Calling all area land owners!
The Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association (AWSA) in partnership with Environment Canada - Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund (LWBSF), Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Water Security Agency (WSA) are looking to work with landowners and communities in order to restore 100 acres of drained wetlands / slough areas in the Assiniboine River Watershed.
Yorkton and area residents are invited to get involved.
The Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund recognizes the importance of water and clean water for that matter. This fund works with organizations such as the AWSA (which has an office in Yorkton) to promote and implement programs on the ground that reduce nutrients from entering Lake Winnipeg. The Assiniboine River, Qu'Appelle River and Souris River drain east and make their way to Lake Winnipeg, along the way; these rivers transport nutrients downstream and into Lake Winnipeg.
The AWSA with the support from the above mentioned partners says it is looking to put back drained wetlands on the landscape.
"We're looking to re-establish 100 acres of wetlands, which will hold back some water and trap some nutrients from travelling downstream. We as a watershed have to be aware of what we are doing here than can affect someone downstream. Our cities, towns, villages, RMs, industries which includes the ag industry have to be aware and responsible with the nutrients leaving our system."
Any landowner or community that has drained wetlands in the Assiniboine River Watershed is eligible, with some conditions. The AWSA is offering to re-establish those ditched, drained or in-filled wetlands and provide payments of $2,000.00 / acre for a 10 year agreement on the wetland acres that are re-establish on the land. That equates to $200.00 per acre / net profit per year for 10 years.
"Now is the time to maintain and restore wetlands. Protect wetlands for flood protection, clean drinking water and for clean rivers and lakes."
Anyone wanting more information can call Jesse at the Yorkton office at 306-783-1692.
