Considering High Eagle campground erosion

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County crews are pondering action for erosion damage at High Eagle campground near Rosebud. Banks along Severn Creek have started to break down.
Staff stated they had done some preventive work in 2017 that cost about $50,000, but said it is a temporary fix to the erosion
“With the 2018 floods much of that was compromised,” said Mike Ziehr, Wheatland County Transportation and Agriculture manager.
When Alberta Parks and Recreation changed to Alberta Environment, some campgrounds were turned over to municipalities and community organizations. High Eagle campground went to Wheatland County and the Lions Club. When someone approached them to lease and manage the site, council drew up an agreement. They still own the land and pay for some of the maintenance on the property. The leaser pays for capital improvement to the amenities. There is no yearly fee paid to the county, but the leaser contributes money to the Lions Club and the hamlet. The agreement has been ongoing for 20 years.
“Floods that wiped it out came darn close to hitting the bridge. Oldtimers said they had never seen it so high,” said Deputy Reeve Glenn Koester. “Years gone by, we planted willows, but they didn’t take root, so staff put rock in.”
There were small buildings that needed to be moved for repair and some walking trails were affected.
CAO Alan Parkin said trail or campground closure can be done, but campers might take exception to the move.
Councillors were concerned that doing temporary fixes was throwing good money away. They discussed the lease and asked for solutions for long-term erosion mitigation.
“Once erosion starts to happen it is hard to stop it. If there are structures that have to be moved, maybe it is time to look at a more long-term solution. If it happens again in two years, we are going to literally wash money down the river,” said Councillor Scott Klassen.
River erosion results from complex factors. Many environmentalists, geologists and hydrologists study the various factors that affect geology, erosion and river flow. Influencing factors can be man-made due to things such as dams, or construction disturbances along a water course, or due to environmental changes and disturbances in the river bed or sedimentation patterns.
After assessment of the erosion is completed by Wheatland County staff, council wants information brought back to them, to discuss the lease and erosion mitigation approval.