The protected traditional area first received protection under two Manitoba Acts in 1999, and is based on the lands plan submitted by Poplar River First Nation (PRFN) in 2005. The lands are located about 400 kilometres north east of Winnipeg. PRFN nominated the area, interim protection was first established in 1999, and was extended several times. The is the first time lands have been 'protected' by regulation under Manitoba's East Side Traditional Lands Planning and Special Protected Areas Act.

Poplar River's protected traditional area to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site bid that goes to Canada for review in 2011, to be formally submitted in 2012. Five Ontario and Manitoba First Nations first entered into an accord for the future of their neighbouring lands in 2002. The accord indicates that world heritage site listing would be investigated by the communities.

"The community resource use area, and the new road corridor are not protected lands, including because of dispositions issued for sand and gravel. Unfortunately the new East Side Road Authority road corridor will travel very close to the heart of these otherwise undisturbed boreal lands, and sacred areas. We hope restoration of the former winter road corridor occurs. Lands between the two corridors could also be at risk otherwise," stated Gaile Whelan Enns of Manitoba Wildlands.