The province is requesting your input by April 1 on their proposal to renew the protected status of Amisk Park Reserve. Without expressed support for continued protection, Amisk may once again be open for industrial resource activities that would impact the area’s pristine natural state.
New conservation trust holds potential
The province will create a $102-million Conservation Trust Fund intended to support the goals and objectives of our provincial climate strategy, particularly those related to conserving ecosystems and using natural solutions — such as restoring wetlands — to improve water quality.
CPAWS MB celebrates “historic investment” in nature conservation in Federal Budget 2018
CPAWS applauds today’s announcement of 1.3 billion dollars over 5 years to protect Canada’s land, freshwater, and wildlife. This unprecedented investment will enable Canada to achieve its commitment to protect at least 17% of our land and freshwater by 2020. To date, Canada has protected 10.6% of our landscape; Manitoba has protected 11% of lands and freshwaters within its borders.
Re: Strange way to honour World Wetlands Day (Feb. 8)
These initiatives demonstrate that our provincial government has the know-how to become a leader in Canada in the conservation and stewardship of wetlands. The test will be in how this knowledge is implemented on the ground. I look forward to the new legislation and to the boreal conservation policy for wetlands, and sincerely hope they result in effective conservation of this valuable resource.
Made-in-Manitoba climate solution
Manitoba’s Parks and Protected Spaces branch has hard-working and talented staff but there simply aren’t enough of them. They also don’t have the funds to accelerate the efforts required with communities and stakeholders to identify and conserve the wild places that would secure wildlife populations, sustain local cultures and continue to store carbon.
CPAWS Manitoba adventures with Cree nation youth at colour-changing lake
Fifteen high school students as well as community members and educators from Mosakahiken Cree Nation are with CPAWS Manitoba and Twin River Travel this week at Little Limestone Lake; the world’s largest and most dramatic colour-changing marl lake. In 2011, after many years of CPAWS working together with Mosakahiken, the lake and its surrounding landscape was protected from industrial developments as a provincial park but now neglect and visitor misconduct are posing a challenge to the lake.
Vintage videos remind us how park creation has changed
On one hand, I am glad these areas are conserved for nature and visitor experience. On the other hand, the fact that some parks failed to include consultations with Indigenous people was terribly unjust.
Canada lags the world in land protection. Manitoba urged to commit to lands planning, new protection
In its latest annual report on the state of protected areas in Canada, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is calling upon Manitoba to step up efforts to preserve more land by 2020. CPAWS’ 2017 report “From Laggard to Leader? Canada’s renewed focus on protecting nature could deliver results” calls Canada out for ranking last among G7 countries in the percentage of land and freshwater protected for conservation purposes, and encourages governments to accelerate the conservation of natural heritage in Canada, starting by delivering on their international commitment.
CPAWS welcomes protection of Lake Winnipegosis islands as new provincial parks
The Manitoba government has announced the creation of two new provincial parks. Goose and Grand Islands provincial parks together are made up of eight islands on Lake Winnipegosis, which were nominated for protection in 2001 by local First Nations based on cultural and wildlife values. The islands have been under interim protection as park reserves since that time.
As interim protections expire groups are hopeful that islands will become provincial parks
The First Nations and conservation groups involved are not alone in their pursuit, as many Manitobans have sent letters and emails to the province about the islands.
Expanding Protection of Traditional Lands and Waters in the Fisher Bay Region
The land surrounding Fisher Bay is remarkably undisturbed despite its relative short distance from urban, industrial and agricultural development. Every shoreline provides glimpses of the thriving biological diversity found here.
Island sanctuaries should become provincial parks
An alliance of two First Nations and two conservation organizations are hoping Manitobans will weigh-in on a proposal to protect eight islands on Lake Winnipegosis from developments. The provincial government is presently asking Manitobans how they feel about establishing the Grand and Goose Islands complex as provincial parks. March 24th is the deadline for public comments.