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 | | OWC Staff luncheon farewell to Andrea |
Goodbye to Andrea
Andrea has resigned from her role as Development Coordinator
and we wish her all the best!
Many thanks to her for all her work securing grants!
So it's no surprise - we're hiring a Development Coordinator
We're looking for an outgoing, dynamic leader to create and implement OWC's Fund Development Strategy. This is a great opportunity for you to let your leadership and management skills shine!
If you are the right person to join our Team, we are open to discussing your ideal work schedule. Part time or full time, working from home part of the time and a flexible schedule are all options. However, it is necessary to be located in Southwest Alberta in order to meet with potential funders and other staff regularly. OWC's office is in Lethbridge and office space is available. See job posting for more information.
WPAC Summit
October 21-23 in Edmonton
The Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) Summit is an opportunity to learn from the other 10 WPAC's across Alberta. This year the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance is hosting and will share their successes and learnings. More details to come.
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Here are the facts:
* 58,000 participants across Canada are involved
* more than 1 million kilograms of litter from shorelines across Canada have been removed
* average of 21.2 kilograms of litter is removed per kilometer of shoreline cleaned
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Join us - we'd love to see you and
the family out helping to keep
our river healthy!!! |
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Good news from the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) - we are putting in place several enduring key communications tools and training the team in their use.
The signature piece of this suite is a film. It will not be a typical educational film. Rather, it will create a space for people to have an experience and draw their own conclusions through presentation of the facts. This is important in a watershed with perhaps the most extreme stakeholder diversity: the goal of the film is to communicate clearly where water comes from, where it ultimately goes and what happens in between.
The core message is: "We are all downstream".
About 10 - 15 minutes in length, this film will be presented at: exhibitions and trade shows; schools; Watershed Planning & Advisory Council summits; municipal, county and provincial government meetings; in conservation and environmental arenas; and more. It will be made available on the web site free-of-charge and will be an important tool to attract further donors and sponsors. This film will be shown to audiences up and down the watershed, with the intent to educate, inspire and contribute to a stronger sense of community. It will portray southern Alberta's diversity and entrepreneurship via watershed use. Following the growth of the region from the mid-1700s through to 2025, it will use historical photos, interactive maps from the ALCES project (A Landscape Cumulative Effects Simulator - headed by Dr. Brad Stelfox), and spectacular footage of the people, places and landscapes. The film is the centre piece to a larger vision. Complementary to the film, spin-off videos will be created around 10 themes, such as: Irrigation, Recreational Vehicle Use, Water Quality, Invasive Species, etc. - as well as the story of OWC itself. After all, it is your story, too. It is up to us to show the way forward for future generations of people who depend on the Oldman River watershed for work, play and existence.
Our 5 Founding Partners have stepped up and committed to the project.
We are looking forward to our big media event announcing them - and officially launching the film project - soon!
Over the years, the OWC has had incredible support from its many volunteers and donors. The OWC mandate has much in common with the environmental stewardship goals of industry, tourism, farming, ranching and recreation ... to name a few. So many people and organizations are working hard to promote progressive water management practices with the inherent awareness that "Water is vital to life, the environment and the social and economic well-being of communities" (Ref: Alberta Irrigation Project Association). This presumes a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities. We believe this film project will increase the common understanding exponentially.
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE
We are seeking 'Collaborative Partners' to help tell the story of our watershed
through a donation of $5,000 each.
We will professionally script and produce 3 video clips about YOUR ORGANIZATION.
We are also requesting donations from individuals in any amount from $10 and above - as well as strong organizational support.
The OWC thanks you sincerely for your consideration to support this exciting project!! 
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FILM OR HOW TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTING PARTNER:
Anna Garleff, Communications Coordinator, Oldman Watershed Council
anna@oldmanbasin.org OR 587 224 3793 (cell)
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Headwaters Action Plan - Dutch Creek Pilot Project is underway!
The OWC and the Headwaters Action Team are moving forward on addressing a key priority action of the Headwaters Action Plan 2013-14. A methodology on how to classify linear features is now being tested in the Dutch Creek sub-watershed as a first step of the Dutch Creek Pilot Project. Field researchers are starting this week to assess all linear features in the Dutch Creek sub-watershed, using various parameters of measurement. These parameters include (but are not limited to) a detailed inventory of all linear features, assessment of the type and state of each linear feature, and intensity and type of use on linear features that are used by the public or industry.
The purpose for classifying linear features is to provide a scientific basis for prioritization for reclamation/restoration of linear features that impact key water/watershed values. The process of prioritizing will also include consideration of other social, environmental and economic values in Dutch Creek. No easy task! As the Dutch Creek Pilot Project unfolds, the Headwaters Action Team will work together to see how the process addressing linear features will integrate with other priority actions of the Headwaters Action Plan, including how cumulative effects in watersheds impact key fish species at risk, such as westslope cutthroat trout, and how we might collectively work with all user groups through public education and stewardship action to address impacts on the health of the Dutch Creek sub-watershed. Lessons learned from Dutch Creek will be invaluable in future applications of assessment, education, engagement and restoration of other highly impacted sub-watersheds in the Oldman headwaters. We look forward to continuing this interesting and worthwhile journey to ensure the headwaters remains a healthy and sustainable water source for the Oldman River, and for all who depend upon it. Join us! |
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Highway Cleanup & Bluebird Box Maintenance (optional)
Saturday, September 20
Join the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Weiners of Waterton to clean up garbage along a 6km stretch of highway just outside of Waterton Lakes National Park from 10:00 am to noon. We will be meeting at the Waterton Springs Campground at 10 am and dividing into groups for the various sections of highway to be covered. Wear weather appropriate clothing / footwear and bring a sturdy pair of gloves. Afterwards, we'll celebrate our efforts with a free BBQ lunch! You can either head off after lunch or stay and join with the NCC Conservation Volunteers who will be doing maintenance work and collecting data on NCC's adopted Bluebird Trail.
For more information contact Nora Manners: nmanners@watertonbiosphere.com
Planting Wildflowers & Native Grasses
Friday, September 26
(If the weather is too bad for planting, then the alternate will be the afternoon of Oct. 1 or Oct. 3).
Time: 1:30 pm start and through afternoon until done.
Location: Cameron Falls Theatre Garden
Many pairs of hands will make light work. Together, we will be planting about 150 plants from 12 different species into the Cameron Falls Theatre Garden (a few may go into the International Peace Park Garden). These are plants from seeds collected by volunteers here in Waterton and then raised to transplants in the Glacier National Park greenhouse. Helena will be our vegetation expert for the afternoon and Dianne will also be working with you. It would be great to have anywhere from 5 to 10 people out. We won't have enough trowels and need pads for all, so be sure to let Dianne know if you can bring your own when you RSVP. She'll send out the species list to those who RSVP.
Ride the Red Rock - Special Event Volunteers
Saturday, September 27
We still need volunteers to help serve refreshments along the Parkway. You don't need to bike to your station. The event is a glorious family bike ride to celebrate all things biking and get a sneak peek at riding the Red Rock Parkway when it's closed to motor vehicles. For more information, click here.
Milk River Watershed 2014 Annual Hike Tour
- Pinhorn Grazing Reserve & Milk River Canyon
Saturday, October 4, 8:15 am - 4:30 pm
The goal of this tour is to showcase the Milk River watershed's extraordinary landscape that includes rolling grasslands and diverse plant and wildlife communities. Space is limited to 30 people. For more information click here.  Prairie Conservation Forum presents "Deep Roots" the story of Alberta's grassland and our connection to it - a 60 minute video conference for Grades 4-7. Available at no cost to teachers, groups must pre-register. For more information, click here.
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New Smartphone App Takes Aim at Alberta's Most Noxious Weeds 
FROM: City of Edmonton, August 13, 2014
A new iPhone application developed by the City of Edmonton is taking the guesswork out of weed identification. Alberta Weed Spotter is an easy-to-use application designed to help Albertans identify and report weeds to provincial authorities. The application includes all 75 species currently regulated under Alberta's Weed Control Act.
The goal of the app is to help improve strategic weed management decisions and allow for quicker responses to new weed infestations across the province. To read more, click here.
The Water Footprint Network has released a new version of its Water Footprint Assessment Tool - a tool that is designed to provide insight into how water is appropriated for human uses and the impacts resulting from those uses. Check it out here!
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2014 Conferences, Courses & Workshops
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October 27-29
PFSRB Annual Conference - Saskatoon, SK
PFSRB and CWRA Saskatchewan Branch
Long Term Threats to the Saskatchewan River Basin
Delta Bessborough Hotel
See attached poster for more details. Early bird registration deadline is September 26.
www.skriverthreats.com
Dialogue - Key to Productive Engagement and Consultation Workshop
October 6 & 7, 9 am - 5 pm, Calgary (Location to be confirmed)
This highly participative workshop is an introduction to designing and facilitating dialogues on complex and contested issues. The workshop will provide an overview of different dialogue techniques and tools that help move public participation from agenda-driven debates to values-based conversations. In a safe and comfortable environment, participants will both learn about and practice dialogue facilitation, developing their skills and confidence. For more information, click here.
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Job Postings & Requests for Proposal
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OWC Development Coordinator The Oldman Watershed Council is looking for just the right person to join our Team.
We are offering a flexible schedule and open to discussing what arrangement works well for you! Click here for more info.
WBRA Part-Time Communications Coordinator
The coordinator will communicate with Waterton Biosphere Reserve residents, a variety of stakeholders, and the general public about the programs of the WBRA. For more information, click here. Application deadline: Friday, September 19.
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OWC funding provided in part by:
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