Riparian lands have substantial ecological, economic, and social value. They are a critical component of a healthy watershed, providing goods and services essential for maintaining water quality, water quantity, and aquatic ecosystem health. Riparian areas occur at the intersection of land and water, making them highly complex and dynamic.

The Riparian Health Action Plan (RHAP) was launched in 2016, following recommendations from our Integrated Watershed Management Plan (2012). The Riparian Health Action Plan is a living framework that continues to evolve as new information, partnerships, and priorities emerge. Many projects have already been completed, laying a strong foundation for riparian management across the region. Ongoing work ensures that the Plan remains dynamic and responsive to changing conditions, supporting continuous improvement and collaboration into the future.

The three RHAP phases are:
1. Assess the condition of riparian areas
2. Develop riparian policy guidelines and health objectives
3. Support incentive programs that promote restoration and conservation of riparian areas

PHASE 1: Assess Riparian Condition Across the Watershed

In 2016, the NSWA launched a pilot project to assess the condition of riparian areas in the Modeste sub-watershed. Partnering with Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd., a new method using satellite imagery to classify riparian "intactness" was developed. This project produced three datasets: Riparian Intactness; Watershed Pressure; and Riparian Conservation and Restoration Priority maps, to guide action on the ground.

Riparian Intactness:

The extent to which natural riparian habitat or shorelines have been altered by human activity

In 2021, the NSWA expanded its riparian assessment to cover the remaining areas of the North Saskatchewan River watershed, bringing the total to over 17,300 KM of assessed shoreline. Results show that approximately 46% of riparian areas in the watershed are rated as Highly Intact.

Over 17,300km of shoreline was assessed across the NSR Watershed. The results show that:

46% are categorized as highly intact

19% are categorized as moderately intact

10% are categorized as low intactness

24% are categorized as very low intactness

Using the same methods developed through NSWA’s pilot project, other watershed groups across Alberta have also completed assessments. Collectively, more than 55,000 kilometres of shoreline have now been evaluated using this standardized approach. We collaborated to produce municipal-level summaries, supporting local planning and management efforts. Additionally, the NSWA and other watershed groups have contributed this data to the Riparian Web Portal.

Pilot- Modeste Riparian Assessment (2018)

Riparian Area Assessment of the North Saskatchewan Watershed (2021)

Assessment Summaries: Sub-watershed Reports

Assessment Summaries: Municipal Reports

Assessment Method Validation Report by the GoA (2019)

Land Cover Dataset (2021) (Source: GoA Open Data)

Riparian Intactness Dataset (2021): (Source: GoA Open Data)

Riparian health presentation by Dr. Shari Clare and Mary Ellen Shain (2021)

CAP & AB logos

PHASE 2: Develop Policy Guidance and Health Objectives

Without stronger management, riparian areas will continue to degrade, leading to the loss of the vital functions and benefits they provide. Phase 2 of the Plan focuses on evaluating the programs, policies, and bylaws that guide restoration and conservation of priority areas. This work includes identifying landowners adjacent to riparian zones, reviewing intermunicipal and senior-level policies, and establishing measurable targets for riparian health.

From 2019 to 2021, the NSWA engaged watershed stakeholders to develop a shared vision and goals for riparian health, summarized in the Riparian Conservation & Restoration Strategy.

A Riparian Health Target was set: a minimum of 65% High Intactness and no more than 25% low intactness

To support implementation, NSWA commissioned experts to prepare policy guidance documents. And between 2021 and 2022, NSWA also created a series of municipal riparian report cards and presented the findings to councils throughout the watershed.

Riparian Conservation and Restoration Strategy

Legal Foundations for Municipal Riparian Management (Env. Law Centre)

Riparian Health Targets in Law (Env. Law Centre)

Riparian Bylaw Discussion Guide (MPS)

Riparian Regulation BMP Guide (MPS)

Riparian Municipal Report Cards

CAP & AB logos

PHASE 3: Support Incentive Programs that Promote Restoration and Conservation of Riparian Areas

Many excellent conservation organizations are active across the watershed, leading restoration projects and offering incentives to landowners. The NSWA supports these on-the-ground efforts through the Riparian Web Portal—an online platform that showcases local success stories and helps connect landowners with available programs and resources.

In 2017, the NSWA commissioned BlueGeo to develop the Riparian Web Portal, an online platform designed to give the public access to riparian data and resources. In collaboration with other conservation groups, including the Battle River Watershed Alliance, the NSWA officially launched the Portal in February 2021.

THE RIPARIAN WEB PORTAL

Provides access to riparian data and summary tools.
Shares examples of on-the-ground restoration and conservation projects.
Provides links to riparian programs and grants, and offers recommendations for better management practices

To support the project, the NSWA and the Battle River Watershed Alliance launched a training series for users interested in learning how to navigate and apply the Riparian Web Portal. In partnership with Lakeland College, we also introduced the Riparian Web Portal Contest to encourage more success stories to be shared on the site.

This project received an Alberta Emerald Award in 2022.

Riparian Web Portal

Alberta Emerald Awards

"Water Canada" article about the Riparian Web Portal

PHASE 3- FUNDERS

Funding for the Riparian Web Portal was provided through the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, Watershed Resiliency & Restoration Program and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Additionally, we have received cash and/or in-kind contributions from Battle River Watershed Alliance, Red Deer River Watershed Alliance, Athabasca Watershed Alliance, Lakeland Industry & Community Association, Lesser Slave Watershed Council, and Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS).

Riparian Health Action Plan