International Red River Watershed Board

Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson was appointed in 2024 to the International Red River Watershed Board for a three-year term. A lifelong Selkirk resident, Johannson sees the appointment as deeply meaningful, given his personal connection to the Red River and its impact on two countries, a province, and three U.S. states. His appointment aligns with Selkirk's Strategic Plan, particularly its focus on environmental stewardship.

The International Joint Commission (IJC), which appointed Johannson, plays a key role in managing cross-border water issues. The IJC has been involved in the Red River Basin for years, addressing challenges like flooding, pollution, and habitat preservation. The International Red River Watershed Board, established in 2021, monitors water quality, quantity, and aquatic health, taking an integrative, ecosystem-based approach. Johannson emphasizes the importance of the Watershed Board's work, which benefits both Canada and the U.S. through long-standing cooperation on shared environmental challenges.