Brooks Aqueduct Pheasant Release Site Enhancement Project

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Pheasants Forever commends the Brooks Fish and Game Association for spear heading and executing an excellent example of how conservation projects should be done.

From concept to strategy to the execution of involving multiple partners and fundraising from a variety of revenue streams, the Brooks Aqueduct is a shining example of what can be accomplished by a dedicated group of like-minded volunteers. Pheasants Forever is proud to be a conservation partner and would encourage you visit the site when in the Brooks area.

The latest update from the Brooks Fish and Game Associations (BFGA) included over 500 hours of work by volunteers including:

Installation of a new gate provided by ACA with installation help from Fortis Alberta.
Preparation for tree and shrub planting in spring of 2023.
Purchase and layout of the main line of irrigation pipe resulting in six days of watering.
Installation of two culverts with one more pending.

The conservation area, which is managed by the BFGA, began as a Buck for Wildlife project that was initiated in the 1970s. The first phase of the project included new ditches with trees and habitat re-established south of the existing parking lot that then extended west and then north to the Brooks Aqueduct trout pond. Subsequently, the second half of the project was completed, which included the 20 acres targeted for enhancement. This water delivery system provided irrigation to the trees and shelterbelts but was discontinued approximately 20 years ago and is no longer usable.

With grant funding a few years ago, the County of Newell planted new trees south of the parking lot, which the County waters occasionally. Also located within the area is the trout pond. The EID monitors the water level of the pond and adds water in the spring and late fall as necessary. Over the years, there have been many dedicated and valued volunteers who spend their time and efforts maintaining the conservation area.

The existing trees, shrubs and wetland vegetation provide important habitat areas for many wildlife species. The completion of this habitat enhancement project will provide additional habitat and nesting areas for both game and non-game wildlife including deer, waterfowl, pheasants and songbirds.

For this habitat enhancement project to be successful and continue to provide the value described above, the project objectives include:

Completion of site surveys
Completion of preparation work for tree planting
Installation of a water delivery system to/on property
Planting of approximately 12,000 trees and shrubs
Completion of ditch preparation work including repair of existing ditches and construction of new ditches
Maintain consistent water supply to the site (ongoing)

The BFGA has a long history of involvement in this area and is dedicated to successfully executing this project to preserve and maintain the integrity of this unique conservation area. Pheasants Forever Calgary is a committed partner along with the Eastern Irrigation District in this project.