PROTECTING OUR WATER – NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER WATERSHED

Local people will take the lead in planning and decision making for the long-term protection of source water in the North Saskatchewan River Watershed.

A local Watershed Advisory Committee was established earlier this year, at the request of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, with representation from local municipalities, First Nations and a range of local stewardship, development and wildlife groups. This committee will work with technical experts to develop a long-term plan to help guide decision-making at all levels.

"The North Saskatchewan River Watershed is one of seven priority planning areas in Saskatchewan," Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority David Forbes said. "The participation of local leaders in the process ensures that local perspectives are heard as we move forward in implementing the government's safe drinking water strategy and building a green and prosperous economy."

Because of the geographic size of the North Saskatchewan River Watershed, planning for the watershed is broken into four areas -- the Battle River, West, Central and East planning units. From the preliminary meetings held to date, the four committees have identified key topics to address. Some of the committee's focus will include the quality of water in the watershed, shortages of both ground and surface water, protection of riparian areas from livestock wintering and pasturing along streams, and balancing water resources for agriculture and recreation.

"To encourage common goals and to achieve sound water management and source water protection, the planning process is built on consensus, partnership and stakeholder involvement," Committee Chair John Durbin said. "Based on common goals, the final watershed plan will incorporate local decisions and a shared responsibility for the actions the committee identifies for the long-term plan."

A watershed for a particular waterbody refers to the geographic area that contributes runoff to that waterbody. There are 29 watersheds in Saskatchewan. Last fall, the government released Protecting our Water – A Watershed and Aquifer Planning Model for Saskatchewan, which outlined the process for developing local plans to manage and protect source waters. The plan for the North Saskatchewan River Watershed will be developed in accordance with that model.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority was created in 2002 as part of the government's Safe Drinking Water Strategy, with a mandate to manage and protect water quantity and source water quality in the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jennifer Nelson Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-3723

Malcolm French Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-3017