Features Research Water Quality
Study looks at role, structure of Alberta fresh water springs

Feb. 25, 2015, Maiden, MA – A new study explores the role of ecological and anthropogenic impact gradients on
ecosystem structure and composition of 56 fresh water springs among
mountain, foothills, and prairie ecoregions in southern Alberta.

Feb. 25, 2015, Maiden, MA – A new study explores the role of ecological and anthropogenic impact gradients on
ecosystem structure and composition of 56 fresh water springs among
mountain, foothills, and prairie ecoregions in southern Alberta.

 
Human impacts on springs included livestock production and
domestic water supplies, while beaver and other wildlife commonly
influenced ecosystem function on protected lands.

The study, conducted by Dr. Abe Springer of the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability at
Northern Arizona University, the Springs Stewardship Institute of the Museum of Northern Arizona and the University of Lethbridge, Alta. concluded that the
springs of Alberta are ecologically important but understudied and
inadequately protected, especially with increasing demand for
ground water as a result of extensive allocation and use of surface water
in southern Alberta.

Read an abstract of "Ecohydrology and stewardship of Alberta springs ecosystems," by Abraham E. Springer, Lawrence E. Stevens, Jeri D. Ledbetter, Elizabeth M. Schaller, Karen M. Gill and Stewart B. Rood.