WTI

Improving the Ecological Function of the Upper Bow River & Its Watershed

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Improving the Ecological Function of the Upper Bow River: Bow Lake to Kananaskis Dam
   1. Matt Blank and Tony Clevenger
   2. 4W1043_Final_Report.pdf
2. Improving the Ecological Function of the Upper Bow River: Bow Lake to Kananaskis Dam
   1. Matt Blank and Tony Clevenger
   2. 4W1043_Executive_Summary.pdf

Project Objective

To research and prepare a report that summarizes factors influencing the past and present population of bull and westslope cutthroat trout in the upper Bow River, details current data and data gaps, and provides recommendations for future actions and research.

Project Abstract

The upper Bow River in Banff National Park has been described as “North America’s most beautiful trout stream.” However, this world-class ecological and recreational resource is facing a crisis as evidenced by the population decline of its native bull and westslope cutthroat trout. Some of the factors affecting the watershed include water regulation activities, non-point and point source pollution, angler mortality, fire suppression, and climate change. Other factors identified by Parks Canada include the introduction of non-native species, the physical isolation of the upper Bow River from the middle and lower sections of the river by Seebe Dam, and loss of habitat connectivity due to railroad and highway infrastructure. This project aims to improve the ecological integrity of the upper Bow watershed above Seebe Dam by addressing some of the factors that are limiting bull and westslope cutthroat trout populations.

Task Descriptions

1. Draft Review
   1. Stakeholders will review and provide input on the draft report in order to ensure the proper research direction and institutional support for future research projects. A second meeting may be necessary to revise the ranking and prioritization.
2. Final Report
   1. WTI will incorporate comments from the draft report into the comprehensive final report. All project stakeholders will receive a final report.
3. Draft Report
   1. This task will include a decision matrix for ranking data gaps and prioritizing research and action needs. WTI will prepare a draft report to include the following key components: • Past and current status of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in the Bow River watershed upstream of Seebe Dam • Factors that may and may not be influencing the distribution and populations of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout • Existing data and data gaps Research needs, action needs, prioritization of research and action scenarios
4. Initial Meeting
   1. WTI will facilitate a meeting with all stakeholders to kick off the project. Key stakeholders include the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Parks Canada, Province of Alberta, and Trout Unlimited Canada. The initial meeting will focus on the following topics: • Scope and comprehensiveness of report • Resource needs to complete draft report • Decision matrix • Timeline for review of draft, discussions, and completion of final report Funding for future research and action projects
5. Data Gathering
   1. Researchers will work with the stakeholders to identify technical contacts and information resources. WTI will gather information from key people who have the knowledge, data, and documents necessary to complete the draft report.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

False

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Habitat connectivity, highway infrastructure, aquatic ecosystem, fish

Partners

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative