Members

Why did you join?
The opportunity presented itself to work together in the SCCWS organization with many of the users of the water in the watershed. I have lived beside the creek all my life and see it as an incredible asset to our ranch. We use the water for irrigation, for recreation, for wildlife habitat and for the benefit of the scenic value as a quality location to raise a family. My father moved to the ranch in 1944 and he referred to the creek as having a value of millions of dollars

Why did you join? The Swift Current Creek is a vital element to the survival of wildlife in this area, so the Swift Current Wildlife Federation felt it was essential to have a partnership with the SCCWS. I also have agriculture, livestock, and irrigation interests in the creek, so it’s important that good water quality is entering and leaving my land. As a cabin owner at Lac Pelletier, water quality is crucial. The SCCWS had a productive first year and I’m looking forward to working with the Board of Directors, Watershed Coordinator, and Steering Committee.

Why did you join? I’m interested in improving and sustaining good water quality as well as insuring safe drinking water supplies at Lac Pelletier. Recently, I was involved in a Lac Pelletier Cabin Owners committee focused on getting a lagoon for septic tank dumping at Lac Pelletier. The committee spent many hours at meetings with Sask Water, Sask Environment, PFRA, etc. Eventually our mission was accomplished with the approval of a Federal-Provincial Infrastructure grant. I was invited to an informational meeting about developing a stewardship group (SCCWS) and have been an involved member ever since

Why did you join? I spent many hours learning to swim and playing in the creek as a young boy. In the mid 40's, the Swift Current horse plant killed many horses and dumped there remains in the creek. For a very long time, the creek ran as a red colour. From this point on I vowed to do my part to clean up the creek. I became involved with the SCCWS when Harold Martens invited me to attend a meeting. My goal is to educate people in our watershed to protect the creek .

Why did you join? Because of the activities of SCCWS and its mandate, I became interested in joining and supporting this rural/urban multi-stakeholder group. “Water” is the mainstay for human, animal and plant life and for economic development. Thus access to water and water use are becoming increasingly important issue here in semiarid southwest Saskatchewan . I am convinced that environmental solutions can only be achieved through cooperative and untied efforts instead of arbitrary ‘top-down’ imposition by regulatory agencies of various levels of government. We must learn to work together for the one thing we all have in common - our unending need for clean and safe water.

Why did you join? The creek has been an integral part of my life even before Duncairn Dam was constructed in the early 1940's. Our family also own a cottage at Lac Pelletier since 1967 and I have been concerned about water quality in the lake for my children and grandchildren. The Prairie Water Care group are active volunteers who sample and analyze the lake water at several sites once a month.The group also take samples from about fifteen community wells around the lake. The SCCWS have raised substantial public awareness of water quality in this watershed.

Why did you join? PFRA owns and runs Duncairn Dam which has a significant effect on Swift Current Creek. As well, water is diverted to Highfield Dam and the Rush Lake system off the creek, so again, there is a major impact by PFRA. I worked in Southern Alberta for 10 years and saw the success of the Cows & Fish movement, which focused on community participation and awareness around riparian health. I also saw impacts of the feeder industry and major cities on the creeks/rivers and the tensions that can arise. A stewardship group that can accomplish awareness and influence decision making is valuable for all water users - before legislation starts forcing action.

Why did you join? I am a watershed resident and have personal interests in the proper care and management of the watershed. I came to the first Swift Current interest group because I had some prior background in establishing and building local interest groups. From a professional and personal perspective I understand that managing issues around water can be complicated and that it is vitally important for stewards to first be well equipped with knowledge and understanding related to the watershed before any progressive direction can be established for the care and management of the watershed. I believe that a group like the SCCWS can be instrumental in promoting knowledge and awareness in a non-confrontational manner and can help to guide the establishment of long term watershed strategies.

Why did you join? I am employed by Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, formerly Sask Wetland Conservation Corporation. A coworker was involved with SCCWS from the start and she left to have a baby so I assumed her role with the group and have remained since. I feel this group is a model for other stewardship groups throughout Saskatchewan as they have gained support and participation from all stakeholders within the watershed including individual agricultural producers, RM representatives, recreational users, and urban public. The SCCWS is a valuable resource providing information to watershed residents and a forum for discussion of issues related to water quality throughout the watershed.