Will the Bow River Be Able To
Withstand The Onslaught?

The Bow River is just over 600 km in length and starts out as a trickle at the glaciers in the Rocky Mountains and quickly becomes a formidable force as it gathers up momentum through Canada's mountain parks.

The river has 13 tributaries that help to make it as forceful as it is, and after flowing through Banff and Calgary it eventually joins the South Saskatchewan River and,in the end, empties in to Hudson Bay.

I read somewhere that the river received its name not for its curves but from the bow reeds that grow along its banks.

I never knew the name of those reeds and I am sure few people do.

Because of the unexpected and very rapid growth of Calgary and the surrounding area the Bow River is under tremendous pressure.

The development of subdivisions and acreages and golf courses along with the increased demand by industry, create a serious demand on the magnificent Bow.

The Bow is a heaven for rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, bull trout and rocky mountain whitefish, all of which support a world renowned sports fishing industry.

The health of the Bow and the adjacent land is a constant concern, and not just to the environmentalists.

Over the years a multitude of organizations have sprung up to promote various causes associated with it.

The Bow River Basin Council is very prominent and plays an important role in the habitat protection.

Another important participant is

Ducks Unlimited Canada through it's local Chapter.

And I bet few people know of this organization which is just one more of the many organizations, both private and public, that concern themselves with the well being of the Bow River and all the habitat and irrigation that are supported by it. It's got the lofty name of: Cows and Fish -Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society.

Of course the Bow river is a magnet for campers, kayakers , naturalists, hikers, birdwatchers, fly fishers,dreamers and poets.

There are dozens of fly fishing outfits that make an excellent living showing people the ins-and-outs of this relaxing sport.

Not only does the Bow River supports an irrigation area that's about the size of Prince Edward Island, but it is the water source for Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, Calgary and so on.

It's a river that's worth protecting while it's being enjoyed.

At least once each year there is a drive to clean up the river banks and I must say, it's atrocious to see the amount of garbage that's picked up and hauled away.

Nevertheless, I am optimistic and feel certain that the efforts of those who care and of those in charge will prevail, and that we will continue to enjoy the river forever.

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There is a wealth of information about the THIS MAGNIFICENT RIVER , and you can follow it's course from it's start at the Bow glacier all the way until it flows into the South Saskatchewan River of which it is a tributary.

Much has been written about this beautiful river and you can select your own books in my store.

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