The sad state of affairs in Alberta is that we are loosing 80 acres of wetlands a day to development. Wetlands are shallow lakes, sloughs, fens, marshes and bogs. To compound the problem, wetlands that remain are often used by municipalities as drainage features for "built" or developed urban and industrial sites, raising water levels and featuring all kinds of pollutants from storm water dumping.
Not all wildlife benefits from deep water lakes, and by far, it is the shallow wetlands that support the greatest number of species including some of our most threatened species of concern. Local treasures such as our migratory White Pelicans, shorebirds, and many waterfowl rely on shallow waters for breeding habitat, feeding, and loafing. The White Pelican, for example, feeds in shallow areas where several birds will herd fish, invertebrates and amphibians into pockets where they can scoop them up easily. Flooding will destroy the shallow feeding and nesting areas, leading to the demise of the young, and causing adults to abandon the area. Flood events can last days or even weeks, and also lead to surface flow pollution. Pollutants from storm water ponds include sediment, heavy metals and lead, hydrocarbons, faecal matter, herbicides and other pesticides originating from concentrated runoff from large collective geographic areas.
Natural environments allow water to safely enter wetlands by soil permeation, minor grassy drainages, and small watercourses.
The latest information from the local bird counts indicates that many species of shorebirds and waterfowl are decreasing in numbers, and the main likely reason is encroachment on their habitats or outright destruction of the same.
Will local governments act in time to protect our treasured natural assets, or will they seek to use our natural habitats as poorly chosen dumping grounds?
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