Integrated Watershed Management Plan

The North Saskatchewan River watershed is a large and complex area with many diverse land uses, hydrological systems and ecological regions. The watershed is a source of water for domestic and municipal users, agriculture, forestry, petroleum and other industries, fishing, recreation and tourism.  In order to maintain and restore a healthy watershed that balances environmental, social and economic needs of watershed stakeholders, the NSWA has embarked upon an Integrated Watershed Management (IWMP) planning process.

The main goals are to:

  • Develop strategies (including the establishment of Water Conservation Objectives) that will support sustainable use and management of land and water resources of the watershed;
  • Identify land uses that could adversely affect the future sustainability of the watershed and propose strategies to address these land use issues; and
  • Prepare the IWMP in collaboration with watershed communities and the public so that the IWMP meets local and regional needs.
  • NSWA plans to complete the IWMP process by 2011.

The North Saskatchewan Integrated Watershed Management Plan provides a framework for protecting, maintaining and restoring a healthy, natural watershed system where economic and social needs are in balance with the ecological needs of the watershed. 

The management plan will address surface water, groundwater, land use, social, cultural and economic issues. Land use issues affecting water will be identified and sub-basin recommendations made.

The plan will be prepared in consultation with NSWA members and stakeholders.  The planning process will ensure that stakeholders are provided the opportunity to inform and participate in the work. The plan will incorporate existing regional strategies and related plans.

Terms of reference for the IWMP were developed by AMEC Earth and Environmental in May, 2005 (pdf, 2.6mb).

 

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