Pekisko Group for the ERCB Hearing December 18, 2008

9/8/2009

I have dedicated this presentation to two people who led very different lives and who in my mind exemplify stewardship. Over the years I encountered Ken Stiles at political functions, rangeland seminars, and occasionally our rural church. In 2002 I saw a lot more of Ken, when the Pekisko Group supported his role as an intervener against Vermillion Resource’s application to drill on grasslands southwest of Longview. Ken, who had one foot in the oil and gas industry, and one in the ranching industry, believed that our special natural areas should not be compromised. Despite numerous chemotherapies to treat the leukemia that claimed his life, Ken committed enormous effort to head off a gas well application, which would have led to a larger development. When the AEUB pruned or rejected interveners’, consultants, and legal expenses, Ken used personal funds to bridge deficiencies of payments for professional services. In early 2003 Ken set up a focus group with five leaders from junior oil companies, to present the case for a moratorium in the SE slopes. Ken also organized a meeting January, 2006 with executives from Petro‐Canada, Nexen, and Shell to request support for a “time out” on development until a regional plan was in place. Ken was a dedicated supporter of the Pekisko Group, and it is fitting to remember him today. Jim Cartwright, my father, died in April 1976 at the age of fifty‐five years. I remember as a young boy asking my father how much land we owned. My father took care to explain, that no man could truly own land; the deed or lease by which we held the land was really our covenant to look after it. The concept of stewardship ran deep in my father long before the word became fashionable. He had a certain reverence for the land and all life that lived in support of life. I like to remember the days my father exalted in the beauty of the landscape, and the expansive calm it brought to his being;‐ and his respect and regard for people and animals that coexisted with the rhythms, riding out the hard times and drawing strength from those exceptional days of every season. Dad took some pride in the fact that he expanded the ranch, by keeping it largely self sufficient. He understood that technology and machines are no substitute for looking after land and livestock in a way consistent with nature. I remember my father as a dedicated rangeman, a skilled horseman, and a man who showed empathy and respect for the Stony people. My father was an unassuming man. He was largely indifferent to the flashy and fashionable. In this way he was an easy man to pass by, but his values remain to me, an inspiration of what ranching is about. It is on those days when I feel hard grass under my feet and ponder the beauty of my surroundings, that I can feel his presence near.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 1 9/8/2009

This view taken south of High River represents the distance along the Mountain front affected by Petro Canada’s proposed development plan. Additional gas wells are contemplated in the Sullivan Creek area (on the right hand side) and the proposed pipeline would convey Natural gas across the upper Pekisko and Willow Creek Water sheds. The line then proceeds over range just south of Hailstone Butte Lookout (on the far left) . The importance of the Rocky Mountain front is disproportionate to the area it occupies, especially in Southern Alberta: an essential reservoir of biological diversity, of regenerative wealth , and water supply. (photo south of High River)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 2 9/8/2009

Water for Livestock. (photo south of High River. Murray Giles waters his cattle.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 3 9/8/2009

Water for country residential. (photo south of High River)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 4 9/8/2009

Water for industry. (photo south of High River)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 5 9/8/2009

For years water has been taken from the Highwood (and Sheep) for water flooding of old oil fields. (north west of Longview, AB)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 6 9/8/2009

The ERCB was brought into existence because of the profligate waste of resources, as companies rushed to develop of the Turner Valley field. (north west of Longview, AB)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 7 9/8/2009

It is part of a multiple use area utterly dependant on water. (north west of Longview, AB)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 8 9/8/2009

As cumulative impacts change the characteristics of our watersheds, and as our cumulative demands on water supply increase, society looks for mitigation strategies, as we face increasing exposure to droughts, and shortfalls in water supply from the South Saskatchewan River System. (north west of Longview, AB)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 9 9/8/2009

Part of that strategy is to build reservoirs. Reservoirs have specific problems; they fill with sediment over time and lose capacity; it is difficult to anticipate and manage releases during unusual precipitation events or drought. As global temperatures rise, there are water quality issues with algal blooms. (North end Chain Lakes October 16, 2007).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 10 9/8/2009

A closer view of an algal bloom in chain lakes. (North end Chain Lakes October 16, 2007).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 11 9/8/2009

This is water draining from the North end of the Chain Lakes reservoir into Meinsinger Creek.. What are the implications for aquatic life and water quality downstream?

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 12 9/8/2009

Man cannot provide any mitigation as effective as a high quality natural watershed. Below me in this photo is a discharge area at the base of a glacial outwash plane, where water feeds Pekisko Creek, which is demarcated by the Cottonwood trees in the back ground. (n sec 34, 16 r3 W5th: 7mi east of EV route @km6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 13 9/8/2009

Pekisko Creek, or the Middle Fork of the Highwood, provides high quality water, and high quality habitat for aquatic creatures. (nw 29 16 3 W5th; 4 mi east of EV route @km7)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 14 9/8/2009

It might even invite an invigorating autumn swim. (nw 29 16 3 W5th; 4 mi east of EV route @km7)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 15 9/8/2009

My parents, Jim and Mary Cartwright reintroduced beaver to the Pekisko watershed in the early 1950’s. Beaver now work industriously to store water in the small tributaries that used to dry up in summers, and help to maintain water table levels. Beaver are workers for the ecological goods and services we take for granted. (In the 1970’s and early eighties, the ranch could provide a sustained yield of about 50 harvested beaver per year. The population control helped to keep populations within their food supply, and kept beaver out of the main creek, ‐ for fisheries and flood considerations. (ne sec 34‐;16‐R4 W5th 1.1 mile ne of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 16 9/8/2009

Few People are aware that there is far more wildlife in the area now than 100 years ago. It was 1908 before my Grandfather saw a mule deer.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 17 9/8/2009

My father wrote. “The first Elk seen in the area south of the Highwood (Pekisko) was in 1935 or 1936. Prior to this there was one little band on the upper reaches of the Highwood, but nothing prior to 1918, going back into the last century, at least until 1888, when this ranch first started.” (excerpted from a an essay written by Jim Cartwright) ( west of 22)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 18 9/8/2009

“There were no moose until more recently.” cont’d Jim Cartwright . My impression is that moose started appearing in the mid 1940’s. (ne 34‐16‐3 W5th; 6.9 mi from EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 19 9/8/2009

“Of course white tails have come in during the last twenty years”. ‐ Jim Cartwright comments about 1973. (se 10‐17‐3‐ W5th; 9 mi east ne of EV route @km6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 20 9/8/2009

White Tails have become more common than Mule Deer in this area. (se 10‐17‐3‐ W5th; 9 mi east ne of EV route @km6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 21 9/8/2009

McConnell falls has been mentioned in these hearings as the natural feature, which has most preserved the genetic integrity of the West Slope Cutthroat, by keeping non indigenous species out of the upper Pekisko system. This site is about three miles upstream of the old D Ranch home site. In the early 1990’s Gordon McConnell bought a homestead started by John Jephson in the 1880’s. My grandfather E.A. (Aubrey) Cartwright, after getting his introduction to the country at the Bar U Ranch, went to work for Gordon McConnell, in September of 1900. Jack Nichols had come to help McConnell, after McConnell lost his wife in 1897. The two men set out for supplies from High River in December of that year, but froze to death below the South Fork Trading Post on their way home. (This account is in “The Leaves of the Medicine Tree”) This picture is probably taken around 1905. The buildings were burnt in the fire of 1910. In that year Aubrey Cartwright and his partner John Thorpe trailed their cattle to Oyen, where they stayed for the winter, and trailed their herd back in the spring. (nw 14‐ 16‐ R4 W5th; .55mi east of EV route @km11)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 22 9/8/2009

About two miles downstream of McConnell falls, Duncan Cameron built his home in 1893 (first flat). At the base of the second ridge on the right side (south), John Thorpe established the home site of the D ranch on Pekisko, in February of 1889. In August of 1975, using the Cameron flat as rou base, our family hosted the first International Arabian and part Arabian competitive trail ride, that drew participants from as far as Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona, and California. Dorothy Kjinserdahl, a grandmother from Nanton won the part bred Championship on a horse she bought from our ranch. I placed in the top ten on my ranch gelding. (ne 23‐14‐4‐W5th; 1.6 mi east of EV route @km9.2)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 23 9/8/2009

Aubrey Cartwright went to work with Thorpe after McConnell and Nichol perished. They lived together here. They became friends, and in 1909 full partners, when they bought 300 head of cattle with the D brand from Mike Herman who was bankrupted from the devastating winter of 1906‐1907. According to my grandfathers’ notes, Bob Dixon, (of Dixon Coulee used the D brand first), but it was officially registered to Mike Herman in December 1885. (SE 25‐16‐4‐ W5th; 2.6 mi east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 24 9/8/2009

I imagine the stove was stoked on January 26, 1916, when the temperature was ‐52 F (‐ 46.7C). The next time it was that cold was December 28, 1968. I remember Dad and helpers, lighting fires under the propane tanks to keep the gas flowing. Environment Canada’s Pekisko station at the D Ranch was started in the early 1900’s and was kept by our family to about 1986. There is a telemetry station at the D Ranch buildings, that has been operating for nearly two decades. (SE 25‐16‐4‐ W5th; 2.6 mi east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 25 9/8/2009

This was the home valley for John Thorpe and our family from 1888 until 2004. In 1997 my brother and I exchanged five deeded homestead quarters with public lands and consolidated our deeded holdings further east. These quarters potentially had a high market value for recreational properties, especially two quarters on Miller Creek, where no bridges were required for access. We traded these quarters with the purpose of preventing future fragmentation of this area. The proposed pipeline would run across the watershed in the background and become a source of fragmentation. (nw 25‐16‐4‐W5th: 2.3 mi east north east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 26 9/8/2009

The variety of topography and vegetation create a mosaic of diversity. (nw 25‐16‐4‐W5th: 2.4 mi east north east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 27 9/8/2009

Notice the grassland on the south facing slopes in the upper watershed, on South Greenfeed Creek. (proposed pipeline would cross area to the west). (nw 25‐16‐4‐W5th: 2 mi east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 28 9/8/2009

These cattle are crossing the Miller Flat named for Herb Miller, a Bar U foreman who cut native hay here in the 1880’s. The flat is naturally sub‐irrigated, and so it was a good source of hay even in the dry 1880’s. Miller has always been a good wintering area for cattle and Elk. There is a spring high up on the timbered ridge, and well used game trails traversing its slopes. On snowy winter days, I have encountered Elk bedded down in the aspen groves, when wind and sound did not betray my approach. The pipeline will undoubtedly give mechanized access to hunters from Eden Valley. (ne 23‐16‐4‐W5th: 1.4 mi east of EV route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 29 9/8/2009

We have always been open to the Stonys’ hunting in a traditional fashion, on foot or horseback, but quick to discourage use of vehicles. New access via the pipeline will accommodate ATV’s and likely increase their impact in the Miller Creek area, and possibly beyond. Petro‐Canada plans to keep the pipeline rightV of way, AT accessible for 5km through this area. (sw 8‐17‐3 W5th; this photo 4.8 mi north east of EV route @km 8.6)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 30 9/8/2009

As you look up Pekisko Creek you see the continuity of a watershed. Nature does not draw boundaries on public and private land. The combinations of deeded and public land, have given ranches a scale to evolve a role in the ecological process of the landscape. On a well run ranch, it is difficult to tell what is public land and what is not. (nw 29 16 3 W5th; 4.0 mi east of EV route @km 8.5km)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 31 9/8/2009

One exception in this valley is this Fish and Wildlife project to create Moose Habitat. Dr. Olson talked of the difference in visual impacts of certain footprints. Visually, this site stands out for its rectangular lines, and as a clearing on a North East facing slope that is normally covered with trees. The project was undertaken to compensate for maturing stands of aspen, whose progression would normally be controlled by natural fire. This patch has been cleared twice, and the cost probably exceeds $250 per acre, which makes pretty expensive moose feed. This project also increases larkspur (Delphinium glaucum), which poisons cattle. (ne 19‐ 16 ‐3 W5th; 3.6 mi from EV route @km 10.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 32 9/8/2009

In 1978, we hosted Dr. Art Bailey’s range class from University of Alberta for a project, which included a study of Aspen encroachment between 1950 and 1977. The class determined that aspen was encroaching on open grassland at the average rate of 3.4% per year.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 33 9/8/2009

Barry Adams, head of Public Lands Range Management Division, knew of Francis Gardner’s and my interest in prescribed burning as a natural and cost effective way of emulating natural fire in resetting the successional clock. We undertook a collaborative project under Barry’s able leadership, with additional resources contributed by the University of Alberta, and limited participation from Fish and Wildlife Division, and Parks. This picture shows the 300 hundred acres that were burnt as a fireguard for the future burn on the east side of this ridge. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; 4 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 34 9/8/2009

Working with weather and conditions, I am one of the crew using a drip torch to start the fireguard. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; 4 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 35 9/8/2009

Initial firing of the 180 acre target area. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; 4.4 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 36 9/8/2009

We chose conservative conditions in terms of site dryness, and relative humidity. About 50% of the area burned intensively. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; 4 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 37 9/8/2009

An eastern view of the burn project area. The proposed pipeline route crosses the landscape to the west. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; ridge top 4.2 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 38 9/8/2009

The burn left a mosaic of diverse cover, and browse,‐ of structure and species. The corrals on the lower left, were the site of early cutting horse competitions. In fact, according a guest on CBC, the Canadian Cutting Horse association was started in a teepee on the D Ranch,‐ likely at these corrals‐ with handshakes and contributions of money. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; ridge top 4.2 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 39 9/8/2009

Despite 1985 and 1986 being amongst the driest years back to back on record, the upland grass community amongst the Limber pine looks vigorous. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; ridge top 4.2 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 40 9/8/2009

The production of browse is phenomenal, for wildlife and cattle. This is the production on a dry year. Not only does controlled burning preserve the integrity of ecological process, of regenerating energy capture, mineral cycles, but monitoring sites confirmed that browse and forage were created at a fraction of the cost, and risk of using mechanical removal. This has profound implications for management of diversity and watershed stability. (north sec 29‐ 16‐ 3 W5th; 4.4 mi east of EV route @km8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 41 9/8/2009

These two are standing amongst intermediately aged willow. As the willow matures, it may be useful for snow trap, but most standing material is dead, and not contributing to the energy flow of the ecosystem, which includes browse for wildlife.. (w 10‐17‐3 W5th; 7.2 east ne of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 42 9/8/2009

Jim Laycraft (right) is riding with us to see the route. The proposed route runs parallel to the mountains, in the background, and intersects the area roughly in line with the front brim of Jim’s hat. MT. Sentinel is directly above the middle rider Jim Hogan, and Hailstone Butte is directly abover the left ride –John Cross) The route runs to the east of Sentinel, and eventually crosses over the Livingstone Range to the south of Hailstone Butte). (se 26‐16‐4‐W5th; 1.48 mi ne of route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 43 9/8/2009

The combination of grasslands and shelter have made this a good area for wintering livestock into early January. The same diversity is valuable for watershed providing snow trapping, and high quality areas to trap and encourage water infiltration. Note the progression of Spruce into the Aspen community of the close facing ridge. Further upland, many conifers are Lodgepole Pine. Each community has a different value for trapping snow or capturing rain, and each community has a different influence on the loss of moisture from evaporation and transpiration. Grasslands have the lowest transpiration losses, and are very conducive to water infiltration, but are less effective in trapping snow. Aspen has relatively high transpiration losses in summer, but less transpiration loss through the year than coniferous trees. It is the diversity of cover that helps to make this an exceptional watershed, and productive landscape. (nw 26‐16‐4‐W5th; 1.3 mi ne of route @km 8.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 44 9/8/2009

Photo Album

The Kananaskis Country Sub‐Regional Integrated Resource Plan, and the 1984 revision of Policy for Resource Management of the Eastern Slopes, confirm the special qualities of this area.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 45 9/8/2009

On page 76 of the ‘Kananaskis Country Sub‐Regional Integrated Resource Plan (of 1986) it reads. “The Highwood Resource Management area is the most ecologically diverse in Kananaskis Country………The Highwood drainage is a major water producer, supplying nine percent of the flow in the Bow River while comprising only five percent of the basin…. The Highwood Valley is one of the most important critical ranges for Elk in the province…” (This confirms that the upper Highwood watershed, which includes Pekisko and Sullivan, is perhaps the highest value watershed, and one of the most important areas for diversity and wildlife in the province.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 46 9/8/2009

Note the first three priorities for watershed management. 1.To manage and develop natural resources in the region to maintain or increase the volume of water yield and the natural timing of surface and subsurface discharge. 2.To manage headwaters in the region to maintain the recharge capabilities and protect critical fisheries habitat. (go to next page for 3)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 47 9/8/2009

3. To manage the South Saskatchewan River Basin for water supply stability. How compatible is a sour gas pipeline with any of these objectives from Alberta’s policy documents?

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 48 9/8/2009

Photo Album

Hydrologic data in the Spray Lakes Forest Management Plan compares evaporation and transpiration losses on the watershed North of the Bow, with the watershed South of the Bow River. This model suggest that North of the Bow River, 34% of annual precipitation is captured for rivers and aquifers, and south of, the Bow 60% of annual precipitation contributes to the flow of Rivers and replenishment of aquifers. Of course, the proportion of water that runs to creeks and rivers, depends on the ability of the watershed to absorb and release precipitation. We should also note that more precipitation falls in the Highwood watershed, with Pekisko (683mm/yr) and Trap Creek (723mm/yr) reporting the highest precipitation of the listed sites. This makes the upper Highwood unique for having the highest rainfall in southern Alberta, while also having the least loss to evaporation and transpiration.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 49 9/8/2009

This is Emerson Creek on June 7, 2005. 230 mm (9 inches) fell from June 5th to June 7th, and rain is coming faster than it can be absorbed. Emerson Creek is about 11km east of the pipeline route. (se 3 –17 –3 W5th; 7 mi east of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 50 9/8/2009

Where water is restricted it gathers speed and channels kinetic energy. As the water moves downstream of the road, it flows back onto a flood plain, the energy dissipates, sediment settles, and the water moves more slowly on its journey to High River. (se 3 –17 –3 W5th; 7 mi east of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 51 9/8/2009

Attempts to channel the creek have never saved the approaches to this bridge on the EP ranch. ( Jim Cartwright bought the Prince of Wales Ranch in 1962). (ne 1 –17 –3 W5th; 8.8 mi east of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 52 9/8/2009

By the time Pekisko Creek reaches the EP it receives runoff from more than 50,000 acres of watershed. This means Pekisko watershed receives on average more than 110,000 acre feet of precipitation. (ne 1 –17 –3 W5th; 8.8 mi east of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 53 9/8/2009

Upstream of the EP, water moves out onto the flood plain. With good range condition water slows down, and little erosion or damage will occur. Dense shrub cover in the immediate riparian area also slows down water, and dissipates its energy. ( 2 –17 –3 W5th; 7.8 mi east of EV route @km 6.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 54 9/8/2009

We’re looking at the Cameron lookout on Mt. Burke, named for Duncan Cameron. In 1929 a winding trail (about 3 miles) was cut with hand tools from the bottom of Salter Pass to the timberline. Materials were packed by horse to construct the lookout. In fact two pack horses carrying a tandem load between them lost their footing and went over the hogs back. The watershed into Salter pass is relatively small; the south facing area of Mt. Burke, and the North facing edge of Plateau Mountain. Obviously, the south facing aspect of Burke has little capacity to absorb water, so water runs off quickly. (background; ‐ Mt. Burke summit, Elevation 2542m, 8340ft. Lat 50;17;25 Long 114;31;25. Cairn in foreground is on north end of Plateau Mountain. Salter Pass lies below, in between these two mountains).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 55 9/8/2009

Douglas is standing on the old seismograph trail through Salter pass..This is the pass between Mount Burke and Plateau Mountain. The water did not erode the natural surface cover to the left of the picture, but eroded the modified surface of this old seismograph trail.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 56 9/8/2009

Again, water erodes on the trail. This is an ephemeral water course, with banks and a bed, that was created in 1995, perhaps 35 years after the trail was first created with a bulldozer. (Salter Pass)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 57 9/8/2009

Again, water erosion, on the Salter pass trail. The natural cover on either side remained stable, but the disturbed ground eroded. It is a pattern repeated with linear disturbance on the eastern slopes. (Salter Pass)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 58 9/8/2009

Below Alf, Cataract Creek flows out to the Highwood. In the background above him is a pattern of open slopes that make elk wintering range in the Cat Creek Hills north of the Highwood. In times of severe drought, winter, or fire, Elk will follow the Highwood River out to ranges in the Pekisko and Sullivan area.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 59 9/8/2009

When Elk are faced with environmental challenges they move to more favorable locations.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 60 9/8/2009

Clear cutting increase water yield, but the way land is cleared determines if clear cut areas absorb and slow down runoff, or simply contribute to flooding. (taken from nw Plateau Mountain. Clear cutting is extensive west of 940.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 61 9/8/2009

This is an example of what Dr. Olson would describe as a hydrologic sponge on the forest floor. ( Cataract Creek area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 62 9/8/2009

As water falls from trees to moss cover below, the impact to soil is cushioned by this cover. ( Cataract Creek area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 63 9/8/2009

And water will move more slowly on top of and beneath this cover. Notice the young Spruce trees germinating in the cover of these Lodge Pole Pine. ( Cataract Creek area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 64 9/8/2009

In this profile you can get a feel for the depth of the hydrologic sponge. These forest soils, lack the structure and porosity of grassland based soils. (se 25‐15‐r5 W5th; 1.4 mi east of Cataract day use area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 65 9/8/2009

You can see this logging operation to the west of Salter pass has removed the hydrologic sponge, the diversity of life, and hard won layer of organic matter. Water flows less encumbered, and you can see that soil is eroding away from this slope. How many centuries will it take to restore this site, to the type of cover above? (se 25‐15‐r5 W5th; 1.4 mi east Cataract day use area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 66 9/8/2009

We are looking east towards Salter pass. Cameron lookout is on the left hand side. Thorpe and Cartwright, and my parents trailed cattle through this area every summer, for decades, until the Coleman Kananaskis road was built near their line cabin on Wilkinson Creek. I first rode through here at about twelve years of age and always felt asense of arrival and enchantment as we meandered through Lodgepole Pines towards Cataract Creek. Well, the enchantment is gone, and will be for your children, and their children. (se 25‐15‐r5 W5th; 1.4 mi east Cataract day use area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 67 9/8/2009

Rocks have been brought to the surface by the scarification operation. How many centuries will it take to restore a hydrologic cushion as we saw before? This site is west of Salter pass, Raspberry Ridge in far right background.) (sw 25‐15‐R5 W5th; .9 mi east Cataract day use area ; .5 mi ne PC 940 route @km 29.75)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 68 9/8/2009

If these roads conform to best practices, it says something about our province’s governance and priorities. South of Salter Creek: (sw 25‐15‐4 W5th; .7 mi east Cataract day use area; .3 mi ne PC 940 route @km 29.75)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 69 9/8/2009

The erosion doesn’t cross the bridge, it flows to the creek. South of Salter Creek: (sw 25‐15‐4 W5th; .81 mi east Cataract day use area; .4 mi north ne of PC 940 route @km29.75)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 70 9/8/2009

Is this an example of best practices? ( road south of Salter Creek about .6 km, and about 1km east of Cataract day use area. sw 25–15 R4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 71 9/8/2009

Here is an area above the previous clear cut. It is under the supervision of Sustainable Resource Development. Clearly, this site has lost all ecological value, except as a contributor to erosion and flooding. Salter Creek is on far right, Cataract campground lies about 1 km to north west. This area is about 1.4km to the east of 940 and the Cataract day use area. sw 25‐15‐4‐W5th; .46 mi from PC 940 route @km 29.75)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 72 9/8/2009

Slash is not effectively slowing down erosion. (down slope of previous shot, about 1.5km east of Cataract day use area on 940. sw 25‐ 15‐4‐W5th; .46 mi from PC 940 route @km 29.75)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 73 9/8/2009

This site is located in the Savanna Creek development area. The slash gives you an idea of what roll back will look like on the 66 foot pipeline right of way, except the slash will be heavier, and deeper. It is not pleasant to hike or ride through, or for wildlife or cattle to negotiate. (East of 940, south of PC compressor station).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 74 9/8/2009

Did the original vision of Kananaskis Country intend that the principal of multiple use, should supersede the use enjoyment of our outdoors, or that short term economic plays should supersede the foundations of ecological goods and services? The document: ‘A Policy for Resource Management of the Eastern Slopes, 1984’ states that, “The Management of renewable resources is the long term priority in the Eastern Slopes” Thinking Albertans know that after 24 years of rampaging economic development, Alberta is well overdue for a look at its land use policies, especially on the Eastern Slopes.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 75 9/8/2009

People like Ueli Meyer come from Europe, for weeks at a time to enjoy what is left of our natural areas. (looking north, Mt Head upper left, highway 541, Highwood River, and Bull Creek Hills are also in background.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 76 9/8/2009

Calgarians find wonderful hiking opportunities within an hour’s drive of Calgary’s western boundary. (Highwood Pass area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 77 9/8/2009

Low impact activities, with little affect on the resilience and value of natural areas, ensures enjoyment for future generations. Multiple use is not a stewardship centered concept, but a political one. (Chester Lake area 2008).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 78 9/8/2009

Photo by Geoff Porter 2007 (South Porcupine Conservation Association). Geoff works for the conservation of riparian areas, in a program funded by the Willow Creek, Pincher Creek and Ranchland MD’s. Indian Graves area south of Secondary Road 532 epitomizes the lowest common denominator of multiple use. . and politics. (4m from PC sweet gas feeder line and 1.3 mile east of EV route @km 26.58)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 79 9/8/2009

The sign says it all! . Photo by Geoff Porter (South Porcupine Conservation Association).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 80 9/8/2009

These guys look nice enough. But is this good use of land owned by all Albertans? ( Johnson Creek)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 81 9/8/2009

Most trails cross into creeks.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 82 9/8/2009

Its sport to make mud holes, of wet areas. Photo by Geoff Porter (South Porcupine Conservation Association).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 83 9/8/2009

Cumulative impacts & random camping on Willow Creek 2007 . Photo by Geoff Porter (South Porcupine Conservation Association).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 84 9/8/2009

. Photo by Geoff Porter (South Porcupine Conservation Association).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 85 9/8/2009

Last October (2008). (Johnson Creek area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 86 9/8/2009

Departure from a common camping area on Johnson Creek.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 87 9/8/2009

Further west on Johnson Creek.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 88 9/8/2009

South of Johnson Creek and 532. Albertans’ land under the supervision of Sustainable Resource Development.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 89 9/8/2009

Imagine the cost to reclaim these areas or compensate damage to riparian areas and natural fisheries. (Willow Creek south 532).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 90 9/8/2009

How about $1.50 per square foot for Rough fescue plugs or $65,000 an acre. Perhaps if the ATV industry and users paid for the damage on thousands of acres, the shine would come of the industry.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 91 9/8/2009

Even this less damaged trail, approaching Petro‐Canada’s sweet gas line conducts sediment laden water, straight to the creek.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 92 9/8/2009

Newer damage by dirt bikes. On exposed ground, erosion continues.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 93 9/8/2009

Dirt bike damage again. How many decades or centuries will it take to repair land damaged by mechanized recreation?

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 94 9/8/2009

It is no wonder cattlemen are often at odds with government policy. Ranchers’ livelihood depends on preserving public and private capital, while some sectors of the economy liquidate or degrade public capital. How do we reconcile range management initiatives, strategies to care for riparian areas, the years we scattered seed on bare seismograph lines? How does caring for the land, square with government policy that undermines the integrity of our natural areas, and their productive value?

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 95 9/8/2009

Individual ATV dealers get profits from selling machines.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 96 9/8/2009

Albertans present and future, bear the costs.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 97 9/8/2009

Resource profits flow to shareholders who don’t live in the community.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 98 9/8/2009

And treat our resources with contempt. The Coleman Kananaskis trunk road runs parallel to both of these tracks. There is an existing access to the timber harvest area on the right accomplished with a short spur from the trunk road. This new road (Oct 2008) through this grassland bench is a needless and defiant act against stewardship of land. (West of 940, in the Livingstone area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 99 9/8/2009

100

(Rangelands: A Storehouse of Carbon‐ Authors: H Janzen, J. Dormaar, B. Ellert, and D. Henderson; Western Range Science Seminar 2003 proceedings 2003) states‐“The soils in these grasslands contain more carbon per unit area than most other ecosystems worldwide…A soil under grassland in western Canada may contain, to a 1 m depth, up to 200 tons of carbon per hectare in the black soil zone under fescue prairie. For perspective, the carbon underfoot in a good grassland may exceed the amount off carbon in all above ground portions of a temperate forest, even though nearly half the weight of dry plant material is carbon.” (West of 940, in the Livingstone area, October 2008)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 100 9/8/2009

101

Over the years, as a rancher, and as a past member of a public lands advisory committee I have seen a dichotomy, between those who work in the field, and those who work the fields of political expediency and career advancement. I recently asked an SRD employee how anyone could drive by a scene such as this without being outraged. The person said, “The duplicity eats our souls”. Half an hour of negligence with a bulldozer destroys and fragments a grassland bench that represents ten thousand years of development. No amount of mitigation will restore this disturbance to its original value. It is hard to believe this happens under the supervision of Sustainable Resource Development, but this is the reality today. (West of 940, in the Livingstone area)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 101 9/8/2009

102

This area, along a Petro Canada’s pipeline route is restricted under law. (Twin Creek, just to the south of 532, and SW of Hailstone Butte lookout. On existing Petro‐ Canada sweet gas pipeline.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 102 9/8/2009

103

While traffic is reduced, violations still occur. (Petro Canada sweet gas pipeline right of way, just south 532. 532 and Hailstone Butte in background.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 103 9/8/2009

104

Petro Canada marker for sweet gas line. ( road 532 on right, Twin Creek on left, just sw of Hailstone Butte lookout.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 104 9/8/2009

105

Here is a leveled staging area for the many trucks and trailers that bring ATV’s to public lands in Johnson and Willow Creek areas. Tax payers sponsor a sport that consumes nonrenewable resources, and destroys our natural heritage. (Johnson Creek right, #532 in background in proximity to pipeline)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 105 9/8/2009

106

Two trucks are travelling up the existing pipeline right of way that takes natural gas to Savanna Creek operations. Petro‐Canada proposes to re‐contour this pipeline route and restore the rare Hairy Wild Rye/Rough Fescue cover that the route bisects. Fill, must be added from another location, or stripped from the slope. Either option has implications for potentially new impacts, and failure. (532 in background, as it heads northeast from the Hump. Photo SE Teardrop Lake centre of Sec 29, T14, R4 W5th Eden Valley route @km32.25 km approx)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 106 9/8/2009

107

Reclamation does not always proceed as planned. Highway 22 was paved to Lundbreck in the late 1980’s , and this site southeast the Pekisko Creek bridge on Highway 22, still resists restoration. (about 10km south of Longview, highway 22)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 107 9/8/2009

108

IN the foreground, an ATV rut meets the PC pipeline right of way. Two 4 wheel drives ascend the “hump” road, after traversing from the PC pipeline right of way, they will likely go to a random camp in the Livingstone. (east of Tear Drop Lake looking at 532 ascending the ‘Hump’)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 108 9/8/2009

109

If Petro Canada proceeds as planned, the “Hump” will have one more pipeline disturbance. Often there are sheep in this area, and the odd Grizzly bear, (‐and other bears that are not odd). (Tear Drop lake in foreground, Hailstone Butte in the background, Pipeline of route @km32.3)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 109 9/8/2009

110

The proposed reclamation of this line serves the justification for adding a new route, on equally sensitive terrain; two rare Hairy Wild Rye/Rough fescue communities will be bisected with unproven remediation strategies. Lets go have look in the Willow Creek allotment where its proposed, to flow sweet gas north, to brings sour ga south. (looking NE from Tear Drop Lake)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 110 9/8/2009

111

Wendy and Mac, as we head north, just east of the pipeline right of way. Mt Sentinel in the background. (between Iron Creek and Corral Creek about .25mi east of EV route pipeline route km @km24.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 111 9/8/2009

112

Mt. Burke in the background. We are heading north paralleling the pipeline through rolling terrain, grassland interspersed with Aspen, Spruce, Lodge Pole Pine, and riparian areas. (about one mile east of EV route @km km 25.4)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 112 9/8/2009

113

Willow Creek, where the pipeline route intersects the Creek. (ne 24, 15,R4 W5th; EV pipeline route @km km 20.0)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 113 9/8/2009

114

Just north of Willow Creek, a muskeg area. (One of several on the route) (ne 24 & sw 25 T15‐R4 W5th; EV pipeline route @km 19.5 ‐ 19.8)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 114 9/8/2009

115

What will this look like when a 20 metre right of way is created here? As trees are removed, more will blow down. How will Petro‐Canada cope with repair problems in wet summers, or winters when early snowfall limits frost? (ne 24 & sw 25 T15‐R4 W5th; EV pipeline route @km 19.5 ‐ 19.8)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 115 9/8/2009

116

This is a range reference exclosure. In decades past the province could afford to keep up its signage and forest reserve assets. There was pride and commitment evident in the Rangers who lived in the areas they protected. I understand why few are proud now, and sadly, why our provincial balance sheet grows poorer year by year, as we liquidate non renewable resources at record rates, and neglect our regenerative assets. (NE 18‐15‐3‐W5th; approx .6 mi east of EV pipeline route @km 23.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 116 9/8/2009

117

Close to a Wolf marshalling area, the pipeline will carve through the conifer forest ahead. Mt Burke background, Salt Creek enters Pekisko west of timbered ridge (Pekisko D.U. Ne 26‐15‐R4 W5th; looking across flat to EV route @km km 17.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 117 9/8/2009

118

Further south, the pipeline crosses the muskeg just to the west (left of Mac) (ne 26‐15‐R4 W5th; looking across flat to EV route @km 17.5)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 118 9/8/2009

119

A typical scene in the upper Pekisko watershed; open grassland benches surrounded by conifers, with a few Aspens. These grassland benches provide valuable forage, and infiltration of water for delayed release into surrounding water courses. This south edge of this bench is roughly 100m from the pipeline. A plant community reference exclosure has been here for decades. (sw of centre sec 35‐15‐4‐W5th; .2 mi west of EV route @km16.6,)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 119 9/8/2009

120

Mac on the same bench, pipeline right of way in the conifers to the left of his horse. (.2 mi west of EV route @km16.6km, sw of centre sec 35‐15‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 120 9/8/2009

121

Wendy is on a bench west of Pekisko riding south. The pipeline crosses the northern edge, and parallels Pekisko Creek on Wendy’s left. Salt Creek comes in below the bench on the right hand side of the photo. (ne 35‐ 15‐R4 W5th; west approx .15 mi from EV pipeline route @km15.9 km)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 121 9/8/2009

122

Eden Valley is the community in closest proximity to the Sullivan field and the pipeline.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 122 9/8/2009

123

For many decades, and perhaps four generations, Stony Indians were an integral part of the foothills ranching community. Ranching provided income, involvement, and ties to a traditional life.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 123 9/8/2009

124

Since the 1970’s, economic pressures and priorities have led to Eden Valley residents to isolation from the surrounding community and economy. I spoke with one young Stony who welcomed the project if it brought jobs. But few have the skills needed to participate, in this short term opportunity.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 124 9/8/2009

125

Most band members realize they have more liabilities, than opportunities from this project.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 125 9/8/2009

126

Raymond Patterson the famous author who lived in this valley claimed that the famed Dr. George Dawson of the Geologic Survey of Canada (1800’s) described the area “the most beautiful valley he had ever seen”. (R.M. Patterson –David Finch 2000) Consider this well site, abandoned now for at least twenty years, no attempt has been made to restore the damage. The industrial activity has only added to the cumulative degradation of the ‘Eden Valley’. (well site sec 13, T17,R4, W 5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 126 9/8/2009

127

We exploit resources, while impacts stay with communities. We sell resources, and our assets, but fail to invest in building healthy landscapes and communities. (from highway 541, across from Eden Valley reserve).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 127 9/8/2009

128

This is the road into the Sullivan well sites Sect 7, T 17, R4 W5th. Except for this new road, the country ahead, does not look different form the critical wildlife zone I’m standing in.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 128 9/8/2009

129

From this vantage point, this same well site occupies the same landscape as the critical wildlife and watershed area to the west. The project interrupts the continuity of this critical watershed, and wildlife area. (Sullivan 07‐07 –17‐4 W5th at the centre of photo)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 129 9/8/2009

130

Two different trees. The ones in the back consume Carbon dioxide and supply oxygen, while supplying energy flows to the ecosystem. The tree in front degrades the flow of energy to the proximal ecosystem, consumes oxygen, to produce carbon dioxide. The trees in the back reproduce themselves, and when dead return to nurture the land. The tree in the foreground, remains after it has removed resources above and below ground. (sec 7‐17‐ 4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 130 9/8/2009

131

Zero value for watershed, wildlife, recreation, diversity. (sec 7‐17‐ 4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 131 9/8/2009

132

( it is good that this site is hidden). It is Petro Canada’s well hidden second site on the new Sullivan Development road, that runs north from Highway 541. (sec 7‐17‐ 4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 132 9/8/2009

133

As traffic and operations increase, to service and run compressors, the zone of influence expands, as industrial noise, and dust disturbs humans, wildlife, and livestock who use this area. (photo on 532 by Indian Graves. ..heavy trucks like this are related to existing PC operations.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 133 9/8/2009

134

Weed seeds often are carried on the winds and wheels traffic. (sec 29‐16‐4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 134 9/8/2009

135

On the upper well site weeds are taking hold. (Petro Canada Well sec 7‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 135 9/8/2009

136

On the lower site, weeds take hold immediately beside the access road. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) has its origins in Eurasia. It spread so rapidly on the Canadian prairie, that settlers thought it was native. (Men Against the Dessert‐ Jim Gray) Petro‐Canada already has a weed problem on its exiting sites. (sec 7‐17‐4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 136 9/8/2009

137

Traffic is out of place and time with this area. (PC access road sec 7‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 137 9/8/2009

138

These banks on Petro Canada’s road are not reseeded or else not reseeded successfully. Rills betray the erosion that washes from these banks. (Petro–Canada access road sec 7‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 138 9/8/2009

139

Into ditches that will erode and need replenishment after severe storms. (Petro–Canada access road sec 7‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 139 9/8/2009

140

Why would we expect damage on the Pekisko and Willow Creek watershed to be reclaimed, when the same company fails on a much smaller scale north of the Highwood. Actions speak louder than words. Imagine soil disturbance 20m wide for more than 34kms. (Petro–Canada access road sec 7‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 140 9/8/2009

141

The Highwood River in the vicinity of the pipeline underground crossing.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 141 9/8/2009

142

New marker on south side of Highwood. (east of EV route km 3, offset on north boundary 32‐16‐4 W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 142 9/8/2009

143

A typical wet area, just south of the survey marker.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 143 9/8/2009

144

This stake appears to be where the exit area is for the Horizontal Drill Platform. Not only will there be a pipeline here, but a large area occupied to accommodate the HDD operation, piling of cut trees, and storage and staging for other operations. (sec 32‐16‐4‐W5th; EV route @km 3.7 km approx.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 144 9/8/2009

145

Nearby, to the southeast, the pipeline crosses this water course, which is an important source in autumn and years or drought.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 145 9/8/2009

146

The trees in this location may be candidates for harvest and what are the implications for water here?

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 146 9/8/2009

147

This map is a worksheet I compiled in 2001 of water sources in the Miller Distribution Unit. Waypoint 7, refers to the spring where the larger trees are. This is an important area, because water can usually be found here when other sources have dried up. Of course, whenever industrial foot prints occur, and water distribution or characteristics change, we have to wonder about cause and effect relationships. (ne sec 32, 16, 4, W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 147 9/8/2009

148

Normally seismograph bore holes are plugged with bentonite. The plug has failed in this hole drilled by VERITAS in a helli‐portable seismograph operation for Petro Canada. Certainly these projects don’t improve our water supplies. The effects simply remain unknown, and always create an open question, when water quantity or quality changes in surrounding springs. The open hole also poses a hazard to wildlife and livestock. I gave the location co‐ordinates to SRD in 2004, and wonder if follow up has occurred. (WGS 84: N50;23.565 W114;31797)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 148 9/8/2009

149

This view looks west onto the Northern portion of the Miller Creek allotment, where the pipeline heads south east from the Highwood crossing. The house on the south west is Dell Riders, and the road on the right side heads to Chester Daniels. (the pipeline route ‐ a 66 foot clearing that runs diagonally from Highwood Far right, across the shoulder of middle ridge on left.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 149 9/8/2009

150

This is a portion of the old Canadian Pacific Oil and Gas seismograph (1960’s) Line. After forty years, it is quite typical of the old seismograph lines in the area. The pipeline right of way will be new disturbance, four to five times wider than any previous linear disturbance, excepting one well site road, on Miller Creek. When seismograph trails were established in the 1960’s, more country was grassland, and trees were smaller in size. (.2 km ne of EV route @km 4.25 km in ne 32‐16‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 150 9/8/2009

151

The ribbons mark the proposed route.. This is where the route crosses the north–south seismograph line in the SE sec 32. The pipeline in fact, may create more industrial footprint in the Upper Pekisko area, than all the man made trails of the last 120 years. (EV route @km 4.36 mark)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 151 9/8/2009

152

The second water course the pipeline encounters North of the Highwood. The bank is steeper than it appears in the Photograph, and these trees will be removed. (EV route @km4.15)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 152 9/8/2009

153

A wet area just beyond the crossing. (The ribbon shows we’re on route.) (EV route 4.17 approx.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 153 9/8/2009

154

This is on the route but facing away from the ribbons. Pocket gophers reveal a good depth of soil, and a ready made environment for receiving foreign seeds.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 154 9/8/2009

155

Cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) 2 m tall, and Canada reed grass (Calamagrostis canadensis). Productive growth and forage when grazed. (sw 33‐16‐4‐W5th; EV route @km5km)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 155 9/8/2009

156

A 20m right of way, opens up canopy, and provides a number of nuances for existing microclimates. A mixture of disturbance and compaction, open canopy and transitions, await any foreign seeds, brought by a number of possible sources, including seed mixtures for reclamation. While these grasslands have less value for drought tolerance and wintering capacity than rough fescue range, they are a valuable contributor to watershed quality and productive energy flow with managed grazing. (looking southerly from the right of way EV route @km5.4km, approx )

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 156 9/8/2009

157

As the pipeline heads east, it aligns itself with the prevailing wind. Air born seeds can more readily move along the right of way toward the fescue grassland to the east. With high rainfall, any ATV trail in 20m area of disturbance has a high potential for erosion, and invasive species movement. (sw 33‐16‐4‐W5th; EV route @km5.6,)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 157 9/8/2009

158

Ahead to the left, open grassland. Ahead to the right, boggy ground that can be difficult to ride a horse through. (se 33‐16‐4‐W5th; EV route @km5.8)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 158 9/8/2009

159

The pipeline emerges at the south (far) end of this flat. Black soil is exposed by pocket gophers. If Petro‐Canada negotiates access with Eden Valley, equipment and operations will cross this open grassland area. Of course, that scenario has not been included in the potential environmental impacts. If Chester Daniels whos live near here fails to exert influence, traffic from Eden Valley residents may also increase through this grassland as a short cut to the pipeline access. (se 33‐16‐4‐W5th; north of EV route @km5.8)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 159 9/8/2009

160

Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a prolific seeder and opportunist, that also can find a home on disturbed ground. Timothy at least has forage value. Many invasive weed species have no forage value. Timothy grass was introduced into the Bear Creek area possibly in the 1880’s. The Farrel brothers built a cabin on Farrell Creek, where it empties into Bear Creek . George Baker and Billy McDougal had cabins on Baker Creek (and another cabin on what became the Burke quarter). Horse feed was likely brought into support the small lumber mill on Bear Creek west of the pipeline right of way. There is a tremendous difference in value between a Timothy dominated grassland, and a fescue range. While Timothy captures huge amounts of solar energy, that energy is only useful for small time frames in the year, and dwindles in early summer droughts. Ungrazed, it represents a huge fuel load, which if ignited in a severe fire hazard, would have considerable consequences to the watershed and resultant flooding for towns like High River. (sec 15‐16‐4‐W5th; proximity to EV route @km11.2,)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 160 9/8/2009

161

The native grasses, have deep root systems and provide energy in droughts and in winter periods. The native grasses evolved with fire, and provide resilience in the watershed. (ne 5‐17‐3 w5th; 6 mi east north east of EV route @km6.5, on edge of emergency zone)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 161 9/8/2009

162

North of Bear Creek, this bog extends for perhaps 120m. As usual I rode around it. The line actually crosses many boggy areas, which not only complicate pipeline construction, but access along the route. The new right of way will be four times wider than in this shot. All trees arey fort years older than when the line was made. These lines have provided easy movement for packing salt with pack horses to manage cattle distribution. Now roll back will impede efficient movement for those on foot or on horse back. (sec 15‐16‐4‐W5th; approx EV route @km11)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 162 9/8/2009

163

I am standing on the pipeline route, looking east. Perhaps this is what some one called a man made impoundment near Bear Creek. Actually, this is natural. Around me are small water courses and springs, that the pipeline crosses just North of Bear Creek. On the South side of Bear Creek it will encounter more bogs, that are challenging for a horse in wet years. (EV route @km11.25 approx, looking east)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 163 9/8/2009

164

There is a more rational way of moving gas south to Savanna creek, if there is any rationale for developing Sullivan in the first place. (entrance on #541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 164 9/8/2009

165

Petro‐Canada proposed an alternative route on the south side of the Highwood River, across the valley in this photo. (taken in sec 6‐ 17‐4‐ W5th, looking south west across Highwood Valley).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 165 9/8/2009

166

The proposed alternative route would pass by the Stony Sundance area near Zephyr Creek. (site north of 940 route @km 6.7)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 166 9/8/2009

167

The current 940 alternative plan, would place a Horizontal drilling operation above Cataract Creek, and bore through the ridge pictured above, ‐Mt. Mann. (on Cataract Creek east of Mt Mann).

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 167 9/8/2009

Photo Album

168

This the simulation of the view of the pipeline on the north side of Highway 541 just before it crosses into the Adderson ranch land south of the Highway. (se 5‐17‐4‐W5th)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 168 9/8/2009

Photo Album

169

A view point looking south. But how would this 20m cut appear from other vantage points, the HDD area, and the staging areas. (depiction from #541, east of Kananaskis Country entrance, looking south)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 169 9/8/2009

170

For anyone prepared to get out of the car, and experience the area, the 20 m right of way will be glaringly apparent and incongruous with the surrounding area. (Look at the straight portion of the Highwood River in the centre of the picture. The 20m clearing will meander 2.5 km in a line and a direction similar to that straight portion of the River. (photo point nw of Kananaskis Country entrance on 541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 170 9/8/2009

171

Dr. Olson suggested that this route had too much “visual integrity” for a pipeline right of way to be constructed. If the route went along the road, Petro‐Canada wouldn’t need 14 bull dozers to clear a 20m right of way. If the route paralleled the highway, couldn’t the job be restricted to a trench dug by backhoes or machines with similar footprints? (Kananaskis Country entrance on 541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 171 9/8/2009

172

Vegetation is modified along the route already. (estimated .8km west of K.C. entrance on 541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 172 9/8/2009

173

Sometimes the ground has been disturbed far up the slope. (looking north east from 541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 173 9/8/2009

174

Another large area of disturbance caused by the original highway construction. (#541, heading west –this extensive disturbance inside the critical wildlife zone, vegetation and surface already modified to base of trees in the background.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 174 9/8/2009

175

The upper reach for material graded from road construction. There are many of these survey stakes along the Highway. (looking east on to #541.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 175 9/8/2009

176

A Restriction, but passable for a backhoe. (west KC entrance on 541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 176 9/8/2009

177

One of the most narrow constrictions. Still constructable with a back hoe. (approaching Eyrie gap, Zephyr Creek valley in background to south east.)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 177 9/8/2009

178

Further west, in the vicinity of Eyrie Gap. Eyrie is term used for the nest a birds that live high up in the mountains, especially birds of prey like eagles. (Gunnery Creek and Gunnery Mountain in back ground. On #541)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 178 9/8/2009

179

Fir Creek, Gunnery Creek, and Stony Creek are the only significant water courses that cross Highway 541. Unlike many creeks in the Pekisko watershed, they are not likely of high value for fisheries, and they have already been modified near the road.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 179 9/8/2009

180

Looking east of the Gunnery Grade, at a rocky slope. The attractant for Bighorn Sheep at this location is the salt on the road. A pipeline would represent a much smaller disturbance than the construction of the original Gunnery grade, or the present day Highway.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 180 9/8/2009

181

A clear view of the old Gunnery Grade (on the original road), and a vehicle from University of Calgary. The researchers told me, that the only real habitat value of this location on the highway is for the Bighorn sheep to lick road salt.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 181 9/8/2009

182

Several Ewes carry GPS units, so that University of Calgary researchers can monitor their movements. Meet ewe number 8. The researcher I talked has not observed the sheep using this as a crossing area.

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 182 9/8/2009

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Sheep come to road for a salt ‘fix’.

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Then return to their upland habitat.

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No real danger of rock fall here.

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And minimal chance of rock fall here.

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An old mining road winds its way up the Ridge above Stony Creek along Junction Hill, but like Pekisko, this area plays a critical role for wildlife. (photo on 541, retired Highwood Ranger station in foreground)

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Still ample area to excavate. This highway is closed at Highwood House from December 1rst to June 15th every year. It is also closed to traffic south of Cataract Creek from December 1rst to April 30th each year. This means that there simply isn’t a heavy traffic flow in this area, between December 1, and June 15th.

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Beside the boarded up Highwood Ranger Station, a feral dog searches for road kill left at this forestry dumping ground. The dump is euphemistically identified on a Trail map as the Highwood Compound Recreational Area. Perhaps this is a suitable area near the Highway for an Emergency Shutdown Station, or a Horizontal drill staging area.

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Two dogs take leave.

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Part of the critical wildlife zone, is a rather large dump area. We are facing the west side of Mount Mann, the ridge that Petro‐Canada proposed to drill through, on the alternative 940 route.

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Another view.

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Yes this area is quite big. Probably larger than two football fields.

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Just past the fence is Highway 541. The large area here, easily accessible from the Highway, could be a logical horizontal drilling site to drill underneath the Highway and the Highwood River, and it seems a very good location to easily monitor and service an Emergency Shut Down station. (SRD’s dump on the Highwood; ‐ The Highwood Compound Recreation Area)

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Approaches from the highway are already built.

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Another approach, with a locked gate.

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From Highwood House to Cataract Creek , there are long stretches of clearings paralleling the road. As you look over the vehicle you can see extensive clear cutting south of Cataract Creek.

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South of Cataract Creek, volunteer tree growth quickly terminates at the logged perimeter. I am standing on a very stable ATV trail that heads west from the Cataract day use area. (photo approx. @km26 of PC’s proposed 940 route. Looking south)

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We are looking north. We can see the road from Highwood House descending to Cataract Creek. The climb out of Cataract is easy, except for negotiating areas of slash. No more than 250m elevation in 1.6 km. (estimate). I have followed clear cut the whole way from Cataract Creek. Pipeline construction andn reclamatio would actually improve most of the area it crosses on these clear cuts. (sec 15 ‐15‐R5 W5th; photo point due south of 940 route @km26.5kms, lies West of 940, and about 2 mi west of PC 940 route at 32km mark.)

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Now we are looking south. The road in the background is heading for the Wilkinson summit, and the Petro‐Canada facilities. Again the Petro‐Canada line can be built within clear cut for several miles, on the west side of Wilkinson Creek.

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Looking north to Cataract Creek. This area could use some reclamation. Centered in the gap of the trees, is #940 descending towards Cataract Creek. (estimated north edge sec 10‐ 15‐5 W5th; estimate 3km due south of Cataract Creek.)

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The pipeline will be obsolete, long before trees are ready to harvest.

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There is less diversity in this area than Pekisko, and the level of disturbance is prominent. East and west of 940. (road and clearing in area west of 940)

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There is widespread disturbance, and in some cases industrial devastation. This area cannot be truthfully be depicted as more sensitive, or pristine than the Pekisko watershed. (looking west from 940 across Wilkinson Creek.)

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Petro Canada has created one alternative route, and an alternate route could be made between the Petro‐Canada Facilities, and the clear cut valley to the west of the Wilkinson summit, either option being much more sensible than crossing the Pekisko watershed. (PC facility on 940 south edge of Plateau Mountain ecological reserve)

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In April of 2003, with support from neighbors, I wrote Premier Klein, and several Cabinet Ministers with the request for government to facilitate a regional land use plan between Longview and the Oldman River west of Highway 22. Our local MLA Don Tannas, and Ron Davis‐ then Reeve of the MD of Ranchlands ‐ indicated by letter they would support the proposal. Lorne Taylor then Minister of Environment and Shirley McClellan the Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture indicated that work was underway for a Southern Alberta Sustainable Strategy. Mike Cardinal, Minister of Alberta Sustainable Development called my comments insightful, and suggested that the Southern Alberta Sustainable Strategy was being developed to address the planning deficit. Premier Klein wrote a cordial response that he was taking the Liberty of having his Minister of Energy Murray Smith, respond. Murray Smith thanked me for my ‘sentiments’, and concluded “I have the fullest confidence that the Board (AEUB) will continue to make reasoned decisions in the public interest.” In the last five years the awareness has grown of the need to plan and protect the southeastern slopes. When Dr. Tilleman presided over the transition for the AEUB to the ERCB, he recommended, I believe, that the board should be cognizant of cumulative impacts, and more receptive to community concerns. It has been five and a half years since we first put a proposal before senior leadership of government. The Pekisko Group has consistently called for a time out on industrial development between the Highwood and Oldman River, west to the mountain watershed. Poll data suggest that 75% of Albertans want more protection for the Eastern Slopes. It simply the right and rational thing to do.

(looking west from Lynnie’s Hill west of highway 22)

Gordon Cartwright ‐ Pekisko Group 206 When the government leadership, has been unable to meet the stewardship needs of the province, your panel, Mr. Chairman is a last safeguard for the public interest. A few years ago, the board shut in the gas of Paramount Resources to protect , bitumen resources. Gas is a generic energy resource. It can be found in many places, and if there is 125 bcf of producible gas in the Sullivan reserve, and if we could take all that gas now, it represents 9 days of current gas production in Alberta. (It takes energy to build a line, maintain and transport production, so the true benefit is more like seven days of provincial energy production). Energy’s value is the capacity to do work. The Eastern Slopes, involve huge transfers of solar energy, that have served for millennia, and may continue for millennia if the landscape and adapted processes remain in intact. Solar power drives the provision of water, the creation of wildlife diversity, and superbly adapted communities that have with stood the extremes of climatic, drought, and fire cycles. All this, and remarkable beauty. The ranching community who lives here has been proactive in trying to safeguard the future of the area. Members of the Pekisko Group were involved in establishing the Southern Alberta Land Trust, and the Southern Foothills Study. We have carried the message to the leadership of the province, and a number of diverse venues. And the public is becoming aware.

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I am, proud of my community, and the leadership of so many individuals who are speaking up for future generations. We will not proceed on an avenue of conflict, but with indefatigable resolve to see the Eastern Slopes and our regenerative resources, our landscapes and communities, upheld for those who inherit the world we leave them.

(over looking Hay Creek. 1.5 mi east of EV route @km km19.. Mac Blades in foreground, heads up the Pekisko Group.)

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A Presentation

of the

Pekisko Group

Created by

Gordon Cartwright

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Visit www.pekisko.ca Gordon (with Wendy) continues to ranch on the Pekisko watershed, but relinquished his Pekisko Forest Reserve grazing allotments to another ranch operation, at the conclusion of 2004. Gordon is a conservation easement donor, and a member of the founding board of the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society. He has espent mor than thirty two years focused on resource management and regenerative agriculture as a rancher. Gordon and Wendy’s recreation includes photography, hiking, and back country skiing in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. This presentation was created to help preserve the irreplaceable value of the South Eastern slopes of Alberta, and to create awareness for the need to grow our expertise, while addressing the stewardship deficit of the Alberta Government. Grant MacEwan, a stalwart Albertan, would expect us to speak up for the lands entrusted to our care. This presentation may be copied and distributed, provided it is used to advance awareness and stewardship. Pictures may not be distributed for commercial, or private remuneration without the permission of Gordon Cartwright. Fax 403 395 2162, Ph 403 395 2162.

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