County ASB discusses shelterbelt and eco-buffer project challenges
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Wheatland County Agriculture Service Board (ASB) addressed challenges related to the shelterbelt and eco-buffer demonstration project during the July 9 meeting in council chambers.
George Bloom, agricultural fieldman, explained the project has encountered challenges related to irrigation and future planting.
In order to advance the project, approvals related to Alberta Transportation, pipeline agreements, and Fortis were required.
These, respectively, regarded buffer distance regarding proximity to Highway 24, agreements over where pipes are to be planted, and tree planning near to power lines.
“Initially, three areas on the site were identified for demonstration planting: two areas west of the lagoon near the firehall, and one rectangular area north of the lagoon and south of Highway 24,” said Bloom. “Following a detailed site assessment, two areas west of the lagoon are deemed unsuitable due to the significant presence of pipelines, powerlines and other infrastructure, as well as the potential for current and future conflicts with county operations around the infrastructure.”
He added, while the proposed north area also contains decommissioned pipelines and a utility easement, it remains suitable for the demonstration planting.
The project aims to provide data on species’ hardiness and survivability under dryland conditions. It will help to identify which tree species are better for the area and provide insights into practices such as using mulch and weed management for tree health.
Prior to the ASB meeting, all necessary approvals and signed agreements had been obtained from the respective organizations and were pending the county’s signature based on ASB recommendations.
“Some of those challenges include the higher irrigation costs connecting to the proposed planting site to the adjacent fire hall’s municipal water supply was quoted at over $50,000 and excluding the irrigation infrastructure such as the piping and sprinkler heads, estimates at another $8,000,” said Bloom. “Using treated wastewater from the lagoon was considered, but it is not significantly less costly, and it presents additional challenges including pipe length, operational concerns regarding low pressure nutrient loading, environment approvals, and potential interference with county operations.”
Options presented before the ASB included to either proceed with planting on the three-acre area between Highway 24 and the lagoon using drought-tolerant species without installing irrigation or removing the Carseland lagoon site entirely from the shelterbelt and eco-buffer demonstration project.
Concerns persist about planting trees without irrigation, as there remains notable potential for high loss rates and the creation of negative public perception of wasted taxpayer money if the project trees die.
The board carried a motion to amend the scope of the project, directing administration to proceed with planting the Carseland shelterbelt and eco-buffer demonstration site, including an irrigation component as allowed by the budget.