The Tobacco Creek Model Watershed

A number of years ago, several enterprising individuals got together to build 26 small dams along the South Tobacco Creeek near Miami, Manitoba. In the years since they have studied the effect of these small dams on the watershed. These dams, a bit bigger than beaver dams, have created new small ponds or marshes and have considerable reduced the peak flow with a big rain (and the damage to culverts and roads, and flooding of farmland). The water in South Tobacco Creek is cleaner (with less phosphorous) because organic matter settles out and nutrients are used by the marshes. It is a good example of excellent watershed management and it was on display at the Prairie Water Policy Symposium the last two days. The photo shows George Jackson, one of the representatives of the project and Herm Martens, the Reeve of the R.M. of Morris who is a strong supporter of the project in front of their display.