IN THIS ISSUE:
Learn how shifting climate patterns are increasing wildfire risks in Saskatchewan’s northern forests and what communities can do to adapt.
Find out how Saskatchewan students can take part in this free program to create real solutions for local environmental challenges.
Oct. 8 - Rotational Grazing Workshop, Glen Ewen Communiplex, Glen Ewen
Oct. 15 - Southeast District Advisory Committee Meeting, Sleep Inn Regina East, Emerald Park
Oct. 22-23 - SAW Conference: From Source to Stewardship, Regina
Nov. 12 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Cut Knife
Nov. 13 - Cover Crops Workshop, Conquest
Nov. 14 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Archerwill
Nov. 15 - Cover Crops Workshop, Willowbrook
Nov. 17 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Drake
Nov. 18 - Cover Crops Workshop, Yellowgrass
Nov. 19 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Gravelbourg
Nov. 20 - Cover Crops Workshop, Maple Creek
Nov. 24-29 - Canadian Western Agribition, Evraz Place’s International Trade Centre, Regina
Situated 5 kilometers upstream from the town of Nipawin you will find the Nipawin Hydro-electric Station. Commissioned in 1986, this station is the province’s newest addition. There are three operating units that are capable of producing 85 megawatts of electricity and approximately 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours are generated annually. This is enough power to supply approximately 175,000 households with power annually.
The Francois Finlay Dam, name in honour of Jame Finaly and English merchant Francois Leblanc, stores water in the Codette Lake reservoir. In 1768, they constructed a trading post in the Bushfield Flats upstream from the power station. Codette Lake Reservoir was named in honour of Metis trader Baptiste Codette. Water from the Codette reservoir flows through penstocks to turbines located in the lower portion of the powerhouse. The force of the water turns the hydraulic turbine which rotates the generator’s rotor by a shaft connecting the two components producing electricity transmitted to the transmission grid.
This construction wonder and the spectacular river gorge are best viewed at the Francois Finally Dam Vista Viewpoint. For a further adventure, one can wander down the hillside to reach the water. This is a beautiful spot for inshore fishing and a short walk along the river. The Nipawin Hydro-electric Staff are always happy to provide pre-arranged tours by calling 1-306-862-3148. (Hydroelectric Dams - Tourism Nipawin).
The Northeast District Advisory Committee would like to thank Sask Power staff for taking the time to allowing us to tour the facility. It was an excellent experience, and I encourage everyone to take the time to tour the station.
Changing Climate Impacts to Wildfires Climate extremes and variability have impacts across Saskatchewan’s landscapes. For Saskatchewan’s northern forests, climate variability impacts the forest ecosystems on several scales; increasing the risk of multiyear droughts, increasing the risk of intense precipitation events with thunderstorm activity, and increasing the severity of fire weather - all of which increase the risk of forest fires.
Forest fires spread in hot dry conditions. The warmer temperatures across the forested ecozone of the province are projected to intensify droughts. Extreme heat increases evaporation, acting to dry the landscape rapidly and because more fuel accumulates the fire risk increases. Larger accumulations of fuel across the forest will lead to larger, more intense fires. The wildfire season is also extending later into the fall and starting earlier in the spring. Fires may not fully extinguish over the winter due to warmer winter weather. Multi-year droughts could lead to multiple years of intense wildfire activity which puts strain on community resources.
Projected changes to climate are expected to increase the likelihood of frequent lightning strikes. More extreme temperatures create the conditions for intense thunderstorm and lightning activity. Approximately half of forest fires in Canada are caused by lightning strikes. The number of forest fires that occur annually is projected to increase because of the expected increase in lightning strikes.
Fire weather is a term that fire forest fire scientists use to describe the climatic conditions that contribute to the ignition of forest fires with the primary conditions being wind. Wind determines the severity of wildfires with dry strong winds creating the most severe wildfires. Dry conditions and winds also allow fires to spread rapidly increasing their size along with their intensity. Forest fires increase the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere which contributes to global emissions. Increasing education and awareness of forest fires can help to prevent human caused fires and help communities adapt to the risks of wildfires.
This fall, SAW will continue to develop the watershed-based Climate Adaptation Plan for the Northern Watershed District. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan Project will help build community capacity to adapt to climate variability, impacts and effects by bringing together community members to develop an adaptation plan. This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada. Funding was provided through the Environmental Damages Fund’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. For any inquiries, please contact ccap@saskwatersheds.ca for more information.
As fall arrives and water activities begin to slow down, now is an important time to help protect our lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invasive species. Fall is the ideal season to inspect and clean boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other recreational equipment before they are stored or used in a different location. To prevent the spread of invasive species, follow three simple steps. First, inspect and clean all visible plants, organisms, mud, and debris from boats, docks, boat lifts, swim rafts, and even buoys. Look for zebra and quagga mussels and feel for rough or gritty spots that feel like sandpaper or sesame seeds. Next, drain all water from compartments such as bilges and live wells. Finally, dry everything completely before storing it.
Taking the time to clean, drain, and dry gear may seem like a small effort, but it has a big impact. When communities work together to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders, we help protect native fish, preserve recreational opportunities, and maintain the health of our waters for the future. This fall, commit to clean-up practices that keep our ecosystems vibrant and resilient.
Over the summer, SAW worked with the Saskatchewan Fish and Wildlife Development Fund and the Water Security Agency to monitor more than 60 lakes across the province.
Caring for Our Watersheds (CFW) is a free program for students in grades 7-12. It is open to anyone in Saskatchewan. The program is funded by Nutrien and there are cash prizes available, as well as funding to implement any realistic project! CFW asks students to submit a proposal that answers the question: What can you do to improve your local watershed? To participate, students must research their local environment, identify an environmental concern, and draft a written proposal containing one realistic solution. From those submissions, 10 proposals will be selected to present their proposals in a Dragon’s Den-style event in Saskatoon, where prizes will be awarded. Clubs and home-schoolers are also eligible and welcome to participate.
With the Caring for Our Watersheds Program kicking off once again, SAW has appointed a new Educational CoordinatorKacey McBain. Kacey has been working with SAW as a AgriEnvironmental Coordinator for PWCP & SWEAP and will be taking on the role of Educational Coordinator alongside her work with SWEAP. She is excited to spearhead the educational programs within the organization and we look forward to watching her take on this new and important role.
For questions about the educational programs, please email Kacey at education@saskwatersheds.ca or call at 306-513-6591.
Ecological buffers, or eco-buffers, are a type of alternative agroforestry that mimics natural environments and provides important ecosystem services. Eco-buffers mimic the natural environment by consisting of a variety of native trees and shrubs that are planted in natural arrangements. When planting seedlings to create an eco-buffer, precaution and care are needed in both the short-term and long-term to ensure the plants survival.
In the short term, survival of the trees relies on proper planning, which ensures that the site has been prepped for the seedlings and that the proper species of seedlings have been selected. Preparing the site ensures that there are no weeds or invasive species that would compete with the seedling for nutrients and water, while selecting the proper type of seedling will ensure that they can survive in the conditions present at the site.
Another factor that affects the short-term survival of the seedling is proper planting. Caution must be taken when planting to ensure the hole the seedling will be planted in is deep enough so that the seedling’s roots go straight down. If the hole is not deep enough and the roots curve, it can cause j-root, which is detrimental to the seedling. Another important task when planting is compacting the soil to prevent water from building up near the root and drowning the plant.
After the seedlings have been planted, the trees must be cared for to ensure they stay healthy in the long term. Long-term care of the trees includes checking them periodically and performing necessary maintenance to make sure they have enough water and that no weeds are growing near them. By properly caring for the trees in eco-buffers, it increases the trees’ chances of survival while providing important ecological services, such as acting as a wind buffer, supporting wildlife, increasing water infiltration, and protecting the soil.
For more information about Eco-Buffers, please click the link below.
SAW has funding available for landowners who would like to install eco-buffer shelterbelts within the North Saskatchewan River Watershed and Qu’Appelle River System! If you are interested in the program, please contact info@saskwatersheds.ca or 306-541-9902 for more information about the program and eligibility requirements.
Prussian Carp (Carassius gilbelio) are an invasive species found in Saskatchewan’s lakes, rivers, and tributaries. They are members of the Cyprinidae family, where they exhibit a silver coloration, with a terminal mouth, concave dorsal fin, and large scales. This species is similar in appearance to the Invasive Goldfish (Carassius auratus) where they are found to exhibit similar morphological traits. When Goldfish lose their orange color, they can be distinguished through their golden-brown coloration, and convex dorsal fin.
Prussian Carp have been introduced to North America from Europe and Asia due to an accidental release of Goldfish. They were first
discovered in Alberta and have since migrated into Saskatchewan through the South Saskatchewan River system. Their ability to colonize new ecosystems has dispersed populations into Lake Diefenbaker, Anerley Lakes, Coteau Creek, Swift Current Creek, and Rush Lake Creek near Swift Current. Established populations now exist in Stockwell Lake, where juveniles and adults outcompete native fish for resources and habitat. Their rapid asexual reproduction enables them to spawn 3 times in a single year, compared to native fish that spawn annually, or at intervals every 2 to 4 years.
Prussian Carp have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, and can adapt to eutrophic lakes, where oxygen levels are low, and water quality is poor due to increased algae growth, and pollution. Native species such as Walleye and Yellow Perch struggle to survive in these conditions and are not suited to withstand contamination and habitat degradation. Prussian Carp can also transmit parasites to native fish which can cause high mortality rates in fish populations.
During angling, if you catch a Prussian Carp or Goldfish, do not release it back into the waterbody. Manually remove the individual safely and dispose of it in an appropriate location. This will help maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem that supports native fish and habitat.
Nitrogen fertilizer remains a cornerstone of crop production in Saskatchewan. Soil testing and soil mapping are proven, costeffective strategies to optimize nitrogen use while reducing emissions.
• Baseline Data for Better Decisions: Soil tests quantify existing nutrient levels and organic matter, allowing agronomists and producers to make data-driven fertilizer plans.
• Right-Rate Fertilization: Understanding the soil’s nitrogen supply capacity reduces the risk of over-application, lowering costs and minimizing environmental losses.
• Improved Efficiency Metrics: Precision application guided by soil data ensures higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)—a critical performance indicator for both farm economics and sustainability reporting.
• Identifying Variability: Saskatchewan’s fields often show significant differences in soil type and productivity potential. Mapping reveals these variations at a sub-field scale.
• Enabling Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Soil maps paired with modern application equipment allow for variable-rate nitrogen management, aligning inputs with yield potential while reducing waste.
• Strategic Long-Term Planning: Soil maps serve as a baseline for tracking soil health and nutrient dynamics across seasons.
Widespread adoption of soil testing and mapping across Saskatchewan grain farms represents a win-win opportunity: lower input costs for producers, as well as measurable progress toward national and global climate commitments.
Soil mapping, soil testing and agronomic services are eligible for support through SAW’s SWEAP (Saskatchewan Watersheds Environmental Agriculture Program) Nitrogen Management Beneficial Management Practice program. Funding for SWEAP is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agriculture Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).
Lakes are not just scenic retreats—they’re dynamic ecosystems. As recreational boating continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential to adopt Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that protect water quality, aquatic habitats, and shoreline integrity. Whether you’re a lakefront property owner, marina operator, or weekend boater, these practices help ensure that our lakes remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come.
Watercraft activities can unintentionally harm lake ecosystems through:
• Pollution from fuel, oil, and sewage
• Erosion caused by wake and propeller wash
• Disturbance to fish spawning grounds and aquatic vegetation
• Introduction of invasive species via hulls and bilge water
BMPs aim to minimize these impacts while preserving recreational access. Key beneficial management practices include:
1. Eco-Friendly Boat Launch Design
• Use permeable materials to reduce runoff
• Avoid construction in sensitive littoral zones
• Restore disturbed areas with native vegetation
2. Fuel and Waste Management
• Install spill containment systems at fueling stations
• Use bilge pads to absorb oil and fuel leaks
• Provide pump-out stations for sewage disposal
3. Wake and Speed Control
• Establish no-wake zones near shorelines and wildlife habitats
• Educate boaters on reducing speed in shallow areas
• Use signage to mark sensitive zones
4. Invasive Species Prevention
• Clean, drain, and dry boats before entering new water bodies
• Pull the Plug on your watercraft after usage
• Monitor and report sightings of invasive species like zebra mussels
5. Shoreline Protection
• Limit boat traffic near eroding banks
• Use floating docks to reduce sediment disruption
• Replant native vegetation to stabilize shorelines
Lakes are delicate ecosystems that require thoughtful stewardship. By implementing BMPs for watercraft management, we can enjoy recreational boating while safeguarding the natural beauty and biodiversity of our freshwater resources. Whether you’re launching a kayak or captaining a pontoon, every action counts toward a healthier lake.
Our office locations are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM (closed 12 PM - 1 PM).
HEAD OFFICE
300B - 99 Diefenbaker Dr., Moose Jaw, SK
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT OFFICE
1 Airport Road, Swift Current, SK
MAILING ADDRESS
Box 1177, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 4P9
