As many people may be aware, the provincial government is implementing a true watershed-based approach to watershed management in Manitoba.

According to Rochelle Squires, Former Minister of Sustainable Development "Our government is committed to developing watershed management strategies that promote sustainability and resilience, and solidify watershed districts as the keystone for implementation efforts province wide. Water does not follow political or administrative boundaries."

These proposed changes will in part modernize a historically successful watershed-based program. You may be wondering: What does all of this mean, and how does it affect me? As of January 1, 2020, the Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD) will become known as the Pembina Valley Watershed District (PVWD).

Our boundaries will change based on our watershed. Murray Seymour, PVCD Board Chairman comments, "With the new boundary, the Pembina Valley Watershed District can focus on managing water from the headwaters in the west, east to the Red River." The boundary realignment also adds flexibility for local watershed districts in the areas of board appointments and terms, calculating municipal contributions, and handling board contracts and agreements related to water and soil projects. This will also streamline the watershed planning process for municipalities, stakeholders and landowners by eliminating the need to involve multiple conservation districts within a single watershed. The boundary of the Pembina Valley Watershed District will include five sub- districts: Upper Pembina, Badger/Wakopa, Central Pembina, Lower Pembina, and the Deadhorse/Buffalo sub-districts. Future expansion into the Deadhorse / Buffalo / Plum / Marais area may occur when willing partners and funding is available.