The Gravity Well with Jenny Yeremiy

Farming Dryland, Irrigated, and Ranchland

In this episode, Episode 14 of Season 2, Jenny is joined by Bob Morrison and three guests: Dwight Popowich, Julian Vandenberg, and John Smith, who represent different farming sectors—dryland, irrigated, and rangeland farming. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by farmers, including water shortages, drought conditions, and the impact of climate change on water resources. The guests share their experiences with water management, the economic pressures of farming, and the mental health challenges within the agricultural community. They emphasize the importance of community support, policy advocacy, and technological advancements in sustaining farming operations. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of water, agriculture, and community well-being, advocating for greater awareness and support for rural farmers.

Watershed and Lake Stewardship

In this episode, Jenny and Bob are joined by Mike Murray, Susan Ellis, and Tim Romanow, who are experts in watershed stewardship. The discussion centers on the importance of public investment in water decision-making and the challenges faced in managing, protecting, and restoring water resources. The guests share insights from their respective organizations, highlighting the need for collaboration, education, and data-driven approaches to address water concerns. They emphasize the significance of building trust among stakeholders and the role of watershed management plans in guiding sustainable practices. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of transboundary water management and the importance of building relationships with indigenous communities. The episode underscores the critical need for informed and inclusive dialogue to ensure the health of water systems for future generations.

The Water Cycle & Modelling

In this episode, Episode 12 of Season 2 (aka Episode 4 of the Water in Southern Alberta Podcast mini-series) Dr. Trisha Stadnyk, a hydrologic modelling professor in both the Civil Engineering and Geography Departments at the University of Calgary, discusses the intricacies of water modelling and its implications for future water availability and quality. The conversation highlights the challenges of integrating various models, such as climate, hydrology, and water resource management, to address local and global water issues. Dr. Stadnyk emphasizes the importance of adaptive risk-based management over traditional standards-based approaches, advocating for a shift towards resilience in water policy: a water first philosophy. The discussion also touches on the need for improved data collection and monitoring, particularly for groundwater and small streams, to enhance model accuracy and inform decision-making. The episode concludes with a call to action for individuals to become more aware of their water usage and for policymakers to prioritize water conservation and sustainable management practices. The podcast invites listeners to engage with these pressing issues and consider the broader implications of water management on future generations.

Water Laws and the Water Market

In episode 11 of season 2, or episode 3 of a water miniseries, the discussion centers on the legal system and water market in Southern Alberta. The podcast features guests Arlene Kwasniak, a law professor, and Davin MacIntosh, a water rights facilitator, who explore the intricacies of water law and transfers. The conversation highlights the historical and current frameworks governing water rights, the challenges of the "first in time, first in right" principle, and the complexities of water transfers. The episode also addresses the need for reforms in water management to ensure sustainability, equity, and adaptation to climate change. Listeners are encouraged to engage with ongoing consultations on water availability and management in Alberta.

The Impacts of Resource Extraction on Water

Season 2, Episode 10 is the second conversation of a podcast mini-series on Water in Southern Alberta focused on The Impacts of Resource Extraction. Co-host Bob Morrison and I are joined by experts Dave Mayhood, an aquatic ecologist; Dr. Younes Alila, a professor specializing in forest hydrology; and Jason Unger, executive director at the Environmental Law Centre. Key topics include the ecological effects of gravel extraction, the hydrological impacts of clear-cut logging, the pollutive and destructive uses of freshwater in oil and gas development, and the legal frameworks surrounding water management. The conversation highlights the need for regulatory innovation, cumulative effects analysis, and the importance of federal intervention in environmental protection. The podcast encourages listeners to find common ground and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of water and resource management.