Updated January 3, 2008

The chapter has been recognized by ther Oldman Regional Services Commission (planners) as a group that will be asked for input to any new applications for subdivision along the Crowsnest River in the Pincher Creek MD.

As a result of several communications with the MD and the planners, we received the referral status in November. Within a week of that, we received an application to subdivide a 43-acre parcel just downstream (north and west of the bridge) on Highway 3 below Lundbreck Falls.

Our response was that the MD should require an environmental reserve along the river that would extend 15 meters from the high water mark.

That number came from a recent Alberta Sustainable Resource Development letter sent to municipal planning offices. The letter suggests, among other points:

• "It is important to note that all water features are subject to provincial regulations under the Water Act, regardless of Crown ownership."

The letter further states: "A non-response to a subdivision referral and waterbody is not equivalent to a waiver of the Crown's claim to ownership of the bed and shore of the waterbody. As per section 3 of the Public Lands Act, the title to beds and shores of all permanent and naturally occurring bodies of water and all naturall occurring rivers, streams, watercourses and lakes is vested in the Crown in right of Alberta."

The letter appears to clarify in favor of an MD requirement to provide the environmental reserves, an important concession for all Albertans.

• The recommended mimium widths for Environmental Reserves is 15 meters for small rivers (those 6-15 meters in width, which includes the Crowsnest.)

The chapter will continue to monitor subdivision applications and MD decisions.

As well, the chapter is expecting to take a lead role in negotiations with three land owners above Lundreck Falls who are interested in protecting a long stretch of the river shore for public access with Oldman TU's help.

Background

Trout Unlimited (Oldman Chapter) is urging local government land planners to protect and expand public angling access along the Crowsnest River. That, despite unprecedented pressure for private river front residential subdivisions.

It was nearly 30 years ago that the Municipal District of Pincher Creek decided the area between Burmis and the Oldman Reservoir would be best suited for rancheros.

Close to highways and utility corridors, the Crow's spectacular foothills region lent itself best to semi-urban development.

That was the prevailing wisdom at the time, about a decade before the angling world sat up and took note of the Crow's tremendous dryfly fishery. Among the best in the world.

Roughly, that's about 20 km of some of the best winding river on the continent.

To make a long story brief, TU's Oldman Chapter will be seeking expanded residential setbacks, development free zones and assured walk and wade access. It's felt these measures would enhance work done earlier by both TU Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The two organizations manage public lands at Burmis, west and just upstream of rolling hills and river bottom now being carved into five to 10-acre lots.

The municipal district has the discretion to demand a 10 per cent assessed real estate cash value or 10 per cent of all raw land from any development. Unfortunately, in many cases developers and local politicians have preferred the cash option.

Hopefully, that will soon change. Stay tuned. Meetings are scheduled in the new year.

There's a lot of Crowsnest River frontage that has yet to be carved. And some that's yet to be saved for the enjoyment of all.