Parks and Recreation: Working together to preserve riparian areas
By Medicine Hat News on December 3, 2018.
Home to many riparian areas within the South Saskatchewan River Sub-Basin, the City of Medicine Hat is committed to riparian areas preservation. Riparian areas’ importance Riparian areas — commonly known as river banks or floodplains — are transitional ecosystems between wet and well-drained lands. They provide habitat for many plants, fish, and wildlife — including protected species. They act as buffer zones, filtering sediment, chemicals and pathogens from waters. Riparian vegetation prevents bank erosion and slows flowing water, facilitating groundwater recharge and decreasing flood peak flows. Riparian areas also provide opportunities for recreation, research, and education. Threats to riparian areas Unfortunately, many riparian areas are in danger. Encroaching urbanization, agriculture and industrial development can cause disturbances which increase pollution and erosion. Excessive use of riparian areas results in soil compaction, vegetation damage and invasive species introduction. Invasive species compete with native species altering natural hydrology, changing plant communities and decreasing wildlife forage quality. In addition, changing weather patterns can increase both drought and flood frequencies, leading plants to either thirst or drown. Contributing to riparian area preservation Fortunately, there are easy ways we can help save these ecosystems. Being an appreciative and mindful user of riparian areas minimizes damage when visiting. You can also prevent harmful products from entering waterbodies by reducing fertilizer and pesticide use and using sulfate and phosphate-free soaps. Remember that small actions have an effect — you matter. What is the city doing for local riparian areas? The City of Medicine Hat is committed to riparian area preservation. Seven Persons Creek banks within the Saamis Archaeological Site are severely eroded and plant communities are damaged. Access limits and revegetation will restore the Site’s ecological integrity and maintain its historical value. Beginning Jan. 1, traffic will be restricted to trails, and dogs must be kept on leash. By respecting these new access rules, visitors will participate in Site restoration by minimizing disturbance to surrounding soils and vegetation. Future fencing will delineate significant restoration areas, and future trails will increase site accessibility for all visitors. For current and future generations, preventative rather than reactive action is required to preserve the areas we all enjoy and value. Riparian benefits are seamlessly integrated in our lives, but it is important to remember how we rely on them and how easily they can be lost without working together. Riparian areas protect us, now it’s our turn to do the same. Keziah Lesko-Gosselin works with the City’s Parks and Recreation department, leading research initiatives and providing technical support for parks projects and operations. 13-12
