Projects

Applying the Cows and Fish Process in the Eastern Slopes

Maintaining and improving riparian areas within the Eastern Slopes of Alberta’s Rockies is critical for drought and flood resiliency; providing habitat for many species, including several species at risk in Alberta; and preserving the headwaters of many major rivers, which provide a source of drinking water for many Albertans. Cumulative impacts from multiple land uses, such as mining, logging, oil and gas, agriculture, and recreation, are putting pressure on this vital landscape. With the support of Alberta Environment and Parks and our other members and supporters, Cows and Fish will focus on stewardship of riparian areas within the Eastern Slopes to increase sustainable landscape management by having more knowledgeable, skilled, and motivated land users and managers.

To learn more visit our East Slopes Story Map

From Street to Stream Initiative

Roofs and roads change the character of water, and our waterways pay. And you pay too – in the cost to treat water; in flooding and flood repair, in erosion, in pollution, in recreational opportunities, and in the health of the landscape overall. We all have a role to play in mitigating these impacts in our homes, yards, neighbourhoods and communities. What works in Alberta? In a real estate transaction, what are these features worth? This collaborative initiative is helping tie the riparian and upland (non-riparian) area of our developed landscape together.

Cows & Fish and the ALIDP (Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership) have been working together on this initiative, developing new tools and providing outreach. As part of this work, we have worked to gather stories, technical expertise, research, and reach out to the public. There are multiple components to our work, including:

Outreach and public education opportunities
Digital stories on riparian and upland
Virtual video tour of low impact development techniques, showcasing real examples from Alberta
New workshop looking at how low impact development, upland and riparian areas are part of a whole system
Evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of participation
Hands-on practical demonstration of riparian and upland restoration techniques, designed to return ecological function and incorporate low impact development principles

From February to April 2015, six workshops were held, from as far south as Lethbridge through central Alberta and up to Edmonton. The workshops focused on building awareness with citizens, realtors, community leaders, decision makers, builders, and anyone with an interest in sustainability related to stormwater, greening, housing, and landscapes.

This initiative is funded by Alberta Real Estate Foundation, The Calgary Foundation, RBC’s Bluewater Fund, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, in addition to support from our Members and Supporters. Local partners help with venues and support refreshment breaks at some of the workshops, and many partners have spread the word about the workshops, leading to better than anticipated attendance and more requests for these new tools. We thank all those already involved and look forward to more collaboration.

Program Highlights

Download our 2017-2018 Cows and Fish Program Highlights to learn more about our work in Alberta. Did you know we spoke to over 6500 people last year, assessed nearly 150 riparian sites for health and delivered and recorded 7 new webinars? Our highlights report will provide you a snapshot of our work over the last year.

Our Cows and Fish 2017-2018 Year End Report provides more detail on the work we do throughout Alberta to foster a better understanding of how improvements in management of riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of all landowners and land users in Alberta.