​Don Farrell retires after long-time service with Pine River Watershed Initiative Network

After many years of service with the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN), Don Farrell has retired.

He has been a central figure in the success of PRWIN since he joined in 2009. As the primary contact, he gained the respect of the representatives from the organization’s funding sources and political resources at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. His friendly demeanour made him an excellent contact with the landowners in the watershed and surrounding areas.

With an extensive farming background, Farrell has the trust and respect of the very people required to allow PRWIN’s projects to proceed on their properties. Examples of these water-quality enhancing projects are water and soil containment berms, wetlands, cattle-crossings, tree-planting and exclusion fencing.

Farrell, along with PRWIN’s fencing specialist, Rick Jones, installed 24 kilometres of exclusion fencing to prevent bank erosion on local streams. They also installed the signage at PRWIN’s project sites.

The many cattle-crossings installed in the area, were resourced and supervised by Farrell, and the use of his tractor allowed PRWIN to plant thousands of trees using its tree planter which he was instrumental in purchasing, maintaining and storing at “the farm.”

Farrell was the driving force in the development of the McLarty Education Centre, including both shelters and the two ponds.

Without his valued leadership and guidance PRWIN would not be the success it is today. His hand-picked successor, Murray Yungblut, is already proving to be a valued member of organization.



David Grant (left), chairman of the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN), presents a certificate of appreciation to Don Farrell who has retired from the organization; photo courtesy of PRWIN