DEFINING WATERSHED VALUES
To clearly identify values and concerns of the watershed, the project management team met with stakeholder groups to identify and prioritize local land and water issues of importance to them. Individual concerns, traditional knowledge, and technical submissions have shaped development of three watershed values for this plan.
3Watershed
Values
Surface Water Fluctuations
Water Quality
Ecosystem Health
WATERSHED VALUE STATEMENTS
Surface Water Fluctuations
We value the management of surface water and its associated infrastructure for flood and drought protection and successful agriculture locally.
Water Quality
We value clean water for drinking water needs and recreational purposes. Clean water sustains healthy communities and our natural ecosystem.
Ecosystem Health
We value natural habitat sustainability and biodiverse areas. We recognize the need for strong programming to protect the integrity of natural areas and mitigate against impacts from development and industry.
KEY CHALLENGES
Surface Water Fluctuations
- The watershed is highly modified and certain areas are dependent on the operation of water control structures for flood protection
- Poor drainage due to very little slope, causing flooding of residential and agricultural areas
- Jurisdictional differences in the management of water flows between provincial boundaries
Water Quality
- Balancing recreational use of lakes, wetlands and waterways with drinking water and ecosystem needs
- Land use activities, including industry, development and agricultural activities may impact surface water quality
Ecosystem Health
- Surface water flows in the Saskatchewan River Delta have been altered by water control structures, impacting aquatic health
- Movement of aquatic invasive species into the watershed
KEY ACTIONS
Surface Water Fluctuations
- Improve inter-provincial communication and cooperation between the non-profit watershed associations in MB and SK
- Encourage improved coordination of water level and flow projections between MB and SK during critical periods, specifically at times of flooding
- Investigate adaptation strategies to mitigate potential climate change impacts, including more extreme weather events, increased flows, agricultural impacts and infrastructure considerations
Water Quality
- Seal abandoned wells within the watershed
- Review opportunities for aquifer protection for Moose Lake and Opaskwayak Cree Nation
- Develop a hazardous waste depot within the watershed
- Assess urban storm water runoff concerns in the Town of The Pas and prepare storm water filtration options, including rain gardens and urban wetlands
- Seed severely saline areas to provide cover on these sensitive sites
Ecosystem Health
- Recommend a boat wash station at the junctions of highway 6 and 60, and 10 and 60
- Support the Lake Sturgeon Management Board in long-term recovery planning for sturgeon in the Saskatchewan River
- Implement and promote a composting program
- Promote and encourage sustainable eco-tourism activities within the watershed
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PLAN
The Carrot - Saskatchewan River IWMP includes a source water protection plan to protect drinking water sources in the watershed. Four provincially-regulated municipal drinking water systems and two federally-regulated drinking water systems were assessed separately, and full assessments and recommendations are listed in the IWMP.
Key recommendations include:
- Sealing abandoned wells
- Protecting wellhead sites for groundwater sources
- Educating residents regarding proper maintenance of septic system holding tanks
- Conducting source water assessments for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Mosakahiken Cree Nation public drinking water sources
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Carrot - Saskatchewan River IWMP includes a surface water management plan that strives to:
- Reduce or prevent flooding
- Consider aquatic health and water quality
- Realize potential climate change impacts
- Identify recreational opportunities
To address the various local challenges and landscape features, four surface water management zones were designated for the watershed.
Source Water Protection Zones
- Groundwater source water protection zone
- Surface source water protection zone
Surface Water Management Zones
- Cranberry Portage
- Summerberry / Lower Saskatchewan River Delta
- Wanless / Saskeram
- Carrot Valley
Full Integrated Watershed Management Plan
The Carrot-Saskatchewan River Integrated Watershed Management Plan encompasses the area of land in Manitoba which contributes water to the Carrot River and the Saskatchewan River watershed. The Kelsey Conservation District is leading plan development in partnership with the Provincial government and a team of supporting agencies, interest groups and watershed residents.
English Summary
The purpose of the Carrot-Saskatchewan River Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) is to positively influence land and water management, with a focus on protecting water, aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources in the Carrot-Saskatchewan River Watershed.
atet kestānechekana nepe astwawen oche
oma nanakachetawe kanāchekāwin Carrot River Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) ka echekatāk nepe oma kananakachetanewakx
The Current
The Current is published annually as the official publication of Manitoba Conservation Districts Association. It features editorials from many of the 18 Conservation Districts within Manitoba.