In September, RDRWA staff completed their second year of CABIN sampling across the Red Deer River watershed. The Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) measures freshwater ecosystem health with standardized methods, database, activities map, and training (ECCC, CABIN Website).
Changes in biological communities provide a picture of aquatic health and are used locally and across Canada for assessment and reporting on watershed health. Alongside the invertebrate collection, water samples were analyzed for routine parameters to assess the overall health of the water body.
Samples were collected from a wide range of locations, including the eastern slopes of the Rockies, the Drumheller region, and as far east as Brooks. RDRWA sampled thirteen key tributaries and three mainstem Red Deer River sites for our upcoming State of the Watershed report. Ten sites were also sampled to contribute to the development of the CABIN Eastern Slopes Model.
RDRWA thanks the volunteers who generously dedicated their time to assist in sample collection and learn more about biomonitoring. RDRWA looks forward to sharing the insights gathered from this work in our upcoming State of the Watershed report.