The Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW) is the provincial non-profit organization whose mandate is to protect freshwater resources (surface and groundwater) by implementing environmental programs and projects on the landscape. SAW works with urban, rural, and indigenous communities, industry, and stakeholders, as well as regional, provincial, and federal government agencies to successfully promote and deliver SAW's vision: sustainable watersheds that support life and health.
SAW is launching a new project in the North Saskatchewan River Watershed: Applying a Landscape Approach to Improve Biodiversity, funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF). The main objective of this project will be to support wildlife conservation through the completion of environmental quality improvement initiatives and restore areas where the natural environment has been damaged within the North Saskatchewan River Watershed. Over the next three years, the deliverables of this project include:
- Development and delivery of education and awareness about the benefits of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that improve water quality and habitat
- Establishment of ten eco-buffer shelterbelts in riparian areas in the North Saskatchewan River Watershed
- Implementation of five off-site livestock watering systems
- Installation of floating treatment wetlands on effluent ponds that release treated effluent into the North Saskatchewan River
SAW has funding to work with rural, urban, and Indigenous producers and landowners in the North Saskatchewan River Watershed who are interested in planting eco-buffer shelterbelts or installing remote off-site livestock watering systems on their land.
We are hosting an information workshop on December 12th, 2024 from 10:30 AM-3:00 PM at the Borden Community Centre (301 1 Ave, Borden, SK), where we will have speakers presenting on the economic benefits of shelterbelts and pollinators on agricultural productivity and how to design shelterbelts and select species that will work best with your soil and landscape. We will also have a presentation on other opportunities for funding for agricultural producers available through SAW. The workshop will have door prizes and lunch will be provided for attendees.
We would like to invite you and members of your RM to attend the workshop and learn about how shelterbelts and pollinators can enhance your landscape. A link to register for the workshop can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shelterbelts-and-pollinators-tickets-1070751128449?aff=oddtdtcreator. Attached to this email is a copy of our event poster as well as a social media post if you would like to distribute those to members of your RM who may be interested in attending.
If you have any questions, or you know of someone who might be interested in this project or want more information, please feel free to get in touch with me or pass along my contact information; I can be reached by email at l.sauder@saskwatersheds.ca or by phone at 306-630-5574 Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30.
