By Adam Ophus

Tabled for now

Bylaw proposed for Clear Creek & North Raven River Buffer District

Dec 8, 2020 | 3:04 PM

At Clearwater County’s December 8 council meeting, representatives from the Alberta Fish and Game Association (AFGA) discussed their desire for 33 quarter-sections of land 10 kilometres northeast of Caroline to be redesignated as the Clear Creek & North Raven River Buffer District.

Environment Chair for AFGA Victor Benz explained that the river is world renown as an excellent Blue Ribbon Trout fishing area due to its perfectly balanced conditions.

His concerns were directed at below-water level gravel pits, which he argued could disrupt the water temperature and have an adverse effect on the cold water fish.

The area in question only represents 3% of the total available gravel in the county, but concerns were raised that it could lead to more areas being sterilized for gravel extraction throughout the Clearwater County.

County administration stated that as of right now the current group wanting to mine does not have an active application for a pit.

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The applicants for the bylaw strongly requested that a Hydrologist be involved, which the County reassured that they to cared for the area, and are confident that the current guidelines are sufficient.

Alberta Fish and Game were unable to provide proof of consent from all property owners in the proposed area for their proposal. They themselves currently own two properties totalling 142 acres.

Benz did provide a consultation summary from 26 property owners they were able to get in contact with, saying 19 were in support of the buffer.

Council decided to write Alberta Environment and Parks about the validity of Alberta Fish and Game’s information and for their input on what is required. Until the information is received they have tabled first reading on the bylaw.