Spring is the time of year to look at the water forecast for the coming year. Find updates on our watershed’s drought stage, water sharing agreements, reservoir levels, and snowpack accumulation.
Looking for a fun, low-stakes way to get outside this spring? Get to know your local plants and animals using iNaturalist! Additionally, bumble bees will be back soon, and you can view and learn about local sightings in our ‘bumble bees of the Oldman watershed’ project!
Just how much is Natural Infrastructure worth? Find out in our latest blog!
What’s cute, fuzzy, and sleeps through winter? Bumble bees! Find out where they hunker down in winter, and what cues tell them it’s time to emerge and forage in spring.
When we think of agriculture in Southern Alberta, perhaps huge farms out east come to mind with sophisticated irrigation pivots and loads of potatoes or corn. Here's what two dedicated watershed stewards are doing on the Blood Reserve to rehabilitate some of their agricultural land. William Singer III and Lori Brave Rock are signatories of the Southern Alberta Water Charter #SAWC17. The closing ceremony is coming up on November 17th - who will be getting completion awards?
Humans are ingenious. We can filter almost anything. Even human waste can become safe, clean water when we’re forced to be innovative, like at the International Space Station where urine and grey water becomes a critical source for drinking water. The problem is what price tag are we willing - and able - to pay?
You've asked: "What does it matter how many trails there are? What does it matter if the trail is made by motorized vehicles or, say, horses? What does it matter if an abandoned access road is used as a trail? How can anybody say the backcountry isn't healthy - after all, I just saw a moose back there!" OWC's Rob Taylor answers all ...
Find out a little bit more about the experts providing panel updates on agricultural stewardship activities that they are currently working on at the first Voices of the Oldman: Agriculture Matters session in Taber on Jan 31, 2017 from 2-5pm. Plus, more details on what outcomes can be expected by those participating.
SACPA recently invited us to present at the Lethbridge Public Library and give an update on our current research. Anna Garleff, Communications Specialist, and Shannon Frank, Executive Director, welcomed a full house and were excited to present history, maps, timelines and videos to the crowd. Thank you for coming - we had representation from throughout the watershed and we were thrilled to see everyone there. Here's the narrated PowerPoint for those who couldn't make it.
You will probably have seen the 3 videos that are now out about urban watershed management and health. They are available on our You Tube channel. Now in the works are 3 videos on urban themes - again, from a scientific viewpoint, one for the kids and one for the public. Thanks to the Potato Growers of Alberta for their collaboration and support of our Film Project ... and this write-up!
Believe it or not, cattle are fussy critters. Yessiree, if there's a choice between drinking from a mucky old hole, or a fresh bubbling water source - guess which they pick? Keeping cows away from streams is something that the OWC is actively supporting: not only in word, but indeed! (pun intended) So funders are sought and funding is awarded for projects ...
What's the government doing to ensure we have clean, clear water for generations to come? OWC is transitioning from Headwaters Protection (Goal 3 of its Integrated Watershed Management Plan) to Goal 6 - WATER QUALITY. This is a summary of the recent annual Water Quality Monitoring Workshop held in Lethbridge ...
You are invited to register for the “2016 Water Monitoring Workshop” designed to bring together individuals and groups to share ideas, experiences and technologies related to the monitoring of water. The scope includes quality and the quantity of water in surface and groundwater. This two day event will include ...
Recently, the OWC took Minister Phillips and MLA Fitzpatrick up to the headwaters for a tour of our area of special interest, Dutch Creek, and some flyfishing. We got the opportunity to capture some of it on film. In this clip, Minister Phillips explains how the OWC - and the other 10 Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils across Alberta - help inform her work.
Well, the long weekend is coming up and people will be heading for the hills. But what about our dedicated farmers? It is their busy season right now, and hail and rainstorms have not helped matters. Agriculture is the lifeblood of southern Alberta. That lifeblood is the Oldman. Irrigation has made its mark on our economy and on our landscape and users of irrigation water in southern Alberta are always searching for innovative ways to improve efficiencies. Here's a little tribute to our growers, and all the rural people who steward the land ...
Imagine knowing that it was your fault, that something you thought was insignificant cost someone their home, their life or the life of a loved one. When venturing out into the backcountry this spring, remember that more than half of all wildfires in Canada are human caused and do your part to insure that human isn’t you.
By now, we’ve all seen the horrible devastation caused by forest fires in the community of Fort McMurray and area. Extremely dry conditions have set the stage for similar blazes across the province, leading the Government of Alberta to implement a province-wide fire ban. This ban is not to be taken lightly, as even a small oversight can escalate into tragedy.
Right now valuable resources are needed to deal with the situation in the Fort McMurray area and new fire outbreaks would put a significant strain on everyone involved. In this difficult time, we must all do our part to reduce the risk of forest fires in every possible situation.
The Provincial Government issued a province-wide fire ban as of May 5th. Under this ban, the following are
PROHIBITED:
Use of ALL wood, briquette and propane or natural gas fires
Patio heaters, turkey fryers and Tiki torches
PERMITTED:
Liquid or gas fueled stoves and BBQs that meet the CSA or UL standards
Liquid or gas fueled lanterns (enclosed flame) that meet CSA or UL standards
While some camping appliances are still permitted, it is important to use caution during any activity that may increase the risk of wildfires.
All Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) users are encouraged to practice extreme caution when heading out this season as the fire hazard in our watershed is already high. Remember that if you are found responsible for the start of a wildfire you may be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and be held responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire.
Here are some tips from the Alberta Government to prevent starting a wildfire while enjoying the backcountry.
Before you ride, ensure that there is no debris build up
Always carry a small fire extinguisher and collapsible shovel to put out small fires
Wash your OHV regularly at a commercial car-wash or your home
Remember that you are required to have a spark arrester on your OHV
Alberta Fire Bans by phone: 1-866-394-3473
Alberta Wildfire App for Android and IPhone
If you spot a wildfire or see an out-of-control fire call 310-FIRE (toll-free) anywhere in Alberta.
Thank you to the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, Southern Alberta Off Road and many others who are encouraging their members to recreate responsibility or stay home during this fire season to reduce the risks.
