SAW November Newsletter 2024

SASKATCHEWAN ASSOCIATION OF WATERSHEDS Where Water, Wellness & Communities Meet

IN THIS ISSUE: ROTATIONAL GRAZING BENEFITS AND PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES A breakdown of what rotational grazing is and why you may want to implement it into your operations.

FISH HABITAT ENHANCEMENT IN SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN SAW’s new project that builds habitat enhancement for fish spawning in the Southwest district.

STEWARDSHIP ON THE SHORE PROGRAM LAUNCHES Learn more about SAW’s new program which helps protect Saskatchewan lakes.

A Publication of the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds - November 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2024

Rotational Grazing Benefits and Programming Opportunities

3

Stewardship on the Shore Program Launches

4

Aquatic Invasive Species: Remaining Diligent in Winter Months

4

ALUS-SAW Carrot River Watershed Updates

5

Dec. 4-5 - Foraging Into the Future (SAW booth),

SAW Develops Climate Adaptation Plans for Saskatchewan

5

Dec. 12 - Eco-Shelterbelt Workshop, Borden

Watershed District Advisory Committee Update

6

How Eco-Buffer Shelterbelts Improve Ecosystem Services

7

Fish Habitat Enhancement in Southwest Saskatchewan

7

Joining the Team: Meet the Latest Additions to SAW

8

Discover Better Forage and Livestock Practices at Foraging Workshop

9

November Collegial Recognition

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Cover Photo by Maddy Brown Borkowsky, 2024

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UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 2-4 - Irrigation Saskatchewan Conference (SAW booth), Saskatoon TCU Place Dec. 2-4 - Manitoba Watersheds Conference, Keystone Ctr, 1175 18th St, Unit 1, Brandon, MB Swift Current Living Sky Casino Community Centre

JANUARY 2025 Jan. 14 - Rotational Grazing Workshop, Maple Creek Jan. 29 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Grenfell Legacy Inn

FEBRUARY 2025 Feb. 6 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Milestone Elks Hall Feb. 26 - Nitrogen Management Workshop, Carnduff Legion Hall

ROTATIONAL GRAZING BENEFITS AND PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES Rotational grazing is a Best Management Practice (BMP) that ranchers can use to increase the health of their pastures, cattle and the environment. A sound plan relies on the four principles of grazing management: •

Balancing forage supply and livestock demand.

•

Distributing grazing pressure across paddocks.

•

Planned recovery (rest) to allow plants to regenerate during the growing season.

•

Avoiding grazing during sensitive times.

These principles are foundational concepts of a grazing management strategy. When effectively implemented, these principles can boost pasture productivity, enhance soil health and improve overall sustainability of a ranch.

A

first

plan

is

step

in

knowing

developing what

you

a

grazing

management

have

through

a

resource

inventory. Take stock of land available to you and when to use it. Considerations must include forage availability, quality and timing of grazing. Knowing forage types is

Implementation of grazing plans are often long term. Most

important as native grasslands, tame pastures, annual

plans are phased through many years to build out as resources

seeded

forages

and

are available. Plans must be flexible based on forage and

optimal

grazing

times.

crop

residues

Water

all

have

infrastructure

different

also

must

climate conditions.

be considered in grazing timing. A good way to take inventory to map out your land base, fencing infrastructure and

Grazing plans need to be monitored and adapted on a regular

water sources.

basis to ensure that goals are being met. Variations in seasonal moisture, cow numbers, and forage availability will all affect plan,

a plan. Keeping detailed records of the plan and implementation

mapping out when, where and for how long cattle expect

will allow ranchers to make informed decisions on plan

to be grazing. Paddock systems can vary greatly across

modifications over time.

Using

your

inventory,

you

can

now

build

your

operations depending on land base, forage type, soil types grazing

The Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds has professional

patterns is a good basis to developing a plan and

agrologists on staff that help producers develop rotational

implementing or enhancing a rotational grazing system.

grazing plans as part of the Prairie Watershed Climate

and

many

other

variables.

Knowing

historical

Program Rotational Grazing BMP.

The program offers

When starting a rotational grazing system, moving from

rebates for fencing infrastructure, watering systems and

continuous grazing of a paddock to a single cross fenced

pasture composition improvement to support a Rotational

system has the greatest impact as it allows for planned rest

Grazing Plan. Funding for this project in part has been

during the grazing season. From there a producer can move to

provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the

an increasingly complex system of paddocks depending on the

Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

ranch’s needs.

For more information, please click the link below.

Assessment to analyze the fiscal feasibility of the plan. Cost benefits must be measured to ensure the plans are feasible.

INFO ON AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMMING

Factors to consider are using permanent versus temporary fencing infrastructure and water infrastructure costs.

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STEWARDSHIP ON THE SHORE PROGRAM LAUNCHED

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES: REMAINING DILIGENT IN WINTER MONTHS Many Saskatchewan residents relate Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and their prevention to the lazy days of summer, when cleaning, draining, and drying your boat or watercraft is common practice to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species. However, those that enjoy ice fishing should also be familiar with AIS prevention – after all, many aquatic invasive species can survive in some of the worst conditions.

The Spiny Water Flea, for example, has eggs that can survive freezing temperatures. These eggs remain dormant until water temperatures rise above 4°C, and can be accidentally transported on ice fishing gear. Other aquatic invasive species such as Curly-leaved pond weed and Eurasian Milfoil can also remain hardy under the ice and be accidentally transported to other areas or lakes.

What can you do to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the winter? We recommend

Healthy shorelines serve as nature’s guardians in keeping our

the same things that are done in

lakes clean, clear, and full of life. They play a critical role in

the summer: be sure to inspect,

maintaining and improving lake quality.

drain and dry all gear including boots, pails, lures, ice augers,

Native vegetation on healthy shorelines reduce erosion and

snowmobiles, ice fishing tents,

preventing sediment from entering the lake, reducing nutrient

and any other equipment used

loading. Nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus,

during the ice season. By doing

are major contributors to algal blooms in lakes, rivers, and

your part to reduce the chance

coastal

the

of spreading aquatic invasive

ecological and health of the lakes. Plants and trees along

waters.

Algae

blooms

significantly

impact

species, you can help ensure

the shoreline act as a natural filter and trap pollutants and

Saskatchewan

nutrients before they reach the water.

healthy for years to come.

lakes

remain

Spiny Waterflea and Eggs (Invasive Species Centre)

Healthy shorelines provide vital habitat for wildlife, insects, aquatic species, and birds. This biodiversity creates a balanced ecosystem and enhances lake resiliency. They regulate water temperature and provide a more stable environment for aquatic species. Additionally, they absorb excess rainwater, reduce the risk of flooding, and protect the lake from sudden water influxes such as extreme precipitation events or stormwater.

Over the next two years, SAW will be developing lake stewardship educational materials that can be implemented by lake community residents to improve water quality of their lake.

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Eurasian Watermilfoil (Invasive Species Centre)

For more information about aquatic invasive species and their prevention, please click the link below.

I N F O O N I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S

ALUS - SAW CARROT RIVER WATERSHED PROGRAM UPDATE

Riparian Area Exclusion Fencing Project funded by ALUS

SAW DEVELOPS CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLANS FOR SASKATCHEWAN

SAW is continuing to develop watershed-based climate adaptation plans for Saskatchewan through support from

The ALUS-SAW Carrot River Watershed Partnership Advisory

Environment and Climate Change Canada. Throughout the

Council (PAC) toured a project site at Bez Wood Farms

three-year Watershed Stewardship for a Changing Climate

near Melfort on Oct. 22, that highlighted the merits of

project, SAW will complete five regional watershed district

exclusion fencing.

climate adaptation plans. In addition, SAW will host six climate adaptation demonstration sites and workshops that showcase

As part of the work, a portion of the Carrot River that runs

best management practices (BMPs) that can be adopted to

through the farm was fenced off to keep sheep away from the

build resiliency to the impacts and effects of climate variability

riparian area of the Carrot River as well as the waterway itself.

and extremes, such as more frequent and severe drought or

However, sheep still had access to graze the nearby corn field

flood events.

in the fall. Several benefits resulted. Water quality of the Carrot River improved. Greater biodiversity followed because

Throughout the second year of the project, SAW will complete

the riparian area was less disturbed.

three demonstration sites and workshops.

1.

in Saskatoon (Aug. 28)

The ALUS program is a payment-for-ecosystem services model which allows society to recognize the benefits which

2.

They make daily decisions that benefit the environment, their

Forestry and Climate Resiliency in Hudson Bay (Sept. 17 - 18)

are provided to nature because of the stewardship of farmers and ranchers. Farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land.

Floating Treatment Wetland at the Kensington Storm Pond

3.

Rotational Grazing and Climate Resiliency in Maple Creek (Jan. 14, 2025)

communities and future generations. Farmers and ranchers are paid for the additional ecosystem services produced because of

SAW will also begin the community engagement meetings in the

their management change through cost-shared establishment

Southwest Watershed District in April 2025. More details will be

expenses and annual payments.

shared soon.

The ALUS-SAW Carrot River Watershed project will start

If you are interested in attending the Rotational Grazing

accepting project proposals for 2025 funding in February.

and Climate Resiliency Workshop in Maple Creek, or one

Funding is available for perennial forage conversions, exclusion

of the upcoming community engagement meetings in the

fencing, alternative watering systems, shelterbelt/tree plantings

Southwest Watershed District, please contact Samantha at

and regenerative ag practices. SAW will host a Regenerative Ag

ccap@saskwatersheds.ca.

Workshop in Melfort in February 2025. Please watch our social media and newsletter for more information or contact our ALUS

For more information about the Water Stewardship for a

Project Coordinator: Jennifer Redekop at (306) 321-7757, or by

Changing Climate, please click the link below.

email at j.redekop@saskwatersheds.ca.

I N F O O N C L I M AT E A D A P TAT I O N

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WATERSHED DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE The latest round of District Advisory Committee (DAC) meetings wrapped up on Nov. 12. The Northeast (NE) DAC on Oct. 24 in Stenen, the Southwest (SW) DAC was held on Oct. 29 in Ponteix, the Southeast (SE) DAC on Nov. 7 in Emerald Park, and the Northwest (NW) DAC on Nov. 12 in Saskatoon.

We had presentations from Ryan Husband (Irrigation Saskatchewan) on the Westside Irrigation Project and Charles Deschamps (Ducks Unlimited Canada) on Wetlands at the NW DAC. Jennifer Redekop spoke about the SAW-ALUS Carrot River Watershed Program, and Aron Hershmiller provided an update on the City of Yorkton’s Infrastructure and Wastewater Treatment Operations at the NE DAC. Updates from SAW were provided for the following programs, by watershed district: • • • • • • • • • •

Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) Water Stewardship for a Changing Climate (CCAP) Aquatic Invasive Mussels Monitoring Caring for our Watersheds Drought Preparedness Planning (SW and NE Districts) Rural Water Testing (SW District) Habitat Restoration and Enhancement (SW District) Applying a Landscape Approach to Improve Biodiversity (NW District) ALUS – Carrot River Watershed (NE District) Lake Stewardship Strategy (NW District)

Northwest DAC Meeting , Nov. 2024 (Samantha Kerr - Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds)

Key issues and concerns were identified throughout the district meetings. They included the continued need for education and communication about watersheds, water resources and water quality; youth engagement; riparian health management; lake stewardship management planning; water quality monitoring expanding throughout the watershed districts; source water protection planning; agricultural water management planning; and understanding current and future infrastructure and water management.

The next round of DAC meetings will begin in February/March. If you have any questions, please reach out to SAW’s Program Director: Samantha Kerr (s.kerr@ saskwatersheds.ca), Eastern District Manager: Karmen Kyle (k.kyle@saskwatersheds.ca), or Western District Manager: Ryder Rutko (r.rutko@saskwatersheds.ca).

DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPCOMING MEETINGS -

JAN. 22 - NORTHEAST

FEB. 12 - SOUTHWEST

Tisdale, 10 AM - 3 PM

Shaunavon, 10 AM - 3 PM

FEB. 25 - NORTHWEST

FEB. 28 - SOUTHEAST

Saskatoon, 10 AM - 3 PM

Regina, 10 AM - 3 PM

If you have any questions, please email s.kerr@saskwatersheds.ca

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HOW ECO-BUFFER SHELTERBELTS IMPROVE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Eco-buffers are plantings of perennial trees, shrubs and flowers near water bodies. Like traditional shelterbelts, eco-buffers reduce wind erosion, provide habitat for livestock and wildlife and trap and store snow and water.

Eco-buffer shelterbelts are unique as they are arranged to mimic natural forests with higher density planting with more diverse species. Majority of the time, native species are utilized in the planning process because they are better adapted to prairie conditions and require less maintenance. Other benefits include:

To learn more about eco-buffer shelterbelts and pollinators, join us on Dec. 12, at the Borden Community Centre from 10:30 a.m.

•

Mitigate flooding and store water during dry periods.

•

Ability to recharge aquifers.

•

Filter out pollutants and nutrients.

•

Prevent soil erosion and sediment from entering

to 3:00 p.m. by clicking the link below.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP

water bodies.

•

Provide habitat and biodiversity for wildlife, insects and pollinators.

FISH HABITAT ENHANCEMENT IN SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN Since

the

1970s,

organizations

government

have

agencies

implemented

fish

and

non-profit

habitat

projects

in Saskatchewan such as spawning riffles, streambank stabilization,

and

the

remediation

of

fish

migration

barriers such as dams and weirs. These projects are critical for successful fish spawning, fish migration, and overall ecosystem health. Now, with funding provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, SAW will build on this work in

2024

riffles

in

and

2025

Southwest

by

implementing

Saskatchewan

for

two

spawning

Plains

Sucker

(Pantosteus Jordani).

This summer, SAW staff visited creeks and streams in southwest Saskatchewan to identify locations where a rock riffle could

Pine Cree Park Proposed Riffle Site for Plains Sucker (Ryder Rutko - Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds)

be implemented to benefit Plains Sucker. One location with

With funding provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for

great potential was the headwaters of Swift Current Creek

the 2025 fiscal year, SAW will be looking for an additional

within Pine Cree Regional Park, just a few minutes northeast

site to implement another rock riffle project to promote

of

of

the spawning of Plains Sucker. For more information, or if

Pine Cree Regional Park, SAW contracted an assessment of

you are interested in participating, please contact Ryder at

the site for the construction of a rock riffle to promote fish

r.rutko@saskwatersheds.ca or 306-774-2136.

Eastend,

Sask.

With

approval

from

the

board

spawning in the area. Implementation of the spawning riffle is set to take place over winter in 2024-2025.

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JOINING THE TEAM K ACE Y MCBAIN, NE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR

E R I N C A S E Y, SW AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR

Kacey McBain started with SAW

Erin Casey joined SAW at the

in November as the North East

end of April, serving as the new

Agri-Environmental Coordinator.

Agri-Environmental

She is excited to meet a variety of

for

the

people through this role and learn

She

completed

new things.

Communication

Coordinator

Southwest a

District.

Agriculture course

at

Olds College.

Raised on a garlic and grain farm, she also has experience

She

grew

with a variety of animals through

near

Tompkins,

the years, namely chickens, pigs,

up

on

ranch her

family

raises

cows, and pets. She has worked in a variety of agriculture

and

purebred

Hereford

and environmental jobs in addition to years on the family

she

has

a

farm, such as vegetation management, licensed seed crop

agriculture industry. In her free time, she enjoys helping

inspection, and agronomy assistant.

with her family’s cattle operation as well as baking and

had

a

a

where

commercial cattle.

passion

for

From

a

young

being

involved

in

age, the

photography. Much of her work with SAW will be to help Whenever not working, you will find her with family and

deliver the PWCP program.

friends. Kacey enjoys golfing, being at the curling rink or helping out at other rinks. She also volunteers as co-president of the Kinette Club of Nipawin where she meets new people and have fun while giving back to the community.

KIRSTEN LEIGH, SE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR Kirsten Leigh is SAW’s new Southeast

S A N D R A YO U N I E , AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR

Agri-Environmental

Coordinator. She grew up on a grain farm in Fort Qu’Appelle with

three

siblings.

Her

includes

an

Sandra Younie started working

education

with SAW in May. She has rural

agriculture

degree

roots, growing up in a small

University

of

town in Saskatchewan before

where

she

majored

in

moving

Environmental

Sciences.

Her

to

Winnipeg.

While

from

the

Saskatchewan,

attending

the

University

of

academic journey helped take

Manitoba,

she

completed

a

her down the agricultural road professionally. For 10 years,

Bachelor of Science degree in

she worked in small plot research for 10 years and then

February 2024. Now she spends

started a position with Providence Grain Solutions in Fort

a lot of her working time dealing

Saskatchewan, Alta. There, she served as the agronomist

with insects in the entomology

and helped with elevator operations. When the company sold

field. These range from agricultural pests to beneficial

out of Crop Inputs, she transferred over to operations full

pollinators. Her experience also includes time working in

time and spent the last four years as Operations Manager in

Switzerland focusing on the biological control of a stink bug.

Marengo. When not at work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing rugby.

In her free time, she enjoys creative hands-on hobbies, such

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as drawing, painting, and pretty much any craft DIY she comes

She is excited to be a part of SAW and working with producers

across. She also enjoys reading and playing some of her

who are interested in implementing Best Management

favourite video games, as well as sitting outside and relaxing.

Practices on their farms.

DISCOVER BETTER FORAGE AND LIVESTOCK PRACTICES AT THE FORAGING INTO THE FUTURE WORKSHOP

NOVEMBER’S COLLEGIAL RECOGNITION Chris consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a positive attitude,

and

knowledge

of

an

in-depth

agriculture.

He

pays close attention to detail in his work, particularly with

Livestock producers, as well as industry and government

PWCP applications, ensuring a

representatives are gathering in Swift Current for the Foraging

high standard of accuracy and

into the Future workshop at the Living Sky Casino on Dec. 4-5.

professionalism. Committed to providing

excellent

customer

Registration is now open for this event, which gives attendees

service, Chris is always willing to

a chance to learn about advances in the livestock and forage

lend a helping hand when needed. Chris also demonstrates a

industries. Some speakers scheduled to present include

strong eagerness to learn and grow. These are among the ways

Lee Sinclair of Merck who will be giving a presentation on

Chris is a dedicated and knowledgeable team member of SAW.

livestock handling and welfare, and Dr. Richard Waterman from Utah State University to talk about Rangeland Nutrition for

C O N G R AT S C H R I S !

Cattle Reproduction.

In addition to our impressive lineup of speakers, there is a trade show with several companies and organizations active in the livestock and forage industry.

OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS Our office locations are open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM (closed 12 PM - 1 PM).

Don’t miss out. Find more event information and to book your spot for Foraging into the Future by scanning the QR code below.

HE AD OFFICE 300B - 99 Diefenbaker Dr., Moose Jaw, Sask.

FORAGING INTO THE FUTURE WORKSHOP

NORTHWEST DISTRIC T OFFICE Norplex Business Center, 221 - 2366 Ave. C N, Saskatoon, Sask.

SOUTHWEST DISTRIC T OFFICE

Dec. 4-5 2024

Living Sky Casino in Swift Current

1 Airport Road, Swift Current, Sask.

MAILING ADDRESS Box 1177, Moose Jaw, Sask., S6H 4P9

CO N N ECT W I T H US SCAN THE CODE TO REGISTER

S AW M A I N P H O N E N U M B E R 1 (306) 541 - 9902 EMAIL ADDRESS info@saskwatersheds.ca 9

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