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Current

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Posts posted by Current

  1. That gravel bar is trying to recover. Sure, there are weeds there but there are also other grasses, sedges, willows, and little poplars trying to make a go of it. Rivers/gravel bars move around, erode, deposit, revegetate continuously.

     

     

    Bcube's right. There is serious compaction from the vehicles. And nevermind whether it's worth the big stink being made, it is illegal to drive up and down that bar. We know trucks have been taking rips out into the river too.

     

    Riprap under the bridge would be a good idea. Could be anchored in. You'd think a nice big sign would do the trick but some people have selective vision.

     

    Hoping for a reasonable solution.

     

    Cheers.

    • Like 1
  2. Some information here on the Alberta Flood Recovery Task Force and some Feedback Response Documents: http://albertawater.com/

     

    There's some good content in the Response Documents from water, ecology, and restoration experts among others.

     

     

    You can also sign up for News Alerts. Opportunities for input through the Public Review process will hopefully be posted.

     

     

    Alberta WaterPortal are collecting and sending to feedback to the Task Force through this email address: info@albertawater.com

     

    Feel free to start writing. It's the only opportunity I know of currently. As Taco says, there is FA else online.

  3. Not my alternative. I don't really want the river channelized. Just throwing that out there.

     

    Please, if you have more current information, post it here. Just trying to stay on top of things and encouraging others to do the same. We're all here to help. I'm not here to debate or argue.

     

    Thanks for the clarity, Ginger. Please keep us current on what you are hearing or reading.

     

    It sounds like consultation and environmental review are set to begin on the dry dam(s) upstream of Calgary.

     

    "During a speech to the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Premier Alison Redford announced that consultation and environmental reviews are set to begin on a diversion channel around High River and a dry dam upstream of Calgary." http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=35416D2AD8030-E01E-20F2-DFDF09F744559C82

     

    Again, I'm not here to debate anything. This is just a good place for us to share and sort out information as it comes in.

     

    If anyone hears more about the aforementioned consultation opportunities please post them here.

     

    Thanks

  4. Politics and emotion are driving these projects hard right now.

     

    http://alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=35416D2AD8030-E01E-20F2-DFDF09F744559C82

     

    Cool head thinking is not prevailing. What we have is an exercise in momentum started by a knee-jerk reaction to get "something" done.

     

    I'm just asking those who have concerns to stay informed and those who have alternatives in mind to present them.

     

     

    Thanks

    • Like 2
  5.  

    "Gut-wrenching" is right. Best use of the word "boondoggle" I've heard recently.

     

    Another article with comments from Van Tighem:

    http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/proposal+future+floods+doesn+poses+environmental+concerns/9211683/story.html

     

     

    Folks, it seems this ludicrous plan is getting the fast-track. Opportunities for input are where? I had the opportunity to reply to an Alberta WaterPortal newsletter with the promise my comments would be forwarded to the Alberta Flood Recovery Task Force.

     

    I blurted out the email below and sent to info@albertawater.com :

     

    "To the Alberta Flood Recovery Task Force,

     

    I have been contemplating how to express my concerns with the construction and operation of flood control dams and dry ponds proposed in the headwaters of the Elbow and Highwood rivers. Kevin Van Tighem’s comments in a recent article in the Calgary Herald express exactly my perspective on the proposed structures.

     

    The article is here: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/proposal+future+floods+doesn+poses+environmental+concerns/9211683/story.html

    The points I would like to reiterate are as follows:

     

    - The operation of the proposed structures have the potential to create huge impacts upstream for existing fisheries, ecological, recreational, and aesthetic values; many of which we have been working hard over recent decades to protect and enhance (e.g. federally and provincially listed fish species at risk)

    - The retention of headwaters flows will serve little benefit for reducing downstream flood effects

    - Healthy watershed headwaters systems are important for naturally mitigating both flood and drought events

     

    In addition to Mr. Van Tighem’s comments I would add my concern that the operation of the dry ponds could result in a large amount of vegetation removal upstream of the structures due to scour, sediment deposition, and flood drowning. This would increase the potential for both flood and drought effects due to the disturbance of natural hydrological processes (i.e. overland water retention and release) maintained by the existing vegetation.

     

    Perhaps there is a more suitable downstream location where a wetland complex could be incorporated in the design. Or several structures could be built in previously disturbed agricultural areas. I would be interested in seeing more sensible alternative options.

     

    These are my initial thoughts on the topic. I look forward to further opportunities to provide input."

     

     

    We all need to send letters. But where? Contact http://www.albertawater.com/ as a start.

     

    Please read the articles posted. Maybe there are viable alternatives. Maybe we can create or restore wetland complexes to incorporate into the design. I know there are hundreds of corporations who would jump on the bandwagon to supply funds to create or restore wetland areas to help mitigate flood effects. They would do this as compensation for wetland loss due to development in a heartbeat.

     

    To build in the headwaters is not viable. We've been managing fisheries for decades to protect species at risk and now this? It will be a mess upstream of these dams. Do it in a previously disturbed setting if anywhere.

     

    I'm surprised this thread is so quiet. Or maybe not. Not a lot of press on the issue.

     

    Thanks, all. Get involved.

    • Like 1
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