......... The Effectiveness of Small Dams in the South Tobacco Creek Watershed  

Conclusion: The Praire Farm Rehabilitation Administration's research into the hydrologic effectiveness of Deerwood's small dams found that a network of small dams built in strategic locations within a small agricultural watershed can normally reduce peak runoff flows by a similar amount as one large flood reduction reservoir.  

Utilizing Small Dam Networks in Other Watersheds   

However: No direct method of extrapolating results from the South Tobacco Creek basin to other Manitoba Escarpment watersheds has been derived. In assessing the potential effectiveness of small dams in reducing runoff peaks, the following factors could be considered:  

  • % of total drainage area controlled by small dams;
  • drainage patterns;
  • physical features of the drainage basin.
In actuality, a runoff model should be developed for each watershed in question, in which comparative analysis could occur with and without dam impacts.  

Other Findings: Related Research   

But: An independent study undertaken by The International Coalition for Land and Water Stewardship in the Red River Basin (TIC) has supported PFRA's hydrology findings. TIC's research was designed to assess the environmental, economic, and social benefits of Deerwood's small dam efforts. Local governments in the area believe road, bridge, and ditch maintenance costs are now lower than before the Deerwood Association was established. In addition, many local landowners and residents are enjoying the benefits related to on-farm water supply, reduced field erosion and flooding, and increased wildlife habitat .  

  
The TIC study found that a network of small dams built and operated by an organization of volunteer landowners can be an effective and efficient system of land and water management. Based on municipal cost savings alone, it was determined the Deerwood small dam network can be expected to have a payback period of between 16 and 50 years (estimated dam lifespan). Operating and maintenance costs of Deerwood dams are a landowner responsibility and have been minimal.   

Reported infrastructure cost savings have totalled as much as $25,000 per year for two rural municipalities drained by the Tobacco Creek watershed. 

Substantial provincial benefits of Deerwood's small dam network may also exist, but these cannot be measured at this time due to a lack of information. Given the range of wildlife, educational, recreational, esthetic, spiritual, and quality of life values reportedly provided to damowners, it is realistic to assume substantial societal benefits may be generated by Deerwood's dams. The Deerwood model provides an innovative approach which should be considered for improved land and water resources management and community development in rural Manitoba and the Red River Basin where escarpmental erosion and flooding are problematic and common.  

A Final Word  

Deerwood President Les McEwan puts it all into perspective. "A farmer's contribution can go a long way up here in Deerwood. We are able to bring in additional partnership funding and programs towards the provision of a wide range of land and water activities. We are confident these activities, particularly our small dams, are now providing a wide range of conservation benefits which pay: for the farmer, for the local government, and for the people further downstream."  

This is Hugh Greaves' yard.
The End of Hydrology Section
 
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