The Deerwood Story: A Brief Overview

Originally addressing local soil conservation needs, the Deerwood Soil and Water Management Association's future will be closely tied to its broader long-term watershed management initiatives comprising the South Tobacco Creek project.

Launched in 1991, the South Tobacco Creek project is a 10 year cooperative investigation of the impacts of agriculture on land and water ecosystems within the Red River basin of Southern Manitoba. The project is a joint effort of the federal and provincial governments and the DSWMA. South Tobacco Creek is located near Miami, Manitoba, Canada.

Together these groups alon with many partners, are documenting land management and the movement of water, soil, nutrients and pesticides. Researchers are studying water samples taken from:

Two farm fields at the headwaters of the South Tobacco Creek
A sampling station on the South Tobacco Creek below the base of the escarpment.
The Red River
Lake Winnipeg (the 13th largest lake in the world).

Researchers hope to gain a greater understanding of the point of origin (or source) of pesticides, nutrients and sediments in the ecosystem. They are also studying the methods (or process) of movement of these materials as they progress through the ecosystem. The result of the research will be improved knowledge and awareness about how these processes occur. This knowledge and awareness will lead to possible suggestions to improve land use management practices.

This website will provide both summary and detailed information on all research emerging from the South Tobacco Creek project. Major research efforts and partners include:

South Tobacco Creek Hydrology - Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration.
Pesticides and Aquatic Biota - Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Nutrient and Sediment Loading - Environment Canada.

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http://www.cici.mb.ca/deerwood/overview.html