The Seine River Watershed covers 2509 km2. It’s headwaters begin in Sandilands Provincial Forest and it generally flows Northwest. In the town of Ste Anne the river is divided into the Seine River Diversion, the diversion directs water West to the Red River, and the remainder follows it’s naturally path to join the Red in Winnipeg. Some of it’s tributaries include the Youville Drain, St. Adolphe Coulee, and the Manning Canal.
The area is prone to spring flooding as spring melt and runoff overflows the river banks. The area contains many resources, being used for gravel, sand, and peatmoss operations. The hog industry is well developed within this watershed. Though much of the river is cleared to the waters edge, there are pockets of well maintained riparian habitats hosting beautiful old growth Oak forests.
The Seine River IWMP outlines 6 main issues and objectives to improve watershed health:
#1: Surface water management – Manage the land drainage to benefit the residential and agricultural community without negatively impacting downstream landowners.
#2: Surface water quality – maintain the surface water quality in the watershed. Obtaining current water quality and nutrient inputs into the Seine and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loading by 10%.
#3: Groundwater – ensure protection and sustainability of drinking water sources and gain a better understanding of the ground water in the resources.
#4: Management of the Seine River – improve riparian health and aesthetics of the Seine River so it becomes and attraction and valuable to the local communities.
#5: Land Use Planning – Ensure responsible and sustainable development.
#6: Watershed Awareness – make watershed residents aware of the importance of protecting their watershed and working together to enhance it for future generations.
