The provincial government is inviting Manitobans to participate in the creation of a new provincial park.
The park would be in north-central Manitoba at Little Limestone Lake, a 15-kilometre body of water north of Grand Rapids.
The lake is in a limestone region with underground drainage and many cavities and passages caused by dissolution of the rock. It is referred to as a marl lake, since it changes colour when calcite precipitates in the water as the lake’s temperature rises in summer.
“Protecting one of the most amazing examples of a marl lake in the world is an important legacy we can leave for future generations,” Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie said. “Because of its rare geography, Little Limestone Lake stands out among Manitoba lakes for its annual cycle of magnificent colour changes.”
Ron Thiessen, executive director for the Manitoban branch of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, said the current park reserve boundary is not adequate to ensure the lake is protected.
“If polluted waters enter from outside of the protected boundary, they will cause irreparable damage to Little Limestone’s delicate ecosystem,” Thiessen said.
With the co-operation of the Moose Lake Resource Management Board, the Manitoba government is developing a conservation plan for the proposed park.
The process will involve the Mosakahiken Cree Nation, local citizens, industry, interest groups and the public.
Comment sheets are available at www.manitobaparks.com and opinions will be gathered until Aug. 31.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 16, 2010 A7