SK Branch 2022-23 Webinar Series (Oct 13, 2022 – May 9, 2023)

SK Branch 2022-2023 Webinar Series

The Saskatchewan Branch is hosting a monthly webinar series running from October 2022 to May 2023. The branch has arranged a lineup of very talented individuals to speak on a diverse set of topics – there’s sure to be something that piques the interest of every water resources professional.

* Please Note that the topic and speakers for the April 11th webinar have changed!

October 13, 2022 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Davis Creek Diversion

Speaker: Jeff Sereda; WSA & Ambroise Percheron; KGS

About: The Davis Diversion was built in 1939 by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) near the Town of Maple Creek in Southwestern Saskatchewan. The main purpose of this canal is to divert unregulated flow, particularly spring run-off, from Davis Creek to Belanger Creek and then to Cypress Lake. The existing diversion system includes an old timber weir to control water levels in the creek and a concrete headgate structure at the inlet of the diversion canal. Fish stranding in the Davis Diversion canal has previously been observed following its operation. Of particular interest is the Plain Sucker, which has been found downstream of the diversion structures, and which is listed as a “Threatened” species under the Species At Risk Act (SARA) and by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Considering its sensitive status, the death of Plains Sucker as a result of stranding in the diversion canal is prohibited. KGS Group (KGS) was retained by WSA to complete the conceptual and detailed designs of a fish exclusion system at the Davis Diversion intake. The project consisted of the development of innovative measures to exclude SARA listed and other fish species from the diversion system while replacing the existing aging water control structures. In addition, provision for upstream fish passage was also required at the control structure to minimize potential negative impacts on the target fish species and enhance the aquatic habitat in the creek. The project included an initial screening of fish exclusion measures, leading to the conceptual design of four options. The evaluation of the concepts was completed in consultation with WSA and considered the potential hydraulic impacts, performance of the system from water control and fish exclusion perspectives, constructability, operation and maintenance, as well as life cycle cost. Upon review of all concepts, the construction of a new weir concrete weir featuring a Coanda fish screen combined with a by-pass fishway channel and boulder garden was selected as the preferred alternative.

December 13, 2022 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Prussian carp in western Canada: life on the invasion front

Speaker: Christopher Somers; U of R

About: This presentation will provide an overview of the biology and distribution of invasive Prussian carp in Saskatchewan. These fish are highly invasive elsewhere in the world and spread rapidly in Alberta following introduction in the early 2000s. Large numbers of Prussian carp were only discovered in Saskatchewan in 2018, and pose a threat to large areas of Canada and the USA based on the potential for spread. Recent research by my group has attempted to learn more about the lives of these fish as they colonize new areas. The work is potentially important for understanding the impacts of Prussian carp on native ecosystems.

January 10, 2023 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Irrigation Development process and the need for an Irrigation Certificate

Speaker: Angela Patron, BSc, AAg and Stephanie Gross, P.Eng

About: A presentation on the Ministry of Agriculture’s process for issuing Irrigation Certificates and all of the complexities of putting an irrigation project together. This process ensures the project is sustainable and does not impact other areas accidentally.

February 14, 2023 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Overview of irrigation in Saskatchewan –  regulation/opportunities/complexities and challenges

March 14, 2023 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Lac La Ronge Dam Case Study

Speakers: Derek Barnes & Allison Ruecker; WSA

About: Lac La Ronge Dam Case Study – A multidisciplinary presentation sharing the collaboration of a dam owner’s team to mitigate a dam emergency.

April 11, 2023 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Hydrological Drought Response Plans for southern Saskatchewan communities

Speakers: Doug Johnson (WSA), Heather Davies (WSA), and Virginia Wittrock (SRC)

May 9, 2023 12:00-13:00 CST

Topic: Watershed Stewardship in Saskatchewan

Speaker: Bridget Andrews; Saskatchewan Association of Watershed Stewards

About: This presentation will provide an overview of the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds organization and the projects and programs that are being delivered to rural and urban communities across Saskatchewan. SAW is a diverse environmental non-profit organization that focuses on protecting surface and groundwater sources. Project overviews include the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program, Ag Water Management Program, Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Program, SaskatchewanTree for Life Program and Friends of the Watershed Lottery.

Costs:

* The October 13th webinar will be Free to all Members and Non-Members.

Registration: