There is no bull about keeping Alberta’s waterways as uncontaminated as possible.
So plans to welcome a new watering system for cattle will move forward on farms within the rural MD of Bighorn to reduce the risk of watershed contamination.
Through the MD, the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) received a $98,754 grant from the Alberta government last week to protect waterways within the Jumpingpound Creek Watershed.
The Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP)-funded project focuses on creating six watering holes for cattle to reduce excessive use of rivers and creeks.
The water bearing structures will be assembled on various private farmlands and constructed by ranchers in the MD and rural Cochrane area.
The project stemmed from encouragement by the Jumpingpound Creek Watershed Partnership (JCWP) for ranchers to take on on-farm stewardship practices, said Kendra Tippe, MD environmental fieldman.
“The landowners play a huge role in this,” said Tippe. “Livestock to direct water can prove to be hazardous, and this grant will help to reduce risk of water contamination.”
The project is expected to start anytime this season.
The Jumpingpound Creek Watershed is a sub-basin of the Bow River Watershed, and is over 600-square kilometres, beginning in Kananaskis Country and extending to Cochrane.
The MD of Bighorn applied for the funds due to the JCWP not being a registered society. The MD transferred the funds to the BRBC that holds all funds for the partnership.
The MD was one of 12 successful applicants to receive funds from the province’s flood and drought resiliency projects worth nearly $1 million.
The grant marks the second time the JCWP has received funds from the WRRP.
“(The grant is) very significant to the partnership because it is not-for-profit,” said Tippe. “In order for the JCWP to implement the objective watershed management plan, we need funding like this.”
At a press conference announcing the funds, Minister of Environment and Parks Shannon Phillips said improving natural watersheds is an essential part of Alberta’s plans.
“A healthy watershed is our first, and arguably our best, defence against floods and drought,” said Phillips.
“The work done will help ensure Alberta communities are better prepared.”
