The Petitcodiac River watershed is a large and complex area with many diverse land uses, hydrological systems and ecological regions. The watershed is a source of water for domestic and municipal users, agriculture, forestry, petroleum and other industries, fishing, recreation and tourism. In order to maintain and restore a healthy watershed that balances environmental, social and economic needs of watershed stakeholders, the PWA has embarked upon an Integrated Watershed Management (IWMP) planning process.
The main goals are to:
- Develop strategies (including the establishment of Water Conservation Objectives) that will support sustainable use and management of land and water resources of the watershed;
- Identify land uses that could adversely affect the future sustainability of the watershed and propose strategies to address these land use issues; and
- Prepare the IWMP in collaboration with watershed communities and the public so that the IWMP meets local and regional needs.
The Petitcodiac River Integrated Watershed Management Plan provides a framework for protecting, maintaining and restoring a healthy, natural watershed system where economic and social needs are in balance with the ecological needs of the watershed.
The management plan will address surface water, groundwater, land use, social, cultural and economic issues. Land use issues affecting water will be identified and sub-basin recommendations made.
The plan will be prepared in consultation with all members and stakeholders. The planning process will ensure that stakeholders are provided the opportunity to inform and participate in the work. The plan will incorporate our existing water classification strategies and related plans.
The rationale for watershed management is that if we manage activities on the land that drains to bodies of water, we will protect and improve our local water resources. Almost every activity on the land has the potential to affect the quality and quantity of water in our waterways. Watershed planning brings together the people within the watershed to address those activities. Individuals working together can design a coordinated watershed management plan that builds upon the strengths of existing programs and resources, and addresses water quality and quantity concerns in an integrated, cost-effective manner.
