Saskatchewan is home to over 100,000 lakes and rivers, which represent some of the most abundant freshwater resources in North America (www.wsask.ca).  Lake stewardship is essential for safeguarding the health of these lakes and rivers, for supporting economies and enhancing community well-being.   

Lake stewardship is a crucial aspect of community and environmental health, especially for areas where lakes play a central role in local life.  It is also important to support a diverse array of plant and animal life, maintain water quality, manage aquatic habitats and prevent pollution.  Implementing lake stewardship practices ensures water, used for human consumption and agriculture, is protected from contamination and overuse, is clean and safe for everyone.  Lake stewardship is about collectively taking care of our lakes to keep them healthy for future generations and is more effective with greater participation.   

During the next two years, SAW, through stakeholder engagement with lake property owners, recreation users, government agencies and ENGO’s, will develop a provincial lake stewardship strategy. The project – Stewardship for Shorelines (SOS) – will highlight Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to minimize the impact on freshwater resources.  Education, demonstration sites and community engagement will be used to promote lake stewardship BMPs.