The Board of Directors of the Eastern Irrigation District sponsors the Water and Ag Tours to assist educators and students in developing an understanding of the importance of water management in and specifically to the south east Alberta region serviced by the district.

Eastern Irrigation District Phone (403) 362-1400 P.O. Bag 8 Fax (403) 362-6206 550 Industrial Road URL: http://www.eid.ab.ca Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B2 Email: [email protected] Units of Measurement, Conversion and Abbreviations

Note: All of the units of measurement in this pamphlet are shown in Imperial Units. A listing of abbreviations for measurement units is provided. To convert from Imperial Units to SI Metric Units the following conversion factors may be used:

1 acre = 0.40469 hectare 1 hectare = 2.47104 acre 1 acre = 43,560.00 square feet 1 acre = 0.00156 square miles 1 square mile = 640 acres 1 square mile = 2.58999 square kilometres 1 foot = 0.3048 metres 1 metre = 3.28084 feet 1 pound = 0.45359 kilograms 1 kilogram = 2.20462 pounds 1 cubic foot = 6.22884 imperial gallons 1 cubic foot = 28.31685 litres 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 cubic metres 1 cubic metre = 35.31467 cubic feet 1 acre foot = 43,560.00 cubic feet 1 acre foot = 1233.48184 cubic metres 1 acre foot = 1.23348 cubic decametres acre = ac hectare = ha square feet = ft2 square miles = mi2 miles = mi foot/feet = ft metre = m pound = lb square kilometres = km2 kilometres = km acre feet = acft cubic decametres = dam3

On-Line Unit Conversion Site: http://www.omnis.demon.co.uk/ Eastern Irrigation District Profile

In 1903 the Dominion Government of approved a 3 million acre land grant to the Company Ltd. [CPR] as the final compensation package for the construction of the transcontinental railway. The CPR soon began construction of Canada's most ambitious agricultural project, with the intent of bringing irrigation to the semi-arid western region between and [an area referred to as part of the Palliser Triangle].

Construction of the Bassano Dam commenced in 1910. Twenty years of irrigation convinced the area's irrigators and ranchers of the long term value of irrigation water to the region. An irrigators group was formed and in 1935 Bassano Dam During Construction negotiations culminated in the administrative transfer of the Eastern Division of the CPR Irrigation Project to the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Irrigation District [EID].

The borders of the area served by the Eastern Irrigation District encompass approximately 1.5 million acres [2,500 square miles]. These lands are located between the Red Deer and . Without the diversion of The EID’s diversion is located just south and west of water from the river, Bassano on the Bow River there would be virtually no naturally standing water in the entire region.

The EID's main office is located in the City of Brooks, some 130 miles southeast of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway and CPR mainline.

The Eastern Irrigation District is unique in its balance between irrigated and dryland agriculture, as well as rangeland. At present more than 280,000 acres of land are irrigated annually, and 600,000 acres of land are privately owned pasture lands [with some small amount of dryland cultivation]. Of the balance of rangeland, some 580,000 acres is owned by the District and divided into ten community pastures and six swing fields, while smaller parcels are leased to individual irrigators.

To supply the open channel gravity irrigation system, water is diverted into the EID from the Bow River just south-west of the Town of Bassano, at the Bassano Dam. This 1910 dam was refurbished in 1985.

An intricate network of 1,100 miles of canals with some 2,500 water control structures links the river with 13 internal storage reservoirs and the irrigator's land. To return any unused water to the river system, the EID operates an additional 1,000 miles of drains.

Responsible for the administration of the EID is a seven member Board of Directors [elected from 1,200 irrigators]. Their responsibility is to create the policies that will ensure the proper administration of the extensive Surface irrigation is still used on almost 35% of the lands irrigation system irrigated in the district. It is more labour intensive than sprinkler methods of irrigation. and EID grasslands. The day-to-day operations and maintenance of the system are carried out by a Manager and a staff of 75 employees.

The method of irrigation is composed of approximately 65% mechanical sprinklers and 35% gravity flood irrigation. With these methods and new technology, irrigators are undertaking to improve their use of water. This valuable resource will continue to be used more beneficially in years to come. In addition to the important support of irrigated agriculture, water resources are now being used in many multi-purpose water projects.

These projects are taking water into the EID grasslands to improve the pasture, and in its travel is supporting and creating valuable wildlife habitat. This same water, used by irrigation farmers, cattle and wildlife, is also enjoyed by local residents and tourists on the manmade irrigation reservoirs within the irrigation system. and Crawling Valley Reservoir have become popular recreational sites. Lake Newell has Kinbrook Provincial Park situated on its shores along with such birdwatching areas as Kinbrook Marsh and Sven Bayer Peninsula.

In addition to agriculture, the irrigation system supplies domestic water to urban communities within its borders including the City of Brooks. Numerous smaller domestic users, oil and gas producers and commercial businesses depend on the water supplied by irrigation canals and reservoirs.

Irrigation farming results in a high per acre value of agricultural production. It has the added advantage of stability. Activities generated by irrigation bolster Working with agencies such as Ducks Unlimited allows the district to provide a wide range of water management local businesses, benefits to the entire region. stimulate the job market, and by so doing, make a healthy contribution to Canada's economy. For every $1.00 earned from primary agricultural production, the regional economic activity generated is about $4.50. In the EID, this means that $300 million in annual primary production has a regional economic impact of $1.35 billion. Added to this is the value of supporting urban requirements, multi-purpose water development, habitat creation and tourism. The EID is a place "Where Water Works Wonders". (For more information about the district, its operations and initiatives, check out the web site at http://www.eid.ab.ca.)

Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground Boat Launch The Bassano Dam

History:

Construction of the Bassano Dam began in September, 1910 and was completed in the spring of 1914. The official opening took place on May 2, 1914.

In 1935, a group of irrigators in the Brooks area acquired he Bassano Dam and the canal system from the CPR, forming the Eastern Irrigation District (EID). The district's boundaries encompass about 1.5 million acres of The CPR used their railway technology to help in the land, which is over construction of the Bassano Dam.

200 square miles larger than the Province of Prince Edward Island.

Location:

The Bassano Dam is located on the Bow River, some 4 miles south- west of the Town of Bassano. The water diversions from the Bow River through the Bassano Dam is the virtual "life blood" of the Eastern Irrigation District and region.

The Structure:

The concrete spillway extends Divers were used to install works some 720 feet across the bed of below the water line. the Bow River. Construction of this part of the dam required:

• 55,000 cubic yards of concrete (an amount equal to what would be needed for more than 1400 basements), • 3,000,000 pounds of reinforcing steel, and • 1,000,000 pounds of structural steel.

The spillway included 24 gates – which can handle a river flow of up to 100,000 cubic feet per second.

On the west end of the spillway, an earthen embankment was constructed to help contain the Bow River. This embankment was 45 feet high, 7,200 feet long and required 10 million cubic feet of fill material to construct.

The irrigation canal head gates located at the east end of the spillway includes five gates. The Bassano Dam raises the water level some 45 feet above the river bed which enables water to be diverted through these head gates into the irrigation system.

Refurbishing the Dam:

After 70 years of operation, the original structure was beginning to deteriorate. In 1984 work commenced to rehabilitate the structure under the supervision of the PFRA [the Federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration]. View of Bassano Dam from the Picnic Area Refurbishing work began in January, 1985 with over 2 years required to complete the project. During this time, the Dam was reinforced, damaged concrete replaced, the earthen embankment upgraded and the gates changed and electrified. This major face life cost $14 million with the end result being a very modern dam capable of diverting 3,500 cubic feet per second into the District's water system.

Regional Impacts:

Virtually all the water used within the boundaries of the EID, originates from the Bow River at the Bassano Dam. This includes water to irrigate over 280,000 acres of farmland, water to feed over 30,000 acres of managed wetland habitat, plus water requirements for local industry and the domestic needs of a population base in excess of 20,000 people.

Bassano Dam:

The Bassano Dam is unique because of the dam's composite character, great length and depth of water which flows over the crest during flood periods.

The Bassano Dam was very noteworthy in 1914. The "railway" ingenuity that was used to develop one of the most extensive systems for irrigated agriculture in all of Canada has allowed for the establishment of long-term secure benefits for the region served by the EID.

The construction of the dam symbolized the initiative and challenges faced by the early pioneers in overcoming obstacles and making irrigation farming a viable and prosperous agricultural enterprise in Cross-Section of Bassano Dam, early construction and Western Canada. renovation The

History:

In the early 1900's the Canadian Pacific Railroad [CPR] began construction of what is now known as the Eastern Irrigation District [EID]. Construction of the Bassano Dam and Brooks Aqueduct were two of the major Water for the construction of the Brooks Aqueduct was hauled by trail over 40 miles from Suffield, Alberta, as the projects required to irrigation system to deliver water across the aqueduct was get the system into not yet in place. operation.

The Brooks Aqueduct was required to carry irrigation water across a valley to feed water to regions that are now known as Millicent, Patricia and Tilley. These areas include close to 25% of the irrigated land within the EID.

The CPR began construction of this structure in 1912, with water running through the Aqueduct in the spring of 1915. The end result was the longest concrete structure of this design in the world.

Construction of the Aqueduct:

The Aqueduct had a span a little more than 2 miles, with a maximum height of some 60 feet. The construction Posing for pictures can be hard work too. required a labour force of over 300, split into 38 construction crews and required 25,000 cubic yards of concrete [equivalent to 650 basements] and 4 million pounds of steel reinforcing. It is interesting to note that even though the structure was built to carry water, the closest reliable water source at the time was 40 miles away at Suffield. 30,000 gallons a day of water was required for the concrete work and had to be hauled to the site by train.

Features of the Aqueduct:

One of the more notable features of the Aqueduct design was an inverted syphon that carried the water down under the CPR mainline and then back up to the elevated Aqueduct.

The finished Aqueduct had a capacity of 640 cfs and was built at a cost of $569,287 (as stated by the Provincial Auditor in 1935).

A New Canal:

The structure conveyed water across the valley until 1979 when it was replaced by a new earth filled canal.

During it's history, the Brooks Aqueduct was plagued with The Brooks Aqueduct viewed from the replacement canal problems of constructed during the 1970’s deteriorating concrete requiring annual maintenance work. By the 1970's it had inadequate capacity to handle the increasing water demands. The new earth fill canal is capable of carrying 50% more water than the original Aqueduct.

Historic Site:

In 1983 the Brooks Aqueduct was declared a national historic site and in 1987 it was designated as "one of the 10 outstanding engineering milestones in Alberta." The site includes an interpretive centre complete with kiosk, washrooms and signs. Staff from Alberta Culture are on site seven days a week during the summer months to answer questions and conduct tours.

Location:

The old Aqueduct is now preserved for its historic value. The site is located 2 miles south-east of Brooks.

More Info:

If you are looking for more info on the Brooks Aqueduct check out the following web site: http://www.eidnet.org/local/aqueduct/ or get a copy of David Finch’s book, “Much Brain and Sinew”, ISBN 0-9697266-0-0 [Published 1993].

Aqueduct Visitors Center Lake Newell

Lake Newell is a man-made reservoir, some 10 miles long and 4 miles wide, with a surface area of 26 square miles.. This makes it one of the largest man-made lakes in Alberta. The lake has a total shoreline of approximately 43 miles with a maximum depth of just under 65 feet.

History:

Lake Newell was named after Frederick H. Newell, a director of the Bureau of Reclamation Service from the USA Federation Irrigation Project. Mr. Newell served as an advisor to the Canadian Pacific Railway during Sunset on Lake Newell the construction of the Lake Newell Reservoir.

The Reservoir was created by flooding a natural low area of prairie and took 3 years to fill completely.

Kinbrook Island:

Kinbrook Island is connected to the mainland by a paved road built on a causeway. The island was originally developed by the Brooks Kinsmen Club, who began planting trees in 1945. On November 14, Picnic area at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park 1951, it became Kinbrook Island Provincial Park.

The park is located 7 miles south of Brooks and covers 95 acres. There are 57 private cottages and more than 170 public campsites on this beautiful island – in addition to the public beach and boat launch.

The Kinbrook Marsh Trails are enjoyed by many visitors.

Pelican Island

Pelican Island is located in the south-west corner of Lake Newell and is a rocky island used for nesting pelicans, cormorants and gulls. There is a half-mile restricted zone around the island, which is off limits to the public. Boaters are not permitted close to the island as these colonial nesting birds are very easily disturbed and may abandon their nests if bothered.

Kinbrook Marsh Nature Trails

The trail system follows the shoreline around the north segment of the marsh complex. It was constructed by the EID with financial assistance through tourism grants from the Town of Brooks, and the . The main trail head includes parking, washrooms, a covered kiosk, picnic tables and can be reached by turning north off the Provincial Park access road. The secondary trail head is located within the Provincial Park, near such park facilities as the boat launch, swimming beach, campground and concession stand.

The trail system includes two developed sections, about 2 miles in length, with a half-mile link left undeveloped [as part of an actively managed pasture] and a number of observation points and structures. A complete loop around the marsh can be undertaken by tying the two trail heads together with a walk through the park and along the park access road. The full loop would take a minimum of 1.5 hours, but would likely take longer as there is such a variety of flora and fauna to observe.

Trail Etiquette:

Please stay on developed trail, use caution when cattle are present on undeveloped trail routes, pedestrians have right-of- way, cyclists use caution, please cause as little disturbance to wildlife as possible, vegetation and nests are for viewing only, please do not litter; waste receptacles are provided, and always keep pets on a leash.

Wildlife to Watch For on the Trail:

This arid mixed-grass prairie region is often overlooked by wildlife enthusiasts. Hikers will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of wildlife that can be seen in the marsh ecosystem. The marsh is home to an abundance of different waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds and raptors. One is likely to see white pelicans, double- crested cormorants and great blue herons on a regular basis – but there are more than just birds.

It is possible for the careful observer to see beaver, muskrat, mink, white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn antelope and coyotes. The marsh is also home to a number of different reptiles and amphibians, plus a wide array of invertebrates.

Welcome to Kinbrook:

The Kinbrook Marsh is a managed wetland [one of the many with the EID] with the land and the water supplied by the EID. The District manages its land and water resources with a multi- purpose philosophy. Being one of the driest regions in Alberta, the water diverted from the Bow River enables irrigators to grow bountiful crops and has transformed this desert-like landscape into a virtual oasis. A diversified ecology has resulted from this water, greatly increasing the variety of wildlife species found in this area.

The primary purpose of the irrigation system is to supply water for agriculture, but through careful planning and management, the EID has been able to enhance and maximize wildlife production as well. The District takes great pleasure in being able to provide Kinbrook Marsh Trails and other wildlife viewing opportunities.

Complex Development:

The marsh complex was constructed under the Cooperative Ventures Program (partnership of the Eastern Irrigation District, Ducks Unlimited and Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division) and is classified as a North American Waterfowl Management Plan Project. The wetland has a north and south segment encompassing 500 acres. The project was developed by isolating two shallow bays from Lake Newell by a system of three dikes. This prevented the marsh water levels from being impacted by irrigation draw downs of lake Newell.

Location:

The Kinbrook Marsh Trail system is located 12 km (7 mi) south of the City of Brooks, adjacent to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park.

Brooks Precipitation Report (amounts in inches)

10 Year Month 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Avg.

Jan 0.3 0.73 0.27 0.3 0.09 0.17 0.15 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.28

Feb 0.23 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.29 0.12 0 0.51 0.02 0.06 0.14

Mar 0.27 0.61 1.43 0.11 0.18 0.2 0.35 0.25 0.24 0.20 0.38

Apr 0.79 0.27 0.47 1.43 0.43 0.2 0.16 1.32 0.55 0.54 0.62

May 1.09 1.62 0.88 1.47 0.5 0.37 0.24 1.36 1.43 0.73 0.97

Jun 1.57 1.5 3.95 4.53 1.13 1.72 4.41 2.55 2.55 8.64 3.26

Jul 0.76 0.46 1.04 4.34 0.13 0.54 0.91 0.31 1.48 1.64 1.16

Aug 1.5 1.69 0.31 1.86 1.24 0.06 2.09 0.44 2.64 3.4 1.52

Sep 2.57 0.34 0.88 0.09 0.96 0.65 2.01 1.27 0.31 3.99 1.31

Oct 0.24 0.58 0.26 0.19 0.19 0.33 0.35 1.23 0.21 1.04 0.46

Nov 1.03 0.12 0.17 0.22 0.17 0.35 0.06 0.46 0.06 0.25 0.29

Dec 0.56 0.05 0.27 0.21 0.16 0.08 0.13 0.03 0.56 0.16 0.22

Totals 10.91 8.03 10 14.77 5.48 4.79 10.86 9.98 10.31 20.91 10.60

Apr- Sep 8.28 5.88 7.53 13.72 4.39 3.54 9.82 7.25 8.96 18.94 8.83 Crop and Irrigation Statistics

In recent years Irrigation Districts and Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development have standardized the classification of crop types that are reported in the irrigated areas of Alberta. Crop in- formation is collected annually on a parcel-by-parcel basis by dis- trict staff. Crops Grown in the EID in 2005 Crop Class Crop Type Acres Cereals Barley 19,830 CPS Wheat 6,089 Durum Wheat 1,726 Grain Corn 265 Hard Spring Wheat 34,393 Malt Barley 69 Oats 2,073 Rye 1,957 Soft Wheat 2,275 Triticale 4,266 Winter Wheat 1,024 Total Cereals: 73,967

Oil Seeds Canola 18,528 Flax 5,296 Mustard 135 Total Oil Seeds: 23,959

Forage Crops Alfalfa 2 Cut 63,674 Alfalfa 3 Cut 0 Alfalfa Hay 1,167 Alfalfa Silage 4,034 Barley Silage 7,289 Barley Silage Under Seed 1,516 Brome Hay 163 Corn Silage 6,071 Grass Hay 7,036 Green Feed 8,776 Milk Vetch 30 Millet 138 Native Pasture 689 Oats Silage 1,213 Sorghum Sudan Grass 199 Tame Pasture 58,861 Timothy Hay 4,510 Total Forages: 165,366 Crop Class Crop Type Acres Specialty Crops Alfalfa Seed 8,802 Carrots 461 Dry Beans 2,297 Dry Peas 597 Faba Beans 295 Fresh Peas 129 Grass Seed 355 Hemp 383 Market Gardens 289 Nursery 449 Potato 3,064 Small Fruit 2 Sugar Beets 1,074 Sunflower 778 Total Specialty Crops: 18,975

Non-Irrigated [2004] Miscellaneous Non Crop 166 Summer Fallow 1,273 Total Non-Irrigated: 1,439

Total of All Crops: Summary: Cereals 73,967 Oil Seeds 23,959 Forages 165,366 Specialty Crops 18,975 Non-Irrigated 1,439 Total All Crops 282,267 Document produced and printed by: The Eastern Irrigation District