The Headwaters Restoration Project arose out of the successful Engaging Recreationists Project. The audience was expanded to include land users beyond recreationists and offered more in-person restoration and educational programs. It focussed on the education and engagement of adult land users, such as fishers, farmers, ranchers, and landowners, among others.
With our growing population, the quality of water in southern Alberta has never been more important. Yet many of our activities have a negative impact on how water interacts with the landscape. This project identifies those areas that if kept intact should provide the greatest benefit as it relates to water quality, flood mitigation, and drought resiliency. These maps help organizations focus their efforts on areas important for water, and can also be used by governments to assess the appropriateness of different land uses as they relate to water.
The headwaters of the Oldman River watershed run east from the Rocky Mountains of southwest Alberta to join the South Saskatchewan River and eventually, Hudson Bay. They provide 90% of the water that feeds our streams, lakes, and groundwater! The Headwaters Action Plan is the community’s plan to maintain and protect the integrity of the Oldman headwaters and source waters through collaborative stewardship work that will address key issues to headwater health over time.
