The Souris River Watershed District (SRWD) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, management, and conservation of the Souris River watershed. Established in 2020 through the amalgamation of the Turtle Mountain Conservation District (founded in 1978) and the West Souris River Conservation District (founded in 1995), the SRWD serves as a community-driven agency focused on sustainable land and water stewardship across its jurisdiction in Manitoba[4][5].

History and Formation

The SRWD was formed to consolidate regional efforts in watershed management by merging two longstanding conservation districts: the Turtle Mountain Conservation District and the West Souris River Conservation District. This strategic unification aims to leverage combined resources and expertise to better address the environmental challenges within the Souris River watershed, a significant transboundary river basin that flows through Saskatchewan, North Dakota, and Manitoba[4][5][3].

Mission and Vision

The organization's vision is to cultivate a healthy, sustainable, and diverse landscape that provides economic, social, and environmental benefits for present and future generations. SRWD emphasizes community engagement, education, and partnership to promote sustainable land and water management practices. Its mission includes fostering awareness of climate change impacts and advocating for conservation initiatives that enhance watershed health[1][4][5].

Activities and Programs

SRWD undertakes a broad range of projects focused on:

• Improving water quality and watershed health
• Restoring wetlands and natural habitats
• Promoting sustainable land-use practices among local landowners and communities
• Providing conservation incentives and resources tailored to watershed priorities[1][4]

Specific programs include abandoned well sealing, well water testing, small water storage projects, alternative watering systems, rain gardens, riparian fencing, grassed waterways, streambank stabilization, forage seeding, shelterbelt plantings, and soil salinity testing. The district also actively participates in wildlife habitat conservation, particularly for species at risk through partnerships such as the Burrowing Owl Recovery program[2].

Partnerships and Collaboration

The SRWD collaborates with multiple stakeholders including local municipalities, provincial and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners. These collaborations are integral to achieving the district’s goals of watershed sustainability and environmental protection[1][2].

Governance and Structure

The district operates from two main offices located in Reston and Deloraine, Manitoba, serving the watershed communities through locally adapted programs and initiatives. Governance is overseen by a board of directors comprising representatives from member municipalities and partners, supported by professional staff dedicated to watershed management[2][4].

The Souris River Watershed District plays a critical role in managing the complex environmental challenges of the Souris River basin, ensuring the vitality of this important water resource for ecological health and community well-being in the region.