People from both sides of the border gathered at the Taylorton Room inside the Days Inn Estevan on Monday night for a public meeting of the International Souris River Board.
About 100 people were in attendance. A number of issues were discussed in regards to water management and quality issues on both sides of the border. Several different people provided an update on the board and the river's operations, and then members of the public from both Canada and the U.S. had their opportunity to address the board with their concerns.
Among the issues addressed by the board was the impact of dry conditions last year and this year in Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba. The situation has improved due to the rain received in the region in the past month, and water had to be released from Grant Devine Lake to prevent it from exceeding its full supply level.
Some of the discussion stemmed from the flood of the Souris River in 2011.Â
Jack Twietmeyer of Oxbow, who is a member of the Upper Souris Watershed, spoke to the board about water quality and aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels.
"So far we don't seem to have them in any of our water bodies, but I really have a concern we may get them," said Twietmeyer.Â
He would like to see any out-of-province watercraft pass an inspection before being allowed into reservoirs.Â
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
