Title
Appointment: 9:45 a.m.
Wetland Inventory and Historical Loss Assessment
(Shari Clare and Faye Wyatt, Fiera Biological Consulting)
Proposed Motion
The Wetland Inventory and Historical Loss Assessment presentation be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the motion as presented.
Purpose
To update the Committee of the Whole on the final results of the study.
Summary
The Wetland Inventory and Historical Loss Assessment study was initiated in summer 2015 with four (4) main goals:
1. Create a current wetland inventory
2. Assign ecological value to wetlands in the current inventory
3. Create a historic wetland inventory
4. Calculate historic wetland loss
As of August 2016 the study has been completed with summarised results as follows:
1. 35,406 ha of wetlands were identified within Parkland County in 2013
2. 43% of the total wetland area was scored as "Excellent"
3. The historical extent of wetlands circa 1950 was estimated to be 72,323 ha
4. Estimated loss of wetland area was 56% since 1950
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
The results of the study will inform land management decisions and future high level planning documents such as the Municipal Development Plan and the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. The results will assist administration in meeting Council's Strategic Plan goal of, "Promoting environmental stewardship through resident participation and community education", and in carrying out Policy ES01 Maintaining Biodiversity on County Lands and Policy ES02 Maintaining Biodiversity on Private Lands.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A