In the spring of 2010 the Integrated Watershed Management Plan Visioning (VIWMP) Team released the Community Vision and resulting outcomes statements. The goal of the VIWMP was to define a shared Vision for the future of the watershed, one which is grounded by the values of those who live in the Oldman watershed. The road to develop the Vision and outcome statements involved many individuals' participation, all whose contribution is much appreciated!
A Team was assembled in spring 2009 to oversee the process which included interviewing key stakeholders, circulating surveys, hosting community open houses, organizing a youth forum plus many other tasks. For a summary of the process see Oldman Watershed Planning Vision: A Process Summary.
The following Vision and qualitative outcome statements were prepared from community input.
Community Vision
A healthy, resilient watershed where people, wildlife and habitat thrive.
Outcome Statements
- Environmentally aware, responsible and motivated watershed residents.
- A safe and secure water supply.
- Clean ground and surface water, for safe drinking and healthy ecosystems
- Naturalized river flows for healthy aquatic and riparian ecosystems
- Aquifers are understood and sustained. - Balanced allocations and wise management of water.
- Efficient water use through improved urban, agricultural, and industrial conservation practices. - Abundant, healthy and biologically diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in particular riparian areas, native grasslands, headwaters, native fish and forested areas.
- Reduce invasive species. - Land managed for multiple use with minimal impact on natural, cultural and historical assets.
- Agriculture land base maintained
- Well planned, minimal impact developments along waterways
- Population growth that compliments watershed function
- Protects headwaters
- Low impact recreational public access to waterways and river valleys
- Responsible tourism and recreation opportunities
VIWMP Team Members
Working Committee
Stephanie Palechek, Oldman Watershed Council
Cheryl Dash, Alberta Environment
Cheryl Fujikawa, Southern Alberta Group for the Environment, OWC Board of Directors
Cathy Aspen, Oldman Watershed Council
Rosemary Jones, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
Steering Committee
Gerhardt Hartman, OWC Board of Directors
Farrah McFadden, Alberta Environment
Sarah Elmeligi, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Karen Ritchie, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Barbara Lacey, City of Lethbridge
Lorraine A. Nicol, University of Lethbridge
Fact Sheets
Introduction to the Visioning Process June 2009
Other Documents Related to Phase 1
Team Membership List
Map of Oldman River Basin Sub-Basins
What We Heard Summary Document (pdf - note 181 pages)
Creating a Vision for the Oldman Watershed Survey Results Fact Sheet
Draft Vision and Qualitative Outcome Statements
Youth Forum - Students' Vision Fact Sheet
Please note: The vision and qualitative outcomes were derived from a sample of stakeholders throughout the watershed and will help to inform the OWC Board of Directors in their planning endeavors. The development of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan will involve additional stakeholder input at various stages.