- All program applications are accepted year-round with project prioritization and planning, aligning with the SLWD Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP), for the upcoming field season.
- All SLWD programs are cost-shared with 70% funding by the District and 30% funding by the landowner (i.e. 70:30). Should external funding be available, this contribution is subject to change.
- All projects must have a 'Project Proposal Form' filled out (found under the 'Links' tab) and brought to the Office in order for the District (Board) to review the project.
Water Management Programs
Water Retention and Small Dams (70:30)
The SLWD will design and construct small dry dams/water retention structures in order to create short term (temporary) retention sites with a goal of reducing peak flow rates and minimizing subsequent erosion and infrastructure damages. Water retention and small dry dams are designed to temporarily hold water for up to two weeks and completely drain out, while offering many other additional benefits such as groundwater infiltration and recharge, capturing of nutrients within the watershed, and the reduction of damage to downstream infrastructure. Larger water retention projects may seek to be funded at a 100:0 ratio.
The SLWD will design and construct small dry dams/water retention structures in order to create short term (temporary) retention sites with a goal of reducing peak flow rates and minimizing subsequent erosion and infrastructure damages. Water retention and small dry dams are designed to temporarily hold water for up to two weeks and completely drain out, while offering many other additional benefits such as groundwater infiltration and recharge, capturing of nutrients within the watershed, and the reduction of damage to downstream infrastructure. Larger water retention projects may seek to be funded at a 100:0 ratio.
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Alternate Watering Systems (70:30)
Alternate Watering Systems (AWS) such as a solar watering system is beneficial because it removes livestock from watering in surface water sources. Removing livestock from waterbodies will positively improve water quality and riparian zones by allowing natural vegetation to filter nutrients and hold streambanks together. AWS may come from streams or groundwater with the use of pump systems. |
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Riparian Management (70:30)
The SLWD will help design and construct rehabilitation and conservation projects to restore degraded riparian areas through incentives, education, and technical assistance. Riparian management projects will aid in stabilizing the streambank, therefore reducing bank erosion and enhancing vegetated buffer zones to trap and reduce excess nutrient runoff into surface water. Projects could involve riparian fencing, cattle crossings, bank stabilization techniques, and re-vegetation. |
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Water Quality Testing (0:100)*
The SLWD offers and encourages landowners to annually test their well-water for bacteria. Bottles for bacteria sampling and extensive water quality analysis can be picked up at the office. Staff will educate on the proper sampling techniques and paperwork involved. Groundwater testing for bacteria samples and other analyses are covered by the landowner at a 0:100 ratio, with potential for District subsidy. The SLWD works with Horizon Lab, which is an accredited water quality testing lab based in Winnipeg. Prices are subject to change. Below is a link to the Well Aware Booklet, informational material, that was complied in Manitoba that defines construction, maintenance, and protection of wells. On page 32 of the booklet, there is information on what the water test results mean. |
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Soil Management Programs
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Grassed Waterways (70:30)
The SLWD will assist in the design and construction of a grassed waterway with proper sloping and channel size based on the project site. Following construction, the SLWD will seed the waterway with native plants to establish a vegetated cover including suitable buffer strips from cropped farmland. The design of this controlled waterway provides benefits such as minimizing soil erosion, reducing nutrient movement downstream, preventing water breaking out, and providing forage for wildlife habitat. |
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Field Crossings (70:30)
The SLWD will design and construct a new field crossing or make improvements to an old field crossing over a waterway for use by farm equipment and/or livestock with minimizing impacts to water quality. Properly constructed field crossings help minimize soil erosion and sedimentation, while safely bridging equipment and/or livestock. |
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Shelterbelt & Tree Planting (70:30)
The SLWD will assist landowners in shelterbelt development, tree planting areas, and obtaining trees and/or shrubs, working in conjunction with the annual tree program. Shelterbelts and tree planting areas provide many benefits including to help reduce wind and soil erosion, surface runoff, and create wildlife habitat.
The SLWD will assist landowners in shelterbelt development, tree planting areas, and obtaining trees and/or shrubs, working in conjunction with the annual tree program. Shelterbelts and tree planting areas provide many benefits including to help reduce wind and soil erosion, surface runoff, and create wildlife habitat.
Community Trees (0:100)*
The SLWD provides a selection of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs for purchase by the public annually. This program operates on an ordering basis rather than an application. Tree planting helps communities, landowners, and other groups interested to effectively manage and care for our environment and community beautification. Community trees help with property aesthetics, reducing wind and soil erosion, carbon sequestration, increasing crop yields, improving soil moisture, and creating wildlife habitat. Tree order forms are available in the late Fall season and are due at the beginning of February each year. Stop by the office and pick up a form or print the online form found under the 'Links' tab!
The SLWD provides a selection of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs for purchase by the public annually. This program operates on an ordering basis rather than an application. Tree planting helps communities, landowners, and other groups interested to effectively manage and care for our environment and community beautification. Community trees help with property aesthetics, reducing wind and soil erosion, carbon sequestration, increasing crop yields, improving soil moisture, and creating wildlife habitat. Tree order forms are available in the late Fall season and are due at the beginning of February each year. Stop by the office and pick up a form or print the online form found under the 'Links' tab!
External Funding Programs
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Environmental Education (100:0)
The SLWD considers education as the forefront in helping protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, while minimizing impacts on the environment. The District is actively involved in providing/sponsoring environmental education programs to students and other groups such as Envirothon, Water Festival (annually), the Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland EcoVan (school visits), and much more. |
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Fisheries Enhancement**
The SLWD undertakes projects that improve fish habitat, water quality, and angling opportunities across the Swan Valley, some of which include partnership with the Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. Projects include fish ladder design and restoration, and habitat protection. |
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Abandoned Well Sealing (100:0)
The SLWD is committed to protecting and enhancing human health/safety and groundwater quality by sealing abandoned wells to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination within the Swan Valley. This program is offered at no cost to the landowner and during the Fall/Winter season, the SLWD will seal all unused and/or abandoned wells brought in to the office by application. Fill out the 'Abandoned Well Sealing' form under the 'Links' tab and bring it into the office anytime! |
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Wildlife Habitat & Land Protection - Conservation Agreement (70:30)
The SLWD will work with landowners to form a Conservation Agreement (easement) with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC). The agreement is a legal contract registered on the land’s title, designed to provide long-term protection of wildlife, land and/or fish habitat. For more information on Conservation Agreements, visit the MHHC website at www.mhhc.mb.ca or contact the SLWD. |
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Equipment Rental*
The SLWD has various equipment available for rent including a tree planter, plastic mulch applicator, and seeder. A damage deposit is held and refunded when the equipment is returned in good working condition and meets inspection. The District also offers an RTK survey service and drone photography and videography both operated by SLWD staff.
The SLWD has various equipment available for rent including a tree planter, plastic mulch applicator, and seeder. A damage deposit is held and refunded when the equipment is returned in good working condition and meets inspection. The District also offers an RTK survey service and drone photography and videography both operated by SLWD staff.
* Inquire within the Watershed District office for more information and rates*
** Funding ratio varies based on external funding**
** Funding ratio varies based on external funding**
