Protecting Our Lands and Waters
The Initiative
Just a couple hours north of Winnipeg lies the beautiful southeastern Interlake region—abundant with a huge variety of plants, animals, birds, and fish.
The lands and waters that make up this area are a wonderfully wild place—a boreal region of forests, wetlands, and sandy shorelines lining inlets and islands.
We need a long-term plan to balance industrial extraction interests with conservation so the forests are full of moose to hunt, the rivers are clean and teeming with fish, and Lake Winnipeg’s shoreline is once again a place to build sandcastles and teach our children to swim.
The Conservation Areas Initiative aims to develop a conservation plan for our region which will support watershed management goals, as defined by the plans of local Watershed Districts, and spur sustainable economic development.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be invited to future next information sessions and events.
View Info Session from October 7 2021
View Info Session from October 13 2021
Initiative Overview
Get Involved
The southeastern Interlake is a wonderfully wild place of forests, wetlands, and sandy shorelines. See why we're working to protect it in this overview video.
FRCN Conservation Areas Initiative
Engagement Process People
The first round of engagement with communities, rightsholders, and stakeholders in the region is complete. Thank you to all the groups that met with us and individuals who attended community meetings and open houses. Thank you to the Knowledge Holders of Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN) and Peguis First Nation for sharing with us.
We are now analyzing what we heard along with western science and Indigenous Knowledge to help us develop a draft conservation proposal tailored to the specific needs of our region. Once the draft is complete, we will share it with regional people and groups to get feedback for the purpose of refining and finalizing the proposal.
Manitoba's Southeastern Interlake
Conservation Value
The region’s forests and wetlands are key to restoring the health of Lake Winnipeg because they act as natural filters against damaging nutrients.
They help to prevent floods and also serve as a massive carbon sink. The lands and waters provide habitat for 53 species of conservation concern, of which 15 are endangered or threatened.
Manitoba's Southeastern Interlake
The People
For centuries, Indigenous people made their homes and livelihoods in the area. They were joined by settlers whose families have lived in the region for generations and newer residents who were attracted by the quiet forests and fish-filled waterways.
Thousands of Manitobans now visit the region as cottagers, campers, and day-trippers.
Reconciliation and Partnerships
Value of Indigenous Conservation
Fisher River Cree Nation is working with its neighbours to develop a balanced conservation plan for its traditional territories.
"We want to have this region protected for future generations," Chief David Crate says.
