Canada: Land of Rivers, Alberta Program
     Wildcanada.net
     Funded in 2002

The Land of Rivers project heightens awareness of the current state of rivers in Alberta. The designation of 2003 as the International Year of Water motivated this group to focus on local issues. According to Dr. David Schindler, a world-renowned freshwater ecologist, the glaciers that feed many of Alberta's rivers could be gone in 30 years because of climate change. An Environment Canada report also states that the peak flow rates of Alberta's rivers are declining.

This Wildcanada.net project builds on a national initiative of Earthwild International that collects nominations from across Canada for endangered rivers. Wildcanada.net has used their extensive internet network to solicit nominations from Albertans for the most endangered rivers in this province. After evaluating nominated rivers with specific criteria, the selection committee has placed two Alberta rivers in the list of the Top 10 Most Endangered Rivers in Canada: the Milk River was ranked #6 and the Bow River was #10. The organization is now working with local communities and conservation groups to highlight opportunities to help protect or restore these rivers.