Released on May 1, 2009
The water control structures at Pasqua, Echo and Crooked lakes will begin operating to raise the water levels in these lakes for this year. The operations will start this week at the Echo Lake structure first and then progress to Crooked Lake and will raise water levels to within the normal operating range. The Pasqua and Muscowpetung and the Sakimay and Cowessess First Nations have all agreed to permits that authorize the flooding of their land in 2009 so that operations can proceed.
The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority has established an operating agreement with the Agri-Environment Services Branch (formally PFRA, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada) to undertake operations of the federally-owned structures on behalf of Canada in 2009.
"Saskatchewan is pleased with the interim arrangements and the spirit of co-operation that the First Nations, Canada and the Watershed Authority have shown," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Nancy Heppner said. "This understanding will ensure normal water levels for the Pasqua, Echo and Crooked lakes, as Saskatchewan continues to work with the other parties toward a final settlement."
"Muscowpetung First Nation has authorized the flooding of our reserve lands to show our commitment to keeping the water levels of Echo Lake at a responsible level for all lake users," Muscowpetung First Nation Chief Elizabeth Pratt said. "We are satisfied with the progress shown by Canada, Saskatchewan and our negotiation team in addressing a permanent flooding arrangement acceptable to all parties." These comments were also echoed by Chief Elaine Chicoose of the Pasqua First Nation.
"Allowing operations for 2009 is a sign of good faith negotiations from Sakimay Chief and Council," Sakimay First Nations Chief Kay said. "All the parties' participation at this stage in the negotiations should result in the flood claim being finalized in the very near future."
"The Cowessess First Nation Chief and Council are pleased with the progress of our negotiations as they relate to the operations of the control structure on the Cowessess First Nation," Cowessess First Nation Chief Gordon Lerat said. "The Cowessess First Nation is committed to working with the federal and provincial governments in the spirit of co-operation to achieve a final settlement that will also enhance the safety of our environment and protect our eco-systems for the long term."
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For more information, contact:
Doug Johnson
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
Moose Jaw
Phone: 694-3959
Email: doug.johnson@swa.ca