Brian Meagher, provincial biologist for TU Canada, led a group of about 18 people on a walk to scout the potential Crowsnest River meander project between Coleman and Blairmore. Along were representatives of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Conservation Association, Crowsnest Conservation Society, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Alberta Environment, Alberta SRD/Fish and Wildlife, Muncipality of Crowsnest Pass, Hillcrest Fish and Game Association and TUC Oldman Chapter.

Work on the project scheduled for this summer involves research to determine the feasibility of the project, including hydrology work .

The project was suggested to Trout Unlimited Canada as a way of enhancing the fishery in that stretch of the river, which was rechanneled in the early 20th Century. It would involve redirecting the river to the original channel, on land now 50% owned by NCC, and 25% each by ACA and Alberta Fish and Game Association.

Brian is seeking volunteers in the Oldman Chapter during late April or early May this year to conduct a redd count, before runoff clouds the river. Contact Brian: bmeagher@tucanada.org

Richard Burke photos