WATER FACT CRVWA Water Source Watershed Presentations the CRVWA Has Developed a Presentation That Is Aimed to Increase Participation in Environmental Stewardship

CRVWA Water Source Carrot River Valley Watershed Association 202 Main Street Box 40, Melfort, Sask. S0E 1A0 Phone: 306-752-1270 • Email: [email protected] Website: www.crwatershed.ca Like us on Facebook: Carrot River Valley Watershed Association FALL 2013 A Message from the Carrot River Valley Watershed Association Board The Carrot River Valley Watershed Association Inc. Sarah’s education and experience working with ag- business plan. Both of these plans will work together (CRVWA) is a non-profit, non-governmental orga- ricultural producers make her a valuable asset to the to ensure the success of the CRVWA. These plans nization dedicated to preserving and maintaining Carrot River Valley Watershed team. Sarah will be will also help the CRVWA and the CRW AEGP bet- the character and integrity of the watershed through working out of office in Melfort as well as travel- ter coordinate proposed and ongoing projects. education and awareness. Working to preserve the ing throughout the watershed promoting Beneficial beauty, diversity, and integrity of the watershed, Management Practises. If you would like more information on the CRVWA we will raise awareness and understanding by pro- or to become involved with watershed activities, moting sustainable environmental, economic and The CRVWA has begun the process of working more contact Jessica Hutton, Watershed Manager, at 306- cultural activities. Our goal is to give community closely with the Carrot River Watershed Agri-Envi- 752-1270, email [email protected], or stop by members the informed insight and tools they need ronmental Group Plan (CRW AEGP). This partner- the office located at 202 Main Street in Melfort. to make positive changes in the watershed by work- ship will allow for the CRVWA and the CRW AEGP ing together to protect source water and the natu- to reach a broader audience in promoting source wa- R.M. Number R.M. Name Legend No. 369 R.M. of St. Peter No. 370 R.M. of Humboldt Carrot River West Basin No. 394 R.M. of Hudson Bay No. 397 R.M. of Barrier Valley ral beauty of our watershed for current and future ter protection. The main focus of the CRW AEGP No. 398 R.M. of Pleasantdale Carrot River East Basin No. 399 R.M. of Lake Lenore No. 400 R.M. of Three Lakes Lake Lenore Basin No. 401 R.M. of Hoodoo No. 402 R.M. of Fish Creek Rivers No. 426 R.M. of Bjorkdale generations. The CRVWA has been working in the will continue to be agricultural related whereas the No. 427 R.M. of Tisdale Waterbodies No. 428 R.M. of Star City No. 429 R.M. of Flett’s Springs First Nations Reserve No. 430 R.M. of Invergordon No. 431 R.M. of St. Louis Rural Municipalities No. 456 R.M. of Arborfield area since 2011 to implement key action items in CRVWA will focus on serving all residents of the No. 457 R.M. of Connaught No. 458 R.M. of Willow Creek Highways No. 459 R.M. of Kinistino No. 486 R.M. of Moose Range the Carrot River Watershed Source Water Protection watershed. No. 487 R.M. of Nipawin First Nation eserve Number First Nation Name IR #100 James Smith First Nation IR #100A Cumberland First Nation IR #91 Kinistin First Nation Plan. These key actions relate to a variety of plan- IR #29 & 29A Red Earth First Nation IR #28A Shoal Lake First Nation IR #27A The Pas First Nation IR #20 Cumberland House First Nation ning objectives all of which are focused on source The CRVWA holds bi-monthly meetings with the Saskatchewan water protection. The CRVWA aims to increase board of directors. This allows for the communi- awareness and education of all water and watershed cation of proposed projects and updates on current related issues and concerns. projects. Board meetings were held on August 16th and October 23th; executive meetings were held on N

Projected Co-ordinate System: The CRVWA is pleased to welcome our new Agri- July 26th and August 20th. The CRVWA has been NAD 1983 CSRS98 UTM Zone 13N

Kilometers Environmental Group Plan Technician, Sarah Nye. working on a communication strategy and a strategic 0 5 10 20 30 40

Thoughts on Agricultural Drainage The topic of agricultural drainage often sparks op- The Water Security Agency has recently launched and effects on biodiversity caused by drainage. This posing viewpoints and opinions. However, drain- an online forum designed for residents of Saskatche- forum will allow for a large number of people to age has been occurring for many years. Drainage wan to voice their concerns on agricultural drainage share ideas and information. This discussion will has become a somewhat common practice due to related issues. This forum is a result of the 25 Year aid the Water Security Agency in the development the current state of agriculture and increased land Saskatchewan Water Security Plan; one of the plans of a drainage policy. values. Drainage is known to have both positive action areas is agricultural drainage and flooding. and negative impacts, some of which include: in- All of the discussions will take place online and any- creased acres for crop production, increased poten- This online forum is active from September 1, 2013 one who is interested in joining the panel can do so tial of flooding downstream, reduced ground water to March 31, 2014 and is open to all Saskatchewan by visiting the Water Security Agency’s website at recharge, increased land values and increased inci- residents. This forum will discuss a range of top- www.wsask.ca or go to http://agdrainage.insightrix. dence of siltation downstream. ics including downstream flooding, water quality, com.

A watershed or drainage basin is a region that drains into a specific body of water, such as a river or lake. All the land, air, plants and animals within its borders are considered part of the watershed. Each watershed has a unique mixture of land and water habitats they include: wetlands, rivers, lakes, forests, grasslands and farms as wellWATER as towns and cities. FACT CRVWA Water Source A Message from the Carrot River Watershed Agri-Environmental Group Plan (AEGP) Committee 10 producer workshops, and participated in various local With harvest wrapping up and the planning phase of next events and trade shows. spring beginning, why not look at some Beneficial Man- agement Practices that could be implemented in your op- The partnership is underway with the Carrot River Valley eration to improve the health of the environment and wa- Watershed Association (CRVWA). We are excited with tershed, as well as being beneficial to your operation? We what this partnership provides us with, and gives us the would be happy to discuss with you some of the options opportunity to reach a broader audience, increase aware- that are available to you once the new Farm Stewardship ness of the watershed and its health in our area. The part- Program and Growing Forward 2 have been rolled out. The Carrot River Watershed Agri-Environmental Group nership allows us to highlight Beneficial Management We hope you had a safe and bountiful harvest and be sure Plan (AEGP) is a non-profit organization that was created Practices used by producers to reduce the risk to surface to check back with us for updates on the new program to promote awareness about environmental issues that co- and ground water to both the rural and urban residents in and funding options available for you to apply for under relate to farming practices. The committee is comprised the watershed. this program. of producers who volunteer their time and whose interest is in seeing Beneficial Management Practices being We are anxiously awaiting for the roll-out and announce- If you would like more information about the Carrot utilized to benefit both the environment and producers ment of what the new Farm Stewardship Program an- River Watershed Agri-Environmental Group or upcom- alike. The AEGP began in 2010 to assist area produc- nounced under Growing Forward 2 will entail so we can ing projects, contact Sarah Nye, AEGP Technician, at ers with applications to the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm offer assistance to local producers in applying for and uti- (306)920-8166 or visit us at www.crwatershed.ca or our Stewardship Program (CSFSP) and to promote the imple- lizing upon approval the funding for the various projects Facebook page Carrot River Watershed Agri-Environ- mentation of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). that the program contains. mental Group. The Carrot River Watershed is located in East Central Saskatchewan and encompasses the RMs of 369, 370, Work will be commencing soon on the approved 3D fenc- 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 456, ing pilot project that was granted through the Saskatch- 457, 458, 459, 486 and 487. Since 2010, the Carrot River ewan Beef Industry Development Fund. This trial is de- Watershed AEGP has submitted project applications on signed to help area producers determine if this type of behalf of producers in this area worth an estimated total fencing would be a viable option to control wildlife dam- value of almost $965,000, and each year seen a steady age to livestock feed. Look for the results in the spring to increase in the number of BMP projects. In addition to see if this type of fencing was effective in minimalizing the applications to the CSFSP, the Carrot River Water- feed loss due to wildlife. shed AEGP produced 11 newsletters/flyers, 5 brochures,

Grain Bags Northern Lights of grain storage being utilized more frequently; however disposal is posing to be a problem. Grain bags are illegal Trade Show to burn, as they release harmful carcinogens. These The CRVWA & The CRW AEGP took part in the North- carcinogens are hazardous to the health of humans. ern Lights Trade Show in Melfort on October 18 and 19. This pilot will address this challenge and explore The CRVWA & CRW AEGP took this opportunity to solutions for producers to recycle these plastics in an discuss and promote source water protection with local environmentally friendly manner. residents. Education and awareness is the key to promote change and the adoption of practises that benefit This one year initiative involves six locations (Prince the watershed. Albert, Kelvington, Estevan, Abbey, Unity, and Viscount) throughout the province where collection If you would like more information on the CRVWA or is currently taking place. The Carrot River Watershed to become involved with watershed activities, contact It’s that time of year when harvest is wrapping up and Agri-Environmental Group is looking at bringing the Jessica Hutton, Watershed Manager, at 306-752-1270, the crop is in the bin. With a large yielding crop year, we grain bag roller equipment to our area for a collection email [email protected], or stop by the office lo- are seeing a lot of grain bags being utilized as a storage day. Bags would also be available for the collection cated at 202 Main Street in Melfort. option for crops. It is never too early to think about what of twine for recycling as part of the collection day. you are going to do with the empty grain bags when you Producers are encouraged to store grain bags in a dry start hauling your grain to the elevator. Recycling is a easily accessible area until the collection day. The date great way to deal with empty grain bags, and it is an and location will be decided after it is determined that environmentally friendly option. there is enough producer interest within our watershed to make a collection day worthwhile. There will be no cost On March 24, 2011 the federal and provincial governments associated to the producer for the collection day, other along with Provincial Council of Agriculture Development than their time and transportation to bring their grain bags and Diversification Boards (PCAB) announced a new to the collection site. Recycling Pilot Project to help Saskatchewan producers recycle grain bags and twine. Grain bags are increasingly For further information, visit the PCAB website www. becoming a popular method of grain storage for saskpcab.com or call the Carrot River Valley Watershed Saskatchewan producers, and we are seeing this method Association office at (306)752-1270.

Riparian areas are composed of water loving vegetation in the transitional area between uplands and water. These areas are green, wet and lush. A healthy riparian area provides many benefits such as: source water, forage and habitats. They also preform important ecological functions such as filtering surface water and erosion control.WATER FACT CRVWA Water Source Watershed Presentations The CRVWA has developed a presentation that is aimed to increase participation in environmental stewardship. This presentation is interactive and demonstrates a watershed model, with a target audience most suitable for grades 4-6 as it corresponds with the curriculum. It is designed to show students how land, water and human activities are intercon- nected and effect one another. The presentation fo- cuses on types of pollution and offers the identifica- tion of potential solutions to reduce water pollution. With the watershed model being interactive, it allows students to see how runoff and pollutants enter water bodies and provide an opportunity for discussion on what they can do to decrease water pollution and lessen some of the negative human impact on water sources. Students will be able to apply possible contaminates (sprinkles and drink crystals) to see how runoff is transported to waterways. Once there is an understanding of possible contaminates there will be the opportunity to apply preventive measures that will help reduce pollution impacts. The CRVWA has examined the Provincial Learning The funding for this model was obtained through participating in the Northeast Community Futures Challenge 4 Communities 2012 Competition. Objectives from SK Evergreen Curriculum Guide. The CRVWA will also be hosting a poster contest in For more information on school presentations or our This has allowed us to design a presentation suit- 2014. The theme and timing of the poster contest upcoming poster contest, contact the CRVWA office able for grades 4-6. The CRVWA is willing to visit has not yet been determined. The CRVWA will post at 306 752 1270 or email [email protected]. schools and youth groups within our watershed to all information about the poster contest when avail- deliver this presentation. able at www.crwatershed.ca.

New Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program As part of the Growing Forward 2, a Federal-Pro- ing or greenhouse production. Eligible projects be a safety hazard as well as a direct contamination vincial-Territorial policy framework of agricultural include digging small-diameter and large diameter conduit into the water aquifer. The program will programs announced last spring a new Farm and on-farm wells, and new or expanded dugouts. The cover 90% of well decommissioning costs. How- Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) has expanded dugout must be at least one third larger ever the decommissioning must be done by a pro- been announced. This program is designed to help than the original. The program will cover shallow fessional with expertise in well decommissioning. producers develop secure water sources for agricul- buried pasture pipelines, deep buried pipelines and tural purposes. The program also helps minimize deep buried pipelines that connect to an established To be eligible you must; be a Saskatchewan resi- the impact of drought and helps promote rural municipal water source. The program will cover dent or file income tax respecting farm income in economic activity. remote livestock water systems provided it is for Saskatchewan, earn a minimum of $35,000.00 of environmental purposes. The program will cover gross farm income in Saskatchewan, and operate Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure program 50% of the installation costs of the above projects. a minimum of 320 acres of farmland in Saskatch- targets four main components within the agri- ewan. culture sector: On-Farm, Agricultural Business The final two projects are protecting existing Development, Community Well and Irrigation wells and decommissioning old wells. Protecting For more information on the new Farm and Ranch District. Farmers, ranchers, First Nations bands, existing wells generally involves landscaping to Water Infrastructure Program go to our website at rural municipalities and irrigation districts across build up the area around the well to prevent surface www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca or call the FRWIP toll Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for funding to water collecting at the wellhead leading to possible free information line at 1-877-874-5365. develop eligible projects. contamination of the well. Also covered in the program is the purchase and installation of above- Provided by: John Hauer P.Ag. In this article I will discuss the On-Farm compo- ground casing extensions and lockable vented well Regional Forage Specialist nent of the program. As stated above the purpose caps. The program covers 50% of these costs Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture of this program is to develop sustainable non-pota- Kindersley, Sask. ble water supplies for agricultural use. Agricultural Well decommissioning is the sealing and capping use means water for crop spraying, livestock water- of old, abandoned water wells. These old wells can

The Carrot River Watershed Agri-Environmental Group Plan (CRW AEGP) includes RMs 401, 370, 369, WATER400, 399, 398, 397, 430, 429, 428,WATER 427, 426, 459, 458, 457,FACT 456, 487, and 486. FACT CRVWA Water Source Proper Disposal of Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications Proper disposal of tainable water supply. Methods of proper disposal pharmaceuticals is When prescription or non-prescription drugs are include: extremely important thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet or • Do not put pharmaceuticals in the garbage or to the health of wa- sink, there is the likelihood that the chemical com- flush down the toilet or sink. tersheds. Improper ponents may retain in the soil or water. The treat- • Check to see if your pharmacy has a drug disposal of pharma- ment of water at municipal treatment plants is not collection program. ceutical products effective in the filtering of the chemical components • If your area pharmacy does not have a drug has caused chemical of pharmaceutical drugs. Even at low concentra- collection program, contact your municipal- components of drugs tion the chemical components may cause adverse ity to see if they collect unused or expired to be detected in wa- effects on the environment, aquatic health and hu- drugs. Various municipalities have hazard- ter supplies (surface man health. “Of particular concern are the potential ous waste collection days or sites that may water, groundwater adverse effects of cumulative, long-term exposure to collect pharmaceuticals. (Proper Use and and drinking water). trace amounts and mixtures of pharmaceuticals on Disposal of Medication, 2011). Currently the Cana- vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, dian Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program is offered newborns, and children” (Proper Use and Disposal Resource: to the public. The goal of this program is to limit the of Medication, 2011). Proper Use and Disposal of Medication. (2011). Retrieved from http:// entry of pharmaceutical products into the environ- www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php ment. However, “these programs are estimated to Proper Disposal of Pharmaceuticals collect only a fraction of unused and expired pharmaceuticals” (Proper Use and Disposal of Medica- Proper disposal of prescription and non-prescription tion, 2011). drugs is essential to health and well-being of a sus- Meet the Staff Watershed Manager - Jessica Technician. Sarah completed her diploma in Ag- with the Carrot River Valley Watershed Associa- Hutton, BSc riculture Production, with her major in Farm and tion. Please feel free to contact Sarah if you wish to Ranch Management, from Olds College in 2004. discuss any of the Beneficial Management Practices For more information about the She has a diverse amount of experience working in and programs under the Farm Stewardship Program CRVWA, upcoming events and the agriculture industry. Originally from Ontario, that you may be interested in incorporating on your current projects, contact Jes- Sarah now resides out of the Meskanaw area with farm. sica at 306-752-1270 or email her partner Jon and their sons, where they raise Reg- If you have any questions or require more informa- [email protected] istered Black Angus breeding stock. Sarah is look- tion about the AEGP, the Farm Stewardship Pro- ing forward to assisting producers with applications gram, or upcoming AEGP activities, please contact AEGP Technician- Sarah Nye to the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Pro- Sarah at 306-920-8166 or e-mail crwatershed@ gram under the new Growing Forward 2, and raising gmail.com. Sarah Nye has been hired and is awareness of source water protection from an agri- joining the Carrot River Water- cultural perspective. She looks forward to meeting shed Agri-Environmental Group and assisting producers with the new programming Plan (AEGP) as the new AEGP available under Growing Forward 2 and working Thank you to our Members! Town of Carrot River Aborfield Conservation & City of Melfort Melfort & District Wildlife Town of Arborfield Development Area Authority Wakaw Lake Regional Park Federation RM of Tisdale #427 Moose Range Conservation & Authority RM of Pleasantdale #398 RM of Nipawin #487 Development Area Resort Village of Wakaw Lake St.Peter Conservation & RM of Connaught #457 Authority RM of Invergordon #430 Development Area Authority Tisdale Wildlife Federation RM of Moose Range #486 RM of Hoodoo #401 RM of Humboldt #370 Pasquia Regional Park Town of Wakaw RM of Fish Creek #402 RM of St.Peter #369 RM of Kinistino #459 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Municipalities, Communities, and Special Interest Groups: Become a CRVWA Member Today! Have a voice in source water protection. Contact Us Carrot River Valley Watershed Association Mail: PO Box 40, Melfort, SK, S0E 1A0 Office: 202 Main Street Open Weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm E:mail: [email protected] crwatershed.ca Like us on Facebook: Carrot River Valley Watershed Association Groundwater is an important part of earth’s water cycle. Water continually circulates between land, air and ocean in the form of rain, snow, water vapour, surface water and ground water. Ground water starts as surface waterWATER or precipitation and enters the ground slowly through areasFACT that are referred to as recharge areas.