Riparian Improvement Program

 

Riparian zones are the vegetated areas adjacent to bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and rivers and they are a very important part of the ecosystem. They provide the free ecoservice of being a buffer between water bodies and the land and they function as a filtering system. They trap sediment and uptake nutrients from run-off and buffer water bodies from the impact of pollution. These zones of vegetation also function as bank stabilizers and are important for mitigating floods and storing groundwater.  Riparian zones are able to provide solutions to many concerns producers have in regards to their land such as erosion of land, protection of water quality, and increasing available groundwater.

The Riparian Improvement Program was established in 2013 to create, improve and protect healthy riparian areas adjacent to cultivated land in our representative counties.  We assist producers by providing habitat assessment, health assessment, replanting vegetation and trees for bank stabilization and assisting with weed control along sensitive areas beside water ways. New to 2017 is the Riparian Fencing arm of the program, aiming to help cattle producers protect their riparian areas. All of these services are done with the understanding that they leave the habitat in place for the benefit of future generations.

To date we have six completed project sites. A further six sites have reclamation underway. Throughout the years of this program we have reclaimed approximately 37 acres of riparian areas and have protected approximately 100 acres of intact riparian land. The program grows every year and we are very proud of the success we have had.

Highway Two Conservation has been very fortunate to have developed partnerships with Alberta Conservation Association, Cows and Fish and the Land Stewardship Centre for deliver of the Riparian Improvement Program. Thank you for helping us in what we do and supporting H2C's vision for healthier waterways!