Current Projects

The MPWA is currently managing several projects related to the Mighty Peace Watershed and its sub-watersheds, including

The Integrated Watershed Management Plan

Now that the first iteration of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan is complete, remember this is a "living document" and will be regularly updated, we are working on implementation. Ongoing projects and education efforts will focus on addressing the recommendations of the plan.

The Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer Source Water Protection Plan

A very high quality source of water is found in the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer and we are developing a plan that will allow proactive protection of this valuable resource.  Many thanks to our partner and primary funder for this project, the Grimshaw Gravels Aquifer Management Advisory Association.

The Improved Livestock Crossing Project

This is another partner project that is working to develop relevant, local and affordable crossing structures for agricultural producers in the Peace Watershed. Improved crossing structures contribute to flood mitigation, water quality improvements and riparian function.  We are thankful to have received Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program funding to undertake this work.

The Lower Peace Freshwater Contaminant Reduction Project

This a project to promote improved land management so that producers can operate successfully and find support in implementing practices that will reduce the contaminant loading to the lower Peace River. We are partnering with Mackenzie County and landowners and/or agricultural producers to adjust what is happening on the upland to improve water quality.

The Reducing invasive species in the Peace-Athabasca Delta Project

Little Red River Cree Nation has warned of the growing number of invasive plants growing in the riparian zones of the wetlands, creeks and rivers of their homelands in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and areas to the west. This project will focus on identifying areas of infestation and then initiating control to reduce the infestation.

The Redwillow Watershed Restoration Project

Efforts to restore the Beaverlodge River have narrowed focus on breathing life back into the Redwillow River watershed thanks to federal funding to begin restoration activities that will improve watershed health on the Redwillow River, of which the Beaverlodge River is a tributary.

The Smoky Headwaters Initiative

We are excited to begin a new project in the Smoky Headwaters. Every watershed has a headwaters and the Smoky River's are in the Grande Cache Vicinity. This is initiative is going to look at reducing threats to coldwater fish, think Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), habitat. These coldwater species are often at risk.

The Streambank Stabilization and Extension Project

Historical straightening of a stream channel has lead to serious erosion that is impacting the agricultural operations and the downstream water quality and flood susceptibility.  Restoration of the stream and its function will stabilize the streambank and surrounding agricultural land while improving water quality and flood resiliency.  We are thankful to have received Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program funding to undertake this work.

Wapiti Watershed Bank Stabilization Project

The last few years have had some of the highest discharges on record in parts of the Wapiti Watershed.  Flows like this can cause serious erosion issues and point out management practices that could be improved. Interestingly enough, the very things (components and processes) that make these systems resilient to flood also function in to increase drought resilience.  This project is about supporting resilient watersheds, so that the watersheds can support us.

The Wapiti Watershed Source Water Protection Plan

 The Wapiti River Water Watershed Source Water Protection Plan is being created by the project team of Aquatera Utilities, County of Grande Prairie, Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance, the Municipal District of Greenview, Seven Generations Energy Ltd., and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. This is a protective approach to mitigate risks to the important resource in the Wapiti Watershed and will use the following approach. Hazards will be identified, ranked according to risk and then mitigative strategies will be developed to reduce the chance of the water being polluted.