A PARTNERSHIP FOR SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Lower Souris Watershed Committee Inc. have joined together to begin implementation of the Lower Souris River Source Water Protection Plan, a locally developed strategy to protect and manage source water. The plan was the first of its kind developed in Saskatchewan and was completed in April 2006.

The three parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see a collaboration of efforts and funding required to implement the key actions recommended in the plan.

"The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is pleased to work with local individuals and private sector partners to further the implementation of this important source water protection plan for the Lower Souris River Watershed," Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Minister John Nilson said. "The development of plans to protect and manage source water, such as lakes, rivers and groundwater, is a priority of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and is part of Saskatchewan's Safe Drinking Water Strategy."

Saskatchewan's 2006-2007 Budget provides funding for watershed protection activities.

Up to $25,000 is available to assist with the salary, office and travel expenses associated with hiring a local co-ordinator to oversee implementation of source water protection plans.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is providing another $15,000 to further implement the plan. According to the organization, up to 70 percent of wetlands have disappeared in settled areas of Canada.

"The importance of protecting our water sources can not be underestimated," Ducks Unlimited Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Operations Manager Brent Kennedy said. "Wetlands play a pivotal role in protecting and improving water quality by acting as a natural filter and preventing pollution from reaching our lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater and consequently the water you drink from your tap at home. This important partnership will ensure the environment remains healthy, our waters remain healthy, and in turn, that we remain healthy."

The funding will be provided to the Lower Souris Watershed Committee Inc., a non-profit group of local residents dedicated to the protection of the watershed.

"Everyone benefits from the protection of source water and the surrounding environment but without support from all levels of government, non-government organizations and local people, it won't be viable. It's crucial that the Lower Souris Watershed Committee Inc. is a long-term program," Committee co-chair John Van Eaton said. "The financial assistance from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and Ducks Unlimited Canada will ensure we have staff and funding in place to successfully implement our source water protection plan."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jeff Olson Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Yorkton Phone: (306) 786-1364	Brent Kennedy Ducks Unlimited Canada Regina Phone: (306) 569-0424
John Van Eaton Lower Souris Watershed Committee Inc. Maryfield Phone: (306) 646-4450