I know this will get discussion going.
LocalBrandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Loss of wetlands in Saskatchewan not helping flood situation in Manitoba, Ducks Unlimited says
By: Charles Tweed
Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2013 | Comments: 0
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The widespread disappearance of wetlands in Saskatchewan is contributing to worsen flood disasters in Manitoba, according to a resource specialist for Ducks Unlimited.
"The problem is getting bigger and it’s not so much the loss of one wetland, but the cumulative effects of loss of tens of thousands of wetlands across the landscape," said Charles Deschamps of Ducks Unlimited.
"It creates a cumulative effect of all the water running off the land at the same time and all ending up downstream somewhere. If it’s not going to the ocean then it’s going to producers downstream who are affected and flooded."
Deschamps, who works out of Wadena, Sask., said he sees drainage ditches all over the area and while those ditches prevent water from pooling, they also contribute to floodwaters downstream.
"We’re seeing drainage have effects all over the place and you don’t have to look very far to see drainage channels."
He said most producers are choosing to aggressively drain spring water due to the high prices of traditional crops such as wheat and canola.
"Landowners are looking for ways to generate revenue from these lands," Deschamps said.
The problem is multiplied by the fact the Water Security Agency, the government organization tasked with overseeing and monitoring drainage in the province, has little to no teeth when enforcing its own regulations.
"There is relatively little or no enforcement of their requirement to get a permit."
When problems do arise, Deschamps said the agency first tries to find a solution between landowners through mediation.
"It pits farmers against farmers instead of dealing with the issue of the drain and the fact that it was constructed without permits," Deschamps said.
The next step is a formal complaint, a government process that is cumbersome and can lead to court action, according to Deschamps.
"The process is very onerous. It takes years for producers to go through that and in the meantime they are still dealing with all of the flooding effects because the ditches aren’t closed while the process goes on."
According to Patrick Boyle of the WSA, only one case in the last seven years has made it through he court system, resulting in a $3,500 fine.
The lack of policing regulations through fines, according to Deschamps, means producers, who see where water is pooling in wet years, are operating with relative impunity to ensure ditches are constructed to move laying water further down the line.
"Producers also see where all the water is ponding up and storing during these wet years and they know where they need to widen their ditches or dig new ditches," Deschamps said.
"The wet years can cause more drainage to occur in subsequent years."
Another issue is that Manitoba producers, who are affected by Saskatchewan drainage, have no ability to lodge a complaint against their neighbours to the west.
Deschamps would like to see more value placed on wetlands.
"Wetlands slowly release water like a sponge," Deschamps said.
"They also sequester carbon in the vegetation. It’s good from a climate change prospective and we’ve been trying to quantify those numbers because the more we lose them the more it is going to cost us down the road."
» ctweed@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition April 9, 2013
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The widespread disappearance of wetlands in Saskatchewan is contributing to worsen flood disasters in Manitoba, according to a resource specialist for Ducks Unlimited.
"The problem is getting bigger and it’s not so much the loss of one wetland, but the cumulative effects of loss of tens of thousands of wetlands across the landscape," said Charles Deschamps of Ducks Unlimited.
LocalBrandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Loss of wetlands in Saskatchewan not helping flood situation in Manitoba, Ducks Unlimited says
By: Charles Tweed
Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2013 | Comments: 0
Print E–mail 16 11 29Report Error
Enlarge Image
The widespread disappearance of wetlands in Saskatchewan is contributing to worsen flood disasters in Manitoba, according to a resource specialist for Ducks Unlimited.
"The problem is getting bigger and it’s not so much the loss of one wetland, but the cumulative effects of loss of tens of thousands of wetlands across the landscape," said Charles Deschamps of Ducks Unlimited.
"It creates a cumulative effect of all the water running off the land at the same time and all ending up downstream somewhere. If it’s not going to the ocean then it’s going to producers downstream who are affected and flooded."
Deschamps, who works out of Wadena, Sask., said he sees drainage ditches all over the area and while those ditches prevent water from pooling, they also contribute to floodwaters downstream.
"We’re seeing drainage have effects all over the place and you don’t have to look very far to see drainage channels."
He said most producers are choosing to aggressively drain spring water due to the high prices of traditional crops such as wheat and canola.
"Landowners are looking for ways to generate revenue from these lands," Deschamps said.
The problem is multiplied by the fact the Water Security Agency, the government organization tasked with overseeing and monitoring drainage in the province, has little to no teeth when enforcing its own regulations.
"There is relatively little or no enforcement of their requirement to get a permit."
When problems do arise, Deschamps said the agency first tries to find a solution between landowners through mediation.
"It pits farmers against farmers instead of dealing with the issue of the drain and the fact that it was constructed without permits," Deschamps said.
The next step is a formal complaint, a government process that is cumbersome and can lead to court action, according to Deschamps.
"The process is very onerous. It takes years for producers to go through that and in the meantime they are still dealing with all of the flooding effects because the ditches aren’t closed while the process goes on."
According to Patrick Boyle of the WSA, only one case in the last seven years has made it through he court system, resulting in a $3,500 fine.
The lack of policing regulations through fines, according to Deschamps, means producers, who see where water is pooling in wet years, are operating with relative impunity to ensure ditches are constructed to move laying water further down the line.
"Producers also see where all the water is ponding up and storing during these wet years and they know where they need to widen their ditches or dig new ditches," Deschamps said.
"The wet years can cause more drainage to occur in subsequent years."
Another issue is that Manitoba producers, who are affected by Saskatchewan drainage, have no ability to lodge a complaint against their neighbours to the west.
Deschamps would like to see more value placed on wetlands.
"Wetlands slowly release water like a sponge," Deschamps said.
"They also sequester carbon in the vegetation. It’s good from a climate change prospective and we’ve been trying to quantify those numbers because the more we lose them the more it is going to cost us down the road."
» ctweed@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition April 9, 2013
Print E–mail 16 11 29Report Error Rate this This article has not yet been rated.We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
There are no comments at the moment. Be the first to post a comment below.Post Your Comment ErrorThe following error(s) occurred:
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Comment You have characters left The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The widespread disappearance of wetlands in Saskatchewan is contributing to worsen flood disasters in Manitoba, according to a resource specialist for Ducks Unlimited.
"The problem is getting bigger and it’s not so much the loss of one wetland, but the cumulative effects of loss of tens of thousands of wetlands across the landscape," said Charles Deschamps of Ducks Unlimited.
Comment