CHURCHILL RIVER: ISSUES AND THREATS

	- Branimir Gjetvaj

In Saskatchewan, similar to other places on Earth, people are looking to expand human use and activities, such as forestry, mining, and tourism. Three government-led, land use planning projects are looking at human activities in the Churchill basin. The projects are meant to produce land use plans that will allow for both economic and ecological health in the boreal forest. The three planning projects along the river include the North Central, Amisk-Atik and Pine House Dipper.

Unfortunately, these planning projects are making disconnected decisions on the future land and resource use along the Churchill River and in its drainage basin. No one is looking at the river as a whole connected ecosystem and considering the basin-wide impacts of human activities on the wildlife, lands and waters.

Industrial timber harvesting

Although harvesting has not yet reached its shores in earnest, the Churchill River marks the northern boundary of timber allocations given to commercial logging companies. In spite of the fact that little is known about the ecological certainty (health) and long-term economic stability of industrial harvesting on the region's rocky Precambrian Shield, new planning discussions are promoting northern advancement of logging.

• More about Industrial Logging in the Forest

Hydro-electric projects

The essence of the Churchill River, flowing fresh water, is also the source of its largest threat. The energy of the river as it flows to the sea, combined with relatively steady flow volumes, makes the Churchill of great interest for further hydro-electric development. Already today, in Manitoba, the dams and diversion projects at South Indian Lake, make the Churchill River one of Canada's largest water diversion projects.

• More about Hydro-Electric Dams
• More about Hydro-Electric Projects on the Churchill River

Mining

The Churchill River basin is rich in base metals and uranium. Today, extensive exploration and some mining operations are ongoing north of the river. As elsewhere, mining activities fluctuate alongside international market supplies and demand.

• More about Mining in the Forest

LEARN MORE:

Churchill River An introduction to the Churchill River.

Churchill Basin Nature at its best... the Churchill River is "big" in every way!

Special Places Read stories about special places in Saskatchewan including the Churchill River.

Boreal Action Centre: Churchill River Corridor Campaign Protection is needed along the length of the Churchill River in Saskatchewan.