PROTECTING OUR WATER – MOOSE JAW RIVER WATERSHED

Released on August 9, 2004

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

A local Stewardship Association and Watershed Advisory Committee was established last year, at the request of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, with representation from local municipalities, conservation and 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 Moose Jaw 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."

For planning purposes, the Moose Jaw River Watershed was broken into two areas -- the Moose Jaw River and the Thunder Creek sub-watersheds. Over the last year, the committee has focused on setting objectives concerning increased sediment and decreased water quality, water flow problems in the river, tributaries and dams, noxious weeds, groundwater, decommissioning of old wells and drainage issues.

"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 Moose Jaw 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