Run of the River Introducing a healthy rivers board game Proudly presented by: Swap with Regional WW logo

A curriculum resource is suitable for Years 9-12 SOSE and Science students, and; can be played in full over a double class period, or alternatively one level per single class.

Full Classroom Run of the River kit includes: Four game sets to allow a class of up to 28 students to play simultaneously Teacher/Leader Instructions that include pre and post game activities to support more comprehensive study An evaluation survey that can be completed online or faxed back

Aims To introduce students to key concepts about the natural river flows of an ecologically healthy river; and To demonstrate to students the trade- offs involved in satisfying the human and environmental demands on water resources.

Key parts of the game incorporates three climate scenarios – drought, normal and flood years; provides examples for learner centred rule changes, and; can be played at 2 different levels for varying complexity, and; provides an introduction to the new concept of the Environmental Water Reserve.

Level One Introduces players to how a river works and examines flows of an ecologically healthy river Key concepts – Natural river flows change with the seasons and years River flows affect native plants and animals River flows affect habitat River flows affect estuaries and terminal lakes High flows revive rivers River flows shape the river

Level Two Challenges players to balance human demands on river water with the need for natural functions of the river to continue. Key concepts (building on Level 1 Key concepts) – River flows affect water quality River flows affect human uses Dams and weirs control river flow levels and timing Dams and weirs affect river life

Important Game Concepts An environmental flow is defined as: “the flow regime required to maintain a river in a healthy condition. This includes components of the flow regime (pattern) such as minimum flows, floods and flushing flows”.

Natural Flow characteristics of Southern Australian rivers Variable, typically high flows in winter, low flows in Summer in Victoria Flows vary in frequency, timing, duration and magnitude (daily, seasonally, inter-annually)

Typical Flow variability Cease to flow Low flow Overbank flow Freshes High flow Freshes Bankfull Diagram 6.1 – Victorian River Health Strategy

Flow variability is important Geomorphologically –defines channel structure, scouring pools, creates habitat diversity Ecologically –connectivity along the length of a waterway (headwaters to estuary/terminal lake), as well as with adjacent wetlands & floodplains –Triggers migration and breeding responses Socially –Recreational activities often require high levels of water

Water use and demand Groundwater Bores Farm Dams/ catchment Dams Direct Pumping Annual/Summer Licences On-stream Dam Off-stream Winterfill Dam Town Supply Major Dam Direct Pumping Irrigation Area Water rights Sales Water Unbundling Trade Non Consumptive

Human demands stress flow WinterSpringSummerAutumn Most stressful period = Summer when human demand is high (urban and rural) and flow is naturally low

New legislation Created an Environmental Water Reserve a share of water set aside to maintain the environmental values of a water system and other water services dependent on the environmental condition of the system.

Concepts Providing the EWR across Victoria is about acknowledging the range of values associated with a rivers’ flow. The Environmental Water Reserve aims to provide a base level of environmental condition that maintains biodiversity and ecological functioning and protects water quality for continued sustainable water use. It recognises that not all rivers can be pristine.

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