A solar-powered irrigation system at a riparian restoration site along the Elbow River in Calgary.--SUPPLIED PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The government of Alberta is working to reduce red tape for communities or businesses so they can spend more time restoring watersheds and less time filling out paperwork.
Alberta is removing the requirement to have a temporary diversion licence to water plants as part of a riparian restoration project. According to the province, this will ensure that plants receive the water they need, eliminates unnecessary red tape, keeps plants alive and ensures the time and money that communities and businesses put into watershed restoration projects are not wasted.
“Freedom to water is about cutting through the clutter of bureaucracy so real work can happen. This change stops the waste, ends the delays and lets communities focus on restoring Alberta’s rivers, creeks and lake banks – not filling out forms,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
In the past, licences have been required in Alberta to water newly planted trees, shrubs, grasses and other vegetation along rivers, creeks and lakes.
These projects are crucial for expanding, repairing and rejuvenating ecosystems near water bodies, said the province. However, the requirement to have a temporary diversion licence made this important work more difficult by adding additional costs onto small companies and organizations and delaying projects.
“This amendment is a huge step forward for practical, common-sense riparian restoration in Alberta. This simple change will reduce flood and drought risk, protect our watersheds and ensure Alberta’s restoration efforts are resilient and effective,” said Andrew Renaux, chief executive officer and founder of Leaf Ninjas. “We applaud the Alberta government for listening to restoration practitioners, cutting red tape and delivering a solution that benefits both the environment and Albertans.”
The new exemption only applies to small projects, which consume no more than 100 cubic metres per day, and requires the water to be used to support the growth and establishment of plants along a watercourse or water body.
The removal of the requirement could allow for more restoration projects, which will be able to adapt to changing conditions.
“Our government is pleased to support the important work of restoring riparian areas and improving the health of our rivers,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water. “Allowing a small quantity of water to be used without a licence will help establish healthy, lush vegetation along previously degraded riverbanks and help make these projects successful over the long term.”
