This installation provides an introduction into a few studies investigating natural and social dimensions of agricultural water management. Research was performed in collaboration with colleagues with the Prairie Drainage Governance project, a sibling project of Prairie Water within the Global Water Futures program, and the ResNet program. Much of this work contributes to Team C (Water Management Practices and Governance) in Prairie Water.

Dr. Sarah Minnes from the University of Guelph provides a summary of findings from the Prairie Drainage Governance project. In this project, they conducted interviews from a number of communities in Saskatchewan to understand human dimensions of wetland drainage, including conflict origin and management. She also provides next steps in investigating ecosystem services and how different stakeholder-views of systems impact their management.

Second, Don Selby, a Master of Environment and Sustainability student at the University of Saskatchewan, introduces his proposed project. The purpose of his research is to develop realistic, social-ecological scenarios for future prairie landscapes, including scenerios related to climate change, governance, and agriculture demand. The goal is to engage stakeholders in a discussion of values, criteria, and strategies for policymaking around the environmental governance challenge of agricultural water and wetland management.

Lastly, Daniela Klicper presents her case study on Tucker Lake, Saskatchewan. Her project looks at the impact of wetland drainage on phosphorus export. She also reviews her methods in the development of a survey to producers to further the understanding of field-scale decisions regarding the management of ecosystem services.