Watershed Groups Gather to Take Action on Challenges and Opportunities Facing Alberta's Watersheds

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Oct. 27, 2010) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this Press Release.

Collaboration was the word on everyone's lips as Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils from throughout the province gathered for their annual conference late last week in Cypress Hills. The seventh meeting of its kind, this year's "Summit on the Summit" brought together like-minded watershed professionals and volunteers to discuss environmental and economic challenges facing watersheds in Alberta. Strategies and tools needed to address the cumulative impacts of population growth, economic development and climate change on Alberta land and water were front and center during the discussions.

Under the Alberta Government's Water for Life strategy, each major river basin within the province has a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) directed by a diverse board of directors composed of dedicated individuals living in the respective watersheds. The WPACs are tasked with developing both a "State of the Watershed" report and a "Watershed Management Plan" specific to the unique environmental, economic and social conditions of their region. The annual summit provides a venue for attendees to discuss their current projects and this year the WPACs also brainstormed future opportunities and directions. Representatives of the ten current WPACs, from the newly-minted Athabasca Watershed Council to the well-established Bow River Basin Council and North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, agreed that while individual WPACs have made significant progress in assessing the health of their own watersheds, the time has come to strengthen their bonds by sharing experiences, resources and strategies. They believe that these actions are particularly timely as new WPACs undertake their first projects and as seasoned WPACs take their management plans from paper to implementation.

The WPAC Executive Directors each spoke briefly of their current initiatives including water quality monitoring on the Milk River, Integrated Watershed Management Planning for the Oldman and Red Deer river basins and the innovative "online" Web-based State of the Watershed management tool of SEAWA, the WPAC for the South Saskatchewan River Basin. Attendees also heard about the outreach and education programs of the Lesser Slave Watershed Council, the "Spirit of the Watershed" art initiative of the Battle River Watershed Alliance and the Aquatic Ecosystem Health program of the Beaver River Watershed Alliance. The Athabasca group issued a brief "stay tuned for great things." Mike Kelly, Chair of the Bow River Basin Council, spoke of the "Bow River Project," and several members of the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance highlighted different initiatives. David Trew, Executive Director of the North Saskatchewan WPAC, had this to say,

"I've observed a steady growth in the quality and diversity of watershed planning and scientific work being undertaken by WPACs over the past couple of years. There has also been a steady maturation in our people: our staff, Directors and diverse members represent an extensive human capacity now being applied to Alberta's watershed management needs. I'm most impressed with the willingness of WPACs to step forward, provide leadership and look to the future needs of Albertans, as was always envisioned under Water for Life: Alberta's Strategy for Sustainability."

Keynote speaker David Marshall, Executive Director of British Columbia's Fraser Basin Council, presented his significant experience with the Fraser River Basin and added a valuable perspective to future watershed planning and management in Alberta. The Fraser Basin Council, a not for profit organization, is composed of a unique collaborative governance structure with representatives from the four orders of government including First Nations, the private sector and civil society. Marshall complimented the WPACs on their excellent work and offered to work with Alberta Environment and the WPACs to enhance working relationships between Alberta and British Columbia on watershed management.

"WPACs are an important example of partnerships in action," said the Honourable Rob Renner, Minister of Environment, as he closed the summit. "WPACs have a significant role in the future of water management, as they help bring stakeholders together and raise awareness of Albertans' role in conservation and stewardship."

Members of SEAWA, the South Saskatchewan River Basin WPAC had a few additional comments after the conference. SEAWA Vice-Chair Gary Bierback said, "The WPAC Summits give me an opportunity to inform the other WPACs and citizens of the province of the important conservation, efficiency and productivity work the Irrigation Sector has already achieved and has a desire to continue to help achieve the Water for Life strategies." Dr. Peter Wallis, Chair of SEAWA's State of the Watershed Committees and Dean of Science at Medicine Hat College added, "Medicine Hat College is a strong supporter of SEAWA in the South Saskatchewan River Basin and looks forward to working with other WPACs in the development of Integrated Watershed Management Plans."

Media may contact the co-hosts of this year's WPAC Summit or any of the Alberta WPACs.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20101027-1027SEAWA_800.jpg

Alberta WPACs: www.waterforlife.alberta.ca/543.html

Alberta Water for Life: www.waterforlife.alberta.ca/index.html