Wetland Restoration in Alberta

Transcription

1 Wetland Restoration in Alberta Thorsten Hebben, MSc., PBiol. Limnologist and Policy Analyst Policy Division Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development

2 Outline Mechanisms Legislative Authority Interim Wetland Policy The Compensation System Activities Re-Contouring Engineered Wetlands Restoration Agencies System Limitations Path Forward

3 Enabling Wetland Restoration Significant paradigm shift: Estimated 60-70% of wetlands lost in White Area Agricultural Productivity Integrated Water Management Promoting drainage Enabling restoration Wetland restoration is enabled through Alberta s Water Act. Approval required for engineered projects and projects where the affected drainage course contains flowing or standing water. Restoration of wetlands drained under an existing authorization is subject to cancelation/amendment of the authorization. Projects are accompanied by a monitoring and maintenance requirement.

4 Regulatory Considerations Under the Water Act, all water in Alberta is owned by the crown. Under the Water Act, most activities that will impact a water body in the province require regulatory approval to proceed. Under the interim Wetland Policy, activities resulting in wetland impacts are subject to a minimum 3:1 (areabased) compensation requirement. Under the Public Lands Act, the crown may choose to claim ownership over the bed and shore of a wetland (usually class IV and V), requiring additional compensation.

5 The Interim Policy Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta: An Interim Policy (1993) The primary driver for wetland restoration in Alberta Limited to mineral wetlands ( sloughs ) in the White (settled) Area Provincial Wetland Restoration/Compensation Guide (2007): Requires 3:1 compensation for wetland losses in the province: Restoration of drained or altered naturally occurring wetlands Does not allow for development of artificial wetlands Alternate suggestions considered (e.g., Olds College Wetland) Restoration within the same or nearby watershed Offsite restoration permitted (up to 10:1)

6 The Basis for 3:1 The interim wetland policy is based on the principle of no net loss of wetland area (presumed to equate to a 1:1 replacement): 1. Wetland restoration is an imperfect science some proportion of restoration projects will fail. 2. Anticipated loss of some wetland functions in compensation a restored wetland is unlikely to achieve the same degree of function as the original system. 3. Temporal lag between the wetland loss and the time a restored wetland becomes reasonably functional.

7 Compensation Ratios

8 Restoration Activities Re-establishment of a naturally occurring wetland with a functioning natural ecosystem whose characteristics are as close as possible to conditions prior to drainage or other alteration: Re-Contouring Wetlands restored to natural water level through the use of local soils and vegetation. Frequently involves the filling of drainage ditches. Engineered Wetlands Earth fill embankments, fixed or variable crest water control structures, outflow conveyance systems Wetland type often spills water to downstream areas during runoff events and is part of the effective drainage area of the larger drainage basin.

9 Restoration Guide Wetland restoration must be part of an overall plan to achieve long-term ecosystem preservation and wetland retention in Alberta. Ideally adjacent to protected wetland system. Criteria: Must be either an individual or complex of drained or altered naturally occurring wetland types. Once a site has been restored, it will be monitored annually by the restoration agent. Includes maintenance/repair requirement

10 Re-Contoured Solution

11 Re-Contoured Solution

12 Engineered Solution

13 Engineered Solution

14 Restoration Agencies Ducks Unlimited Canada is the primary wetland restoration agency in Alberta at this time. Does not preclude other organizations from becoming restoration agencies: Impaired by limitations within the current system for certification. Further limited by 30-year securement/monitoring/liability considerations. No financial incentive. ESRD is currently working on a pilot project with the County of Vermilion River: Will require a fundamental shift in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems to support broader application.

15 System Limitations Lack of a defined certification system for restoration agencies and qualified wetland aquatic environment specialists. Lack of a mechanism establishing formalized, legally binding relationship between the agency and the GOA. Lack of a comprehensive, integrated management system: Guidelines and criteria for defining restoration areas, restoration and construction activities, monitoring requirements Information systems, incorporating inventories and databases Electronic reporting systems

16 Bog Fen Swamp Marsh Shallow Open Water

17 The Path Forward Standardized tools: Guidelines and criteria for wetland restoration and construction, monitoring, and reporting. Prioritization of restoration areas The Alberta Wetland Classification System (vs. S&K/CWCS/Cowardin Combo) Integrated data systems: Alberta Wetland Inventory (+ refresh cycle) Centralized database for approvals and corresponding compensation activities Online reporting capacity. Established certification system and defined qualifications for QWAES and restoration agencies.

18 Under a New Policy Make the link to wetland value (functional attributes + human benefits) to enable execution of informed management decisions. Establish a wetland banking system. Enable innovation and continuous improvement. Incorporation of new science and knowledge into the restoration system. Consider a carbon offset protocol. Create incentive programs to encourage the maintenance of wetlands on the landscape. Design enhanced education and outreach programs.

19 Photo Credit: Clayton Spytz Questions?