Kneehill Watershed Advisory Council (KWAC) Takes Action on Local Watersheds

A couple of years ago, Kneehill County held a public meeting to present water quality data collected on the three creeks. "A survey was conducted at that meeting to find out if people were aware of the watershed in the County, if they understood what riparian areas were and some of the damage being done to the watershed," explains Jeannette Walker, KWAC Watershed Coordinator. "The results showed that although the awareness level was low, the interest in taking action was high."

At the next meeting, the Kneehill Watershed Advisory Council (KWAC) was formed. The goal of KWAC is to encourage environmentally sustainable practices so that the water leaving the watershed is equal to or better than when it arrives. "We want to focus on improving the watershed through riparian assessments, buffer strip planting and addressing urban impacts," says Walker. "We're trying to make everyone more aware of the watershed issues and to get them involved in making a difference, rather than just pointing fingers."

One of the priorities for KWAC is to work with Cows and Fish to conduct in-depth riparian health assessments in the County. "We will also be doing training sessions for producers who want to do their own riparian health assessments, using the tools developed by the Cows and Fish Program," says Walker. KWAC plans to hold workshops addressing various best management practices. KWAC wants to keep a broad perspective in terms of issues and activities to encourage a broader membership.

"One of the most recent issues that members are asking about is groundwater and seismic activity," says Walker. "The groundwater issue is particularly important in the south part of the County where a number of wells have gone dry or people are experiencing water problems," she adds.

KWAC is involved in a long-term water quality monitoring program as a member of the Red Bow Regional Water Alliance, which includes Kneehill County, Wheatland County, MD of Rocky View, MD of Mountain View and MD of Big Horn. Until now, Madawaska Consulting has been providing both the water sampling and the data interpretation. "All of the watershed coordinators are currently being trained to do the water sampling," says Walker. "We're excited at being able to take over the water sampling role, which will give us a chance to be out in our watersheds on a regular basis to monitor changes," she adds. Madawaska Consulting will continue to provide the data interpretation and reporting.

"Another key priority is to develop more urban awareness and education," says Walker. "We're planning to develop a brochure for urban residents that highlights the effects they have on the watershed, such as what goes down storm sewers goes directly into the watershed." KWAC will also have a column in the local paper twice a month focusing on current issues. As a member of the Red Bow Regional Water Alliance, KWAC contributes to and distributes the newsletter called 'Up the Creek With a Paddle'.

Walker's position is funded through AESA (Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Program). "Through their three-year AESA plan, we also provide program extension dollars to KWAC for awareness and extension activities," says Annette Svederus, AESA Conservation Coordinator. "My role is as an advisor, and to help link resources and other partners with the various extension focuses."

Partners of KWAC include: Kneehill County, Town of Three Hills, Town of Trochu,Village of Carbon, Village of Linden, Three Hills Ag Society, Ag and Food Council's Community Riparian Program, PFRA, Ducks Unlimited, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and AESA (Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Program).

For more information, contact Jeannette Walker.