The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District still has some government funding it is hoping to offer landowners in the region.

Manager Jodi Goerzen says they have about $400,000 to be used for water retention projects that can help regulate the flow on the land and store water in low spots.

"Like, if you've got a wet spot or a wet piece that you are looking to access, we can actually build an access through a wet area which just means that there might be some sitting water on the side of the access road," Goerzen explains.

She notes they have other projects where producers are putting in water retention spots along creeks and tributaries which backs up water by a foot or two. This is helping provide more forage in the land for cattle and can also contribute to providing a watering source for cattle during dry times.

Al Ayotte is a farmer near Ridgeville who increased his forage by adding a small check dam on the Stewart Drain, just upstream of the Kirkpatrick swamp. Goerzen says in a dry year like this, it can be difficult to convince a landowner to consider a project that deals with flood relief on their property. She says it seems people tend to quickly forget the issues they had in the past during wet cycles. But, she says it is during those dry years that the opposite can occur, and the watershed district wants to work with those landowners to make sure they have enough water for their cattle or for their forages to remain robust.

She notes they completed a project this past year where the landowner wanted better forage for his livestock. So, by placing a check dam in the tributary, he was able to double his forage capacity for his livestock.

"So you start looking at different sides of that pendulum and we want to try to build projects so that the farm has a level of risk that's kind of right up the middle," explains Goerzen. "So they have protection when it's too wet but also protection from when it's too dry."

According to Goerzen, these projects generally do not cost the landowner any money. She notes most of the projects on the flood and drought scale that may involve water retention or alternative land-use projects are covered up to 100 per cent by the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District. Goerzen says there is time involved for a producer to help plan the project.

"There are different scenarios, but we look at everything on a case by case basis and if we can find that there is a community benefit to what the farmer is doing, we're very willing to pay that price," she offers.

As far as timelines, Goerzen says they currently have a few projects that are entering the construction phase, but also have money to start new projects in 2021 and projects in 2022. She notes when they are looking at water projects, the watershed district wants to make sure all partners and stakeholders are very comfortable and know exactly what is going on. For that reason, these projects take up to two years on average.

Those interested in a project can call the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District at 204-326-1030.

Mike Stepaniuk's water retention project helps to solve overland flooding issues to the homestead and reduces pressure on the receiving Mosquito Creek, near Rosa.

*All photos credit Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District