UPPER SOURIS RIVER WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN COMPLETED

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and Upper Souris Watershed Association officially released Saskatchewan's ninth watershed protection plan today at events held in Weyburn and Estevan.

"Making sure that all Saskatchewan residents have an abundant supply of clean, safe water is a top priority for our government," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Dustin Duncan said. "Protecting and managing this supply is vital to the health of our residents and to our continued prosperity."

The Upper Souris River Watershed Protection Plan includes 40 key actions aimed at protecting water quality and quantity throughout the watershed. It was developed by a committee of local leaders representing municipal governments and non-government organizations. The Upper Souris Watershed Association, a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing water quality and stream health in the watershed, will oversee plan implementation.

"Our planning process has indirectly represented each and every citizen in our watershed," Upper Souris Watershed Association Chair Mary Rose Boyer said. "It is our hope that through combined efforts, the significant potential for protecting our source waters in the Upper Souris River Watershed will be realized."

Minister Duncan also presented the Association with $80,000 to oversee the implementation of the plan and to provide local direction for the long-term protection of the area's water resources. The grant from the Watershed Authority will help cover salary, office and travel expenses associated with that work.

The Upper Souris River Watershed Protection Plan is available online at www.swa.ca or at www.uppersouriswatershed.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Olson
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Yorkton
Phone: 306-786-1364
Cell: 306- 621-7850

Vicki East
Upper Souris Watershed Association
Estevan
Phone: 306-634-7074
Cell: 306-421-7666