Waterscape - Bow River Basin
|
What is the Bow River basin?
A river basin or watershed is high at its edge and low in the centre where the river flows. The Bow River basin or watershed includes all the land that feeds water to the Bow River and its tributaries. Mountains, Foothills, and Prairies
Most Bow River waters come from the Rocky Mountains, an area largely protected within parks. East of the mountains, the Bow River flows through foothills and then through rolling prairie. The Bow River also flows through the City of Calgary, home to most of the basin's human residents. Most Bow River waters come from the Rocky Mountain
Who lives here?
Over a million people...and growing fast! The Bow River basin is the most densely populated river basin in Alberta. Less water is available per person here than in any other river basin in the province. And yet, in the last ten years, the population of the basin has grown by over a quarter of a million people. So we are facing a challenge! A new subdivision near Cochrane overlooks the Bow River valley.
(R.J.W. Turner, GSC 2005-195) An Ancient Homeland
The lands of the Bow River basin have been home to First Nations people for thousands of years. Today, the Stoney Nakoda Nation has reserve lands throughout the foothills of the Bow River basin. Tsuu T'ina Nation reserve lands extend west from Calgary to Bragg Creek, and Siksika Nation reserve lands straddle the Bow River valley near Bassano. |
Waterscapes:
|