Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association (SCDA)
Incorporated, 1967
The Conservation and Development Act was passed in 1949 to provide a farmer driven framework for construction and maintenance of works, i.e. dams, bridges and drainage ditches and to develop and to protect lands within the area. Souris CAA, the first in the province, was formed in 1949. Area Authorities, more commonly referred to as C & Ds, Conservation Districts, became prevalent in the 1950s when serious flooding threatened agricultural land in the province.
In 1966, 23 CAAs met and formed a provincial association, The Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association Inc. The SCDA is the parent body to 96 CAAs, Conservation Area Authorities or C&Ds and 13 WABs, also known as Water Association Boards, where the members are dedicated to soil and water management and protection. CAAs and WABs manage some 1900 miles of drainage ditches as part of flood control and back flood irrigation which in turn provides flood control for some 4.5 million acres of farmland.
The SCDA acts on behalf of its members to communicate their concerns to both governmental and non-governmental agencies who have an interest in the management and protection of water resources. The SCDA takes an active role in establishing a cooperative working relationship with groups such as Sask. Environment, Sask. Ag and Food, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Sask Water, Sask Water Security Agency, AESB/AAFC, Environment Canada, CWRA, APAS, SUMA, SARM, Sask FSA, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Delta Waterfowl, SAW, Water Stewardship Associations.