University of Lethbridge researchers to conduct 5-year wetland study
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LETHBRIDGE, AB – University of Lethbridge (U of L) researchers have received funding from Cargill Limited, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada totalling approximately $1.5-million to study the impacts of land use on watersheds.
The study will be taking place at Frank Lake, a restored wetland six kilometers east of High River, which is currently managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada. The wetland is an important bird area, where treated effluent from both the Town of High River, and Cargill Limited is released in order to maintain water levels. The wetland doesn’t just provide habitat for birds, it adds another level of effluent treatment by further removing nutrients, salts and other chemicals. The concern stakeholders and researchers have is how long it can sustain current levels of treatment, and what actions can be taken to improve its functionality.
Researchers on the project will include, Drs. Matt Bogard, Steve Wiseman, and Larry Flanagan from the U of L will be joined by Drs. Kerri Finlay from the University of Regina and Markus Brinkmann from the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Bogard says throughout the study, they hope to gain a better understanding on how to best manage wetlands, and watersheds.
