State of the Watershed Report 2010

Bow River Basin Council Society

With support from Alberta Ecotrust, the Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) will create a comprehensive information and scientific analysis of the Bow Watershed for the internet. Using web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, BRBC will generate maps of the entire basin and sub basins along with corresponding indicator information that viewers can put to use with just a click of a mouse. A complementary booklet that highlights key materials contained on the website will also be published.

Results

Although the investment in this project was small ($5,000), the payoff was BIG!  The BRBC officially launched its State of the Watershed Report on the 28 October 2010. This is the first time such a report has been produced online in Alberta. In addition to accomplishing everything they set out in their initial plan, they've included video footage of water experts speaking about issues online. This is the first such a tool introduced in Alberta and they are expecting a tremendous response and feedback from the users.

Together with their other supporters, Alberta Ecotrust has helped this group launch an innovative and cutting edge tool that will have widespread benefits.  As the BRBC states:

"The information we share through this project is of tremendous value to not only the stakeholders and policy makers but also to the general public and academic institutions such as universities, secondary schools and public libraries. Some of the important features of the project are its ability to use interactive media providing a direct interface with the users and connecting them with the management and conservation issues of the Bow Basin. Above all, it provides instant access to data and indicators that will help community and stakeholders to better understand the issues and challenges. This, in turn, promotes individual actions that will benefit our watershed."

Visit the site and see for yourself!