Cheadle wetland study results revealed

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

A Cheadle wetland impact study and recommendations were presented to Wheatland County council on Oct. 10 by spokespersons for ISL engineering, with results to be included in the updated Cheadle Area Structure Plan.
The study identifies environmentally sensitive areas, their importance and protection, which will be used for long-term planning.
“It’s hard to know what we have and how to manage those features, unless we know what we have,” said Colton Nickel, intermediate planner with Wheatland County.
Historical photos, wildlife surveys, soil samples, precipitation and snow melt data, disturbance records and wetland conditions were part of the study. An open house was also held in Cheadle with about 20 to 30 people in attendance.
It was noted that the Cheadle area has an agriculture base of tame pasture and cultivated soil, situated in a low-lying area, near wetland, springs and watercourses, with minimal infrastructure to deal with drainage.
The area falls within the Grasslands Natural Region, dominated by bluebunch fescue, mountain rough fescue and Parry’s oatgrass. Geodiscover, an Alberta catalogue of geographical data, lists the area with a relative wetland value of about $18,600 per acre.
Shallow wells and groundwater deposits range from zero to 4.5 metres below the surface. There was a mean of about 400 mm of precipitation, and the water catchment area is about 2,000 hectares.
Sensitive species including raptor hawk, sharp-tailed grouse and three mammals were observed. There were 45 avian species, including Swainson’s hawk and magpie whose nesting sites were identified. All wetlands in the area have been disturbed by railroad, property development or cultivation encroachment, including some noxious weed infestation. The study noted significant wetland loss and recommended continued site-specific evaluations and setback measures of minimum 30 m. A cumulative groundwater effect study was also recommended, along with the master drainage plan. A review by the Water Boundary Group was encouraged, to affirm which wetlands may fall under crown land or Water Act regulations. Consideration was recommended for any wildlife falling under the Migratory Bird, Wildlife Act or Environment Protection guidelines.
Hydrology was not included in the study. Nickel said the study would be combined with the Public Works study and Master Drainage plan.
“All three plans will come together to address issues in this area,” said Nickel.