Elk River Watershed Alliance

The Elk River Watershed Alliance, also known as the Elk River Alliance (ERA), is a Canadian nonprofit environmental charity dedicated to protecting and preserving the health of the Elk River. Formed in 2010, ERA originated as an initiative of the Elk Valley branch of Wildsight, a regional environmental organization.

Mission and Objectives

The primary goal of the Elk River Alliance is to ensure the Elk River remains healthy and sustainable, focusing on making it drinkable, fishable, and swimmable for future generations. This is achieved through community-based water monitoring, hydrology studies, education, and outreach programs. The organization collaborates with local communities and organizations to fill gaps in water quality data, ensuring comprehensive understanding and management of the watershed.

Programs and Initiatives

• Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBWM): ERA conducts a continuous long-term monitoring program across selected tributaries of the Elk River, including sites like Michel Creek, Lizard Creek, and Coal Creek. This involves collecting water samples and temperature readings to assess and manage water quality effectively.
• Educational and Outreach Programs: The organization engages the community through educational initiatives, promoting awareness about the importance of watershed health and environmental conservation.

Membership and Governance

Members of the Elk River Alliance play a crucial role in supporting the organization's projects and initiatives. Membership benefits include eligibility for board membership, voting rights on project direction, early registration for events like the Elk River Discovery Camp, and discounts on ERA events. Members also receive a membership package with ERA merchandise.

Collaborative Efforts

In 2021, ERA spearheaded the Elk River Watershed Monitoring Collaborative, emphasizing the need for collaborative data exchange and unified monitoring approaches among diverse stakeholders. This collaboration aims to build a holistic understanding of watershed health and address today's environmental challenges effectively.

Registration Details

The Elk River Watershed Alliance operates with a Business Registration Number of 838844637RR0001.