Syllabus – Alberta Wetlands 101

  • Course Introduction
  • Chapter 1: Wetlands in Alberta
    • Wetland definitions, wetland distribution in Canada and Alberta, and the history of wetlands on the land.
  • Chapter 2: Wetland Valuation
    • Importance and function of wetlands related to water quality, water storage and flood control, aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and carbon storage.
  • Chapter 3: Wetland Loss in Alberta
    • Wetland loss and modification around the world and in Alberta including agricultural impacts, development impacts, and climate change.
  • Chapter 4: The Alberta Wetland Classification System: Peatlands
    • What peat is and what are the key traits of peatlands.
    • Learn how peatlands are divided into classes, forms, and types based on their acidity, alkalinity, and plant growth.
  • Chapter 5: The Alberta Wetland Classification System: Mineral Wetlands
    • Alberta Wetland Classification System
    • Learn about mineral wetlands including swamps, marshes, and shallow open water. Learn defining characteristics including hydroperiod and salinity.
  • Chapter 6: The Alberta Merged Wetland Inventory
    • What is the Alberta Merged Wetland Inventory?
  • Chapter 7: History of Water Management in Alberta, Wetland Legislation, and Policy
    • History of Water Management in Alberta
    • Water Act (1999)
    • Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (2000)
    • Fisheries (Alberta) Act (2000)
    • Public Lands Act (2010)
    • Assessing Permanence
    • Surveys Act (1990)
    • Municipal Government Act (1998)
  • Chapter 8: The Alberta Wetland Policy
    • Learn about the goals of the Alberta Wetland Policy, defining the functions of wetlands and determining relative wetland values for the purpose of wetland replacement.
  • Chapter 9: The Alberta Wetland Policy: Mitigation Strategies
    • Guiding principles of wetland mitigation planning for potential impacts to wetlands including avoidance, minimization, and replacement
  • Chapter 10: Wetland Policy Directives and Tools Part I
    • Assessing permanence of wetlands for Crown Claimability
    • Alberta Wetland Identification and Delineation Directive
    • Desktop methods for wetland delineation
  • Chapter 11: Wetland Policy Directives and Tools Part II
    • Fundamentals of ABWRET Assessments and the purpose and application of WAIRs
  • Course Conclusion