On June 21, 2012 the Drywood/Yarrow Conservation Partnership hosted an informative watershed and large carnivore project tour.
Over 80 people attended the event including local media and representatives from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), Cows and Fish, Cowboys and Carnivores Bear Smart, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Wilderness Association and representatives from local municipal districts. Additionally, many local community members and ranchers took part in the tour as well as representatives from other Watershed Stewardship Groups in Southern Alberta.
Local press was also on hand covering the event. Please click here to read Chris Davis’s article in the Pincher Creek Voice.
The all day tour visited five different ranches. Tour attendees were treated to a variety of presentations and examples of riparian (shoreline) restoration, innovative cattle management techniques including off stream watering systems, wintering site relocations, riparian fencing and grazing management changes. These techniques are being implemented across the watershed benefitting the cattle, the rangelands while protecting water quality and the local fishery. Another fascinating aspect of the tour were the efforts being made to manage conflict and co-exist with large carnivores including grizzly bears, wolfs and cougars.
A key highlight of the tour was the cheque presentation and announcement of the RBC’s two year commitment through the RBC Blue Water Project to provide a $150,000 Leadership Grant towards Trout Unlimited Canada’s Drywood Creek Watershed Renewal Program. RBC Regional Vice President, Mark Brown (left) was on hand at Twin Butte Simmentals Ranch with TUC CEO Jeff Surtees (right) for a cheque presentation ceremony.
The Drywood Creek Watershed Renewal Program began in 2008 and ongoing funding to 2015 is required to complete the major project elements. Three tributaries in the Drywood Creek Watershed system in southwest Alberta drain an area of 280 square kilometers before flowing into the Waterton Reservoir. The goals of the Drywood Program include improved riparian health, and water quality for the community, accomplished through community-based education and hands-on restoration projects, assessment and monitoring and reporting.
For additional information regarding the Drywood Creek Watershed Renewal program please click here. The recent Drywood Creek Press Release can also be seen by clicking here. Additional pictures of the event can also be found on the TUC Facebook Page.
Projects such as Trout Unlimited Canada’s Drywood Creek Watershed Renewal progam would not be possible without financial support. Please click here if you would like to support the Drywood Creek Watershed Renewal program.
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