Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: the wet prairie -- Drains and cultural communities: the early years of Manitoba drainage, 1870-1915 -- Jurisdictional quagmires: dominion authority and prairie wetlands, 1870-1930 -- Drains and geographical communities: experts, highlanders, and lowlanders assess drainage -- International bioregions and local momentum: the International Joint Commission, Ducks Unlimited, and continued drainage -- Permanence, maintenance, and change: watershed management in Manitoba -- Conclusion: chequer board squares in a dynamic landscape.