The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coastguard announced in Saskatoon on Wednesday $2.9-million in funding for the southern Prairies to improve the health of our waterways for the wildlife that lives in it and to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

This is connected to a federal announcement last year of a five year, $55-million investment to support the recovery of aquatic species at risk across the country.

There are seven priority areas and the southern Prairies is one of them.

Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says the area begins in Lethbridge, continues through southern Saskatchewan and moves on through Winnipeg.

One project will help restore habitat and enhance fish passage within the Frenchman River, Qu’Appelle River and Morgan Creek watersheds.

Another project will be engaging farmers and ranchers to improve ecosystems for aquatic species at risk and a third will be around preventing the spread of invasive species.

The $2.9-million will be matched by contributions of partners already engaged in this issue.

The project agreements have to be finalized with stakeholders like the Water Security Agency before the projects can begin.

(CJWW)