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Bow River Angling Regulation Review Terms of Reference
May 3, 2012
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
Page 2 of 2
Approval Statement
The Terms of Reference for review of the Bow River angling regulations is approved for
implementation.
Original signed by May 17, 2012
Travis Ripley Date
Executive Director
Fisheries Management Branch
Recommendation
The Terms of Reference for the review of the Bow River angling regulations is recommended for
implementation.
Original signed by May 3, 2013
Darryl Johnson Date
Area Manager
Prairies Area
Original signed by May 3, 2013
David DePape Date
Program Manager, Fisheries and Wildlife
Management, Prairies Area
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
Page 3 of 3
Terms of Reference
Project title: Bow River Regulation Review
Project proponent and client: Fish and Wildlife, Prairies Area, Alberta Environment and
Sustainable Resource Development.
The Bow River Regulation Review (BRRR) is an initiative of the Government of Alberta (GoA),
and is being undertaken by the department that has the authority and mandate for fisheries
management – Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), Fisheries
Management Branch (FMB).
Background
The Bow River below Calgary, Alberta is a world renowned, Blue Ribbon trout fishery, capable of
producing large numbers of Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish and other fish
species. Hydroelectric tailwater dams along portions of its length contribute to a stable, regulated
flow regime which is generally favourable for introduced Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
populations. These same characteristics likely contributed to the decline of Bull Trout and Cutthroat
Trout populations, species that evolved in the presence of unregulated, natural flow conditions, free
of competition with other trout species. The Bow River fishery between Bearspaw and Bassano
dams (see detailed sub-reach maps on last page) is actively managed by ESRD, primarily for
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Mountain Whitefish. Northern Pike are also present in the Bow
River, but are largely confined to slow moving or stagnant backwater areas.
The Bow River attracts large numbers of anglers from within the province, from other provinces in
Canada, and from around the world. In 2006, an angler use study was conducted on the river
between Bearspaw Dam and the Carseland Weir. The study, conducted from April 1 to September
30, revealed the following important angler characteristics:
- there were an estimated 172,974 hours of angler effort, by an estimated 24,975 anglers;
- total catch rate for all sizes of Rainbow Trout was 0.37 fish/hour, and an estimated
62,755 were caught;
- only 3 Rainbow Trout were reported as retained;
- the total catch rate for all size of Brown Trout was 0.08 fish/hour, and an estimated
15,960 were caught;
- only 7 Brown Trout were reported as retained;
- the total catch rate for all sizes of Mountain Whitefish was 0.01 fish/hour and an
estimated 1501 were caught; and
- 33 Mountain Whitefish were reported as retained.
This information demonstrates that the Bow River is a heavily used fishery, with relatively high
catch rates. Maintaining a healthy population of fish depends on high survival rates for released fish
and low harvest (retention) rates. Recent computer modelling by ESRD indicates that the legal
harvest of trout species (as permitted under current fishing regulations) at current levels is unlikely
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
Page 4 of 4
to negatively affect fish populations on the Bow River. However, undetected increases in harvest
levels by changing angler patterns could result in reductions of fish populations.
Angling regulations are one of several key instruments used by ESRD in managing the Bow River
fishery. In general, angling regulations should:
be guided by sound resource management principles (i.e., conservation of fish populations,
adaptive management, precautionary principle);
reflect the interests, needs and concerns of resource users and resource owners;
be based on good science; and
take into account existing data and survey information.
As identified in the Fish Conservation Strategy for Alberta 2012- 2017, the primary goal of
fisheries management in Alberta is the conservation of fish populations. To achieve this goal,
angling regulations must balance opportunities for consumptive and non-consumptive uses of fish.
Angling regulations are periodically reviewed by ESRD and updated to reflect current angler
pressure and harvest patterns in order to prevent over-fishing and resource depletion/extirpation.
The Bow River angling regulations are included in (and form part of) Alberta’s annual “Guide to
Sportfishing Regulations” at albertaregulations.ca.
Purpose of the Regulation Review The last comprehensive review of the lower Bow River angling regulations was completed by
ESRD in 2000. Since that time, the department has collected significant fish population and angler
demographic information; this data must be considered by the angling public in order to set
appropriate angling regulations for the future.
Stated succinctly, the purpose of the 2012 BRRR is:
a) to consider the appropriateness/effectiveness of the current regulations, particularly:
- length of angling seasons;
- timing of angling seasons;
- harvest levels for different fish species;
- whether sufficient resource protection is being provided during critical life stages (i.e.,
spawning and migration); and
- other relevant considerations (e.g., user conflicts, impact of gear selection on post
release mortality).
b) to assess whether current fisheries management regulations are satisfying public demand for a
limited resource, and determine whether (and where) public interest may have changed since the
last regulation review in 2000.
Scope of the Regulation Review 1. Study Area
The geographical extent of the BRRR is the section of the river that lies immediately
downstream of the Bearspaw Dam to the Bassano Dam – a distance of approximately 177 river
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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kilometres. This section includes the following four river sub-reaches (maps of sub-reaches are
included as Appendix I):
Bearspaw Dam to Western Headworks Diversion (WHD) Weir;
WHD Weir to Carseland Weir;
Carseland Weir to Highway 24 bridge; and
Highway 24 bridge to Bassano Dam.
Figure 1: Geographical extent of the BRRR: Bearspaw Dam to Bassano Dam.
2. Issues that will be addressed The BRRR is primarily focused on the dynamic interactions between angler use patterns and
fish populations in the Bow River. The regulation review will focus on the following:
Primary Issues
a) timing and duration and of angling seasons;
b) size and possession limits for Trout (Rainbows and Browns), Northern Pike and
Mountain Whitefish;
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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c) potential impacts of industrial development on fish populations, and potential changes to
angling seasons and possession limits (i.e. direct mortality through the proposed Very Low
Head Turbine(s) on the Carseland Weir, increased BRID canal entrainment);
d) use of bait; and
e) threats to the fishery and aquatic environment that are introduced by Bow River anglers
(e.g., aquatic invasive species).
Subsidiary Issues that may be identified and documented for inclusion into the final report
If time permits, and should ESRD staff and committee members be interested, other matters that
may be discussed might include the following:
a) achieving angler compliance;
b) enforcement of the lower Bow River angling regulations; and
c) angler access issues on the lower Bow.
3. Issues that will not be addressed
There are many resource management issues pertaining to the lower Bow River that do not fall
within the purview of this project. Specifically, the BRRR:
is not a fisheries management plan (i.e., it will not address fish population targets or fish
habitat protection issues);
will not examine/review provincial (province-wide) fisheries regulations;
will not consider water flows or water licensing for the Bow River;
will not address water quality or shoreline issues; and
will not address conflicts between user groups (jet boats, rafters, etc.).
4. Other considerations
Existing linkages between the BRRR and other provincial/federal policies and management
initiatives will be maintained. The revised Bow River Regulations will:
align and conform with Alberta’s Fish Conservation Strategy 2012-2017 (NOTE: an
updated version of the Strategy will be released in the near future);
be informed by any applicable provincial fish conservation management plans or fish
recovery plans that are in place;
have regard for relevant federal and provincial fisheries related laws and policies;
be consistent with the Elbow River angling regulations (below Glenmore Reservoir) and
integrated with the lower Highwood River angling regulations; and
be incorporated into the Bow River Fisheries Management Objectives (FMO).
Project deliverable(s)
The primary outcome of the Review will be a series of recommendations from the public advisory
committee (PAC) that will be presented to the ESRD Project Manager. These recommendations will
be considered by Fisheries Management staff when updating the angling regulations for the Lower
Bow River. First Nations consultation and public review of the PAC recommendations are also part
of the project.
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October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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During the course of PAC deliberations, the committee may offer suggestions for the adoption of
new policies, or the evaluation (review) of existing policies. In such instances, PAC members may
wish to raise concerns or provide additional recommendations for the department’s consideration;
however, these recommendations are outside the primary focus of this regulation review. Likewise,
the PAC may offer proposals that outline the need for future partnerships or agreements between
user groups – such advice will be considered by ESRD but is also beyond the scope of this review.
Project management The following ESRD staff members will oversee and assist with the Bow River Regulation Review:
Managerial oversight – Dave DePape (Program Manager, Fisheries and Wildlife
Management, Prairies Area)
Department headquarters oversight – Travis Ripley (Executive Director, Fisheries
Management)
Project Manager and ESRD fisheries representative on PAC – Paul Christensen (Senior
Fisheries Biologist, Calgary/Brooks)
Assistant Project Manager and ESRD fisheries representative on PAC – Cam Wallman
(Senior Fisheries Technician, Calgary/Brooks)
PAC facilitator – Sam Wirzba (Planner/Mediator, Prairies Area)
Public Advisory Committee A public advisory committee (PAC) comprised of a cross section of lower Bow River user groups
will be formed to provide advice to ESRD staff on sport fishing regulation changes for the lower
Bow River. User groups identified by the department will be invited to appoint a group
representative to sit on the PAC. An individual has been identified as the initial contact for the user
groups and organizations that are identified in the table below; PAC representatives should be
ratified by the organization they will be representing. PAC members will not be compensated by the
government of Alberta for the time they commit to PAC work; as such, they are considered to be
volunteering their time when serving on the PAC. The government of Alberta will not provide
honoraria or cover any travel expenses that are incurred by participants when attending PAC
meetings (i.e. PAC members will not be reimbursed for mileage costs or meal expenses).
Proposed Membership
Name Affiliation / Representing #
Brian Meagher Trout Unlimited 1
Jim Clarke Sarcee Fish and Game Association 1
Jenna Cross City of Calgary 1
Richard Right Hand
Additional designate TBD
Siksika First Nation 1
Gord Kennedy
Dee Chatani
Kelly Lyle
Guides / outfitters / fishing retailers
West Winds Fly Shop
Troutchasers Outfitting
The Fishin’ Hole
5
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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Eric Grinell
Nancy Storwick
Silvertip Outfitters
Angler Outfitters Association of Alberta
Designate to be assigned Bow River Basin Council 1
Greg Eisler Tera Environmental (Calgary)
Fisheries consultant / fisheries biologist (ASPB)
1
Dave Evans Tera Environmental (Calgary)
Fisheries consultant / fisheries biologist (ASPB)
1
Jim Hoey The Dimestore Fisherman 1
Lloyd Horn Bow Habitat Station Volunteer Society 1
Masao Nagao Fly angler, public at large 1
TBD Bait angler, public at large 1
TBD Angler, public at large 1
John Post University of Calgary
PAC members may (at the first PAC meeting) identify 1 or 2 other interests that should be represented
Role of PAC Members
PAC members will offer suggestions and recommendations to the department for the purpose of
updating the Bow River Fisheries Regulations. PAC recommendations will be considered by ESRD
staff when revised regulations are prepared by the Department for the section (four river sub-
reaches) of the Bow River that is the focus of this regulation review.
As PAC members, representatives commit to:
1. attend scheduled PAC meetings;
2. identify and clarify fisheries related issues;
3. share relevant information during PAC meetings;
4. offer ideas and suggestions for improved resource conservation and management;
5. offer comments on proposals being put forward;
6. represent and bring forward the views of the user group or organization that they are
representing; and
7. share information from PAC meetings with the group they are representing.
PAC members may designate an alternate, who will attend meetings when the member is absent.
PAC viewpoints and suggestions will be sought on the key issues outlined in these Terms of
Reference.
Role of Facilitator
The Facilitator will be a professional, appointed planner/mediator who is not a Fisheries
Management Branch staff member. The facilitator will guide PAC members through a process to
establish ground rules for meetings that will clarify how members of the committee will work
together. This process is expected to occur at the initial meeting of the PAC and will include
establishing processes for decision making, resolving differing opinions, and recording meeting
discussions. [Note – 1st Draft has been prepared]
It is being proposed that PAC meetings be held in the evenings, on weekdays, at the Bow Habitat
Station (1440 - 17A St. S.E) in Calgary – this is an Alberta government facility, focused on aquatic
resource management, which has offered its meeting facilities for PAC use. Meetings will likely
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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occur at four to six week intervals from spring to fall 2012. It is anticipated that meetings will be
two to three hours in length.
Additional Resource Personnel
In addition to the ESRD staff that are directly involved with project management, other ESRD and
government personnel may be required to assist with the process (e.g., assume administrative
responsibilities), or provide expertise on specific subjects during the course of the Bow River
Regulation Review. These personnel may include, but are not limited to:
- Linda Winkel, Fisheries/Species at Risk Biologist, Calgary
- Enforcement and Field Services personnel (names TBD)
Public Feedback ESRD will seek public comment on the recommendations that are developed through PAC
deliberations. This will include provision for a public survey or other feedback process (e.g. open
house) – the chosen mechanism will be determined at a later date. The need to hold further public
meeting(s) and/or public open house(s) after the PAC has concluded its work will be determined by
ESRD staff.
First Nations Consultation ESRD will engage Siksika First Nation as part of the Bow River Regulation Review. Siksika
representatives will be invited to attend PAC meetings to hear the views expressed by other
resource users and to present First Nations perspectives (Siksika involvement on the PAC does not
constitute formal First Nations consultation). If necessary after PAC recommendations have been
received by ESRD, the department will undertake separate consultations with Siksika First Nation
(and any other First Nation that has a legitimate interest in the lower Bow River fishery).
Process Key steps in the Bow River Regulation Review, including preparation of PAC recommendations
and the resultant public review, are as follows:
develop project Terms of Reference;
project notification (internal, MLAs, stakeholder groups, public);
establish PAC (confirm who will be representing various river user groups);
hold PAC meetings to develop recommendations;
consolidation and presentation of final PAC recommendations;
public review and feedback on PAC recommendations;
ESRD staff prepare revised regulations based on PAC input, public comments, and other
relevant factors;
revised Bow River Regulations provided to the Minister of ESRD for adoption
A project timeline will be established once the PAC has been assembled and has commenced
meeting.
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October 11, 2013 Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
Prairies Area © 2013 Government of Alberta
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Project completion To correlate with other legislated processes related to this review (i.e., other provincial and federal
timelines that must be adhered to by ESRD in developing Annual Sportfishing Regulations), PAC
recommendations and public review of these recommendations should ideally be concluded by the
end of August 2013. Prairies Area ESRD staff will then consider both PAC and public input in the
fall of 2013 when proposing revisions to the Bow River Fisheries Regulation for consideration by
ESRD’s Fisheries Management Branch, senior department managers and the Minister. First Nations
consultation (if needed) will be undertaken thereafter. This schedule would only provide for eight to
ten PAC sessions to address identified resource management issues. If this schedule can be
achieved, revised Bow River regulations would appear in the 2015 Alberta Sportfishing
Regulations.
Project documentation ESRD will provide relevant materials to PAC members in hardcopy and/or digital form.
Documentation will include scientific information, historical and relevant resource management
information, and data from past creel surveys. Agendas will be prepared and sent out before
upcoming PAC meetings. Summary notes will be prepared and circulated following each meeting.
Technical support / expertise GIS and cartographic products, as required to support the review, will be prepared by the Resource
Information Unit, Prairies Area, ESRD. Resource management and fisheries experts will be invited
to address the PAC as necessary.
Communications (internal and external)
Project communications will be under the authority of the Project Manager, who will seek advice
from ESRD’s Communications Branch and ESRD mangers. ESRD will develop an overall project
communications strategy. The facilitator will discuss and confirm appropriate communications of
PAC members (i.e., sharing of meeting outcomes) during the development of PAC ground rules at
the initial PAC meeting.
Budget ESRD will cover the direct costs associated with this project, including:
meeting hall costs (if any);
meeting refreshments;
project notifications;
printing/documentation costs;
public review process; and
First Nations consultation (if required).
Terms of Reference Bow River Angling Regulation Review
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Appendix I: Bow River Sub-Reach Maps
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