Interested stakeholders of the Souris River Watershed recently gathered at the Souris Striders Ski Club to put forth their concerns. These workshops will continue over the next few weeks and are a forum in which concerned citizens can determine the future of our watershed. These workshops are open to the public and well advertised in the media and posted on local bulletin boards.

We have hosted six (6) presentations that were well attended. These sessions attempted to address areas of concern within our watershed.

The topic of, "Quality Drinking Water" was discussed with guest speaker, Mr. George Somers from the Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry.

Ms. Cindy Crane from the Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry presented a study entitled, "Surface Water Quality on Souris River."

Mr. Barry Thompson, during his presentation on "Nutrient Management" revealed information on test plots performed by the Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Mr. Bill Glen from the Dept. of Environment, Energy and Forestry, gave an overview of forest stocks in the Souris area. He also indicated future global warming implications.

Mr. Jeff Keefe from the Dept. of Transportation and Public Works gave an overview of his Department with specific reference to their efforts to prevent siltation in our streams.

Fred Cheverie gave the final presentation entitled, "A Positive Reflection Of Souris River". It illustrated many of the positive factors that are influencing our watershed.

In the mid 1940's horse racing was very popular during the winter on Souris River. Every Wednesday afternoon local horsemen, who had horses that were bred for racing would assemble below the present day property of George Mullally and race on a quarter mile track to the north.

Gowan Brae School was closed with the children joining parents and neighbours aligning along the track to watch the races.

Some of the local horse people that participated were: Jack Bushey (Souris Line Road), Jim Henry Mallard (Gowan Brae), Dan Burke (Lower Rollo Bay) Joe Jimmie Joe McCormack (New Zealand). Adele Townshend and John MacLean (Souris). They all gathered below George Mullally's farm and Francis Willie White acted as the starter on a makeshift grandstand. Prizes were not given, but "bragging rights" were relished.

To prepare for such races, the ice was scraped with the local "road machine" that was hauled by teams of horses.

During this era with only dirt roads, provincial governments posted these machines in selected districts for the purposes of levelling the roads from ruts. These machines would be hauled by as many as four teams of horses and directed by a local road foreman. Some of these early road foremen in the Souris area were: Angus Mosie MacCormack, Andy Mooney and Alfred Cahill.

These "road machines" were the highest form of technology at time, as the blade could be raised, lowered and angled through a series of sprockets and wheels.

The best description of the impact of these machines was revealed at a catechism class in Rollo Bay when a new priest to the parish decided to get acquainted with the youngest class. He asked the question, " Who made the world?" The kids were a bit timid with the new priest but after a long silence one little fellow replied, "It must have been Andy Mooney and his new road machine."

The machine, used to clear the track for racing, broke through the ice and now rests on the bottom, somewhere in Souris River.

I would like to thank Francis Isaac White and George and Sinnott Mullally for their valuable input from this era.

Since the last issue of our newsletter we have had a change in the executive of the Souris River Management Committee. Paul Deveau, local resident of Souris River and manager of Souris Liquor Store has accepted the position of chairperson. Johnny Flynn local lobster and aquaculture fisherman has accepted the position of vice chairperson. Brian Deveau continues as our treasurer and Dale Thompson, who represents the province, continues as our secretary.

I would like to congratulate each of these individuals and assure the public that they have a very competent group of individuals that has the best interests of the Souris Watershed at heart.

We are progressing slowly in the development of our plan as we try to give every opportunity to the public to offer their input. Our committee believes that this method is necessary in order for the community to take ownership of our plan.

I would like to thank MacPhee's IGA for becoming involved in the development of the Souris River Watershed Plan by assuming the role of "Hospitality Hosts" at each of our workshop sessions.

We have had a very good attendance at each of these sessions and I really appreciate the interest shown by the community. I trust that this interest will continue over the next few weeks as we are put together the "nuts and bolts" of the plan.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our co-ordinator, Fred Cheverie, on the terrific job he is doing in getting the community involved. Freddie is a very hard working, enthusiastic person with a deep passion for a better environment. I would like to thank him for his efforts to date.

The Souris River Watershed Committee under the guidance of Fred must develop a community driven and community accepted "blueprint" for our watershed.

After completing our environmental presentations we are now holding workshops to develop this "blueprint" for our watershed. It is essential that you attend these meetings and offer your suggestions.

Every opinion counts, so on behalf of the Souris River Watershed Committee, I challenge everyone to get involved and have your say!

Chairperson Paul Deveau

The Souris &Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation is pleased to be co-celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of P.E.I. Branch.

The Souris Branch has recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its annual wildlife dinner.

Our branch proudly supports a fly-fishing school at Rollo Bay Consolidated with instructor Jeanne Jenkins. This course is in high demand, but numbers have to be limited due to safety issues. More volunteers are needed.

Our new executive consists of President- Paul Campbell, Secretary- Trent MacPhee, and Treasurer – Jeanne Jenkins. Elected directors are: Louis Carter, Joe MacDonald, Paul Gallant, Justin MacKinnon, Alan McCormack and Fred Ward.

President Paul Campbell

Souris Co-op is initiating a program where they will sell their customers shopping bags that can be reused and recycled.

Souris Co-op manager Mr. Darrin MacKinnon indicates that they are selling well, as local residents are very interested in protecting the environment. Souris Co-op is also donating 50% of these sales to local watershed activities.

Paul Campbell, Paul Deveau and Fred Cheverie recently joined Darrin MacKinnon to launch the program.