Central Alberta Chapter

Chapter President: Bob Vanderwater
Contact: Bob.Vanderwater@rdpsd.ab.ca
Area of Interest

The Central Alberta Chapter’s main area of interest is the Red Deer River watershed upstream of Red Deer Alberta, and parts of the North Saskatchewan River in the Rocky Mountain House area.  The chapter’s backbone focuses on a strong desire to embrace on-the-ground work as well as actively seeking to influence policies and programs affecting rivers, streams, and lakes at all levels of government.

Chapter Description

The Central Alberta Chapter’s mission is the protection of trout and their coldwater habitats, in the west-central region of Alberta. Much of the Chapter’s work throughout the years has been focused on the restoration of the North Raven River, a spring-fed tributary of the Raven River, and a trout fishing destination for many residents and visiting anglers. This work on the North Raven River (also known as Stauffer Creek) is celebrated as an example of the good work that can be done with volunteers and partnerships to protect and restore stream health.

While the chapter’s core activities have been focused on fisheries and enhancement of riparian areas, the chapter also places a high value on its members; past present, and future, whose ideas and passions come together to develop responsible stewardship our most important resource – WATER.

Chapter History

Since the formation of the Central Alberta Chapter in 1982, there have been many projects carried out by the Chapter throughout west-central Alberta, including work on the North Raven River, Clear Creek, Prairie Creek, Blackstone River, McLeod River, and the Ram River system. In 2002, the Central Alberta Chapter initiated the Alberta Stream Watch Program which ran for 10 years. Stream Watch was a collaboration with the provincial government and involved the hiring of seasonal Stream Watch officers to educate anglers and recreationists along the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies as well as enforce fishing regulations.

The chapter played a major role in leading the initiative to have Bull Trout declared Alberta’s provincial fish. Additional efforts have focused on water and forest management policies affecting fisheries, the Eastern Slopes angling regulations, and policy development.

The chapter has supported various projects relating to education focusing on fish, fish habitat, and the importance of healthy riparian areas. Funds were provided to purchase educational materials for local libraries and elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.

Support was provided that implemented a strong and sustained TUC Yellow Fish Road program in Red Deer bringing awareness of important issues that affect our watersheds. TUC’s Yellow Fish Road program is tailored towards the younger generation who will, ultimately, be our future stewards in addressing the challenges that affect our coldwater fisheries.

Media

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