Meeting Minutes

Waterton Watershed Group Meeting

May 27, 2010 Weston family Conservation Centre



Members Present: Jen Jenkins, Cal Wellman, Anne Stevick Guest: Michael Gerrand



Jen Jenkins presented the Schedule A & B of the Alberta Stewardship Network (ASN) grant that Jen applied for in January 2010. Waterton Watershed Group (WWG) was successful in obtaining $4500 in funding from ASN to be used for Riparian Health Assessments and a field day in the summer of 2010.



WWG also has $1000 from the Waterton Biosphere Association to be used for a field day and/or Bar-B-Q.



A discussion was held to decide where and how many health assessments could be done on 2010. Michael Gerrand suggested that Cows and Fish could be retained to do 5 or 6 riparian health assessments on the mainstem of the Waterton River. This includes meetings with landowners at each site, and a final report to be delivered to each landowner.

Michael suggested that there be some criteria for site selection:

1) Willingness on behalf of landowner to be involved in WWG and the assessments.

2) Willingness from landowner to host tours of site.

3) Openness from landowner to learn and accept new ideas.

Some sites were suggested and Michael and Jen will follow up on further site selection.





FIELD DAY



Michael suggested that we include a Riparian Health workshop as well as a Range Health workshop in the field day. Cows and Fish could put on both. It would need to be on a small stream for easier explanation. It would be good to have a healthy native grass area in close proximity for the range health portion. Suggestions for a site where we could also access the Bar-B-Q and parking would be beneficial.



The week of August 23rd was suggested and Michael will check to see the availability of Cows and Fish staff. Michael and Jen will explore the possibilities of having the Field Day at Jenkins Ranch. Jen offered her place if the above requirements could be met. If not WWG may approach Palmer Ranch to see if the Bar-B-Q could be held there in case of bad weather (bunk house?).



It was suggested to approach Tony Bruder to do the Bar-B-Q. Also to apply to the Oldman Watershed Council for $500 funding for Stewardship Group activities. WWG should invite other groups like ACA (Michael Uchikura) and Multisar (Darryl ) to the field day. Jen will delegate jobs to other members as the time gets closer; i.e. someone to acquire free beer!



Michael did mention that the Waterton Watershed Group was the “shining light” of the stewardship groups this year, as it is the only new group in the Oldman Basin!