The MRRRWQSI initiative consists of 9 separate projects that are located around the Waterton St. Mary Headworks inlet canal and along the shore lands of Milk River Ridge Reservoir. These projects are predominantly focused on provincial Crown land – known as the “provincial land corridor” that surrounds the reservoir.
Water quality declines in Ridge Reservoir in previous years are attributed in part to a degradation of the provincial land corridor which surrounds the Reservoir and the inlet canal. By returning ecological function to compromised corridor lands they will be able to serve as environmental buffers to intercept and slow runoff from the Milk River Ridge, and better anchor riparian areas and shore lands with desired vegetation communities.
In 2020, the County of Warner in partnership with Alberta Environment and Parks completed a corridor fencing project. The survey of the property boundary by the AEP contractor was completed on Oct 31. Throughout December, The fencing contractor fenced about 4 miles (6,000 metres) of the provincial land property boundary.
The intention is to plant about 12,000 shrubs and grass species within the reclaimed land, these shrubs will provide habitat for wildlife such as pheasants, white tailed and mule deer, and bird species.
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
Mule Deer
(Odocoileus hemionus)
Wildlife friendly fencing
Planting of native grass species
Shrubs planted along the reservoir
Pronghorn
(Antilocapra americana)
2020 Fencing Projects Completed
Milk River Ridge Reservoir Phase 1 Fence line completed in December, 2020
Milk River Ridge Reservoir Phase 3 Fence line completed in December, 2020