Speaking of health…

With health so prominently on our minds, our post this month is focused on the health of the Vermilion River and its watershed. Specifically, we take a look back at a scientific assessment report we commissioned by CPP Environmental, back in 2015, to measure and estimate the health of the aquatic ecosystem along the Vermilion River.

The Vermilion River is characteristic of a small, slow-moving, mud-bottom prairie river in Alberta. The river is fed by localized runoff from areas strongly associated with the riparian areas, precipitation, as well as the regional groundwater system. Except for the lowest reach, the river naturally ceases to flow in mid-to-late summer, which directs many ecosystem processes. An ecosystem is the interaction of organisms (plants and animals) within their environment. Ecosystem health, therefore, is an estimated measure of how well the natural ecosystem is functioning.

What we do on the land affects the quality and quantity of water in our rivers, lakes, and wetlands. So, how do we measure this? How do we estimate the health of our riverine ecosystems?

Check out the infographic below to learn how we have measured and estimated aquatic ecosystem health in the Vermilion River.

To check out the full report, click HERE.