Section 6 Page 94
6 WHAT IS HAPPENING OUTSIDE OF LACOMBE COUNTY?
6.1 FLORA AND FAUNA STUDIES 6.1.1 MUNICIPAL
RED DEER COUNTY ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS INVENTORY In 1990 Sweetgrass Consulting Ltd prepared a report titled Environmentally Significant Areas of the County of Red Deer. This report identified 26 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) as being either regionally or provincially significant. This document presented an inventory but did not provide any policy direction. In 2003, the County initiated the Reeve’s Task Force on Land Use Planning and Sustainable Agriculture as a means of responding to development pressures on agricultural land (Golder). One key component of the plan was the design and implementation of an updated ESA inventory in 2009-10. This inventory has recently been completed and will now be used to assist the County in developing polices and conservation tools that will protect ESAs.
6.1.2 PROVINCIAL Independently from the studies noted above, in 1997 and then again in 2009, two province-wide studies were done by Sweetgrass Consulting, identifying Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) throughout Alberta.
6.1.2.1 ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT WORKING WELL The Working Well program helps landowners properly care for the health and longevity of their wells. This program includes workshops, fact sheets, information sharing and an exhibit. The program focuses on helping landowners understand how groundwater works and how to properly operate and maintain their wells. 6.1.2.2 ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Section 6 Page 95
6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS 6.2.1 MUNICIPAL 6.2.1.1 RED DEER COUNTY – OFF THE CREEK PROGRAM The Off the Creek Program provides a variety of tools to assist community members to beneficially manage water bodies, riparian areas, shallow ground water and native range. The County, in partnership with the Alberta Conservation Association, provides funding grants to help farmers pay for projects such as off-stream watering systems, fencing, manure management, and septic system improvements. The program has had marked success, reaching 52 landowners, supporting 70 projects and decreasing impacts on approximately 1,000 acres of riparian vegetation.
6.2.1.2 INCENTIVE PROGRAMS LOW FLOW TOILET Climate Change Central partnered with a number of local municipalities to provide rebates of up to $100 to any resident who purchased a low flush/dual flush toilet. Partners included Red Deer County, City of Spruce Grove, the City of Leduc, Strathcona County, the Town of Stony Plain and Lac La Biche County.
SUBSIDIZED COMPOST BIN AND RAIN BARRELS Red Deer County began the practice of subsidizing compost bins and rain barrels to reduce the waste to landfill and water requirements from well or mains water sources. The County purchased bins and barrels in bulk and then resold them to the public for a reduced cost. Rain barrels were purchased for $120 each and resold for $63. Compost bins were purchased for $100 and resold for $50. 200 items were sold in 2009, the first year of the program, and 100 items were sold in the second year (2010) of the program. Section 6 Page 96
NO COST BARBED WIRE DISPOSAL Red Deer County recycles barbed wire year round at one of their Waste Transfer Stations. Between May 1st and September 30th, they will accept the first 50 tonnes of barbed wire at no cost. After the first 50 tonnes, and during the remainder of the year, there is a cost for disposal.
6.2.1.3 DEMONSTRATION TOOLS Clearwater County provides a number of pieces of equipment to the community for a nominal fee to assist in introducing technologies into the community that may reduce environmental impacts. Examples include: ' ) ) providing well reports (if available) and information on the mixing instructions. ' ) direct seeding. #
6.2.1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL FAIRS AND TALKS Clearwater County has two programs currently running. The first program has been in place for the past 12 years, and is called “Cows, Creeks and Communities.” A more recent addition to the County’s portfolio is the “Celebrating” event which focuses on promoting the concept of Landcare, through networking, sharing ideas and celebrating the success of various organisations in Central Alberta. This program has been running for two years.
6.2.2 PROVINCIAL 6.2.2.1 ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CLEARWATER AREA – STOCKED FISHERY PROGRAM The program is run through Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) as a Provincial Government initiative. This program focuses on taking an aquatic habitat that, under current conditions does not support fish stocks, to a system that does. The project has increased the popularity of fishing on these water bodies on weekdays and weekends. There has been an increase in the number of trout 50 cm and larger being caught. The project gathers information by talking to anglers about the size and frequency of their harvests. Future work will continue with adjusting stocking and harvest rates to maintain healthy populations of trout, ensure the integrity of fish stocks and pond habitat, and support recreational use. Section 6 Page 97
6.3 PRIVATE AND NGO 6.3.1 COWS AND FISH This program began in 1998 from the vision of Lorne Fitch, a fisheries biologist, and Barry Adams, a range land agrologist, who wanted to see Alberta beef producers and trout fisherman work together to manage land uses and fishing habitat. The program’s main goal is increasing awareness of riparian health issues among community members and municipalities. Cows and Fish helps to develop demonstration sites, conducts monitoring programs on riparian health and runs workshops on understanding the basics of riparian health assessment and management. This project has also produced a number of educational videos called “digital stories” that relay messages from local producers and community members