Survey deadline extended – April 30
Are you passionate about preserving our environment for future generations? Now’s your chance to make a real impact! The Conservation Areas Initiative, led by Fisher River Cree Nation, Peguis First Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, seeks to develop a plan that balances conservation and development in the Fisher Bay region, through engagement with local communities, rightsholders and stakeholders.
Your feedback can help us develop a regionally tailored conservation proposal for the long term. We want to see existing ways of life maintained and opportunities created for sustainable economic development, while ensuring that enough natural areas are preserved for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the land itself.
Curious about what this initiative is all about and how your feedback will make a difference? Keep reading to learn more about the Conservation Areas Initiative, its goals, and how your participation can help us create a more sustainable future.
Our Guiding Priorities
Our approach is grounded in five key priorities:
- Healthy Water Systems – Protecting water sources and the ecosystems that sustain them, while honoring their vital role in Indigenous and local communities.
- Nature First – Focusing on preserving intact natural areas and critical habitats, rather than relying on costly restoration.
- Respect for Culture – Centering land-based traditions and values that are essential to regional ways of life.
Sustainable Growth – Encouraging responsible development that supports long-term well-being without compromising the environment. - Climate Action – Conserving high-carbon landscapes to help reduce climate impacts and support global carbon storage efforts.
Engagement Process
- During the first round, we interviewed 20 elders from Peguis and FRCN, conducted an online survey, and held 35 meetings with 28 different stakeholders to better understand community priorities in the region
- You can see our first What We Heard Report, Knowledge Holder Interview Summary and our Community Voices piece on the project website
- We are now in the second round of engagement and are requesting YOUR feedback on the Draft Proposal, to help us arrive at a plan that will benefit all people and wildlife in the region.
- Please note:
- The areas presented in the Draft Proposal have been created for discussions purposes, and we expect them to change in response to feedback received.
- Your feedback will help us to arrive at a final proposal that best reflects the perspectives of regional rightsholders, stakeholders, and interested members of the public.
- Following Round 2: Feedback received through the survey, community and stakeholder feedback will be summarized and presented to the project partners to inform a final proposal that will be submitted to the Manitoba government. The provincial government will conduct public and stakeholder engagement for any new or modified conservation areas in the region that it chooses to pursue with us.
Read the Frequently Asked Questions!
We’ve addressed the questions we’ve heard the most. Please read them through, and reach out to us at any time for further clarification at [email protected].
What are the areas being suggested for protection?
There are six regions for comment within the survey based on the information presented in the draft proposal, with additional question and comment sections to help achieve a regionally tailored conservation proposal. All maps and information are provided for discussion and information purposes only and will be subject to change based on feedback received. In some cases, a more detailed understanding of the areas of interest to industries and groups operating in the region will be essential.
This initiative focuses on finding a balance between conservation and resource extraction. It includes the North Basin to Mantagao Lake, connecting parks and wildlife areas with hunting and trapping zones. The Fisher Bay West Section seeks to protect shorelines and fishing access, while the Washow Bay Peninsula aims to expand existing wildlife habitats. The Sandy Bar/Icelandic River area is important for fishing and birdwatching, adding protections would ensure that this area remains natural. The Fish Road Area connects many communities in the region and is vital for medicine picking, with road upgrades planned we need to ensure the safety of wildlife movement in the area. Finally, the protection of several Wildlife Management Areas and rare alvar regions in the southern area from new industrial development would maintain natural habitats and culturally important lands.
Why Fill Out the Survey?
“The southeastern Interlake has always been a place of abundance. By working together — Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, local communities, governments, and conservation groups — we can ensure it stays that way. We invite everyone to be part of this conversation, to share their voices, and to help shape a future where both conservation and economic opportunity thrive,” said Chief David Crate in a Winnipeg Free press op-ed.
We need your help to ensure the conservation proposal is geared to the region’s needs and interests.
From soaring birds, to numerous plants, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptile species, the lands and waters in this region provide critical habitat for 42 species of conservation concern. These species and many others thrive on the natural beauty of the boreal forest, wetlands and sandy shorelines of the Interlake. Be a voice for those without one!
Manitobans have utilized this region for generations. From traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, medicine gathering, to camping, cottaging, enjoying beautiful beaches, and daily operations of businesses, communities, and visitors, we all have an important role to play in ensuring these regions conserve enough natural spaces to maintain regional lifestyles and tourism opportunities. We are responsible for the generations to come.
Summary
Thank you for your interest! We look forward to meaningful discussions as we work together to shape the future of conservation in the Fisher Bay region.
Share your thoughts online until April 30 by responding to our online survey at the link below. By filling out the survey, you will be entered to win a $150 Co-op gift card.