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2019 Calgary River Valleys Riverbank Makeover Project Follow-Up Survey

Some background information for our Riverbank Makeover Project

Recognizing the importance of fresh, clean water in our rivers and the need to protect the riverbanks from erosion, the City has recently adopted a program, the Riparian Action Program, designed to improve and maintain the health of river-adjacent areas as well as the quality and quantity of water flowing through Calgary’s rivers and creeks. Our organization, Calgary River Valleys, with funding from the City of Calgary Water Resources, as part of the implementation of the Riparian Action Program, is doing a Riparian Restoration Project along the Elbow River this year that involves three main components:  

·         research on people’s knowledge of riverbank issues, 

·       an educational component, and 

·        field work to modify a selected river-adjacent homeowner’s riverbank area.
 
By completing this survey, you will be entered into a draw to win a $150 prepaid Visa or Mastercard!

First, we would like to get an understanding of your knowledge of some terminology we have been using during our project.
1.Have you heard the terms ‘riparian’, ‘riparian area’, or ‘riparian zone’ before today?
2.One definition of riparian areas or zones is that they are the transition zones between rivers, creeks, streams, wetlands and the surrounding lands or uplands. This is land where both the soil & vegetation in the riparian zone are strongly influenced by water. See the picture below.

Riparian Graphic Riparian Graphic Link

Given what is represented in that picture and the definition of a riparian zone we have provided you, please think about these types of areas you have seen in the past, including your own property’s riparian zone, if your property is next to a river or creek.

What would you say are some of the functions a healthy riparian zone can have in the ecosystem, i.e. what role would it normally play? (Check those that apply)
3.The next statements are opinions about riparian zones. (Please check those you agree with.)
Strongly Agree
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
For erosion protection, the types of plants that are in the riparian zone don’t really matter as long as it isn’t bare ground
Having shrubs and/or trees instead of lawn in the riparian zone will do a better job to help prevent erosion in the riparian zone
Hard surfaces on the riverbank like large rocks or retaining walls are the best method of dissipating the energy of floodwater
A healthy riparian zone can make a difference to both river water quality and quantity when we have drought conditions
Healthy riparian zones along the riverbanks can help reduce the need for and the cost of City infrastructure for storm water management and flood mitigation
Because the riparian zone is on the land, nothing you can do to it would help to improve habitat for fish or other creatures in the river
4.Please answer Questions 4-7 if your property backs onto a river or creek. IMPORTANT: If your home does not back onto a river or creek, please skip to Question 8.

Here’s a list of some strategies that some homeowners who live next to a river or creek are using to help protect their land from erosion, protect the health of the river, and to maintain the health of the riparian zone. Please let us know which of these strategies, if any, you are using on your own property. (Check those applicable)
5.Is there anything else you would like to do but haven’t yet been able to do in order to maintain a healthy riparian zone in your yard and to protect river health? What are the main reasons that have prevented you from implementing these other strategies?
6.How would you describe your yard's riparian zone? Does it have: (Check all those that apply)
7.Does your yard's riparian zone have: (Check those that apply)
8.What have you learned about riparian areas from the information we have distributed about this project (newsletter articles, surveys, information booths, etc.)  that you did not know before?
9.How did you find out about this Riverbank Makeover Project survey? (Check all those that apply)
10.Would you like to be added to Calgary River Valleys’ private contact list for occasional emails, or phone calls about Calgary River Valleys’ sponsored projects and events? If so please provide your name, email and/or phone number. (Your information will remain confidential and will not be shared.)