Released on March 30, 2012
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and Carrot River Valley Watershed Association officially released Saskatchewan's 10th watershed protection plan today at an event held at the Kerry Vickar Centre in Melfort.
"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 essential to our health, our economy, and to Saskatchewan's future growth."
The Carrot River Watershed Source Water Protection Plan includes 83 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 Carrot River Valley Watershed Association, which is a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing water quality and stream health in the watershed, will oversee plan implementation.
"Many people in the Carrot River Watershed joined together taking a positive approach to incorporate best management practices on our rural and urban landscapes," Carrot River Valley Watershed Association Chair Garfield Hnatiuk said. "Our association imagines the positive future we all wish to see; healthy families, parks and open spaces with abundant wildlife, clean drinking water and good jobs."
Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips presented the Carrot River Valley Watershed Association with a $60,000 cheque from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority to oversee the implementation of the plan and to provide local direction for the long-term protection of the area's water resources. The $60,000 is the first instalment of a $92,500 grant, which will help cover salary, office and travel expenses associated with that work.
The Carrot River Watershed Source Water Protection Plan is available online at www.swa.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Robin Tod
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0382
Email: robin.tod@swa.ca
Cell: 306-529-6977
Arshad Ali
Carrot River Valley Watershed Association
Melfort
Phone: 306-920-7228
Email: crvwa2011@gmail.com