Protecting the Raven River

Protecting the Raven River’s Riparian Zone-Work on riparian protection and rehabilitation has been an interest of the

Northern Lights Fly Fishers Chapter of TUC since it was formed as Trout Unlimited Edmonton 40 years ago. Last year alone the Chapter was able to protect 54 acres of riparian land. Most of this work has been conducted along the Raven River in central Alberta and its tributary, the North Raven, known locally as Stauffer Creek, a favorite destination of many Chapter members. The Raven River provides some of the finest brown trout angling opportunities in the province but riparian land and water quality were being adversely affected by the farmed livestock, primarily cattle, along its banks. Reducing erosion, sedimentation and polluted surface runoff, helping recharge the water table, stabilizing the streambank, increasing biodiversity and generally improving habitat for trout and the bugs they feed on were a natural fit for Chapter volunteers who wanted to create a better fishery through this stretch of the river.

2018 provided another opportunity to continue this work. A cattle rancher just west of the village of Caroline in central Alberta with just over two and a half kilometers of the Raven River running through his property decided he too wanted to help protect the river. In discussion with the Alberta Conservation Association, he entered into an agreement to lease the riparian land to ACA. Northern Lights then applied for an ACA Community and Education Grant to install fencing with angler access and provide alternative watering for the livestock. The application was successful and the Chapter contracted installation of 4-wire wildlife-friendly fencing along both sides of the river with five gates to allow access. The landowner agreed to assume responsibility for ongoing maintenance of the fencing and the Chapter also purchased and delivered a portable solar-powered watering system. Signage recognizing TUC’s involvement will be erected soon.

This year’s project has provided protection for another 33 acres of riparian land. The benefits have already encouraged a neighboring landowner to show interest in a riparian protection agreement and ACA staff are considering this as a possible demonstration site for some bioengineering projects. Hopefully, the Chapter will be successful with grant applications to do more of this work in 2019.