SASKATCHEWAN FIRST WITH REPORT CARD ON WATERSHED HEALTH

Saskatchewan is the first jurisdiction in Canada to create a comprehensive plan for assessing the health of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems.

Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority David Forbes released the State of the Watershed Reporting Framework at a water management workshop in Regina this morning.

Using a report card model, future State of the Watershed Reports will use a standardized set of indicators, based on a model of a watershed that recognizes the relationships between human activities, the condition of the watershed, and associated management activities. These indicators will provide a picture of a watershed's condition and whether the condition is getting better or worse. It will identify problems, and measure progress toward management goals.

"Effective monitoring and assessment is the cornerstone of effective source water protection and management," Forbes said. "Good information strengthens decision making."

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For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Terry Hanley Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Regina Phone: (306) 787-9982