SEAWA introduces the first web-based State of the Watershed Report
Published on April 29, 2011
Building a better understanding about the current condition of the South Saskatchewan River Sub-basin (SSRSB), the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) has introduced the first web-based State of the Watershed (WSoW) Report and mapping tool. The report presents current data and information about the basin’s water: quality, quantity, its environment and biodiversity as well as regional land use. This interactive tool was launched at SEAWA’s Annual General Meeting in March 2011.
“We wanted something that was more interactive and we wanted to appeal to the younger generation; people look online for information these days,” said Peter Wallis, Dean of Science at the Medicine Hat College as well as a representative on SEAWA’s Board of Directors. “We recognized that the State of the Watershed Report was not finished, but it never will be finished because new information comes to light, things change, having it online gives us the freedom, saves money and is accessible. You can use maps and find information specific to areas and create reports and download them.”
Bob Phillips, Executive Director for SEAWA also explained that the purpose of the report ranged from academics and scientists attempting to learn more about the current state of the watershed and make fact-based decisions to landowners interested in taking part in stewardship activities on their land. Whether they live in Medicine Hat or have a farm or ranch in the country, the audience is vast.
Able to identify existing and emerging challenges and trends as well as gaps in data and awareness, WSoW’s overall objectives are to improve the public’s understanding, encourage responsible environmental management and engage industry in discussions and recommendations to enhance watershed functions in a timely manner.
“Part of what we’re evolving to is an Integrated Management Watershed Plan which will be rolled out over the next couple months,” said Phillips. “That’s a process where we take the information that has already been developed in the State of Watershed Report and then come up with a management plan that we can work with all the interested players around the watershed. So that’s municipal leaders and anyone who is interested in land use planning, where we are actually going with the watershed and is interested in how it can be evolved in the future. “
SEAWA Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) is a non-profit organization that has a membership of over 200 representatives from sectors such as: government, land resource, academic, research and non-governmental organizations as well as tourism and conservation. Membership is free and open to the public. Their vision is a healthy watershed that provides balance between social, environmental and economic benefits.
SEAWA has taken a social media approach by using Twitter - streaming up-to-the minute facts on water and watershed-related news, reports and statistics to assist in increasing overall knowledge on this natural resource. The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta encourages the community and business leaders to join the conversation on how we can create a sustainable watershed by using new technologies such as Twitter and the web-based report.
For more information on SEAWA, visit www.seawa.ca. Learn about opportunities for existing companies with new technologies by visiting www.edalliance.ca and contacting Alain Lamothe, Innovations Facilitator or Tracy Heebner, Rural Business Enhancement Officer for the EDA at 403-488-7015. Tracy also serves as the Young Professional (Youth Seat) on SEAWA’s Board of Directors.