Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District

The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable use and management of land, water, and related resources in the southeastern watershed of Manitoba. Established in 2001 as the Seine Rat River Conservation District, it now serves an area of approximately 3,700 square kilometers. The district partners with various local municipalities, including the Rural Municipalities of De Salaberry, Hanover, La Broquerie, Montcalm, Piney, Reynolds, Springfield, Ste. Anne, Stuartburn, and Tache, as well as the municipalities of Emerson-Franklin and Ritchot. Additionally, it includes the Towns of Ste. Anne and Niverville, the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys, and the City of Steinbach.

Programming and Initiatives

The district offers a variety of programs focused on:

• Groundwater Protection: Sealing abandoned wells to prevent contamination and protect groundwater resources.
• Riparian Area Management: Implementing strategies to maintain healthy riverbanks.
• Water Conservation: Promoting practices that reduce water usage and enhance water retention.
• Soil Conservation: Implementing measures to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.
• Surface Water Management: Managing surface water resources to enhance water quality and reduce flooding risks.

Environmental Projects

Key projects include:

• Water Retention Structures: Construction of retention structures in partnership with local landowners to manage water flow and reduce erosion.
• Alternative Livestock Watering Systems: Installation of systems that conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.
• Urban Rain Gardens: Creation of rain gardens to absorb and filter rainwater before it enters drainage systems.
• Grassed Waterways: Establishment of grassed waterways to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.

Educational Initiatives

The district operates the Tourond Creek Discovery Centre, an outdoor educational facility that provides environmental education and promotes learning about natural resources and sustainable practices. It also offers educational programs for schools, enhancing awareness about watershed management and environmental stewardship.

Collaborations and Recognition

The district collaborates with large landowners, such as HyLife, to implement best management practices and reduce environmental impacts. HyLife has been recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices within the watershed, demonstrating effective partnership and collaboration with the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District. This partnership includes the development of water retention projects and fencing initiatives to protect water resources and ecosystems. The district's efforts in promoting sustainable practices have been acknowledged through awards from the Manitoba Association of Watersheds.

Role in the Community

The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District plays a critical role in addressing local land and water management issues by fostering community involvement and outreach. It engages residents, businesses, and landowners in initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources in the region. Through its comprehensive management plans for the Seine River and the Rat-Marsh River Watershed, and ongoing work towards the Roseau River integrated watershed management plan, the district aims to enhance environmental resilience and promote sustainable land use practices across southeastern Manitoba.