The Raven River Riparian Protection Project

Photo Credit: Alberta Conservation Association

The Raven River Riparian Protection Project. The riparian (shoreline) zone along more than four kilometers of the Raven River is now better protected from encroachment and damage.

The Northern Lights Fly Fishers Chapter, in cooperation with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), has just completed an 18-month project to help protect the riparian zone along central Alberta’s Raven River. This blue ribbon trout stream, famous for its large brown trout, has long been a favorite destination of Chapter members and the project is the latest in a long list of efforts to preserve and enhance this fishery.

Realizing that healthy riparian zones mean less sedimentation, less nitrate in the river from surface run-off from farmland, reduced erosion, better shelter and food for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, improved water quality, bigger, healthier brown trout and better fishing, the Chapter applied for a grant. The project was pitched to ACA and a Conservation, Community and Education grant was awarded to the Chapter to fund the work. ACA biologists had already laid the groundwork for the project by outlining the social and environmental benefits of riparian conservation to a number of landowners, farmers and residents in the area as well as to members of the Chapter.

Agreements were then concluded with three landowners and exclusion fencing was erected on their properties along 4.13 kilometers of the Raven River between the riparian zone and land being used for agriculture or livestock. This fencing has helped safeguard 53.9 acres of riparian land and a further 13.7 acres of upland habitat. Angler access points were created and on one property an alternative livestock watering site was established so that cattle would no longer be eroding the bank and silting the stream.

Weather conditions, temporary lack of wire, the need to harvest before installing some of the fencing, the resolution of potential liability issues, all contributed to extending the project six months beyond its planned completion date. However, the cooperation of landowners and lower than anticipated costs of fencing and bush clearance allowed for the protection of significantly more riparian land than expected.

Photo Credit: Alberta Conservation Association

There is more to be done, not only on the Raven and its tributaries but on other streams in the area.

If there is an Alberta trout stream whose riparian zone you believe could be improved by added protection please let the Northern Lights Fly Fishers Chapter know by contacting the Chapter.  Information will be shared with ACA for possible inclusion in another grant application for 2018.