History
The Alberta Stream Watch Conservation Coalition (Stream Watch) was started in 2002 by the Red Deer Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC). Some TU members were concerned about the impact on streams and fisheries from increased outdoor recreational activities in West Central Alberta. There was also increased industrial activity in Eastern Slopes areas which increased human traffic directly from workers and from increased access from new roads and trails. However, government funding for on-the-ground SRD enforcement staff had not kept pace.

Specific issues observed by TU members were:

• Apparent increases in poaching
• Increased sedimentation and erosion in streams resulting from OHV traffic
• Loss of fish habitat resulting from stream abuse
• Loss of riparian and upland vegetation from OHV use and abuse

The Stream Watch founders approached oil and natural gas companies operating in the area to provide some of the funding for the program. Initial funding came from Northrock Resources, Talisman Energy, Cavern Oil and TCI. In the the last four years Petro Canada, Shell, Suncor, CAPP, Canadian Natural Resources, Peyto Exploration, Grande Cache Coals, Encana, Conoco Philips, Milner Power, Coal Valley Resources, Hinton Oilfield Services, Marcal Energy, Hinton Wood Products and Foothills Forest Products have become involved.

Stream Watch activities
To ensure the goals are met, Stream Watch will:

1. Raise funds to pay for Stream Watch programs including hiring of Seasonal Enforcement Officers.
2. Work closely with SRD managers and Fish and Wildlife Officers to hire Seasonal Enforcement Officers to work in Eastern Slopes regions from May through September.
3. Work with corporations and recreational user groups to promote Stream Watch and its mission.
4. Be advocates for the well being of trout and trout streams and to promote the benefits of healthy trout streams with government agencies, user groups and corporations.
5. Cooperate in (or initiate) other environmental and fisheries management programs as deemed necessary and in cooperation with SRD, industry and user groups.

Seasonal Enforcement Officers
The Stream Watch program primarily uses students or recent graduates from the Lethbridge College Conservation Enforcement program. (The college's program also contributes $1,000 annually toward Stream Watch.) The positions are funded through Stream Watch, but the Seasonal Enforcement Officers are hired by SRD to work under the supervision of SRD staff, specifically Fish and Wildlife Officers.

The seasonal officers are in uniform and are provided with a truck and a quad. They carry the title of Officer Assistant. In 2011 plans are to have (subject to funding) a minimum of two officers on the Ram, Blackstone and Oldman/Livingstone river systems. The Seasonal Enforcement Officers hand out educational material, erect signs, administer creel surveys and assist in overall enforcement in these areas.

The seasonal officers have power to issue tickets and court summons, search and seize property. They are not armed and cannot make arrests.

The Stream Watch Angler
Stewardship Initiative
In 2004, Stream Watch initiated a program to encourage anglers to participate in the stewardship and protection of the rivers they fish. Anglers are encouraged to contact one of the people listed in the Contacts Section of this website and make a donation to Stream Watch.

Money raised for the Stream Watch program is channelled through Trout Unlimited Canada and on to SRD to pay for the salaries, vehicles and expenses of the Seasonal Enforcement Officer. Tax receipts are issued by TUC.

For more information, check the Stewardship Letter