Ridge Reservoir Habitat Project

The Milk River Ridge Reservoir Water Quality Stewardship Initiative is a multi-year collaborative initiative in the County of Warner. The stewardship initiative is overseen and managed by a working group consisting of Alberta Environment and Parks, ACA, and the County of Warner. 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”—that surrounds the reservoir. The overall goal of this initiative is the improvement of 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’ve installed 45 km of fencing to protect shoreland and riparian habitat. Twenty-five offsite water units have been installed to move cattle away from fragile riparian zones. We have planted approximately 33,000 shrubs and seeded 386 acres back into perennial wildlife habitat. A large 6.18-acre wetland was developed on the west end of the reservoir, acting as a huge filter for nutrients as well as a magnet for wildlife. Approximately 22 acres was hayed on the west end of the reservoir in 2019 to reduce litter load and decrease fire hazard.

Partnerships

Alberta Environment and Parks, 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, Raymond Irrigation District, Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association, St. Mary River Irrigation District, Taber Irrigation District

Annual Summaries

all programs fish program wildlife program land programs communications