Wabamun Watershed Management Council (WWMC)
Seba Beach Bioengineering Workshop
When? Saturday, May 11th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where? Meet at Hamlet of Wabamun School (5305 50 St, Wabamun AB)
Who? The FREE workshop is organized by WWMC.
It is recommended for ages 12 and up who are interested in receiving some hands-on training in the fundamentals of bioengineering to restore and stabilize steep slopes and eroding shorelines.
About? Bioengineering is a technique using natural materials to stabilize soils. It offers an economical and sustainable method of stabilizing slopes, while promoting successional reclamation of disturbed sites.
The day will start off with a brief introduction of the fundamentals of bioengineering, followed by hands-on training on willow harvesting and installation methods. (Willows will be harvested near the Hamlet of Wabamun and willow installation will be at a site in Seba Beach). Participants will gain practical experience in the application of bioengineering, and an introduction for how it may be used as an effective alternative to traditional engineering practices while building resiliency into the watershed. This workshop is an extension of the WWMC 2023 bulrush restoration pilot project.
Please bring safety glasses, work gloves, sturdy footwear, and weather appropriate clothing. Participation will be limited to a maximum of 30 people. Water and snacks will be provided. It is recommended that participants bring their own lunch and drinking water.
Presenter: Kristen Andersen, CPWSC, PWS, P.Biol.
Kristen is a certified professional in erosion and sediment control and restoration ecologist with 24 years of experience in stream and wetland restoration. She teaches wetland courses at the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension and is a Technical Specialist in Wetland and Restoration with Associated Environmental.
RSVP to info@wwmc.ca by May 4th/ 2024.
Shoreline Stabilization Workshop
Saturday, May 11th
With current low water levels, this may be an excellent time to consider protecting the shoreline from erosion when lake levels do return to normal or above.
In conjunction with last year's Bulrush restoration project, the WWMC will be hosting a free workshop this spring, demonstrating the use of Bioengineering as an alternative to hard armoring to protect shorelines. Bioengineering is a technique using natural materials to stabilize soils. It offers an economical and sustainable method of stabilizing slopes while promoting the successional reclamation of disturbed sites.
Mark your calendars, the workshop will be held on Saturday, May 11th, and will include a brief introduction to the fundamentals of bioengineering, followed by hands-on training on willow harvesting and installation methods at a site at Seba Beach. Attendance will be limited so please register early.
For more information and how to register, download the workshop notice.
For more information about the WWMC visit our website. Follow us on Facebook and X.
Wabamun Watershed - A Plan For All Seasons
Let's Go Outdoors says:
It was an absolute pleasure to work with the fantastic volunteers at the Wabamun Lake Watershed Council. In this video, I continue my understanding of the Wabamun Lake Watershed plan and how many partners representing various levels of government and volunteers have come together to work towards a common goal. As you will see, the work required to maintain a healthy watershed is a year-round process.
Click to Watch the video from Youtube: Wabamun Watershed - A Plan For All Seasons
Let's Go Outdoors is based in Alberta, Canada. Host Michael Short runs a fully integrated media company that provides outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists with news and info about Alberta's outdoors.
A Watershed For All
Take a look at the work being done by the volunteers of the Wabamun Lake Steering Committee. These folks have been working on behalf of all of us who enjoy spending time at this wonderful Lake just west of Edmonton. Recently a Watershed Plan was released by the committee that worked closely with other stakeholders within the watershed. This is just a brief overview of some of the issues Wabamun Lake faces.
Watch the video: A Watershed For All
Wabamun Watershed Management Council (WWMC)
Let’s Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear
The following is a brief synopsis of what the WWMC has been doing over the last few months and an open invitation to get involved.
In the 1st quarter of 2022, the WWMC board has been immersed in work concerning two overarching themes, namely board governance and implementation of the Wabamun Watershed Management Plan (WMP). WWMC's board governance efforts include formalizing a 3-year strategic plan, advancing by-law revision, and completing an application to register as a charity.
Current WMP implementation efforts are centered on collaborative initiatives related to the priority WMP focus areas including, but not limited to, planning summer education events on aquatic invasive species, riparian restoration, and advocating for municipal bylaws/policies alignment with the protection of the lake and watershed. For a review of the WMP priority focus areas, see ‘page 5 of the WMP’.
Boat Launch Update
Parkland County has informed the WWMC that crews will begin clearing land very shortly (with accommodation to bird nesting and fish spawning season) for the approved boat launch site on the Wabamun Lake south shore near the Sundance power plant. This will be the beginning of Phase 1 of the project, constructing the new launch. Phase 2 will involve the closure or restricting access to the informal launch sites around the lake. These efforts will go a long way to helping protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem while allowing easier access to the lake for most users. More information about the launch can be found on Parkland County’s website (parklandcounty.com), search for Wabamun Lake Boat Access.
Get Involved to ‘Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear’
Keeping Wabamun Lake “Clean and Clear” requires each one of us to be engaged in the protection of the watershed. There are many aspects, and many areas to get involved in. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Importantly, it does not matter where you begin to get involved, just PICK ONE aspect to delve into, to participate in.
The motto of WWMC is ‘Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear’; this is in fact a collective responsibility - Let’s Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear.
Now more than ever we must have a strong bold collective voice and action to protect the lake and watershed. Visit WWMC.ca for information on the watershed and ideas to get involved. Connect with us to share your involvement in protecting the lake and watershed or your interest in getting involved. info@wwmc.ca