Drainage strategy threatens wetlands

Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada without a wetland conservation policy. Downstream properties are being drained upon and now WSA is charging a new fee of $1,000 for anyone needing to submit a drainage complaint.

Our neighbouring provinces, Alberta and Manitoba, understand the benefits of wetlands. They manage wetland conservation by policy and have incorporated a nofurther-loss approach.

Saskatchewan's government is developing a new policy called Ag Water Stewardship Policy, but there is no provision for wetland conservation. It's a drainage policy that will promote the drainage of two million acres of wetlands.

Scientists and water experts warn about the danger we will be faced with if wetlands continue to be drained or degraded. These dangers include: Increased toxic algae blooms in our lakes and rivers; increased infrastructure damage and costs due to flooding; water hauling or deeper wells for household use due to a shortage of groundwater sources; increased health-care costs due to freshwater pollution and decreased property values due to lack of fishing, swimming, etc.

The Water Security Agency is trying to convince us that 86 per cent of wetlands remain undrained. Researchers have shown that in some parts of Saskatchewan we've lost 90 per cent of the wetlands. The definition of stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

How can this policy be called a stewardship policy when it only benefits a few, won't allow wetland restoration, ignores downstream effects, and fails to protect environment?

Sherry Forsyth,

Saskatchewan Alliance for Water Sustainability, Kannata Valley