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.
We are currently preparing for 'Round 2' of our public and stakeholder engagement process, during which our draft conservation proposal will be presented to local communities, stakeholders, and the general public for comment.
We will then refine the proposal based on feedback received and present it to all 3 partner nations (FRCN, Peguis and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nations) before presenting it to relevant provincial staff and Manitoba’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Parks for consideration.
The following documents summarize what we heard during Round 1:
Thank you to the Knowledge Holders of FRCN and Peguis for sharing with us.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can be invited to future information sessions and events.
Conservation Areas Initiative
Why here, why now?
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.
Engagement Process
We want to hear from you
The first round of engagement with communities, rightsholders, and stakeholders in the region is now complete.
We will soon be starting our second round of public and stakeholder engagement. Subscribe below to be notified when we launch.
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 42 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, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation and Peguis First Nation are working with their neighbours to develop a balanced conservation plan for their traditional territories.
"We want to have this region protected for future generations," Chief David Crate says.
