More help on the way for Alberta’s ‘iconic’ hawk

By Dave Lueneberg, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter; Photo by Jerry Liguori A plan announced last month by the Alberta government will boost efforts to keep the ferruginous hawk a key part of the province’s ecosystem. Known for flying and nesting over the southern grasslands, including here in the southwest, its population in the early 2000s dropped dangerously low, but has managed … Read more

Province pledges funds towards drought resiliency, infrastructure

By Dave Lueneberg, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter “We have to find better ways to maximize our province’s water supply, not just for today but also for future Albertans.” Those were just some of the words used by the province’s environment minister, Rebecca Schulz, March 13 as the Alberta government announced $35 million in funding toward what it believes could be another … Read more

Council advised of water information session

By Rob VogtA group of concerned citizens in the Municipal District of Willow Creek has organized an evening to provide information on water, drought, and the threat of wildfire.Roy Penniket and Rod Brunes, who are part of the Chinook Watershed Crew, appeared as a delegation at Claresholm town council’s March 11 meeting to explain what they have planned, and request … Read more

Town advised water sharing agreement talks

By Rob VogtAlthough recent snowfall is a welcome relief, planning is under way throughout Alberta for the drought that is coming in the spring, including the potential for water-sharing agreements among water licence holders.At its Feb. 12 meeting, Claresholm town council reviewed a letter from Rebecca Schulze, minister of Environment and Protected Areas, to water licence holders about the water … Read more

M.D. advised about drought planning

By Rob VogtAlthough recent snowfall is a welcome relief, planning is underway throughout Alberta for the drought that is coming in the spring.At its Jan. 10 meeting, the council reviewed a letter from Rebecca Schulze, minister of Environment and Protected Areas, about the water situation in the province.“Alberta is currently in a significant drought,“ Schulze wrote. “During summer 2023, several … Read more

Province commissions study to help manage water supply

By Rob VogtThe provincial government is commissioning a study on drought to help the province manage Alberta’s water supply.On Dec. 1, Alberta Environment and Protected areas issued a release stating they have issued a request for proposal to enhance drought modelling and help the province prepare for 2024.It was noted Alberta relies on melting snow and rain for most of … Read more

Land in Porcupine Hills west of Claresholm to be conserved

By Rob VogtThree properties in the Porcupine Hills west of Claresholm will be conserved.On Nov. 14, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced the conservation of three properties in this region of southwestern Alberta.Spanning more than 2,500 hectares, equivalent to double the size of Nose Hill Park in Calgary or over 4,000 Canadian Football League football fields, these projects build … Read more