Why we need to learn from small watersheds like the Goudney Reservoir Watershed

The Goudney Reservoir just north of Pilot Mound had among the highest nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations of all municipal sites sampled in 1995. Studies in 1996 showed that the concentrations of these nutrients remained high throughout the entire growing season. Yet the fact is we do not know for sure where these nutrients are all coming from and what we need to do to reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen in the reservoir. It is only with an in depth study of this reservoir and the waters flowing into this reservoir that we will find out the source of the phosphorous and nitrogen and be able to reduce it. When we know the reason for the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in the Goudney Reservoir we can use this information to help reduce nitrogen and phosphorous levels in other locations as well. By looking at several smaller watersheds we will learn what really makes a difference in the larger Lake Winnipeg watershed and be able to effectively lower phosphorous levels in Lake Winnipeg.

For more on Lake Winnipeg seethe following links :

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006/10/why-we-need-better-stewardship-of-lake.html

http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2006/10/lake-winnipeg-and-lake-winnipeg.html