A Natural Solution to a Complex Problem

Transcription

1 Wetland Restoration and Flow Enhancement Project Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association Prepared By: M. Poscente, MBA, RPFT CharettePellPoscente Environmental Corp. October 11, 2011

2 Wetland Restoration and Flow Enhancement Project Executive Summary Studies were conducted by numerous consultants within the western portion of the Skeleton Lake watershed. Commissioned by the Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association, the studies improved upon the understanding of the surface water hydrology and wetland hydrological connectivity as water flows towards Skeleton Lake. The purpose was to identify opportunities and natural solutions to enhance the effectiveness of the watershed. Key findings resulting from the studies are: 1. There is surface hydrological connection between Krazy Creek watershed and the Skeleton Lake watershed during peak flow events, calculated as when water levels in Krazy Creek exceed bank full status by 0.7 meters at the location where Range Road 192 (Rodeo Road) crosses Krazy Creek. 2. The present Skeleton Lake watershed boundary does not accurately reflect the boundary between the Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek basins. The new boundary proposed is the result of detailed surface elevation surveys and watershed modeling using LiDAR data. Survey and model outputs support observed and documented surface water flow. 3. Natural flow patterns of surface water have been negatively impacted by road development. Improvements to cross drainage, culvert design and road ditch grades can efficiently drain water presently accumulating in ditches and restore to the extent possible, natural flow patterns through adjacent wetlands into Skeleton Lake. 4. The series of connected wetlands along the surface water flow path from the Krazy Creek vicinity to Skeleton Lake are important for sustaining watershed integrity, specifically water storage and release to Skeleton Lake. Actions arising from these studies include: 1. Approval of an amendment to the Skeleton Lake watershed to the boundary recommended in the Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek 2009 report, by Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd. (Figure 6 in this report). 2. Prepare a detailed plan of culvert and road ditch improvements for Township Road 652 and Range Road 192 within the study area. 3. Implement the culvert and road ditch improvement plan. 4. Complete detailed wetland delineation and classification work to meet Alberta Environment wetland restoration requirements. 5. Restore, conserve and manage the wetlands within the study area through a combination of stewardship initiatives and long-term conservation easements. 6. Examine the possibility of acquiring wetland compensation credits for restored wetlands and/or project funding through provincial wetland compensation funds. The Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association is looking favourably toward Alberta Environment as the primary regulator, and Athabasca County as the local development authority, to endorse the actions and participate in solutions with involvement of all key stakeholders. The fact that there will be no net gain of lake elevation levels in 2011 demonstrates the urgency to implement watershed management practices to restore natural drainage patterns on the landscape to the greatest extent possible, as a natural solution to a complex problem. i

3 Wetland Restoration and Flow Enhancement Project Table of Contents Executive Summary... i Introduction... 1 Study Area... 2 Project Description... 3 Synthesis... 4 Surface Water Flow... 5 Watershed Delineation... 8 Wetlands Wetland Delineation Contour Mapping Key Findings Actions and Decisions Actions Agreement in Principal Required Decisions Required Summary References ii

4 Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association A Natural Solution to a Complex Problem Wetland Restoration and Flow Enhancement Project Introduction The Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association (SLSA) is a registered charity and a non-profit society incorporated in The mission of the association is to manage Skeleton Lake as a resilient, high quality, sustainable, aquatic ecosystem for the mutual benefit of all Albertans and for the protection and sustainment of the waterfowl and fish of the lake. In 2006 the SLSA received approval from Alberta Environment (AENV) on the terms of reference to develop a watershed management plan, which was completed in November 2009 and approved by AENV on May 20, The watershed management plan supports provincial and local goals: Albertans are assured that Alberta s aquatic ecosystems are maintained and protected (Alberta Water for Life Strategy) Albertans will be assured that water is managed effectively to support sustainable economic development (Alberta Water for Life Strategy) The goal of the Government of Alberta is to sustain the social, economic and environmental benefits that functioning wetlands provide, now and into the future (Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta: An Interim Policy, May 1993). Attain a balance between environmental, community and economic issues within government legislation for the protection and sustainable management of aquatic resources and habitats of the Skeleton Lake Watershed (Skeleton Lake Watershed Management Plan, November 2009). The SLSA Board has been very active in conducting studies and defining appropriate actions to implement the watershed plan. A Watershed Efficiency Group was established to determine where management initiatives could be undertaken to provide the highest value, with respect to achieving sustainable lake water levels and aquatic habitats. A comprehensive review of the watershed determined the western portion, in the vicinity of Krazy Creek 1, is an area having the greatest opportunity for watershed restoration and subsequently the highest value. The outcomes of studies conducted indicate the surface hydrology in the western portion of the Skeleton Lake watershed historically provided a significant source of water to the lake. Development has since negatively impacted the natural overland flow of water, contributing to a deterioration of fisheries habitat, riparian habitat and wetlands. 1 Krazy Creek is a local name for an unnamed creek within the Athabasca basin, bordering on the Skeleton Lake watershed boundary. 1

5 In response to the study results, the Watershed Efficiency Group is planning restoration initiatives within the western portion of the watershed: 1. Re-define a portion of the watershed boundary in the Krazy Creek vicinity to reflect the actual drainage patterns documented. 2. Improve surface water flow efficiency within road ditches to benefit Skeleton Lake by: a. Identifying opportunities for additional cross-drainage culverts. b. Grade road ditches for effective surface flow (reduce pooling). c. Divert surface water from road ditches into adjacent wetlands to restore natural flow patterns into Skeleton Lake. 3. Identify critical wetlands that provide water storage and release water to Skeleton Lake. 4. Restore and preserve critical wetlands through conservation and stewardship initiatives as a natural and long-term solution to effectively manage sustained water flows into Skelton Lake. SLSA will strive to achieve a balance between conservation and development objectives within the watershed. This report provides a summary of the study results to date. It is intended to be used for communicating stewardship initiatives to regulators and stakeholders, in support of fostering strong relationships and partnerships. SLSA desires to form partnerships with stakeholders interested in achieving common objectives. The benefits that the SLSA believes can be achieved by successful implementation of the watershed improvements are: 1. Conservation of critical wetlands that capture, store and release water to Skeleton Lake. 2. Management of surface run-off, reducing the risk of damage caused by flooding. 3. Restoration of riparian habitat. 4. Restoration of fisheries habitat, particularly spawning, rearing and feeding zones. 5. Sustain the recreational opportunities provided by Skeleton Lake. 6. Realize upon the economic benefits associated with sustainable development in the Skeleton Lake locality. 7. Support public education and outreach by demonstrating results and best practises. Study Area The study area is focused on approximately 3 sections of land between the western shore of Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek as shown in Figure 1. 2

6 Township Road 652 Range Road 192 (Rodeo Road) Figure 1 Study area within and adjacent to the Skeleton Lake western watershed. Project Description The project has two stages. Stage 1 involves review and assessment and stage 2 is implementation. STAGE 1 1. Synthesis of existing data and study results. 2. Defining statements of findings based on previous studies related to; a. historic surface water flow patterns, b. impact of linear development on surface water flow patterns, c. watershed boundary delineation (within the project area). 3. Preliminary wetland delineation and general classification. 4. Recommending solutions. 5. Identifying decisions required and by whom. 6. Presentation of findings and recommendations to regulators and stakeholders: a. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (fish habitat). b. Alberta Environment (wetlands and surface water management). c. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (riparian habitat and bed and shore management). d. SLSA constituents and local land owners. e. County of Athabasca (municipal development planning). f. Town of Boyle (local economic benefits) g. Boyle Chamber of Commerce (local economic benefits) h. Ducks Unlimited (wetland conservation and management) Timelines for stage 1 are to have the summary report complete by October 2011, followed by presentations to regulators and stakeholders. 3

7 STAGE 2 Stage 2 includes implementation of the actions proposed in this report (Actions and Decisions page 14). Communication will occur throughout the project to SLSA constituents and local land owners to inform and educate them on progress and outcomes of the project. Timelines for stage 2 are dependent on regulator decisions and stakeholder support. Ideally, implementation of improvements to ditch grading would proceed in the fall of A water line is being installed within the Range Road 192 (Rodeo Road) ditch in the fall of 2011, providing immediate opportunity to improve the effectiveness of water flow through proper ditch grading. It is practical to conduct ditch improvements concurrently with reclamation of the water line disturbance. Early completion of improvements to ditch grading would provide immediate benefit to Skeleton Lake in the spring 2012 run-off period, because of improved effectiveness of the road ditches to move high volumes of water. Synthesis Anecdotal evidence suggests the portion of the western watershed in the vicinity of Krazy Creek provides the best opportunity to conduct watershed enhancement and efficiency initiatives to support sustainable lake level targets and objectives in the watershed management plan. SLSA conducted the studies listed in Table 1 to document and provide evidence of overland water flow between the Krazy Creek and Skeleton Lake basins. Table 1 Hydrological studies conducted in the Krazy Creek vicinity of the Skeleton Lake western watershed. Study Date Consultant Skeleton Lake State of the Watershed Report August 2007 Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd. Hydrological Assessment of November 2007 WorlyParsons Komex Skeleton Lake Elevation Survey Summer 2009 RESQ Consultants Ltd. LiDAR Supported Surface September 2009 Airborne Imagining Inc. Elevation Study Skeleton Lake Krazy Creek Assessment September 2009 Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd. Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek October 2009 Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd. Preliminary Wetland Mapping and Typing September 2011 CharettePellPoscente Environmental Corp. 4

8 Surface Water Flow Linear development has impacted natural drainage patterns in the western watershed, specifically Township Road 652 and Range Road 192 (Hydrological Assessment of Skeleton Lake, 2007). Impacts to drainage are related to road ditch grading, culvert size, maintenance of culverts, culvert design and culvert placement. Inadequate cross drainage, especially along Rodeo road, causes water to funnel through culverts that cannot handle peak flow (Figures 2 and 3). Township Road 652 Range Road 192 (Rodeo Road) Krazy Creek Figure 2 Looking Northeast towards Twp Rd 652 and Range Road 192. Note pooling in corners of intersection and road ditches, likely caused by poor culvert design, maintenance and/or ditch grading (Photo by WorlyParsons Komex, April 2007). Township Road 652 Figure 3 Surface water back-up within road ditches and surface pooling suggest inadequate culvert size and/or impediments to surface flow due to ditch grading, culvert placement or surface disturbances (Photo by SLSA, May 2011). Observed surface water flow (personal communication with SLSA members) and elevation survey data both support an overland flow path between Krazy Creek and Skeleton Lake during events causing Krazy Creek to overflow its banks, such as during spring run-off and/or heavy precipitation events. During these conditions, flood water flows through a combination of road ditches and connected wetland complexes, ultimately entering Skeleton Lake. The LiDAR data (Figure 4) demonstrates the most probable flow path and the minimal topographical relief of the area that supports this occurrence. 5

9 Figure 4 Probable overland flow path between Krazy Creek and Skeleton lake during peak flow events causing bank overflow (source Skeleton Lake Krazy Creek Assessment, September 2009) An investigation of surface elevations (Figure 5) was conducted to determine if water from the wetlands east of Krazy Creek have hydrologic connectivity with Skeleton Lake (Skeleton Lake Krazy Creek Assessment, 2002). This investigation included a survey of surface elevations along the likely flow path created by road ditches and natural flows across disturbed and undisturbed wetlands (RESQ Consultants Ltd., 2009). The survey was undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of surface water flow between the wetlands east of the Krazy Creek/Rodeo Road crossing and Skeleton Lake. 6

10 Figure 5 Surface elevation survey results by survey segment between the Krazy Creek/Rodeo Road crossing and Skeleton Lake (data source RESQ Consultants Ltd. September 2009). Table 2 summarizes changes in elevation along segments of the surveyed area. The survey documents an elevation drop of 5.13 meters from the Krazy Creek/Rodeo Road crossing to the 1990 bank elevation of Skeleton Lake. This represents an average negative gradient of about 0.3 meters per 100 meters and concludes there is a surface water flow path from the vicinity of Krazy Creek to Skeleton Lake. 7

11 Table 2 Summary of surface elevation survey results by segments shown in Figure 4. Survey Segment 1 Krazy Creek culvert under the road to a dry slough bed; distance about 300 meters. 2 Dry slough bed northward along west side of road; distance about 430 meters. 3 Culvert under road north of dry slough bed northward along east side of road; distance about 330 meters. 4 West end of Lot 2 in northeast direction towards culvert under the road; distance about 250 meters. 5 Low lying area north of road in Lot 14 in northeast direction towards newly constructed road east of Lot 15 ER; distance about 230 meters. 6 East side of newly constructed road across Lot 10 ER, east towards west boarder of Lot 3; distance about 240 meters. 7 West border of Lot 3 to historic bank of Skeleton lake (1990); distance about 200 meters. Elevation change between Krazy Creek culvert and Skeleton lakeshore. Elevation Range (meters above sea level) Elevation Change (meters) Watershed Delineation The purpose of the watershed delineation study conducted by Aquality Environmental Consulting was to delineate the watershed boundary between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek, to either confirm or reject anecdotal reports by individuals, suggesting that Krazy Creek has flowed into Skeleton Lake in the past. The current watershed boundary, as determined by the Prairie Farms Rehabilitation Administration Gross Drainage Areas data set (PFRA, 2009), lies between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek (Figure 6). A closest-to-natural terrain LiDAR-based Digital Elevation Model (evenly spaced grids of elevation measurements) was used to delineate the new watershed (shown in Figure 6). Using this method, the direction of water flow for each cell is determined by the steepest slope among the adjacent cells. This flow direction map is then used to define the basin lying above a particular pour point within the region by determining sequentially, which cells flow towards and into the pour point. For the analysis, two pour points were analysed, one on the small inlet channel on the west edge of Skeleton Lake, and one downstream on Krazy Creek above Flat Lake. The two pour points allowed identification of contiguous but mutually exclusive basins. The digital elevation model was developed from private data by Airborne Imaging Inc., Calgary, Alberta. These data are produced from LiDAR data collected in 2008 and have an on-the-ground accuracy of about 0.45 m along both the north-south and east-west axes, and a vertical accuracy of about 0.30 m. This resolution is sufficient to discern not only existing terrain, water bodies, and watercourse channels, but also man-made features, such as road and rail grades and rights-of-way. 8

12 Using the closest-to-natural terrain LiDAR-based Digital Elevation Model, with surface flow through culverts, the Skeleton Lake watershed was determined to be expanded outwards from the existing boundary by up to 800 m in some areas (Figure 6). This is the best available elevation data and assumes ideal installation of culverts, mimicking drainage patterns as closely as is possible in this human-altered landscape. The revised boundary accurately reflects the observed surface water flows during peak runoff events, during which Krazy Creek overflows its banks. The difference in elevation between the banks of Krazy Creek and the watershed boundary is at a minimum in the vicinity of the Rodeo Road crossing, where water levels would have to rise approximately 0.7 meters above the current bank height to overflow the Krazy Creek watershed boundary into Skeleton Lake (Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek, 2009). The new watershed delineation corresponds with the RESQ Consultants Ltd. surface elevation data that also determined surface drainage in the vicinity of the Krazy Creek crossing on rodeo road flows towards Skeleton Lake. Proposed Watershed Boundary Figure 6 Watershed delineation based on the LiDAR digital elevation model (data: Airborne Imaging, 2008). Surface flow through existing culverts is accounted for, assuming ideal installation with no hanging culverts. Watersheds are defined based on pour points located on Krazy Creek upstream of Flat Lake, and at the small inflow on Skeleton Lake. The cyan line forms the boundary between these two watersheds within the area of interest. The yellow line indicates the current watershed extent based on the Prairie Farms Rehabilitation Administration gross drainage areas (PFRA, 2009). 9

13 Wetlands Two studies were conducted to fill information gaps in support of demonstrating the hydrologic connectivity between the Krazy Creek and Skeleton Lake watersheds. Wetlands in the study area were mapped and preliminary classification was conducted. A sub-meter contour map of the study area was produced to corroborate existing surface water flow information and show surface contours in relation the wetlands. Further work is required to accurately classify and delineate the wetland polygons to Alberta Environment standards. Wetland Delineation Wetlands occurring along the surface water flow path from Krazy Creek to Skeleton Lake were mapped using 2008 colour ortho imagery at a resolution of 0.4 meters. Wetlands occupy approximately 52.8 hectares (Figure 7). Preliminary soils pits were examined to determine the presence of organic soils. Soil surveys indicate the existence of deep rich organic soils, further evidence supporting the importance of this portion of the watershed for water storage and release to Skeleton Lake (Table 3). All soil pits have evidence of periodic saturation (prominent mottling and extensive signs of surface water pooling). Wetland polygons have not yet been individually classified; however ground observations and preliminary soil analysis indicate the following wetland types occur 2 : Peatland wetland Swamp Shrub Mineral wetland Swamp Shrub Peatland wetland Marsh Emergent Peatland wetland Marsh Graminiod The Skeleton Lake Management Study, Alberta Municipal Affairs, 1979, designated the wetlands within the study area as having severe soil limitations for development (basements etc.). The agricultural capability on these lands was designated as O organic soils or Class 4W severe limitations wet. There is evidence of human disturbance on key wetlands in the study area, where landowners cleared the land during drought conditions, only to find that the land is inaccessible during normal weather conditions. These lands will be prime candidate areas for restoration. 2 Western Boreal Plains Wetland Types, A Field Guide to the Wetlands of the Boreal Plains Ecozone of Canada, Ducks Unlimited, V1.0 June 9,

14 Wetland Mapping and Soil Pit Locations Figure 7 Wetland mapping showing the location of preliminary soil survey pits. 11

15 Table 3 Summary of preliminary soil survey and observations. Soil Pit Soil Type Depth of Organic Comments Number Horizon (cm) 1 Mineral N/A Ap horizon human disturbance, approximately 55 cm of mineral soil has been placed over the original soil. Evidence of Ab (buried) horizon. 2 Mineral N/A Bg horizon - indicating prominent mottling and evidence of surface pooling at site. Lowland site adjacent to a graminoid marsh. 3 Organic 89 Deep Om and Oh horizons (intermediate and advanced decomposition respectively) over parent material of sandy clay. Water seeping into pit. 4 Organic 144+ Deep Om and Oh horizons. Depth to parent material was not determined. Water seeping into pit. 5 Mineral N/A Ap horizon human disturbance, site was brushed and windrowed. Lowland area with abundant Typha sp. (cattails). Sandy clay soil texture, retarded drainage, prominent mottling and evidence of periods of standing surface water. 6 Organic 30 Op horizon organic layer has been disturbed by brushing, likely removing surface organic material. Soil pit is located adjacent to a natural drainage channel. Parent material is sandy clay with prominent mottling. Water seeping into pit. Extensive evidence of surface pooling. 7 Organic 78 Deep Om and Oh horizons. Soil pit is adjacent to a defined intermittent stream channel (dry at the time of the survey). Parent material is coarse sand. 8 Organic 68 The organic horizon is not continuous. Two buried horizons of sand alluvial deposits, one between 25 to 29 cm and the other between 35 and 42 cm from the surface provides evidence of two previous flood events, sufficient in intensity and volume to carry and deposit coarse sand. Contour Mapping A 50 centimetre interval contour map was produced using LiDAR data to further support the wetland basins and drainage patterns of water in the study area (Figure 8). The contour map supports the previously mentioned findings of surface flow of water through the wetland complex to Skeleton Lake. Wetland water sources are precipitation and periodic flood overflows from Krazy Creek during spring run-off and heavy precipitation events. Water transfers from the Krazy Creek watershed into the Skeleton Lake watershed when Krazy Creek bank overflow exceeds 0.7 meters, as determined through the Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek, 2009 report. 12

16 Five groundwater monitoring wells were installed in September 2011 for the purpose of determining the water table within the wetlands. The monitoring well locations are shown on Figure cm contour interval Figure 8 LiDAR 50cm contour interval map with wetland overlay and monitoring well locations (contour mapping source: Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd.) 13

17 Key Findings The key findings from the studies are: 1. There is surface hydrological connection between Krazy Creek watershed and the Skeleton Lake watershed during peak flow events, calculated as when water levels in Krazy Creek exceed bank full status by 0.7 meters at the location where Range Road 192 (Rodeo Road) crosses Krazy Creek. 2. The present Skeleton Lake watershed boundary does not accurately reflect the boundary between the Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek basins. The new boundary proposed is the result of detailed surface elevation surveys and watershed modeling using LiDAR data. Survey and model outputs support observed and documented surface water flow. 3. Natural flow patterns of surface water have been negatively impacted by road development. Improvements to cross drainage, culvert design and road ditch grades can efficiently drain water presently accumulating in ditches and restore to the extent possible, natural flow patterns through adjacent wetlands into Skeleton Lake. 4. The series of connected wetlands along the surface water flow path from the Krazy Creek vicinity to Skeleton Lake are important for sustaining watershed integrity, specifically water storage and release to Skeleton Lake. Actions and Decisions Actions Actions arising from the studies including urgency and timelines are listed in Table 4: Table 4 Watershed management actions, urgency and timelines. No. Action Urgency Timeline 1 Prepare a detailed plan of culvert and road ditch improvements for Township Road 652 and Range Road 192 within the study area. 1 Oct/Nov Implement the culvert and road ditch improvement plan (water line installation along Rodeo road at the time of this report provides an immediate opportunity to conduct ditch improvements in conjunction with waterline disturbance reclamation). 1 Nov or by June Approval of an amendment to the Skeleton Lake watershed to the boundary 1 Dec recommended in the Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek 2009 report (Figure 6 in this report). 4 Complete detailed wetland delineation and classification work to meet Alberta 2 Aug Environment wetland restoration requirements. 5 Examine the possibility of acquiring wetland compensation credits for restored 2 Dec wetlands and/or project funding through provincial wetland compensation funds. 6 Restore, conserve and manage the wetlands within the study area through a combination of stewardship initiatives and long-term conservation easements. 2 Aug Urgency: 1 = complete within 6 months, 2 = complete within 2 years 14

18 Agreement in Principal Required A primary goal of this project is to acquire regulatory and stakeholder agreement in principal to the findings of the watershed studies and follow actions presented in this report. Such agreement may lead to regulators or stakeholders becoming project partners for some of the initiatives. Table 5 summarizes the agreements in principal that are required. Table 5 Regulatory and stakeholder agreement required. Regulator Department of Fisheries and Oceans Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Environment Athabasca County Agreement in Principal The actions will support the restoration of fisheries habitat in Skeleton Lake, especially spawning habitat, feeding zones, riparian zones and littoral zones. The actions will support wildlife habitat within riparian zones, inclusive of sustaining values within the bed and shore of the lake, and assist in improving upon the recreational fishery of the lake (currently designated as collapsed for Walleye) by better sustaining lake water levels and improving bed and shore habitat near the western inlet. The actions support the intent of the Water for Life strategy of sustaining aquatic ecosystems and economic benefits realized by the recreational use of the lake. The Department will support and contribute to the development of strategies and tactics to achieve the objectives of the approved watershed management plan, including those recommended in this report. The actions support the continued economic and social benefits realized through the revitalization and recovery of Skeleton Lake. The County agrees in principal to improve and maintain cross drainage and road ditches in order to re-establish historical hydrology as near as possible and to support the restoration and long-term conservation of wetlands. Decisions Required The regulator decisions required are defined in Table 6: Table 6 Regulator decisions required. Regulator Alberta Environment Alberta Environment Athabasca County Athabasca County Decision Approve an amendment to the Skeleton Lake watershed to the boundary recommended in as portrayed in Figure 6 of this report. Support the initiative to restore and conserve wetlands, in part through wetland compensation funding currently managed on behalf of the government through Ducks Unlimited. Agreement to participate in road culvert and ditch grade planning and improvements, some of which can be associated with restoration of wetland hydrological function. Agreement to the identification and conservation of wetlands in the western Skeleton Lake watershed, including implementation of controls within development permits to conserve wetland integrity and function. 15

19 The stakeholder decisions required are defined in Table 7: Table 7 Stakeholder decisions required. Stakeholder Skeleton Lake Stewardship Association Land Owners Decision Decision to proceed with phase 2 of the project, which includes implementation of the actions subject to regulatory and local authority approvals. Agreement to a range of options to implement stewardship and conservation actions to sustain functioning wetlands on their property. Summary Studies conducted in the western portion of the Skeleton Lake watershed conclude that there is hydrologic connectivity through surface water flows between the Krazy Creek and Skeleton Lake watersheds during peak flow events. The flow of this water into the Skeleton Lake watershed directly benefits Skeleton Lake. Development within the western portion of the watershed has resulted in negative impacts to natural surface water flows and the degradation of wetlands. Opportunities exist to implement actions that will improve the efficiency of surface water drainage into Skeleton Lake, especially along existing roadways. The wetlands are critical for the storage and release of water into Skeleton Lake. Restoration, conservation and management of wetlands in the area can contribute towards sustaining water flows into Skeleton Lake and mitigating local flooding. To optimize and realize upon the long-term benefits provided by a properly managed watershed, strong support, good relationships and effective partnerships are required between regulators, local authorities, stakeholders and residents. There is a desperate need to find natural solutions to the sustainability of Skeleton Lake. The SLSA is looking toward Alberta Environment as the primary regulator, and Athabasca County as the local development authority, to endorse actions and participate in a solution with the involvement of all key stakeholders. There is urgency to initiate watershed enhancement actions. Skeleton Lake water level monitoring demonstrated an increase of 9.5 inches from October 2010 to mid-summer 2011; however by August 2011 the water level dropped from its annual peak by 5 inches. At the current trend it is predicted that by the end of October 2011 there will not be a net gain of water, despite a heavy 2010/11 snow pack and wet 2011 season until the end of July. The fact that there will be no net gain of lake elevation levels in 2011 demonstrates the urgency to implement watershed management practices to restore natural drainage patterns on the landscape to the greatest extent possible, as a natural solution to a complex problem. 16

20 References Alberta Municipal Affairs, Planning Services Division, Skeleton Lake Management Study, August 1979, p30-33, 83. Hydrological Assessment of Skeleton Lake, prepared for SLSA by WorlyParsons Komex, November 2007, p33,72. RESQ Consultants Ltd., Surface elevation Survey Data, 2009, published in Skeleton Lake Krazy Creek Assessment, 2009, p4-5. Skeleton Lake Krazy Creek Assessment, prepared for SLSA by Aquality Environmental Consulting, September 14, 2009, p1-2. Skeleton Lake State of the Watershed Report 2007, prepared for SLSA by Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd., pp81. Skeleton Lake Watershed Management Plan, prepared for SLSA by Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd., November 23, 2009, pp39. Watershed Boundary Delineation Between Skeleton Lake and Krazy Creek, prepared for SLSA by Aquality Environmental Consulting, October 1, 2009, pp10. Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta: An Interim Policy, Alberta water Resources Commission, May 1993, pp18. 17