2023 ECO Community Impact Winner – Sikome Beaver Coexistence Project
The Beaver Coexistence Project is an impactful measure in place to protect Fish Creek Provincial Park and everything that comes with it. Trails, wildlife habitats, and of course the beavers are all conserved under this stewardship program. It’s been over two years since the Province of Alberta’s Watershed Restoration and Resiliency Program (WRRP) accepted our application to fund the first Beaver Coexistence Project in Fish Creek, and we’re continuing to foster coexistence with our furry friends across the Fish Creek Valley.
This new initiative aimed to both alleviate pathway flooding in an area where beaver activity was causing severe pathway flooding and damage, while protecting the animals and their habitat so they can thrive and be the ecosystem engineers, water filtration experts and landscape artists that they are.
Thanks to the WRRP, project partners and our dedicated and skilled Beaver Coexistence Volunteers, the project has included the installation of five flow control devices in the area between Bebo Grove and Marshall Springs.
On August 8, 2022, a dedicated team of Friends of Fish Creek volunteers, and passionate youth from WILD Outside (conservation-based, youth volunteer organization) installed a water flow control device, as part of the Beaver Coexistence Project.
This project has been awarded the ECO Community Impact Award!
Video by Himanshu Sangale
Article courtesy of Himanshu Sangale, Friends of Fish Creek Volunteer, and Katie Bakken
Photo courtesy of Rose Ratliffe
