Third Quarterly Update for the International Souris River Study Board
December 2019
Welcome to the news bulletin from the International Souris River Study Board. The Study Board looks forward to keeping you informed of its progress as we investigate flooding, water supply, and other water related concerns in the Souris River Basin. Learn more about our mandate.
Bruce Davison and Gregg Wiche
Canadian and US Study Managers
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STUDY NEWS
Study Progress
The Study Team created alternative building blocks in the first three phases of plan formulation. In phase IV the Study Team combined the alternative building blocks into preliminary operating plans. These operating plans will be further refined based on feedback received from the Public Advisory Group (PAG), and Resource and Agency Advisory Group (RAAG) in phase V. The Study Team has made progress on documentation, and expects to have the final report submitted by February 2021.
Hydrologic Visualization Tool
The Study has developed a Hydrologic Visualization Tool that allows the user to compare alternative simulation results at different locations in the Souris River Basin. It is currently being used internally as a tool to help the Study Team and Advisory Groups see the changes that are being made and how they might affect certain areas. This tool is something that will be made available to the Public at the end of the Study once the results have been finalized and the report has been completed.
Connecting with the International Souris River Board (ISRB)
The ISRB is a permanent board that ensures a more eco-systemic approach to transboundary water issues, compliance for the apportionment of river flows, oversight of flood operations, and assists the Commission in preventing and resolving transboundary disputes. The products that are being developed as part of the Study will be passed along to the ISRB at the end of the Study. The Study Team met with the ISRB on November 13-14, 2019 to discuss the current progress of the Study and the handoff of Study products. This includes the lifespan of the advisory groups created for the Study, and the Hydrologic Visualization Tool.
November Workshop in Minot
This workshop was broken down into two different sessions; one for the PAG (November 19-20, 2019), and one for the RAAG (November 20-21, 2019). The purpose of this workshop was to present the phase IV alternative results to the PAG and RAAG, and to allow them the opportunity to provide feedback to the Study Team before moving into phase V.
Indigenous Peoples Workshop
A joint workshop for First Nations, Metis, and Tribes in both countries was held on November 6-7, 2019 at the International Peace Gardens. The purpose of the workshop was to build relationships with the Indigenous Peoples, and gather some feedback on their interests within the Souris River Basin. The Study Team is planning on having future engagement with the Indigenous Peoples.
The next step for the group that gathered at the International Peace Gardens is to create an advisory group to help inform the Study and the ISRB on Indigenous interests in the Souris River Basin.
Resources on the Web
The Study Board has resources on its website to help you become more familiar with flooding and water supply issues in the Souris River Basin. Click on Library on the home page to view:
- PAG Mid-term Report
- A pamphlet on The 1989 International Agreement for Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin
- Dams and Reservoirs in the Souris River Basin – a fact sheet
- The Unique Hydrology of the Souris River Basin – a fact sheet
Calendar
Did you know that study board meetings and other public events are listed on our website? View these and upcoming public events under Calendar on the home page.
Stay connected. Be involved.
Web: www.ijc.org/en/srsb
Email: srsb@ijc.org
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