Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds
Parkland County recognizes the vital role wetlands play in biological diversity, water quality, and flood mitigation. It is estimated that Alberta has lost between 60 to 70% of wetlands located within settled areas. In 2016, Parkland County completed a Wetland Inventory & Historical Loss Assessment. The study estimated that over 37, 000 hectares of wetland loss has occurred in Parkland County between 1950 and 2013.
To help address the impacts of historical wetland loss, Parkland County is working with the province under the Wetland Replacement Program (WRP), to restore and replace wetlands, where practical.
These projects will be used to help achieve sustainability goals such as flood and drought mitigation, biodiversity improvements through increased wildlife habitat and water quality.
Project Updates
Edinburgh Park Subdivision Wetland Replacement Program |
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The County has completed its first wetland construction project under the provincial Wetland Replacement Program within the Edinburgh Park Subdivision. The project included a four-hectare permanent wetland connected to the County’s drainage system. Areas were excavated to shift open water away from a nearby road. This was done to create permanent wetland area and prevent further damage to the road that has been previously washed out from intense storms. The constructed wetland is expected to create educational opportunities, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce the impacts of drought and flooding.
Planting took place in the summer of 2024 and included 1,000 aquatic plugs and 600 willows. Species included Creeping Spike Rush, Utriculata sedge, Bebbs Sedge, Water Sedge, Wild mint, Pussy Willow, and Yellow Willow.
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Whitewood Sands Shoreline Restoration | ||||||
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Agriculture and Wetlands
Wetlands provide many benefits to agriculture, including:
- Flood reduction
- Groundwater recharge
- Water filtration
- Temperature moderation
- Pollinator habitat
Additional benefits include increased biodiversity, recreational value, and carbon sequestration.
For more information, visit Agricultural Benefits of Wetlands - Parkland County. For information on what you need to know when working in and around wetlands on your farm or ranch, refer to the Landowner Guide to the Alberta Wetland Policy.
Agricultural producers interested in establishing beneficial management practices within their farming operation should contact ALUS.