PublicNotice

WaterValley, Alberta July,1998

Water Valley area residents have expressed shock and deep concern over recent activities in Winchell Coulee.

Portions of the south-facing slope of the Coulee have been clear-cut of trees. The beaver dams at the western end appear to have been dismantled and dredged to drain the wetlands. Soil, trees and other debris have been pushed into the Coulee to create road access to the north-facing slope.

Flow rates in Stoney Creek have been affected. Local farmers and other landowners have found Stoney Creek muddy and flowing erratically. Contaminants such as diesel fuel have been been detected.

Alberta Environmental Protection, in response to a complaint by downstream agricultural operations, have investigated and found the following:

A permit is required for the development activities currently underway and planned for the Coulee under Section 11 of the Water Resources Act. If these activities continue without a permit the landowner will be in violation of the Water Resources Act.

In addition, Alberta Environment has determined that activities such as draining portions of the Coulee, warrant widespread public notification and consultation. This notification has not occurred. It must occur before a permit will be issued.

The land in question is registered in the name of Robin and Shelly Stewart of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

In December ‘96 Mr. Stewart applied to the County of MountainView to develop a 300 lot commercial campground in the Coulee. The community has been told that Mr. Stewart is planning a year round facility including a large scale snowmobile/RV base for touring on grazing lease lands surrounding the Coulee.

Winchell Lake Drained for Campground?

The County of MountainView has not yet approved redesignation of the land from Agricultural to Recreational land use. They have not approved the campground/snowmobile facility. However, plans to drain portions of Winchell Coulee suggest that the campground may be going ahead regardless of the necessary approvals and community input.

If all of this comes as a surprise – it shouldn’t. Winchell Coulee residents have fought to preserve the water resources, wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the Coulee. We are now facing an important turning point in this conflict.

What is at Stake?

Water

Many of us rely on drainage from Winchell Coulee via the Stoney and Little Dogpound creeks for agricultural and other commercial purposes. Alteration of this drainage may have a significant negative impact on these landuses.

Wildlife

The Coulee is a wildlife habitat. The area is a refuge for bear, moose, deer, elk and many species of birds including the great blue heron, the common loon, the sandhill crane and the great horned owl.

Fishing/boating

According to Trouts Unlimited the spring fed waters of Winchell lake make it one of the best fly-fishing spots for rainbow trout in the province. Success of the regular fish stocking program may be jeporidized by altered drainage patterns.

What Happens Next?

Alberta Environment has asked the landowner to apply for a permit to continue his activity in the Coulee.

To obtain the permit he must advertise in the local newspaper - the MountainView Times - for two consecutive weeks.The notice must indicate how and where residents can voice their concerns about his activity.

What Can I Do?

You can do the following this week:

Call/ Write the individuals listed in the attached page

Give this newsletter to 3 friends/neighbors. Encourage them to call/write. Share your letters with them.

Watch for an ad/notice in the MountainView Times about roadbuilding and drainage activity in Winchell Coulee.

Call/Write about your concerns as directed in the notice and call at least 3 friends/neighbors and encourage them to do the same.

What Do I Say When I Call/Write?

To Alberta Environmental Protection and Provincial Politicians:

Provide your name and say you are calling/writing about current development activity at Winchell Lake near Water Valley, Alberta

State your interest in the activity (area resident, downstream landowner, recreational user of Winchell Lake/Coulee, general environmental concern, etc.)

Focus your comments on water related issues. This is critical because the Water Resources Act can be used to control activity in the Coulee. Remember that there is a significant amount of water flowing in and out of the Coulee everyday and this water is used in many different ways by the community.

Describe current water quality and flow problems and potential problems. Make a case for preserving Winchell Lake as a sport fishery for the area. Wildlife habitat and the importance of water in the habitat should also be argued.

To County of MountainView:

Describe the activity in the Coulee. Most councillors won’t know about it. Invite them to visit the Coulee.

State your concerns about the clear cutting, road building and drainage of the Coulee and the proposed campground.

Please find the time to express your concerns. If Alberta Environment and the County of Mountain View do not hear from you, the permit application will go unchallenged. If the permit is approved, you can expect that the campground/snowmobile trail will also be approved.

Thank you for your support.

We need your help to protect the Coulee!

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