Nature Conservancy of Canada seeks public’s help in protecting key shoreline and wetlands near Gimli
Connecting times past to nature now: help conserve Lake Winnipeg’s shoreline and wetlands for future generations
For generations, Manitobans have sought respite and quiet in the natural areas that line the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipeg. Those same ecosystems have cleaned the water for cottagers and residents, and provided habitat for pollinators, birds and young fish. With few large and intact natural areas remaining in the region, conservation is key to securing this legacy.
Now, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has the opportunity to make a direct impact on the current and future health of Lake Winnipeg, through conserving 45 hectares (111 acres) of shoreline and wetlands near Gimli.
NCC is pleased to say that it has already raised 86 per cent of the project costs, but needs to raise a further $60,000 by August 31, 2021, in order to protect two ecologically significant shoreline properties — Breda Bay and Siglavik.
Donor support will substantially advance conservation along this shore by expanding the number of conservation areas from two to four, and by embracing and expanding upon the building momentum to save this great prairie lake.
“It is clear that many people have a deep connection to the area’s beaches, shallow warm waters and shoreline forests, and a long cultural history of connection to the lake,” said Tim Teetaert, NCC’s natural area manager in Manitoba. “By conserving the natural integrity of two more areas near Gimli, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the lake and land as well.”
Lake Winnipeg Coastal Wetlands provide significant breeding and migratory habitat for birds. They also play an important role in maintaining the ecological health of local water systems by filtering and sequestering nutrients that would otherwise contribute to a lack of oxygen for animals in the lake. Wetlands like those around Gimli can also reduce the impact of flooding of coastal habitats.
“These lands represent a tangible and immediate opportunity to help Lake Winnipeg,” said Cary Hamel, director of conservation for NCC’s Manitoba region. “Supporting the conservation of these areas represents an act of optimism and hope that Lake Winnipeg can be saved – that each of us can take action and play a part in helping our lake.”
Quick facts
- NCC is working to protect two properties near Gimli: Breda Bay (5 hectares/11 acres), and Siglavik (41 hectares/(100 acres).
- Sandy and treed beach ridges are a rare forest type in Manitoba, making up only 0.2 per cent of the Interlake region, between Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.
- Ecosystems on these properties support many species at risk, including:
- barn swallow (threatened)
- short-eared owl (special concern)
- northern leopard frog (special concern)
- monarch (endangered)
- American white pelican (provincially uncommon)
- Baltimore oriole (provincially rare)
- bobolink (threatened)
- northern harrier (provincially uncommon)
- tree swallow (provincially rare
About
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres), coast to coast to coast. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
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