WHY?
Radiant Creek and Elk Creek are tributaries of the Clearwater River, and are important streams for threatened native Bull Trout. Riparian degradation caused primarily by flooding, livestock access, OHV use, and feral horses in and around both streams has been impacting Bull Trout. Additionally, the lack of structure and vegetation in Radiant, and Elk Creek causes them to struggle to retain water during the dry season, with Radiant Creek in particular often running dry in the summer. Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) is working with the allotment holder, Cows and Fish, and Alberta Environment and Parks to address these issues, and improve the aquatic and riparian habitat in the watershed.
WHAT?
Over the past year, TUC has been restoring habitat along Radiant and Elk Creek by installing riparian fencing to exclude livestock and feral horses from the riparian areas, adding beaver dam analogues and woody debris to help increase water retention and habitat complexity, and planting native woody vegetation. These workdays will involve restoring habitat along Radiant and Elk Creek by planting native woody vegetation such as live willow stakes in order to restore impacted riparian habitat to a natural state which provides increased riparian habitat and decreased chronic inputs of fine sediments benefiting the overall health of the Bull Trout population.
WHERE?
The meeting location will be the Cow Lake Store and Resort at 9:30 am on September 25th and 26th, 2024. The Cow Lake Store and Resort is located along Hwy 752 at this location.
Volunteers will sign in at the meeting place, then we will travel together as a convoy to the staging area for the Radiant Creek and Elk Creek project.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
All tools and equipment will be provided; please dress appropriately for field work.
Volunteers are asked to bring:
- Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear that will likely get wet and dirty
- Re-usable water bottle and/or coffee mug
- Lunch and snacks
- A camera (optional)
WHO CAN I ASK IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please call Elliot Lindsay, Project Biologist at 403-615-8102 with any questions or concerns, or if you are lost.
