Ten local producers met in Hafford March 23 to participate in a mapping activity implemented by the North Saskatchewan Source Water Protection department.
Katherine Finn spearheaded the mini workshops to discuss and raise awareness of water management strategies. The goal, set out by the watershed authority, was to talk to producers and identify potential geographic problem areas to relate back to the watershed authority to compile a preparedness plan.
With the use of AEGP aerial map of the Redberry Lake and surrounding municipalities, producers were able to identify potential or current drought/flood areas making note of vulnerable infrastructure such as roads, bridges, wells and dugouts and areas particularly sensitive to drought such as pastures, croplands, aquifers and surface supplies.
Some topics of discussion involved scenario assessment. Three potential scenarios were presented: what would happen if a wet year like 2010 happened twice in five years? What would happen if a long-term drought (lasting longer than previously experienced) occurred; and what would happen if it switched back and forth from wet to dry years quickly? Thought was given to what the impacts would be, who would be vulnerable and what could be done to prepare for the scenario.
Finn will be compiling the results from the three meeting/workshops held within the region to produce a document for preparedness planning.
It was agreed that public awareness is important and that all rural municipalities should take a responsible role in preparedness planning.
