Getting livestock to where they need to be can be a challenge, particularly when water is involved. This project aims to provide economical and local solutions that can be used throughout the Peace Watershed. Objectives are both to make livestock handling easier and to improve water quality and flood resiliency.
Improved Livestock Crossing
With crossing number 5 in, this project is wrapped up. Thanks to Kennedys for their great work on this one. Although the project is officially over, we are always interested in solutions to improve watershed function. So if you have a crossing need, get in touch.
Livestaking with willows to establish woody vegetation in riparian zones speeds up ecological restoration and helps to improve flood and drought resiliency.
Another crossing structure is nearing completion. Come springtime, we will do some livestaking to restore the riparian along this watercourse.
Here is the crossing helping a producer access fields while doing the critical work of allowing ecological function to continue. An intact stream channel and riparian zone contribute to improved water quality, flood and drought mitigation.
Our latest crossing is not for livestock but for machinery. Different considerations were needed - we don't need to keep livestock on the crossing structure but it does have to hold more weight and be wider.
One more water course without vehicles going through it!
Crossing tour
Register for this tour of ingenious crossing solutions.
Corduroy
This an old technique that can work well in wet areas or ephemerals draws. Always check with the authorities about approvals before doing work.
And they are across! Thanks to First Nature Farms, Agroforestry Woodlot Extension Society, Alberta Conservation Association, County of Grande Prairie and Cows and Fish for the help on this.
Training the livestock to use the crossing. It's a work in progress.
it is great for us and the dog. Now it is time to how the bison like it.
Pilings are in.
Here is where the first crossing will be going in. The span is approximately 30' and will remove the need for the producer to move livestock either through the creek or drive them a long ways around to the next bridge.
As much as we are excited about working on livestock crossings, we are at least as excited about continuing work with some excellent partners.
We would like to thank the Government of Alberta for providing funding for this project through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (http://aep.alberta.ca/water/programs-and-services/watershed-resiliency-and-restoration-program/default.aspx).