Introduction
Watersheds are considered the most ecologically and administratively appropriate unit for managing water. A watershed can be defined topographically as an area of land in which all water drains to a common point. Planning based on a watershed allows for a holistic approach and provides the opportunity to address water quality, water quantity and cumulative impacts of land and water management practices beyond the scope of single jurisdictions. A locally led Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) is a document which outlines actions to address land and water priorities. This plan serves as a tool for residents, government agencies and other stakeholders to simplify and coordinate decision making across the watershed. It is designated to help influence how decisions are made on water management, land development, drainage, and where conservation dollars are focused. Each IWMP within the province is unique and reflects local goals and priorities for their watershed.
Key Players in the IWMP
Watershed residents are the most important group of individuals in the creation and implementation of the management plan. The Swan Lake IWMP is a reflection of collective local values of watershed residents. Throughout the development of the plan, watershed residents outlined their concerns relating to land and water resources and shared their vision for a healthy, sustainable watershed in the future.
It is a shared effort through the cooperation of multiple organizations including the Watershed District, all levels of government, First Nation communities, non-government conservation agencies and watershed residents.
It is a shared effort through the cooperation of multiple organizations including the Watershed District, all levels of government, First Nation communities, non-government conservation agencies and watershed residents.
Issues and Concerns in the Watershed
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The SLWD has identified local issues and concerns in the watershed which include, but not limited to, the following (full list of concerns are outlined in the Swan Lake IWMP below):
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Watershed Priorities
The collective agreement between Watershed District residents, previous watershed plans, stakeholders and technical experts whom assisted in the development of three main Watershed priorities are:
1. Surface Water Management
1. Surface Water Management
- Reduce overland flooding by providing and maintaining adequate and well-planned infrastructure, maintain buffer zones along waterways, and promote and support agriculture land management practices to reduce soil erosion, with the overall goal of improving surface water quality.
- Protect groundwater quality and quantity
- Protect and restore natural areas and ecosystem function for conservation of biodiversity, water resources and social values
A First Nations View of the Watershed
First Nations people view water as the source of life for all living things and is essential to both physical and cultural survival. Water is alive and is a spirit. In seeking traditional knowledge and views of the watershed, elders and community members were asked about their concerns, values and challenges for the watershed. When asked, water was cited as most important watershed value for them. Water plays an intrinsic role and is an important part of the natural environment.
Local traditional knowledge views water as a critical indicator of change in the environment. It is impacted by development as flows are changed and water retention on the land is impacted. These changes are often not all felt at once; they are felt over a period of time. Changing the natural environment also changes how the area is utilized and lived in. Wildlife and habitat is lost or dispersed, and valuable plants used in medicine and as food staples are lost or altered.
First Nations people in the Watershed District feel education should be given a high priority. Education creates necessary change, and through it comes understanding and a willingness to affect change. With partnerships, proper management and First Nations participation, solutions can be reached to enhance and protect important traditional areas. This IWMP sets out a number of actions and objectives towards protecting these valuable traditional areas and improving the overall health of the Swan Lake Watershed.
Local traditional knowledge views water as a critical indicator of change in the environment. It is impacted by development as flows are changed and water retention on the land is impacted. These changes are often not all felt at once; they are felt over a period of time. Changing the natural environment also changes how the area is utilized and lived in. Wildlife and habitat is lost or dispersed, and valuable plants used in medicine and as food staples are lost or altered.
First Nations people in the Watershed District feel education should be given a high priority. Education creates necessary change, and through it comes understanding and a willingness to affect change. With partnerships, proper management and First Nations participation, solutions can be reached to enhance and protect important traditional areas. This IWMP sets out a number of actions and objectives towards protecting these valuable traditional areas and improving the overall health of the Swan Lake Watershed.
