As a not-for-profit organization, the Oldman Watershed Council greatly values its members' donated time and energy in helping to get projects and information out to the public. The OWC currently has 6 teams, which are:
Integrated Watershed Management Plan Team
Under the Water for Life
Strategy, Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) are mandated to
develop State of the Watershed Reports and to establish Watershed Management
Plans. As residents of the Oldman Watershed we have been given a great
opportunity to be involved in the governance of our watershed in an
unprecedented way. By developing an integrated watershed management plan (IWMP)
that targets specific and often unique issues and priorities within the
Oldman Watershed we can ensure that management decisions affecting watershed
resources will reflect the values and priorities of our community.
Communications and Outreach Team
The Communications and Outreach Team was formed to update the basin residents, partners, and members of the OWC's activities within the Basin through workshops, Annual Reports, a website, and quarterly newsletters. The team works closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director on consistency and coordination of Oldman Watershed Council messages and promotion. They also promote the Council at tradeshows, conferences, and through demonstration sites such as the Water-Wise Garden at Wilson Middle School.
Watershed Science Team
The Watershed Science Team (WST) is a working group of the Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) that is working on watershed science related subjects in order to achieve OWC goals.
The team facilitates discussion among agencies involved with research and monitoring on the aquatic environment (water quality, water quantity, etc.) and related land use activities in the basin. It promotes the diffusion of knowledge by sharing science results through tours, scientific forum and other means. The Watershed Science Team also provides opportunities for consultation and collaboration among different agencies working on water related issues in the basin.
Rural Team
The Rural Team is promoting environmental farm practices throughout the basin. The team works with landowners and stewardship groups to help them assess the water quality and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Beneficial Management Practices implemented in their area.
State of the Watershed Team
The State of the Watershed Team has initiated work on a report that will adopt the watershed approach identified in the Alberta Water for Life Strategy. The report will be used to understand the current health of the Oldman River Watershed, to ensure collaborative and educated decision-making and to identify where future research is required.
Urban Beneficial Management Practice Team
The Urban BMP Team is currently working on a project to improve stormwater quality in the City of Lethbridge. Their objectives are to define, implement and evaluate a public education program designed to improve stormwater quality.
If you are already a member, and are interested in being more involved, think about joining one of our teams. For more information, or to join a team, please contact Leta at
leta@oldmanbasin.org.