Alberta investing $1 million in Eastern Slopes riparian areas

The Government of Alberta has announced a $1 million investment to help protect riparian areas on the Eastern Slopes. Environment and Parks is providing the program funding to Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society (Cows and Fish) in 2021-22 to support projects and initiatives that protect the creeks and streams along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.

This commitment is part of the government’s conservation plan to recognize environmental stewardship. Cows and Fish will be partnering with Bragg Creek Trails and Clearwater County to improve water quality and establish healthy riparian areas. The Eastern Slopes program offers valuable incentives to local farmers and ranchers for implementing best management practices that benefit regional watersheds.

“Our headwaters are an important source of drinking water for many communities downstream and provide a habitat for many species. Cows and Fish has a long history of working with communities, landowners and stakeholders to deliver projects that improve watershed health at a local scale. Alberta’s government is proud to partner with Cows and Fish to ensure more watershed protection projects can go ahead for Albertans and our environment.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

“We are very pleased the government recognizes the value of riparian areas for protecting our headwaters, providing water security, protecting critical habitat and enhancing resiliency from drought and flooding. This is an important opportunity to expand on our work fostering riparian stewardship and improving landscape health in the Eastern Slopes to allow for sustainable recreation, agriculture and other uses, for all Albertans, now and into the future.”

Norine Ambrose, executive director, Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society (Cows and Fish)

Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society is a non-profit organization that works with landowners and partners to enhance watershed health and productivity through improved understanding and management of riparian areas.

Photo: Restoration work at Silverster Creek, courtesy of Cows and Fish.