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The Swift Flowing River Fall 2017 Issue:
A South Saskatchewan Watershed Steward E-Newsletter
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South Sask River AEGP Update
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The last few months have been busy ones for the Agri-Environmental Group Plan techs. We had not one, not two, but three program deadlines! From April 1 to June 30, the Farm Stewardship pre-approval BMP deadline, we worked with 21 producers completing 27 applications for Farm Stewardship projects. The first Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program (FRWIP) deadline was for August 1 and we sent in many applications in those last few weeks. The FRWIP deadline was extended to the end of September because of the very dry conditions and the need for water development.
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Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
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Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten aquatic habitats, fisheries and valuable recreational resources. They can spread through water or by attaching to watercraft, related equipment and gear, and aquatic plants.
The SSRWSI has been monitoring for invasive mussels in Lake Diefenbaker at Saskatchewan Landing, Elbow Harbour, and Palliser Regional Park this year. We have also been monitoring at Blackstrap Lake. Final monitoring for this year will be happening by the end of October, then equipment will be pulled for the winter.
We could use your help to monitor for aquatic mussels next year. If you live near Diefenbaker or Blackstrap Lake and would be willing to check a monitor once a month, please e-mail us at
info@saskwatersheds.ca or call us at 1(306) 343-9549. Your support would be appreciated!
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Shoreline Naturalization Projects
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Two shoreline naturalization projects are currently underway. One is a shoreline erosion mitigation project that is funded through the EcoAction Community Funding Program (Environment and Climate Change Canada). This project will address significant erosion along 150ft of shoreline. Work is anticipated to be completed this fall.
The second project is funded through the Recreation Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). The SSRWSI is partnering with the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds and the Meewasin Valley Authority to restore areas of shoreline with natural vegetation. The plantings will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality by filtering runoff, and provide essential habitat for wildlife. Work on this project is also anticipated to be completed this fall.
Look for an update on these projects in our next newsletter.
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Watershed stewardship organizations across Saskatchewan work with local residents to protect ground and surface water. As part of a provincial watershed stewardship strategy, we are looking for shoreline communities to participate in a short survey about sewage management. Survey results will be used to determine whether there is a need for watershed projects to address shoreline sewage management issues.
If you are interested in participating in this survey, please contact the SSRWSI office to inquire.
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The Love Your Lake Program is a shoreline assessment program funded by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada. The objective of this program is to assist lake communities in identifying shoreline issues and help improve shoreline integrity. Trained SSRWSI staff have completed assessments of individual shoreline properties for communities at Blackstrap Lake and Pike Lake, and have started working on shoreline naturalization projects with some of the property owners.
Thank-you to those cottage owners who donated their time and use of their watercraft to help complete the initial shoreline assessments.
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AG EXperience brings engaging learning experiences with curriculum-based programs connecting students and agriculture! Agriculture in the Classroom provides a partnership with many organizations to develop and deliver educational experiences students will love, ensuring all of our information is accurate, balanced and current.
October 3-5 saw Saskatoon and area Grade 4 students participate in AG EXperience. Average group size 20, group every 15 minutes, approximately 600 students took part.
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Leah Tallis using Surface Water model to lead Discussion around uses, conservation, quality and quantity, what is a watershed, info on the SSR watershed.
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Abandoned Water Well Decommissioning Demonstration
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Thursday, October 26, 2017
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
SW 11- 49 - 22 - 2
Join AEGP in learning the steps, materials needed, importance of properly decommissioning a large diameter well
Coffee and Doughnuts!
Contact Roxanne with Prince Albert RM @ 306-941-1709 or Kerry at 306-460-4987 or
Kerry.wssk@sasktel.net to inquire.
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Friday, November 24, 2017
Senior's Cooperative, Cabri, SK

The SSRWSI strives to protect water quality and quantity within the South Saskatchewan River. We ultimately believe that watershed stewardship is about serving the community by protecting resources for both the residents, and the natural ecosystems of the watershed.
Our members include Rural Municipalities, communities, and special interest groups that are interested in managing watershed resources.
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Wednesday, November 1, 2017
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Asquith, Elks Hall
Thursday November 2, 2017
1:30 pm– 4:30 pm
Hanley, Community Centre, Clubroom
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Dollars & Sense: Considerations for your Livestock Operations
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Join AEGP for the following workshops, two dates & locations available!
Workshop Agenda:
- Water Quality & Reading a Water Test, Travis Peardon/Jenifer Heyden, Livestock Specialists, Ministry of Agriculture
- Grazing Management in Dry Conditions, Sarah Sommerfeld, Forage Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture
- Winter Feed Options & Economics, Travis Peardon/Jenifer Heyden
- Forage & Forage Rainfall Insurance, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
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Have you renewed your membership for 2017?
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Membership is open to Urban and Rural Municipalities, First Nations and Special Interest Groups that are within the South Saskatchewan River Watershed.
To renew or apply for a 2017 Membership in the SSRWSI, please contact Candace Layne, membership coordinator, via email at
candace@managewise.ca.
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2017 SSRWSI Members (as of October 13)
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Urban Municipalities
City of Martensville
City of Saskatoon
Resort Village of Shields
Resort Village of Thode
Town of Cabri
Town of Cudworth
Town of Leader
Town of Osler
Town of Rosthern
Village of Alvena
Special Interest
Meewasin Valley Authority
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Rural Municipalities
RM of Chesterfield No 261
RM of Corman Park No 344
RM of Deer Forks No 232
RM of Excelsior No 166
RM of Fertile Valley No 285
RM of Fish Creek No 402
RM of Happyland No 231
RM of Hoodoo No 401
RM of Kindersley No 290
RM of Loreburn No 254
RM of Miry Creek No 229
RM of Montrose No 315
RM of Newcombe No 260
RM of Prince Albert No 461
RM of Saskatchewan Landing No 167
RM of Victory No 226
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The South Saskatchewan River Watershed
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The South Saskatchewan River Watershed is the second largest watershed in Saskatchewan, covering 35,000 km2. The South Saskatchewan River in Saskatchewan is 715 km long, from the Alberta border to the confluence of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers at "The Forks" just east of Prince Albert. It supports nearly half of Saskatchewan's total population as a source for municipal and private drinking water. The Watershed includes 54 Rural Municipalities and 81 communities, including the Cities of Saskatoon, Warman and Martensville.
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Membership Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Beneficial Management Technicians
Phone: (306) 463-4942
Phone: (306) 254-4463
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SSRWSI Board of Directors
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West Watershed Area
Lorne Janzen, Town of Kindersley
Rob Oldhaver, Town of Cabri
Lake Diefenbaker Watershed Area
Harold Martens, RM of Excelsior
Coy Schellenberg, RM of Victory
Les Ferguson, Pike Lake Cottage and Watershed Association
North Watershed Area
Ben Buhler, Town of Osler
Zach Jeffries, City of Saskatoon
Twyla Yobb, City of Saskatoon
Judy Harwood, RM of Corman Park
Renny Grilz, Meewasin Valley Authority
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Thank You to Our Supporters!
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South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards Inc.
99A - 2366 Avenue C North
Saskatoon, SK S7L 5X5
Phone 1 (306) 343-9549
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