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Showing posts with label Shannon Frank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shannon Frank. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2015
Sunday, 28 June 2015
OWC Outreach Assistant - 2 Month Internship
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Thursday, 4 June 2015
Register for the OWC AGM - Celebrating 10 Years!
(Editor's Note: We'd sure love to celebrate our 10 years with you!
Please come on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8:30 to
the Readymade Community Centre
this year - it's just 10 minutes east of Lethbridge. See you soon :-)
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Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Alberta WPACs ...Seeking Library Wizard!
Alberta's Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils seeking Library Wizard!
Friday, 8 May 2015
Alberta has shaken the blues and .... orange you glad we're in the rose of health?
In time for the weekend, something to think about ...
Well, we've done it this time - picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and made it to the polls in greater numbers than in the last 22 years. Premier-designate Rachel Notley could make the difference for some of the challenges our watershed is currently facing.
WPACs of Alberta (Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils) have an important role to play: to advise government. And we've been doing it a long time. Key pieces of research like the State of the Watershed Report and the Integrated Watershed Management Plans, as well as key input into the South Saskatchewan Rgional Plan have had much work - and much hope - put into them.
It was interesting to note that both rural and urban Albertans want change and are willing to work together. Combining the orange and the rose will make a brighter future for everyone who lives, works and plays in our beautiful and unique Oldman watershed. (Suddenly Jayme Cabrera Lopez' photo of the sunrise at the top of ths blog seems serendipitously appropriate.)
We look forward to the support of both NDP and Wildrose MLAs to make things different - and to make them better.
Here's what our Executive Director, Shannon Frank, had to say about the recent election and its implications for watershed management and health .... you may need to adjust your speakers a little ... have a peek at this recent video:
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Well, we've done it this time - picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and made it to the polls in greater numbers than in the last 22 years. Premier-designate Rachel Notley could make the difference for some of the challenges our watershed is currently facing.
WPACs of Alberta (Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils) have an important role to play: to advise government. And we've been doing it a long time. Key pieces of research like the State of the Watershed Report and the Integrated Watershed Management Plans, as well as key input into the South Saskatchewan Rgional Plan have had much work - and much hope - put into them.
It was interesting to note that both rural and urban Albertans want change and are willing to work together. Combining the orange and the rose will make a brighter future for everyone who lives, works and plays in our beautiful and unique Oldman watershed. (Suddenly Jayme Cabrera Lopez' photo of the sunrise at the top of ths blog seems serendipitously appropriate.)
We look forward to the support of both NDP and Wildrose MLAs to make things different - and to make them better.
Here's what our Executive Director, Shannon Frank, had to say about the recent election and its implications for watershed management and health .... you may need to adjust your speakers a little ... have a peek at this recent video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AAsJJ8-5QE <<< CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW!!!
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We'd love to hear your thoughts about this topic!
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Friday, 27 February 2015
Monday, 2 February 2015
To view January's E-Newsletter, Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Monday, 27 October 2014
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
SSRP: Devil or Divine?
The long-awaited South Saskatchewan Regional Plan was released today and comes into effect September 1st. Many people are asking: What is OWC’s position on it?
Well, since we do not take "positions" (or "sides"), the answer may not be black and white enough for you, but here are some of my initial thoughts:
There are many positive steps forward in the headwaters (Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains that provide 90% of our water downstream). Several Recreation Management Plans will be completed by 2015/16; a Linear Footprint Management Plan for Livingstone/Porcupine Hills will be completed by 2015; and, outreach officers will be hired to talk to people about decreasing their environmental footprint.
Castle Provincial Wildland Park is bigger than in the draft and will protect some valleys, but is not as large as some people wanted. It’s only about half the size as the originally proposed park from the 1990s.
It’s still unclear what the priority is and what will take precedence where – there still seems to be a “we can have it all” mentality. How will the goal to increase tourism and recreation mesh with the plans listed above? Is it possible to have a booming tourism and recreation economy, a thriving forestry sector, access for oil and gas, etc….all while still protecting our water, wildlife and health?
Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) are in the plan several times as an important partner – a good sign for OWC, since we are one of them! We are a partner with the Government of Alberta and intend to continue working closely with them to implement some parts of the SSRP.
Paper plans do not keep water clean.
A biodiversity management framework will be in place by the end of 2015, and this will be a really good thing, because it should set real goals and limits. This is the only way to manage many different uses on one area of land.
The wording around reducing fragmentation of agricultural land is weak. Wording like “promote” and “encourage” developers, municipalities, industry, etc. to use good practices or follow certain guidelines asks for voluntary compliance but may not lead to any real change.
The Pekisko Heritage Rangeland protects a large area of native grassland, a good thing considering only 24% remains in the province. An additional chunk of Green Area has also been added as a Special Management Area right next to it, which would be a good thing to manage intense use.
Overall, we know the devil will be in the details of implementation and regulation. This plan is still very high level, as you would expect from a regional plan at this scale. It’s not going to solve all our environmental challenges but it is a few steps in the right direction.
The critical piece is to implement it carefully, based on science and community input.
I choose to remain positive about it and help put the positive pieces from it on the ground. OWC will be working closely with the Government of Alberta to make a real difference for our watershed and we invite you to get involved. Please make a donation today!
http://oldmanbasin.org/index.php/getinvolved/make-a-donation/. Thank you for demonstrating your commitment to a healthy watershed!
Shannon
OWC Executive Director
OWC Executive Director
Friday, 6 June 2014
Executive Director's good news secret ...
(Editors note: I said I'd never publish two blog posts on the same day ...
...but this is such good news... and I can't keep a good news secret!
We've had such a strong increase in our readership that I want you to read it here first :-)
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Media Release
We are still recovering from the flood of 2014,
and fear is high that this year will bring more trouble. Reservoirs are at
their lowest levels ever – just in case. Canadians rank the economy and
healthcare as the most important national issues, while water pollution and
supply continue to be low priorities. In fact, since 2008, Canadians’ concern
for water quality in lakes, rivers and streams has decreased. Yet 75% of
Canadians understand that, due to climate change, extreme weather events, such
as flooding, will become more and more frequent.
Over $57,000 is designated towards a
very special project to help protect headwaters. A cheque presentation will
take place on RBC’s Blue Water Day, Thursday, June 12th
at 11:00 a.m., at the RBC branch in Lethbridge
(1139 Mayor Magrath
Drive South). Branch manager Brian Bradley will present the
donation to OWC Executive Director, Shannon Frank.
The RBC
Blue Water Project was launched in 2007 to help provide access to drinkable,
swimmable, fishable water today and for future generations. To date, RBC has
pledged over $38 million to more than 650 charitable organizations worldwide
that protect watersheds and promote access to clean drinking water, with an
additional $7.8 million pledged to universities for water programs.
“The Blue Water Project
is an important part of how RBC gives back to the communities we live and work
in,” says Mark Brown, regional vice president, RBC. “Water matters – pure and
simple. Last year, we began focusing our efforts on supporting projects that
help protect and preserve water in communities across the country – projects
just like this.”
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| Photo courtesy Andy Hurly Important at-risk fish species in the headwaters thank the RBC, too! |
The public is invited
to attend to hear Executive Director Shannon Frank explain how that grant money has been designated to protect our headwaters. Our water source begins in the eastern slopes of
the Rocky Mountains and provides all our drinking water in southern Alberta . But all is not rosy – due to increased
development, recreation, industry and agriculture, 80% of our headwaters are
classified as “in danger” as its health declines and species’ populations are
at risk.
The OWC welcomes all
enquiries about watershed management and health –
and how you can make a
difference in your local community.
To find out more – or to become an
important volunteer or sponsor – please contact:
OWC Executive Director
100,
Phone: 403-382-4239
Email: shannon@oldmanbasin.org
www.oldmanbasin.org
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Thursday, 15 May 2014
Calling all role models - YOU!
Dear Friend,
This May long weekend let’s start a new tradition.
Instead of focusing on all the challenges we face in the headwaters, let’s focus on what we can do, personally, right now, to make a difference. Instead of lamenting the probable parties, disrespect for fellow users and damage to streams and habitat, let’s take this opportunity to do something. We’ll feel good knowing we took some sort of action rather than just watched from the sidelines and complained. Let’s see the May long weekend as the beginning of our opportunity to improve the watershed.
I know from several years of public input processes and community engagement sessions that people do care A LOT about the natural environment. Disagreement is only around how to best maintain the environmental goods and services we depend on to survive and how much maintenance is necessary.
So this weekend when you’re out there enjoying the scenery and slower pace of life, seize the opportunity to camp away from the water’s edge, pick up litter, talk to nearby campers about responsible use of the area and share with the people you are with, why you are so passionate about this unique place and what you hope the future of it looks like. If you’re an ATV’er make sure you know which trails are designated for use and which are not, use bridges and encourage others to do the same.
If you are not going to spend time in the headwaters there are still many things you can do, starting by just talking to people! Behavioural science has proven that people only change their behaviour through personal interaction with other people. And it takes time and encouragement for people to change, so keep the conversation going.
People are generally good and want to do what’s right. They may not know what the right thing is and you can help them connect their personal behaviour to the impact on the watershed.
I believe that real, lasting change only happens when a culture itself changes.
It starts when role models demonstrate what is acceptable behaviour and share their passionate stories of why they have chosen to act this way. Fortunately there are already role models in the headwaters doing this. The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad is one example. They promote responsible riding (staying on trails, using bridges, wearing safety gear, no littering, etc.) and take action to build bridges and maintain trails – roles that no one else is currently filling.
If we all strive to be role models in our own behaviour and have the courage to speak to others about their behaviour, we can accomplish a lot without waiting for policies, funding structures, enforcement regimes, etc. to force change.
Cultural norms can last for centuries and can impact many issues (equality, crime, health, etc.). Enforcement and incentives only last as long as they are maintained and people will revert back to their old behaviour if the program ends.
Each one of us who cares so passionately about the watershed is an individual agent of cultural change. It has to become "normal" and "positive" to have respectful conversations with strangers about watershed health.
Beginning with "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts"... "don't" ...and "you people" is shutting down the conversation before it can happen. Good conversations begin with you as an active listener. Share their passion and then you will find that conversation opening where you can share how changing a certain behaviour will enhance their outdoor experience.
For example, many ATV enthusiasts are also avid anglers. Understanding how fish lay eggs in shallow waters (= right where it's convenient for an ATV to cross!!!) is an important connection.
Another example: many nature lovers are keen to "camp wild", perching tents close to water's edge or far away from "city slicker campers". Human presence will impede animals in their normal movements and in their ability to thrive ... and encourage garbage picking.
The OWC is working hard to ensure that everyone has a wilderness to enjoy for many years to come. Currently, almost 80% of the headwaters area is suffering from human activity.
Happy camping!
With thanks,
Shannon
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Don't try this at home!
FireSmart promotes safer communities, healthier forests.
Fire suppression has undoubtedly changed our forests and we are only now learning how to manage forests in a way that allows vital environmental services, like flood control, to be performed by the forest, while allowing harvest, recreation, etc.
Some environmental services simply cannot be replaced with human engineering.
Does anyone know where the best forest management practices in the world are found? We'd be interested to learn more.
(Editor's note: Here is a link to the Spray Lakes Sawmill Blogspot.
They are hosting an Open House on May 7th)
"May 7, 2014 from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Frank Wills Memorial Hall in Cochrane, and on May 8, 2014 from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Hillcrest Fish and Game Hall in Crowsnest Pass. The purpose of the open houses are to present the Company’s harvest plans for the upcoming season as well as outline the general, five year harvest plan. Spray Lake Sawmills Woodlands staff will be available to help answer any questions and gather any participant feedback. Everyone is welcome to participate, even if it’s just to meet the staff and join us for coffee. We are looking forward to seeing you!"
...and for more reading:
http://www.borealforest.org/world/innova/silviculture.htm
A recent FireSmart ad delivered this message:
Plant fire resistant trees like aspen, birch or poplar, instead of spruce or pine.
Plant fire resistant trees like aspen, birch or poplar, instead of spruce or pine.
The message has profound value, perhaps particularly for people living within forests of spruce and pine.
But as we look into the forests of southwestern Alberta, we might ask these questions:
- Why does this province throw gobs of money into the creation and retention of spruce and pine forests that—even when they survive to be harvested—appear to be worth far less than society's colossal investment in their creation?
- Why does Alberta tempt fate by trying to maintain a costly, high-risk forest, attempting to keep it standing and wildfire-free for a frightfully long and perilous century? Why does this province manage forests in a way that's inherently dangerous?
The 2003 Lost Creek Wildfire and 2011 Slave Lake Wildfire serve as high-priced reminders.
- What did we learn?
David McIntyre
Crowsnest Pass, AB
Shannon Frank, Executive Director of OWC, responds:Fire suppression has undoubtedly changed our forests and we are only now learning how to manage forests in a way that allows vital environmental services, like flood control, to be performed by the forest, while allowing harvest, recreation, etc.
Some environmental services simply cannot be replaced with human engineering.
Does anyone know where the best forest management practices in the world are found? We'd be interested to learn more.
(Editor's note: Here is a link to the Spray Lakes Sawmill Blogspot.
They are hosting an Open House on May 7th)
"May 7, 2014 from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Frank Wills Memorial Hall in Cochrane, and on May 8, 2014 from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Hillcrest Fish and Game Hall in Crowsnest Pass. The purpose of the open houses are to present the Company’s harvest plans for the upcoming season as well as outline the general, five year harvest plan. Spray Lake Sawmills Woodlands staff will be available to help answer any questions and gather any participant feedback. Everyone is welcome to participate, even if it’s just to meet the staff and join us for coffee. We are looking forward to seeing you!"
...and for more reading:
http://www.borealforest.org/world/innova/silviculture.htm
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Friday, 28 March 2014
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Will we have to boil water AGAIN?
From OWC's Executive Director, Shannon Frank:
The recent boil water advisory in Lethbridge has brought into focus two things: how dependent we all are on upstream users to do a good job - and how connected we are in a watershed. A watershed is the area of land that drains into a water body – as seen in the map, all that land drains into the Oldman River. And you can also see that Lethbridge is a little ways downstream.
The water quality problems in the river are complicated and there is not one obvious source, that if cleaned up, would ensure Lethbridge a clean water supply for the long term. What we have is a whole range of land uses that all contribute different types of contaminants – sediment, nutrients, pesticides, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Recently in Lethbridge, the main problem was sediment overload, basically mud clogging filters at the water treatment plant. But where did all this mud come from?
Recreational use and forest harvesting in our mountain headwaters certainly contribute sediment, as does agriculture, oil and gas and urban communities that change the landscape. Every decision has a trade-off and many of the decisions we make create sediment and allow it to run off into our streams.
In the past, healthy wetlands and riparian zones (green zones along the water’s edge) had an important job - capture and filter run-off before it reached a creek or river. But we’ve removed wetlands and degraded riparian zones to the point where they can no longer do their job. So we try to replace that job with water treatment plants and that comes at an ever-increasing cost.
Recently in Lethbridge, the main problem was sediment overload, basically mud clogging filters at the water treatment plant. But where did all this mud come from?
Recreational use and forest harvesting in our mountain headwaters certainly contribute sediment, as does agriculture, oil and gas and urban communities that change the landscape. Every decision has a trade-off and many of the decisions we make create sediment and allow it to run off into our streams.
In the past, healthy wetlands and riparian zones (green zones along the water’s edge) had an important job - capture and filter run-off before it reached a creek or river. But we’ve removed wetlands and degraded riparian zones to the point where they can no longer do their job. So we try to replace that job with water treatment plants and that comes at an ever-increasing cost.
Having learned this lesson, there is a quiet push to put wetlands back, reclaim riparian zones and be more careful about what we put next to our rivers. Many landowners and local governments are leading this charge but it is yet to become a "mainstream" priority.
OWC and many other groups are working to change that. We are all contributing to the problem and can also all be part of the solution. That is what the OWC is all about – working together to find practical solutions to big challenges like water quality.
So will we have to boil water AGAIN? Most certainly.
We can't expect to continue to do what we're doing - and even expand land uses - and maintain water quality. There will be consequences.
OWC and many other groups are working to change that. We are all contributing to the problem and can also all be part of the solution. That is what the OWC is all about – working together to find practical solutions to big challenges like water quality.
So will we have to boil water AGAIN? Most certainly.
We can't expect to continue to do what we're doing - and even expand land uses - and maintain water quality. There will be consequences.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Whether you are a social media fan, a gardener or an outdoor enthusiast, the OWC needs your voice and hands. Several exciting initiatives are happening - we'd love you to be part of them.
All best wishes,
Shannon Frank
All best wishes,
Shannon Frank
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