Ecosystems & Biodiversity
Taking Notice to Take Action: Integrating Environment, Community, and Health A Health in the Watershed Atlas of the Battle River and Sounding Creek Watersheds
Introduction
The Health in the Watershed Atlas offers the latest information on the state of ecosystems and biodiversity to inform stewardship actions to enhance habitat for wildlife, birds, and insects. Biodiversity supports the economy, community, and public health in the Battle River and Sounding Creek Watersheds.
Land Cover & Species Intactness
The health and diversity of birds, wildlife, plants and other species are closely linked to land use, development and changes in climate.
As assessed in 2018, areas in green, including Ribstone and Sounding Creek, indicate less human disturbance and a greater intactness or abundance of native plant species. In these areas, pastureland and grazing are common. Other types of land use such as cropland, linear developments (eg. roads and railways), industry, and urban development can negatively impact biodiversity.
Bird Health
The 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report shows the drastic decrease in grassland birds species across Canada. The health of bird populations is often shaped by habitat loss and fragmentation impacting biodiversity. Within our watersheds, areas like Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, and certain riparian zones along the Battle River show strong biodiversity, while others require further conservation efforts.
Important Bird Areas are places that are significant for migrating birds and important for bird conservation. Miquelon Lake, Sounding Lake, Killarney Lake, and Schultz Lake are some of the IBAs within our watersheds.
Riparian Condition
Riparian areas, transition zones between land and water, are crucial for water filtration and biodiversity. They are assessed through on-the-ground surveys or satellite imagery. Broad-scale evaluation can help prioritize conservation and restoration efforts based on intactness levels.
View riparian data through the Riparian Web Portal at riparian.info
Fish Health
Fish are significant as a food source and indicator of overall watershed health, as land use pressures impact fish populations. The Battle River, through a 2008 fish survey, received a 42% Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) score. Other monitoring projects, such as Fall Index Netting at Pigeon Lake and the Askîy Community Fish Health Monitoring Program highlight the need for further conservation of fish populations.
Call to Action
Conserve or restore wetlands and riparian areas
Protect healthy tree stands to support habitat connectivity
Naturalize your yard to protect native pollinators
Find native species for your region through ALCLA Native Plants or Edmonton Native Plant Society
Contribute to citizen science monitoring using iNaturalist and eBird
Connect the dots
How does this affect the rest of watershed health?
- Ecosystems, biodiversity, and land management are interconnected, with decisions impacting wetlands, riparian areas, and recreation opportunities.
- Land management decisions can directly impact the health of wetland, riparian areas, and other natural ecosystems as well as recreation.
- Climate change may further alter ecosystems, affecting species survival and the services they provide.
Acknowledging Lands and People
The Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds have been the home, meeting ground and travelling route for many Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. We gratefully acknowledge the ancestral territory and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples and Nations within these watersheds. Their experiences, teachings, knowledge and wisdom inform and enrich our collective efforts to care for the land and water of this region. These watersheds are located in Treaty 6 and 7 territory and the Métis homeland. Fulfilling the spirit and intent of the treaties is an ongoing process, and the Battle River Watershed Alliance is committed to building strong and respectful relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of this land, with all living beings, and with the land and water on which we all depend.