Watershed Manager
Aron Hershmiller was hired on April 19, 2007 and began work on May 7, 2007 for the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association. Aron is a graduate of the Integrated Resource Management Program offered at SIAST Woodland Campus in Prince Albert, SK. Aron graduated from the program with Distinction on April 27, 2007. Aron was also a recipient of the
Saskatchewan Environment & Resource Management Employees Scholarship and the
Great Plains Fishery Workers’ Scholarship.
Aron grew up in the Waldron area, 40 km south of Yorkton, SK on a mixed farm operation. In the summer of 2006 Aron worked for Ducks Unlimited Canada in Wadena, SK where he gained extensive knowledge in the land and water management areas.
Aron’s agricultural background, familiarity with the Assiniboine River Watershed, technical training he received at SIAST and knowledge gained from Ducks Unlimited Canada made him an ideal candidate for the Manager position with the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association.
Aron's job, entails the general office duties of running a business. Proposal writing to secure funding for programs and the organization. Develop and implement programs throughout the Assiniboine River Watershed and educate the residents within the watershed about Source Water Protection. This will be accomplished by means of our website, brochures, mailouts, field days, radio, paper, and television ads.
Watershed / Aquifer Coordinator
Jesse Nielsen was born and raised in Yorkton. He received his Bachelor of Science degree (High Honours) in Land Use and Environmental Studies (LUESt) at the University of Saskatchewan in May of 2007 and a Master of Science degree from U of S in June of 2010.
His thesis research partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada to develop a framework for the cumulative effects assessment of project develoment on wetlands, specifically focusing on the Highway # 11 North twinning project between Saskatoon and Prince Albert, SK. He is confident in his ability to apply the skills and knowledge learned through his education to promote and raise awareness of source water protection, and contribute to the overall success of the Association's work in the Assiniboine River Watershed.
As a life-long avid fisherman and hunter, Jesse is especially passionate about protecting the natural beauty and sustainability of the Yorkton area he calls home. As such, he is excited to contribute to the protection of source water in the Yorkton Area Aquifers and Assiniboine River Watershed. Jesse firmly believes in taking an active role in ensuring that the natural resources of the Assiniboine River are kept healthy for future generations to use and appreciate.
Jesse will work with the Watershed Manager to secure funding for programs and the AWSA. He will also develop and implement programs for residents and stakeholders, providing up-to-date, reputable scientific and technological information about current environmental issues affecting the Assiniboine River Watershed and the Yorkton Area Aquifers.
Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) Technician
Nolan Johnson grew up in the Waldron area, 40km south of Yorkton, SK on a mixed farm operation. Nolan received his diploma in Renewable Resource Management in December 2006 and his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Conservation Enforcement in December 2008 from Lethbridge College.
Nolan has gained valuable experience through past jobs including working with Ducks Unlimited Canada in the summer of 2005 in Bredenbury, SK. As well, Nolan worked two seasons with Saskatchewan Environment as a Conservation Officer out of Danielson Provincial Park (2007) and Melville (2008). These past experiences, along with his studies, have given him the knowledge and confidence to assist the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association in implementing projects and plans within the Assiniboine River Watershed.
Nolan is excited to assist the Association in protecting and enhancing source water in the Yorkton Area Aquifers and Assiniboine River Watershed and ensuring long-term health and sustainability of land related resources. He also looks forward to meeting with residents of the Assiniboine River Watershed and providing awareness, including common risks and precautions residents can follow, to ensure the protection of source water.
As the BMP Technician Nolan will work with the Watershed Manager and Watershed Coordinator in project management and implementation. He will also make farm visits in order to assist producers in completing the necessary forms needed to receive funding for beneficial management practices through the Canada-Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Program.
Technical Assistant
Steve Yanish was hired by the AWSA to work as a technician on the LIRA project. Steve grew up in the Hilltop area south of Yorkton and still resides there today. After several years as a professional guide and a plumber he made the decision to go back to school. In 2009 he enrolled in the Integrated Resource Management program at SIAST in Prince Albert. He successfully completed the program in the spring of 2010.
Steve has since continued to guide in the summer and has had some excellent opportunities to work using his education. Last winter he was hired by SIAST to teach a 101 level wildlife class for the resources program. Prior to coming to the AWSA he completed a contract with SWA working on the Saskatchewan River sturgeon capture and marking project.
Administrator / Finance Officer
Jena Sapara started in December as the AWSA’s part-time administrator/financial officer. A graduate of the Saskatoon Business College (2009), Jena is well qualified to perform the “behind the scenes” tasks and book keeping vital to making the AWSA leaders amongst watershed groups in the province.
