PROTECTING OUR WATER – CARROT RIVER WATERSHED

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision-making for the long-term protection of the Carrot River watershed by participating in watershed planning.

The Carrot River watershed has been selected as a watershed that would benefit from the watershed planning process, facilitated by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. Since 2003, residents and community leaders in six watersheds and one aquifer area have participated and developed source water protection plans through this process.

"An adequate supply of high quality water is a valuable resource that contributes to economic growth, and enhances our communities and way of life," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Nancy Heppner said. "The participation of local leaders in the planning process ensures that local perspectives are heard. No one knows better than the watershed residents themselves about issues, priorities and activities that impact their watershed."

Sound management of Saskatchewan's watersheds begins with effective planning that considers all aspects of water quality and quantity. A watershed plan is the result of consensus, collaboration, and a clear understanding of all environmental, economical and cultural interests surrounding water. The watershed plan is a collection of issues, actions and opportunities as identified by local residents. It also indicates a shared responsibility for completing the actions once the plan is complete.

In the next few weeks, Watershed Advisory Committees will be established in the Carrot River watershed. Urban, rural and First Nation governments, agriculture, industry, environment and economic development groups, as well as other groups, have been invited to participate. These committees will work with technical experts to develop a long-term watershed protection plan for the present and future use and health of the watershed.

A watershed is an area of land that water flows across or through on its way to a particular water body such as a stream, river, wetland or lake. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has a mandate to manage and protect source water quantity and quality in the province. To learn more about Saskatchewan's watersheds visit www.swa.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Brad Ashdown
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-6823
Cell: 306-961-6901

Collin McGuire
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Saskatoon
Cell: 306-961-1374