Our program and project pillars are to inform, connect, and protect. Our everyday actions and long term plans for our communities and the NSR watershed need to reflect this.
Programs and Projects:
Water Watch Program: Protect.
With our own hands-on pollution monitoring of the watershed and the many helpful eyes of our members and concerned citizens, Water Watch provides a “one stop” follow up program for citizen/member complaints to be addressed when observed in the watershed. Contact us. We want to help.
Water News Program: Inform.
Available on our website and facebook group, the Water News is the “one stop” source for all news and updates that relate to the NSR Watershed and the status of our water. This program will include updates and news on issues and matters that effect you and your water and links to the resources available for further investigation. Everything from events to enforcements to water policy you should know about. Follow or tweet us on Twitter at user id: @saskriverkeeper
Community Action Program (CAP): Inform and Protect.
You have a water pollution threat, water quality issue or questions about your watershed. You want answers or information on how to proceed with your concern. The NSRK CAP program will provide you with all of the information, resources and guidance we have to assist in finding a positive outcome or the necessary information for you.
NSR Watershed Community Education: Inform and Connect:
You, your group, your community wants to know more about the NSR and the NSRK. We have events planned to inform you (public information sessions) and connect you (on the water events). We will also speak to your group or community or try and organise on the water experiences when we can. Contact us. We have already confirmed an interactive session. The NSRK has hosted and visited a number of student, youth, and community groups to provide presentations on the NSRK, the NSR Watershed, and specific issues related to our NSR Watershed. These include public information sessions on pharmaceuticals, groundwater impacts, cumulative effects and the future of the NSR, environmental law, blue-green algae and a focus on our Lake Sturgeon. Your group is next!
The Alberta “Swim, Drink, Fish” Guide and Map: Inform and Connect. Donate.
This collaborative project will provide a comprehensive and current resource for informing and connecting our communities to our waters. Current information and resources exist now in the swim, drink, fish section. This project is the next level of connecting you to the watershed.
Currently, the NSRK has the Swim Guide app and website that has received over 60,000 views in the last two bathing seasons.
There are Canadian plans to launch an online “one stop” public information guide for drinking and fishing for the NSR Watershed and Alberta. This would provide what you want to know about sources and provider of drinking water in a community, or current updates on fishing spots-you come to this site. To summarise, practical information and maps for everyone interested in drinking water quality, general aquatic health and angling in the NSR Watershed
Alberta Government Consultations: 2010-2012: Inform, Connect, Protect.
The NSRK will provide an individual and collective voice for the river community in a number of upcoming hearings and public consultations related the water quality of the NSR Watershed. We want your input as well and will keep you informed on the outcomes. The NSRK plans to work collaboratively with other stakeholders when planning for the future of our watershed. Much of the policy, plans, and legislation for Alberta and the NSR watershed will be on the table in the coming years, we will be there.
The NSRK will be providing input and recommendations for the following public consultations:
The Alberta Utilities Commission Inquiry into Hydroelectric Power Generation project approvals in Alberta. Ongoing. Submissions completed. Comments on Summary Report in October 2010
Alberta Environment Water Allocation Policy Review. (planned)
Alberta Environment Wetland Policy Guidelines. (planned)
North Saskatchewan Basin Regional Advisory Council Terms of Reference as part of the implementation of the Land Use Framework under the Land Use Stewardship Act. (planned)
Industrial Heartland Public Consultations on Wetlands, Sturgeon River and NS River Future Impacts on Water Quality and Aquatic Health. (planned)
