David Macpherson

David Macpherson Manager, Water Resources & Stewardship Services Saugeen Conservation (519)364-1255, ext 35

In a report prepared for directors David Macpherson, the manager of water resources and stewardship services, said staff feel the proposal needs more research into the impact the stocking could have on native and naturalized fish in that area.Instead he recommended supporting initiatives on how to improve the quality of the Saugeen River.

But water resources manager David Macpherson acknowledged few draw water directly from the river, so conservation efforts won't do much.

"We'd like to see 10 per cent conservation from everybody in the watershed for non-essential uses.I understand it doesn't have a direct connect to the river.We're aware of that, we know that."

Macpherson said short of issuing a news release for people to pray for rain, this appeal is the only tool available.
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"Our major concern is the aquatic environment, the creek," Macpherson said.

He said low water could cause sensitive aquatic species to die and could cause the loss of habitat.

"Potentially.We're not at that right now," Macpherson said.
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"Most of the conservation authorities in southwestern Ontario and some of them in Northern Ontario are experiencing this problem right now," Macpherson said.Criteria for issuing the water conservation alert is part of a program of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the conservation authorities, he said.

The news release said Friday's Level 1 alert is the least severe as described by the province.Water conservation and rain should solve the problem "over the next few weeks," it says.

Saugeen Conservation's last call for water conservation was made in 2001, Macpherson said.

David Macpherson- Director David is currently Manager of Watershed Resources and Stewardship Services with Saugeen Conservation in Hanover. He is an active participant with the Pine River Watershed Improvement Network, and the multi-agency Lake Huron South East Shore Working Group. Dave has been appointed by Saugeen Conservation to sit on the Centre's Board.

David Macpherson Manager, Water Resources/Stewardship Services.