Habitat Legacy Partnership

The Habitat Legacy Partnership (HLP) project works with a multitude of stakeholders to improve upland game bird habitat in southern Alberta. The Milk River Ridge Reservoir Water Quality Stewardship Initiative (MRRRWQSI) is part of the HLP and is a multi-year collaborative initiative with a current focus in the County of Warner. The MRRRWQSI is overseen and managed by a working group consisting of Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA), and the County of Warner, whose actions are guided by terms of reference. The initiative consists of nine segments around the Waterton–St. Mary headworks inlet canal and along the shorelands of the Milk River Ridge Reservoir. These segments are predominantly focused on provincial Crown land—known as the “provincial land corridor”— surrounding the reservoir. The overall goal of this initiative is to improve water quality through the restoration of the vegetation community along shorelands and riparian areas. This restoration translates into the creation of vital wildlife habitat that also filters nutrients and reduces erosion. Approximately $2.2 million has been raised and invested to date. Thus far, we have installed 61 km of fencing to protect shoreland and riparian habitat. In all, 25 off-site watering units have been installed in strategic areas surrounding the reservoir to redirect cattle away from fragile riparian zones. We have planted approximately 45,900 shrubs and seeded 456 acres back into perennial wildlife habitat. A large 6.18-acre wetland was developed on the west side of the reservoir, acting as a large filter for nutrients and a magnet for wildlife. During the 2022/23 season, approximately 3,400 more shrub and willows were planted. Partner meetings are ongoing for potential shrub plantings and permanent cover seeding for the 2023/24 season.

Partnerships

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Fish & Game Association – Zone 1, County of Warner, David Bissett, Irrican Power, Landowners, Lethbridge Fish & Game Association, Magrath Rod and Gun Club, New Dayton Rod and Gun Club, Pheasants Forever – Calgary Chapter, Raymond Agricultural Society, Raymond Irrigation District, Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association, St. Mary River Irrigation District, Taber Irrigation District, Westwind School Division

Annual Summaries

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