Preserving Our Lifeline

working together to nurture, renew and protect the waters of the basin

Follow us @BowRiverWPAC www.brbc.ab.ca Volume 14 | Issue 4 December 2014 Bow River Water Quality Monitoring It’s Happening on Your River (Part 2 of 2) Cecilia Chung, Water Quality Specialist Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Environment in a number of other monitoring may subsequently impact surface initiatives in the Bow River Basin. water quality in the streams through and Sustainable Resource Many of these projects are in support nutrient, bacterial and pesticide Development (ESRD) has of Watershed Planning and Advisory inputs. Information gathered from been providing province- Councils (WPACs), providing important this monitoring will help not only to monitoring data to guide planning refine our models by providing more wide water quality and decision making. The 2014-2015 accurate estimations of tributary monitoring in Alberta monitoring season included additional inputs into the Bow River, but also to monitoring in the Sheep River, observe the degree of land-use impact since its inception in the Highwood River and lower tributaries on surface water quality. 1970s. This 2-part series of the Bow River. introduces the current Continued on page 2 water quality monitoring In the past year, there substantial progress has been made on the program in the Bow modelling of the Bow River. A River Basin. Part 1 (in the significant portion of this work was IN THIS done in support of the Bow River September 2014 issue) Phosphorus Management Plan, which Issue discussed long-term, was published in April 2014. The need annual projects; here, Part for more data to guide phosphorus 1 Bow River Water Quality management has spurred additional Monitoring, Part 2 2 presents a few other monitoring in the lower tributaries 3 Riparian Protection: A Nose shorter-termed projects of the Bow River, with a focus on Creek Sub-Basin Tour Crowfoot Creek, and East and West 4 The Ramsar Convention and ongoing studies. Arrowwood creeks. Crowfoot Creek 5 The Pace of Change is the main tributary to the Bow River In addition to long-term, annual within the Crowfoot Creek sub-basin; 7 Partner Event: MD of Bighorn projects such as long-term river the Arrowwood creeks also contribute 8 AGENDA: BRBC December network monitoring, macrophyte substantial flows, particularly from Education & Networking sampling and lakes and reservoirs March to April. This area experiences Forum monitoring, ESRD is also involved intense agricultural activity, which

1 “Surface waters in our provinces are a valuable resource and require Page 2 careful management...”

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Threepoint Creek flows into the performed in Frank Lake in September stream water samples. While the field Sheep River, which then flows into the 2014, in support of existing modelling portion is completed, work continues Highwood River. As the Highwood work and management of the lake. on the organization and evaluation of River is a major tributary of the Bow The objective of the dye study was the collected data. Results from the River, monitoring all three streams to improve understanding of basin 2014 Basin helps us to evaluate the health circulation, such that we are able to Synoptic Study will be reported in the of each stream as well as what is better evaluate the performance and upcoming year. entering the Bow River at the mouth effectiveness of the lake. Results will of the Highwood. In the wake of the be made available in early 2015. Surface waters in our province 2013 southern Alberta flood, there are a valuable resource and require is increasing work on flood-related ESRD also undertook a major project careful management, especially in a projects around the Bow River Basin, in mid-August 2014: a synoptic basin such as the Bow, where there especially around the Highwood and survey for the Alberta portion of the is substantial urban development Bow rivers. Amassing this monitoring South Saskatchewan River Basin. in addition to agricultural land use. data will help to provide baseline The survey aimed to identify point Monitoring is an integral step in our information for upcoming projects source loadings (with tributaries understanding of Alberta surface and better evaluate associated also acting as point sources) at low waters, in order that appropriate implications for water quality. flow conditions, and comprised decisions can be made regarding the tracking a parcel of water from the use of these systems. Any information To lessen anthropogenic pressure headwaters of the Red Deer, the Bow gathered from surface water quality on the Highwood River, the Town of and the Oldman rivers as it travels monitoring is freely available to the and Cargill Ltd. discharge downstream and joins into the South public, and can be found at http:// their treated effluent into Frank Lake Saskatchewan River. The Alberta esrd.alberta.ca/water/reports-data/ rather than into the Highwood River. Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation surface-water-quality-data/default. Frank Lake is a restored and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) team aspx. managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada, sampled at 130 sites over two weeks, located east of High River. Although around the clock, following a strict For more information, contact not situated in the Bow River Basin, sampling schedule dictated by time- Cecilia Chung (Limnologist, ESRD) at the use of Frank Lake decreases the of-travel calculations. Wastewater [email protected] or Wendell amount of tributary input into the treatment plants in the basin assisted Koning (Limnologist, ESRD) at wendell. Bow River, helping to maintain the in procuring effluent samples, which [email protected]. health of the Bow. A dye study was provides important context for our in-

West Arrowwood Creek in the Crowfoot Creek sub-basin; photos taken monthly from March to June , 2014. Photo: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Page 3 Riparian Protection: A Nose Creek Sub-Basin Tour Sierra Matis, 2014 Summer Student Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

Growing up, I have development, has changed the remove gravel and other sediments driven past the Bow River landscape. Riparian areas have been and reduce the amount of phosphorus affected. Evidence of this can be seen from entering the river system. countless times with my through an assessment conducted family on our way to the by the Alberta Riparian Habitat Next, we headed over to Cross Iron mountains for summers Management Society in 2003, where Mills shopping mall, located along multiple areas along the Bow River Highway 2. With the development filled with outdoor were examined. Results showed that around this transportation adventures... despite many riparian areas receiving corridor, increased traffic and the a healthy rating, 48% of riparian areas channelization of Nose Creek, riparian assessed were considered healthy but areas have been significantly affected. Through these trips, I experienced with problems. the river from a recreational Currently, steps are being taken standpoint. This year however, my to ensure areas of environmental work as a summer student with On our first stop of the tour, we significance are being considered in Alberta Environment and Sustainable observed a stormwater collection municipal and other development Resource Development has pond located in Rockyview County. significantly altered my perspective on These collection ponds, constructed by the City of , have a specific the Bow River and its tributaries. As I Continued on page 4 took a drive with Rockyview County’s function. The grit separators work to agricultural field man, Tim Dietzler, around the Nose Creek sub-basin, I was able to see what challenges the basin has faced over the years and the current steps being taken to overcome some of these challenges. With the development and implementation of the Nose Creek Watershed water Management Plan, and implementation of other partnership initiatives, we are able to see progress in maintaining and protecting riparian areas.

Riparian areas are transitional zones located between terrestrial and aquatic environments. These areas act as natural water filters, provide habitat for a range of species and help to prevent erosion. Population growth around the Bow River, along with subsidiary and agricultural Implementation of setbacks along Nose Creek. Photo: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Page 4 Page 4

Continued from page 3 plans. For example, Cross Iron Mills development practices. The building The Ramsar Convention and Mall agreed to work with the Nose of storm watercollection ponds and Creek Watershed Partnership by the use of setbacks show what’s being World Day 2015 constructing stormwater collection done to help maintain and improve ponds. these riparian areas. My tour with Tim The Convention on Wetlands of gave me a new perspective on the International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is the After touring around the mall, we challenges we face as development in intergovernmental treaty that provides pulled into a side road to observe this watershed continues. As seen in the framework for the conservation what subdivision planners have the Nose Creek sub-basin, cooperation and wise use of wetlands and their done to help protect riparian areas. and commitment have made a resources. Nose Creek in this particular area is difference and the environment is no still in a healthy pristine condition, longer being seen as a mere hurdle to Ramsar is the oldest of the untouched by the effects of be overcome by developers. modern global intergovernmental channelization. Houses have been environmental agreements. The set back far enough from grasslands Convention was adopted in the Iranian and invasive weeds are also being Sierra Matis is a second year student city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into managed through regular lawn at Carleton University in Ottawa with a force in 1975. Since then, almost 90% maintenance. background in policy, political science and international studies. She joined the ESRD of United Nations member states, from team during the summer of 2014 through all the world’s geographic regions, The channelization of Nose Creek the Government of Alberta’s summer student have acceded to become “Contracting that can be seen along Highway 2, program. If you would like more information Parties.” located near a carefully planned on this program, please check the website subdivision with storm water out at https://www.jobs.alberta.ca/students/ Canada became a member of collection ponds, provides a striking student_opps.html. Ramsar in 1981 and has 37 Ramsar contrast between past and present sites. In Alberta, Ramsar sites include Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Park, Heritage Rangeland, Peace-Athabasca Delta (Wood Buffalo National Park) and Whooping Crane Summer Range (Wood Buffalo National Park).

Each year, on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is held. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention in 1971. Since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat has provided materials to help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. To access materials for World Wetlands Day 2015, visit http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/en/ documents. To learn more about the Ramsar Convention, visit: http://www.ramsar.org/about-the- ramsar-convention.

Stormwater collection pond in the Nose Creek sub-basin Photo: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Page 5 The Pace of Change Claudette Lacombe Umbel Communications

In September I took Aquality Environmental’s Wetland Course, which was two days in Calgary and one field day at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. It gave me the perfect opportunity to go catch up with change in the industry...

What drew me to the course was the opportunity to find out from an expert what the heck happened to the wetland policy I thought was View of the Bow Valley. Photo: C. Lacombe imminent in Alberta ages ago. I’m not typically an impatient woman, farmland abuts farmland that abuts Why did male/female ratio strike me? but I started to think I made it up in cities of 10 million. I found myself Because it represents a major change my head. longing for the unspoiled forests in the environment. of Canada and wishing I could step It turns out no, it’s just that the pace into the Bow River in that hot, humid I started working with non-profit of environmental protection policy climate. The rivers I did see were not water management organizations in change in our world equals the rate something you’d want touching your 1994. At conferences and meetings, I of glacier growth/retreat (depends on skin. looked around the room for another which side of the fence you lean on). woman. Irrigation conferences in There is a wetland policy coming… These travels make me painfully Lethbridge had one working woman coming… aware that it is possible to push that attended. She was a real pioneer wilderness completely out of our lives who started out as a receptionist and I struggle with this pace of change and off our landscapes. That worries stuck with it until she just about ran an particularly after travelling to far me greatly and makes me anxious that irrigation district. For a long time, we away places where population and we change so slowly on these issues. sat among a sea of men. To this day history have taken their toll and when my old cronies and I gather over wilderness no longer exists except How slowly? When I looked around lunch or coffee, we talk about how in very small patches. Places where the room at the wetland course happy we are that women joined the elephants are sacred but extirpated participants, two things struck me. industry crowds as active members and now only live in sanctuaries and First, I very much felt like grandma rather than wives at the banquet. zoos. auditing a class at university. Second, the women outnumbered the men in While in Southeast Asia, I travelled the room. across countryside for hours where Continued on page 6 “It’s one thing to talk about watershed protection ... it’s another truth Page 6 entirely to get out and see the change on the landscape.”

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that protect our natural resources. I believe the Americas have some of the last, large natural areas in the world. I know that without doubt. The infamous “They” apparently say that you protect what you love. I’ve come to appreciate that we protect what we know needs protection. Taking part in the field day allowed me to watch a bunch of people who still have decades ahead of them in their careers get all excited identifying Field day instructors (left to right): Kathy and Clare Tannas; Jay and Daynika White. plants in the field. Photo: C. Lacombe We walked into an ephemeral wetland dried and dormant So it struck me that, while the course change that didn’t take so long after for the year and found green things participants were not necessarily all. still living in the moist soils. representative of the entire industry, women have become a voice at the It was a perfect day to be at Glenbow The change in plants defined the table. So what, you say? I’m a believer Ranch Provincial Park. If you haven’t circle that fills with water each spring in balance. What I saw in that room visited this park off Hwy 1A, I highly and it’s fascinating to walk through a was proof of balance coming to recommend you do. Particularly if, like wetland without getting wet. Unlike environmental professions. me, your job has you working behind the next wetland where the ducks a desk. watched us warily and brave students I know some incredible women who ventured into the mucky water at the have brought unique perspectives It’s one thing to talk about edge to explore permanent wetland to water management debates for watershed protection, riparian health, plants. decades now, but I would hazard that wetland conservation and healthy every one over 50 is a pioneer. What aquatic ecosystems in the offices and The point for this desk jockey was I saw that day was the next wave of boardrooms around our province; it’s to experience change on a visceral women breaking into every aspect of another truth entirely to get out and level. To see that no matter what the environmental management. see the change on the landscape. frustrations may be on the seemingly long road to action, the landscape I talked about this with a few When did northwest Calgary extend is out there counting on us to bring women in the course. I am an actual itself that extra chunk? How long has all our voices to the table. The way grandmother now and to hear young, Cochrane taken up that much of the forward needs our knowledge and well-educated women say they feel river valley? It never ceases to amaze conviction that we love our landscape. equal in the workplace encourages me how small incremental change Through the coming changes, we will me very much. That day, two couples suddenly coalesces in the mind’s eye keep calling for its protection even if it working as equals led our learning in one day. This landscape change feels takes our entire career. the field. Somehow, that feels like a like it’s moving faster than the policies Page 7

LIVING IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT February 6th, 2015 The Land Supports Us All Presented by the MD of Bighorn, the Bow River Basin Council and Partners Cochrane RancheHouse 5:00 - 9:00 pm (doors open at 4:00) Tickets: $35 (includes dinner; cash bar) The Bow River Basin Council is pleased to 4:00 Doors Open support its partnership with the MD of Bighorn and 5:00 The Flood, Land Uses and Landscapes of the Upper Bow River Basin: Causes, Consequences and Risk Mitigation co-sponsor this important Presenter: Dr. Brad Stelfox, Adjunct Professor and timely event. (U of A and U of C) The recently completed Phase 3 of the Upper Bow River Basin Cumulative Effects Study provides a unique glimpse into the history Enjoy an evening of lively and future of the landuses that define this basin. The 2013 flood was a blunt reminder of both the magnitude and frequency of natural discussion and dinner! events. Incorporating the best available data and knowledge of future land use trajectories, Brad will explain how the difficult conversation of land use has just begun. Save the date and get your tickets now... 6:00 Special Presentation by the BRBC

6:30 Dinner and Cash Bar

7:30 Biology and Conservation of Alberta Bats Presenter: Cory Olson, Wildlife Ecologist (Tannas Conservaton Services) and Grassland Ecologist (Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation) As the second most diverse group of mammal, bats are a critical component of Alberta’s biodiversity. The benefits to humans alone are estimated at several billion dollars’ worth of ecological services. In this talk, Cory will provide an overview of the amazing diversity of bats found in the province and throughout the world, and discuss why bats are a critical component of the ecosystem and economy.

4:00 - 7:30 Visit the Trade Show in the Hall of Vision

For more details visit: http://www.mdbighorn.ca Phone: (403) 233 - 7678 or (403) 673 - 3611 December 10th 9:30 - 15:30 BRBC Quarterly Educational and Networking Forum

Heritage Inn Contact Information Page 8 1104 11th Ave SE, High River

Presentations Mark Bennett 2015 Celebrations Executive Director Sandi Riemersma (403) 268-4596 As you say goodbye to 2014, Nose Creek Partnership [email protected] pencil these 2015 events into Marina Krainer Mike Murray your calendar: Ghost Watershed Alliance Society Program Manager (403) 268-4597 [email protected] February 2: World Wetlands Day Kirk Davis Foothills Land Trust Medini Prasai March 22: World Water Day Katie Pearson Fund Development & Member Services Friends of Fish Creek (403) 268-6447 [email protected] April 22: Earth Day Megan Van Ham, WaterSMART Andrea Czarnecki Publications Editor June 5: World Environment Day [email protected] Mark Svenson Alberta Transportation August 9: International Day of the Mailing Address: World’s Indigenous People Bow River Basin Council Manchester Building M For details and to register, visit: Mail Code #414 September 27: World Rivers Day https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/brbc-december- P.O. Box 2100 Station M forum-tickets-14173716969 Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M5

The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BRBC.

... the next BRBC newsletter will be released in March If you would like to submit an article, please contact Andrea Czarnecki at [email protected] Kananaskis Country Photo: A. Czarnecki