Watershed Protection
Alberta Watersheds
What is a watershed and why are watersheds important to protect?
A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains water into a shared destination such as a stream, river, or lake.
Watershed protection is important so we continue to protect and improve water quality and ecosystem functioning.
River Basins in Alberta
Alberta is divided into 10 river basins. For specific information about each river basin ie. river flows, levels and precipitation data see link below.
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/basins/default.aspx
Your Role in Watershed Protection
How can YOU contribute?
- Reduce the use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
- Use environmentally friendly products whenever possible.
- Compost or mulch yard waste to keep it out of waterways.
- Prevent soil erosion by landscaping to minimize run-off.
- Prevent leaks from motor vehicles by performing regular maintenance.
- Dispose of your hazardous materials, such as used batteries and motor oil, at collection facilities.
- Don't dump materials down the storm sewers because they flow straight to the river.
- If you have livestock, ensure the proper management of their waste.
- Clean up after your pets.
- Take part in citizen's groups to protect the watershed.
- Remember that we all live downstream of someone and to follow "good neighbour" practices.
Understanding Alberta Watershed environmental issues
Water Matters provides a public voice to protect Alberta’s watersheds. For various reports on watersheds and a detailed description of each Alberta watershed, see link. http://www.water-matters.org/home
Alberta Stewardship Network
This link provides a directory which gives a listing of watershed organizations within the seven major basins. Along with contact information there is also a profile of the organization to help other groups with similar projects.
http://www.ab.stewardshipcanada.ca/index.php/directory_of_watershed_stewardship_in_alberta
Watershed Stewardship Grant Program
Grants from a variety of partners provide support to the Alberta Stewardship Network who then can provide funds to Watershed Stewardship groups wishing to apply. For more grant information see link below.
Some of the goals watershed stewardship groups have are:
- Increase awareness of local watershed issues.
- Enhance adoption of practices and actions that benefit a local watershed.
- Improve environmental conditions within a local watershed.
How to create a Watershed Report
Groups interested in the state of watershed reporting are encouraged to use Alberta Environment's Handbook for State of the Watershed Reporting. This will provide a snapshot of the environmental conditions in a watershed as well as how to protect watershed health. The link below explains ASN grants and Watershed Reporting.
http://www.ab.stewardshipcanada.ca/index.php/grants
Water For Life Strategy
This was developed to recognize changing water needs, economic growth and changing population. The Environment Minister requested the Alberta Water Council provide recommendations for renewed Water for Life Strategy keeping in mind the above changes. For more information see link below.
http://www.waterforlife.alberta.ca/index.html
Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, Canadian Water Innovation Lab 2010
Waterlution presents: The Canadian Water Innovation Lab 2010. Applications now open!
October 18-24, 2010
YMCA Camp Chief Hector, Exshaw, Alberta
In October 2010, 250 young Canadians will come together with key water decision-makers from all disciplines for a week of inspired dialogue on water issues. The Canadian Water Innovation Lab is a collaborative "unconference" event designed to cultivate informed leaders, influence policy, and strengthen the Canadian water stewardship network.
Are you passionate about protecting our water and watersheds? Seeking inspiration and ways to influence long-term change? We are looking for outstanding young Canadians, aged 18-35 yrs and working or studying in any field, to join the Lab as participants. Successful applicants will stay on-site in the inspiring Rocky Mountain setting and learn about Canadian water issues via experiential learning activities, field tours, mentoring and systems theory. The Lab will give tomorrow's leaders the inspiration, insight, tools and connections to works towards the sustainable management of their local watersheds.
Are you ready to lead real change? Do you have experience facilitating groups, in traditional Aboriginal knowledge, or have worked or studied Canadian water issues extensively? We are hunting down 50 of the water community's most inspiring leaders to undergo world-class facilitation training at the Banff Centre and then guide Lab activities.
Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future of Canada's water and watersheds! Spaces are limited - APPLY NOW atwww.waterlution.org. (En français: http://www.waterlution.org/fr/le-lab/)
Follow us! http://www.twitter.com/thelab2010
Befriend us! http://www.facebook.com/waterlution.canada
Water Education Information
Alberta River Watch
Alberta River Watch provides Science 9 and Biology 20 students in Calgary and Edmonton with a chance to participate in this national award-winning science resource program. Alberta River Watch helps science classes to explore a 10 km section of their local river during a raft float trip. Along the way, students make shoreline stops to conduct water chemistry and biology tests. Back at school, students use the data they collect to answer the question, “How healthy is our river?” For more information: www.riverwatch.ab.ca.Every Drop Counts
“Every Drop Counts” is your source for water information, teacher resources, water activities, videos and links to a vast selection of water-related websites. Dive into this site and swim through water facts, interactive games and downloadable documents. www.everydropcounts.comEdmonton North Saskatchewan River Clean Up 2010
Click here to see the Poster!
