The Medicine River Watershed Society hosted two public information sessions, one in the Fensala Hall in Markerville on April 2, and another in the Leslieville Elks Hall on April 4. Both sessions were well attended by local people concerned about the state of the Medicine and Blindman River watersheds and looking for information in that regard.

The updates were provided by two speakers: Darian Coulter from RDRWA presented on the 2024 Medicine River sampling results. David Toop, Hydrologist from the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Drought Response Team, spoke about drought impacts on groundwater. Also present to answer questions was Todd Aasen, Water License Approval Manager for Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

MRWS President Dana Kreil introduced the speakers and gave meeting attendants background information on the watershed society and its work.

Todd Aasen fielded questions on oil and gas industry licensed withdrawals of water for fracking from the Medicine and Blindman rivers, in the face of ongoing drought. Some farmers in the area expressed concern because of the large volumes involved.

Meals and refreshments were provided at both meetings with informal discussions taking place.
The Medicine River Watershed Society has many dedicated volunteers including County Council members from four local rural municipalities and the Town of Eckville. The newly created MRWS website is here: https://medicineriverwatershed.ca/