The ALUS WUQWATR program is an exciting and meaningful initiative that works with farmers and ranchers in the Wascana and Upper Qu’Appelle watersheds to help enhance the benefits of nature on the working landscape in Saskatchewan. 

ALUS expanded into the community in 2015 and is supported by the Wascana & Upper Qu’Appelle Watersheds Association Taking Responsibility (WUQWATR), a non-profit organization. WUQWATR was established to implement the source water protection plan for the Wascana and Upper Qu’Appelle watersheds and continues to focus on promoting watershed stewardship through programming, communications and initiatives to help protect surface and ground waters.

The program is available to all four sub-watersheds within WUQWATR: Wascana Creek, Upper Qu’Appelle River, Lanigan-Manitou and the Last Mountain Lake watershed. Staff work with each producer to provide the support and technical resources specific to their needs. This individualized approach allows for innovative and non-prescriptive solutions to environmental priorities on their land.

“We enjoy watching the program expand in our watersheds and have enrolled over 3,500 acres to date with over 30 different producers,” says WUQWATR Programs Lead, Justine Melo. “We are excited to see what the future holds for the ALUS WUQWATR program and continue to spread the word to producers about the benefits and importance of this conservation initiative.”

Working with private landowners and program supporters through the ALUS program allows WUQWATR to address key matters in their Source Water Protection Plan. Recently, a generous donation from Nutrien Lanigan Potash has allowed WUQWATR to support four renewal projects in 2020-2021 and keep over 400 acres enrolled in the ALUS program creating ecosystem services, such as cleaner air and water, for all to benefit from. Through ALUS, WUQWATR can focus on the watershed’s environmental targets which include reducing soil erosion and nutrient loading, protecting groundwater and aquifers and mitigating flood risks.