About the Ghost Watershed Alliance Society

About GWAS

The Ghost Watershed Alliance Society (GWAS) is a Watershed Stewardship Group (WSG) that was established in 2002 under Alberta's Water for Life Strategy.

Under the Water for Life Strategy, WSGs are tasked to promote best management practices, collaborate with land-use managers, and undertake on-the-ground actions to protect the watershed.

GWAS is a non-profit organization registered under the Alberta Societies Act.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and largely volunteer-driven with part-time contractors to support its operations and programming. Members contribute skills and time towards the Vision and Mission of GWAS.

GWAS is committed to ensuring that these critical headwaters provide future generations with clean water to drink and a place with scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Vision & Mission

Vision

The Ghost Watershed is a biologically rich, headwaters ecosystem in Alberta's Eastern Slopes that supplies abundant clean water, together with a variety of ecosystem goods and services, maintained through stewardship and holistic management.

Mission

As established under the Alberta Government's Water for Life Strategy, GWAS is a partner working toward the Strategy's three main goals: “safe, secure drinking water; healthy aquatic ecosystems; and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.”

To achieve these goals, GWAS has a mission to protect the integrity of the Ghost Watershed through:

• identifying ecosystem and environmental issues,

• raising public awareness,

• providing advice to decision makers, and

• taking action to resolve issues.

Collaboration and healthy relationships with partner organizations are foundational to successfully achieving the GWAS mission, vision and strategic objectives.

Building Relationships

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The context for our work

GWAS is a recognized stakeholder for the Ghost Watershed.

We take part in government processes around land-uses, watershed management and stewardship. The Alberta Government’s South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) describes WSGs as important contributors to implement the plan. We keep track of land-use activities planned for the Ghost Watershed and provide input based on the objective of maintaining watershed integrity. We also work towards improving its health where it has been compromised by past land-use activities.

Please check our News & Events page for frequent updates.

Please contact us by e-mail for any additional information.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Ghost Watershed Alliance Society

History of GWAS

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How did it all start?

Story Map on the 20-year journey of GWAS

In 2022 GWAS celebrated its 20-year anniversary.

To share our journey with you, the GWAS Education Coordinator created the StoryMap, entitled "People in Place”, which spotlights both GWAS and the Ghost Watershed.

People in Place StoryMap

Organizational Structure

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How does GWAS' operate?

GWAS operates using a "working / management board" governance model. It is currently comprised of 1 executive director, 9 board volunteers, and an education and outreach coordinator. GWAS has over 100 members. It relies on funding from grants and donations to deliver its programs.

Governance

GWAS is incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta and governed by its Bylaws.

The purpose of the Society is to be a community-based, volunteer-driven Watershed Stewardship Group actively engaged in collaborative environmental stewardship of the Ghost Watershed on a not-for-profit basis.

You may download the GWAS Bylaws and the Notice of Special Resolution following the links below.

GWAS Bylaws

Notice of Special Resolution

Annual Reports

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GWAS' work over the years