The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce that an additional 277 acres (112 hectares) of land near Riding Mountain National Park have been protected through the signing of a conservation agreement.
Habitat and species
The species and habitats of northern, western and eastern Canada meet in the Riding Mountain Aspen Parkland.
The lands are located eight kilometres northwest of the national park and contain important habitat for moose, bear, fox, wolf, elk and many species of waterfowl. The area contains habitat that is vital to the survival of a long list of wildlife, including several species at risk such as golden-winged warbler and red-headed woodpecker.
Partners in conservation
A number of partners have made the conservation and long-term care of this property possible. Funding for the project was provided by the Government of Canada under the Natural Areas Conservation Program, by the Government of Manitoba through its Manitoba Region Conservation Program Grant, and by the Lake of the Prairies Conservation District.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada worked with landowner Mr. Bill Nevistiuk to place a conservation agreement on his property to permanently protect the natural features of his land. Under conservation agreements, landowners continue to hold title to their lands but voluntarily agree to limit the amount and type of development that can take place upon them. Conservation agreements are filed on the title to the land, and apply to all future owners. They are a tool for landowners to ensure that the lands they love will always remain in a natural state.
Quotes
“In Manitoba, NCC is working hard to protect some of the last natural cover in the area around Riding Mountain National Park,” said the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Manitoba Regional Vice President Ursula Goeres. “By protecting irreplaceable habitat and the plants and animals that it supports, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy its natural beauty.”
""Today’s announcement is another example of how we can, through partnership, achieve a shared goal, to conserve and protect our natural spaces and wildlife and leave a lasting legacy to future generations,” said Canada’s Environment Minister Peter Kent.
”We are pleased to partner with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Government of Canada in preserving this unique environment,” said Manitoba Minister of Conservation Bill Blaikie. “Future generations will be able to appreciate the beautiful landscape and varied wildlife in this region, thanks to the good work that is being done today.”
“The Lake of the Prairies Conservation District would like to thank NCC for their hard work on the Nevistiuk project and the District looks forward to working with NCC in the future,” said Wayne Buick, Chairman of the Lake of the Prairies Conservation District.
Facts
Large mammals such as elk, wolves and moose regularly move through lands surrounding Riding Mountain National Park.These protected lands will give them more room to survive and thrive.
The Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve is one of only 15 United Nations Biosphere Reserves in Canada.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada has now conserved more than 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) in Manitoba for future generations.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program is a $225 million investment to assist non-profit non-government organizations to secure ecologically sensitive lands to ensure the conservation of our diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and habitat. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been entrusted to lead the program and has committed to raising matching funds for each federal dollar received.
The Government of Manitoba provided funding as part of its $7-million Conservation Program Grant that provides NCC’s Manitoba Region with support for the protection of ecologically significant areas in the province.
Lake of the Prairies Conservation District which provided a contribution of $2,500 towards the project will advance its work to promote responsible surface water management and to reduce soil erosion and flooding by protecting wetland habitat.
Learn more
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading land conservation organization, working to protect our valuable natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) coast to coast. By investing in conservation we are ensuring that our natural world remains a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Through strong partnerships NCC works to safeguard our natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them. To join NCC’s force for nature visit: www.natureconservancy.ca.
Learn More
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