2017 SAW Resolutions

Resolution # 2017-1:
Whereas the natural resources of Saskatchewan are an important but disappearing asset; and
Whereas the Government of Saskatchewan is short on operating funding to support our natural              resources, like keeping our watersheds in a healthy condition; and
Whereas the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund relies on funding from the issuance of Habitat  Certificates; therefore
 Be it Resolved that the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds lobby the Provincial Government to   require that a Habitat Certificate be required for all users of our public lands, including fishermen,    recreational boaters, campers, hikers, recreational quaders, snow mobile riders, cyclists, bird    watchers, photographers etc., to top up this fund.                                                                                                                             Defeated

Resolution # 2017-2: 
Whereas agriculture plastics such as silage wrap, grain bags and twine contribute  to environmental        concerns within the waterways of the province
Be it Resolved that the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds support the Provincial Government    to require a refundable environmental deposit fee of an amount sufficient to be effective charged by sellers to purchasers to ensure that the bags are gathered up and returned for recycling.                                              Carried

Resolution # 2017-3: 
Whereas the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species entering Saskatchewan from neighboring provinces    and states is becoming a probability; and
Whereas enforcement and compliance is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment to try and    keep AIS out of our watersheds with a very meager budget; and
Whereas the  potential maintenance cost to the Saskatchewan Power and to the Saskatchewan Potash industries would be in the millions of dollars annually if AIS gets into our watersheds; therefore
Be it resolved that the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds lobby the Provincial Government to    require that all industries whose operational infrastructure depends on the water resources of Saskatchewan, make a significant investment in the AIS prevention program.                                                                                                              Carried 

Resolution # 2017-4:
Be it resolved that the watershed stewardship groups change their names of incorporation to minimize  confusion between watershed stewardship groups and watershed associations.                                                                                                      Defeated