning

Legislative Policy and Planning Context

Water for Life Strategy • Safe, secure drinking water supply • Healthy aquatic ecosystems Legislation • Reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy

Alberta Land Land Use Framework; Framework for Water Framework for Watershed Stewardship Management Planning ‐ Regional Plans Management Planning Act Water Management Plans; Sub‐Regional Plans Lower Partnerships Alberta Athabasca Municipal Plans Water Act Regional Plan (LARP) Cold Lake‐ Intermunicipal Municipal Beaver River Development Plans Development Plans Municipal Water Beaver River Integrated Government Management Watershed Management Plan Act Plan

Industry Plans and Best Implementation Mechanisms: Land Use ByLaws, Policies and Guidelines Management Practices Guidelines

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Implementation • Not legally binding – Developing the plan collaboratively means it is more likely to be supported and implemented by decision‐makers • To maximize opportunities for successful implementation: – The IWMP should be supported by all stakeholders, First Nations and the Métis. – Recommendations should be incorporated in future planning documents and updates of existing plans that have legal/regulatory authority where feasible

Shared Responsibility

• Federal • First Nations • Provincial • Municipal • Metis • Industry • Non‐government organizations • Landowners, leaseholders and residents • Academia

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Break Point

• Questions/comments before moving into more specific details regarding the Beaver River IWMP

Beaver River Integrated Watershed Management Plan

• Draft Terms of Reference developed in 2020, and includes: – Background information pertaining to previous planning initiatives – Description of the planning area – Description of watershed issues – IWMP goals, objectives and outcomes – Roles and responsibilities – Work schedule to track project milestones

• Focus on the description of Watershed Issues – Water Quantity – Water Quality – Riparian Areas and Wetlands – Biodiversity – Land Use – Social and economic values

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Description of Watershed Issues

• Informed by: – Stakeholder workshops held in 2013‐2014 (BRWA 2013, BRWA 2014, CPP Environmental 2014) • The Technical Advisory Team review (2016) • Research and Technical Reports • More recent discussion with IWMP Committee and LICA members

Brenda Claude

Water Quantity

• Pertains to surface water and groundwater – Natural hydrological system • Changing conditions –climate change, aging systems – Water supply – volume and quality of water available for human use – Water Allocations – withdrawals of water made possible through Water Act – licences, registrations – Actual Water Use

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Surface Water Quantity Monitoring • Alberta River Basins database – Near real‐time data and flood advisories – Water management data and water shortage advisories – Environmental Data

Surface Water Quantity Streamflow

• Beaver River originates on the Boreal Plain, flows are variable from year‐to‐year • Sand and Medley rivers tend to have higher flows compared to other tributaries – 50% of the flow in Beaver River is contributed by the Sand River (CLBR SOW 2006) • Mooselake River and Muriel Creek have relatively low flows

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Surface Water Quantity Lake Level Trends

Lake Level Trends Year Declining Increasing Stable/Regulated N/A Total Lakes 2013 26 0 16 9 51 2020 4 20 9 18 51 Source: BRWA 2013; AEP 2021

8 of 11 Lakes Increasing 1 of 11 No Data 1 declining, 1 stable

Moose Lake Sub‐Watershed Amisk Sub‐Watershed

Groundwater Quantity Monitoring • AEP Groundwater Observation Well Network (GOWN) – 17 wells – Most wells monitoring water level and water quality are north of the Beaver River and east of the Sand River

http://environment.alberta.ca/apps/GOWN/#

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Groundwater Quantity Water Level Trends

• Similar to lake water levels, groundwater levels are increasing in recent years

Manatokan/Jackfish Sub‐Watershed

Amisk Sub‐Watershed Sand River Sub‐Watershed

Water Quantity Processes

• Weather variability • Climate change Precipitation 700 • Surface water‐ 600 500

groundwater 400 interactions 300 200

100 • Changes to water Total Annual Precipitation, mm 0

allocation and use 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 (changing water demand)

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Surface Water‐Groundwater Interaction

• Lakes are classified as “gaining”, “losing” or “flow” through, depending on the elevation of the groundwater table

Water Allocation and Use

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Water Allocation and Actual Use Surface Water Availability and Allocation, AER 2019

Amisk River Marie Creek Other Local AER Local SW Other Local AER Local SW SW Allocation Allocation SW Allocation Allocation 2% 0% 7% 2%

Local SW Local SW Availability Availability 96% 93%

Water Allocation and Actual Use Groundwater Availability and Allocation, 2019 • Total groundwater availability is currently not mapped for the Cold Lake‐Beaver River watershed • Nonsaline Water Use to extract oil, gas and

bitumen (based on HUC 8 areas) Jackfish 3 Sand River Creek – Total volume: 4,795,887 m 4% 5%

Medley Wolf River River and 22% Cold Lake 52% Canoe Lake 14% 2019 Marie Creek

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Water Quantity

• Water Balance

Water Quantity Issues

Surface Water • Fluctuating water levels (lakes and wetlands) and streamflows caused by climate change and seasonal/temporal variability that can: – Impact water availability for municipal water supplies, agricultural uses, and First Nations and Métis – Increase risk of flooding, and impacts associated with drought – Impact recreation activity – Alter aquatic, riparian and upland habitat – Alter land use (e.g., cultivation, development) around wetlands and ephemeral streams (watercourses that flow briefly in direct response to rainfall or snowmelt (USEPA 2015)) • Surface water withdrawals • Altered drainage patterns and/or discharges of treated effluent, and stormwater

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Water Quantity ‐ Issues

Groundwater • Uncertainty regarding groundwater quantity resulting from climate change and variability, and withdrawals for human and industrial use • Limited understanding of the impact that groundwater withdrawals have on aquifer dynamics (e.g., shallow/deep aquifer interactions) and on lake water levels and streamflows

Surface Water & Groundwater Quantity Issues Discussion

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Surface Water Quality Monitoring

• Current surface water monitoring programs – Beaver River and Cold Lake – Prairie Provinces Water Board – Lakes – Alberta Lake Management Society – Lakes and Rivers – Alberta Environment and Parks

Unrau • Guidelines and Objectives

Surface Water Quality Rivers

• PPWB Trend Analysis Parameter Beaver River Cold River Nutrients (Period of record to Ammonia Nitogen (Total) ‐ No Trend Nitrate+Nitrite as N ‐ No Trend 2013) Total Nitrogen No Trend + Total Phosphorus No Trend No Trend • PPWB Annual Total Dissolved Phosphorus ‐ No Trend Excursion Report (most Major Ions Dissolved Chloride ‐ ‐ recent is 2017) Dissolved Fluoride ‐ No Trend Dissolved Sodium ‐ No Trend Dissolved Sulphate ‐ ‐ Total Dissolved Solids ‐ No Trend

Physical Dissolved Oxygen No Trend + pH ‐ Field + No Trend Sodium Adsorption Ratio ‐ No Trend Total Suspended Solids + ‐ ‐ Degrading + Improving

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Surface Water Quality Rivers • Alberta Environment and Parks • Beaver River (monthly at 3 sites – 2016‐2020) – AT GRAVEL PIT, 6 KM U/S OF AB‐SK BORDER – AT HWY 28 BRIDGE NEAR BEAVER CROSSING ‐ CENTRE – AT HIGHWAY 892 BRIDGE NORTH OF ARDMORE

Will create graph showing water quality in Beaver River.

Surface Water Quality ‐ Lakes Format of this slide may change for easier reading Sub‐Watershed Oligotrophic Mesotrophic Eutrophic Hyper‐Eutrophic Long Lake Amisk Lake Skeleton Lake South North Buck Floating Stone lake Amisk Lower Mann Skeleton Lake North Garner Lake Whitefish Lake Goodfish Lake Upper Mann Lake Cold Lake Cold Lake Primrose Lake ‐ N Basin Primrose Lake ‐ S Basin

Lower Beaver River Angling Lake

Manatokan/Jackfish Bourque Lake Tucker Lake

Crane (Moore) Lake*ALMS Ethel Lake Marie Creek Hilda Lake Marie Lake Minnie Lake Mooselake River Chickenhill Lake Kehewin Lake Moose Lake Beartrap Lake Muriel Creek Muriel Lake Jessie Lake Garnier (Bluet) Lake Pinehurst Lake Sand River ‐ Touchwood Lake Lakeland Wolf Lake Beaver Lake Gaining Upper Beaver Elinor Lake Fork Lake Losing Kinosiu Lake

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Surface Water Quality Lakes • Lake water quality influenced by – Weather variability and climate change

– Surrounding land use Monique Pandarinath (non‐point sources) Phosphorus Budget at Ethel Lake – Stormwater and treated Inflow from other lakes Residential 5% effluent discharges areas (point sources) 12% – Internal ecosystem Atmosphere Internal 15% sources processes 68%

Surface Water Quality ‐ Issues

• Water quality does not meet desired end uses in some areas due to soil type and geology, climate change and variability, and/or influx of point and non‐ point source pollution from adjacent lands • The influx of nutrients originating from external sources and the internal natural cycling of nutrients contributes to MD of Bonnyville eutrophication in many lakes in the watershed

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Water Quality Issues Discussion

Groundwater Quality Monitoring

• AEP – GOWN Wells • Alberta Health (2014) – Alberta Domestic Well Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Program • Industry

(Schreffler, 1997)

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Groundwater Quality

• Total Dissolved Solids in almost all aquifers are naturally high • Recharge areas: higher calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate • Discharge areas: higher in sodium and bicarbonate or sulphate • Arsenic and uranium naturally occurring ‐ release to aquatic environment may be increased by human activity

Aquifer Vulnerability Index

Groundwater Quality ‐ Issues

• Human health concerns related to naturally occurring and/or human‐caused mobilization of trace metals in concentrations above drinking water guidelines • Concerns related to land use, including potential contamination from improperly abandoned water wells, landfills, agricultural https://www.bing.com/ activity, septic fields and, oil and gas activity

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Groundwater Quality Issues Discussion

Riparian Areas and Wetlands

• Trap and store sediment • Build and maintain banks and shores • Store water and energy • Recharge aquifers • Filter and buffer water • Reduce and dissipate energy • Maintain biodiversity

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Indicators: Riparian Areas

‐ Riparian Function (Riparian Health Assessment) ‐ Methods assess riparian features to determine if the site is healthy, healthy with problems or unhealthy

Cows and Fish Method Aerial Assessment Method Categories Scores Categories Scores Healthy >80 Good >80 Healthy but 60 to 79 Fair 50 to 79 with Problems Unhealthy <60 Poor <50 (Fitch et al. 2001; Ambrose et al. 2004)

Riparian Areas and Wetlands Condition

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Wetlands • 33% of the watershed is characterized as wetland and open water

Open water 23%

Fens 46% Bogs 3%

Marshes 5%

Swamps 23%

Riparian Areas and Wetlands Issues Summary • Loss of wetland and riparian areas and their respective functions: – Water storage (absorptive capacity, flood control) and water balance in lakes/streams – Groundwater recharge – Water quality (retention of nutrients, sediment, soil and associated contaminants) – Biodiversity – Ecological services (recreation, carbon sequestration, stormwater treatment)

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Riparian Areas and Wetlands Issues Discussion

Biodiversity

• Important Bird Areas ― Primrose Lake – White Pelican; Muriel Lake – Piping Plover • Presence/Absence of invasive species – Prohibited noxious weed in Alberta (e.g., Himalayan Balsam – at Jessie Lake) – Invasive aquatic species (e.g., zebra/quagga mussels)

Jenny Roy Donna Feledichuk Donna Feledichuk

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Biodiversity Index of Biological Integrity

• IBI used to assess the condition of aquatic ecosystems • 47 locations assessed on the Beaver River, Amisk and Sand rivers

Unrau

Biodiversity Habitat Fragmentation To revise this slide when the report is available

Sub‐Watershed # of Crossings Ratio crossings/km stream Upper Beaver 675 Amisk River “a high number” Mooselake River 116 0.321 Sand River 46 Lakeland (9) Manatokan 0.158 Jackfish 0.181 Marie Creek 49 0.151 Muriel Creek 152 0.348 Lower Beaver (Reita Creek) 70 0.337 Lower Beaver (Redspring Ck) 120

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Biodiversity ‐ Issues

• Fragmented and poor‐quality habitat, due to increased road density, access, recreational activity, industrial activity (e.g., pipelines, well‐ sites, mining [sand and gravel]), and other developments. • Changing abundance and/or size of certain fish and wildlife species in the watershed. • Potential threat of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species (e.g., quagga mussel) in and adjacent to waterbodies in the watershed. • Berries, plants and animals are safe to eat.

Biodiversity Issues Discussion

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Land Management

• Cumulative impacts of activity on the land • Opportunity to explore ways to – Reduce footprint area – Mitigate impacts of footprint – Measure progress

Unrau

Land Management Issues

• Cumulative impact of development and industry on water resources, ecosystem and landscape function, biodiversity, and First Nations and Métis traditional land use.

T. Fleming B. Wareham

Unrau

31 2021‐03‐24

Land Management Issues Discussion

Climate Change Issues

• Impacts of climate change as it relates to: – Water availability and quality – Increased risk of drought, fire and floods, – Pest management (forest insects, diseases) – Altered landscapes and habitat conditions – Risks to fish, wildlife, and

Lynne Vining vegetation.

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Climate Change Issues Discussion

Knowledge and Understanding

• Gaps in knowledge and understanding of natural conditions and human‐caused impacts on watershed function • Limited public understanding or use of First Nations and Métis Rights, Indigenous Knowledge and Practices in the development and implementation of plans and policies

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Knowledge and Understanding Issues Discussion

IWMP Shared Outcomes

Secure, reliable water supplies are Surface water and groundwater available for desired uses (i.e., quality that is protected from environmental, First Nations and contamination, maintained within Métis, municipal, agricultural, the range of natural variability, and industrial and recreational). meets end‐use criteria.

Fish, wildlife, and plants are healthy Healthy riparian areas and wetlands and resilient to changing contribute to watershed resiliency environmental conditions. Their with respect to flood and drought, ecological, social, and cultural roles quality water, and critical habitat. in the watershed are sustained.

Cumulative effects of diverse land Climate change considerations are uses are reduced or mitigated to central to all watershed‐related maintain and/or improve ecosystem planning and decision‐making health. processes.

Indigenous Knowledge and scientific research guide decision‐ making.

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Summary

• Ecosystems are intricately connected in such a way that changes to one component results in changes to another • Sound management requires consideration of social, economic and environmental needs

Debbie Wooldridge

Summary

• Shared responsibility • The Beaver River IWMP will align with existing and future planning initiatives • Guidance document and planning tool (vs. an Approved Water Management Plan) • Priority issues, goals and objectives identified • Seeking Stakeholder feedback and input at key junctions through

engagement Unrau

35 2021‐03‐24

Next Steps (Short‐Term)

• Complete Engagement Session I – Stakeholders to complete survey • The link to the survey can be found at: https://lica.ca/watershed/iwmp/ – Stakeholders to identify and provide data or additional information that contributes to the understanding and management of resources – Compile and disseminate results of Engagement Session I – Update and finalize the draft Terms of Reference

Next Steps (Long‐Term)

Preliminary Schedule Engagement Session February‐April 2021 1. Draft Beaver River IWMP Terms of Reference 2: Draft I Beaver River IWMP – Indicators, Targets Sep‐October 2021 and Thresholds, Early Recommendations

3. Draft II Beaver River IWMP Recommendations February‐March 2022 and Implementation Strategy September 2022 4. Final Beaver River IWMP Presentation

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Thank you for Participating

For additional information contact: Tricia B. Fleming, LICA ‐ Environmental Coordinator Phone: 780‐812‐2182 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lica.ca

Remember to complete the survey by May 31, 2021

Nicole Gillis

37 April 2021

IWMP Engagement Session 1: Issues in the Watershed

Engagement Schedule Engagement session date and time Days to avoid SR : Sandi Riemersma, Palliser Environmental Services TBF : Tricia B. Fleming, LICA Indigenous groups Municipal Governments Federal and Provincial Governments

Note : The Industry session is recommended to be on either April 14 or May 12

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 SR SR SR TBF (AM) TBF (AM) MG F&PG (PM) MG F&PG 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MG SR F&PG (PM) F&PG MG Prov/Regional Associations, Non-Gov 9:30-12:00 25 26 27 28 29 30 First Nations and SR IG F&PG (PM) Metis TBF (AM) MG 9:30-12:00 MG

F&PG May 2021

IWMP Engagement Session 1: Issues in the Watershed

Engagement Schedule Engagement session date and time Days to avoid SR : Sandi Riemersma, Palliser Environmental Services TBF : Tricia B. Fleming, LICA Indigenous groups Municipal Governments Federal and Provincial Governments

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Federal and MG MG F&PG (PM) Provincial F&PG Municipal Governments Governments 9:30-12:00 9:30-12:00 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 SR SR SR F&PG (PM) TBF (AM) MG MG Industry F&PG 1 :00-3 :00 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

SR MG MG TBF (AM) F&PG F&PG (PM)

Public 7:00-9:30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 SR MG SR TBF (AM) F&PG (PM)

MG F&PG 30 31