"Boreal woodland caribou are a threatened species, and the Owl-Flintstone and Atikaki-Berens caribou populations are particularly vulnerable," said Chomiak. "We’ve worked with the Eastern Manitoba Woodland Caribou Advisory Committee to develop plans to protect these populations and are now seeking input from the public to make sure these plans are as complete as possible."

The public will have 90 days to comment on the proposal. It is unclear when this 90 period starts or ends, but the announcement was made December 21, 2011.

Following the public comment period, additional discussion will be initiated with First Nations and other stakeholders. The final action plans will be released by the summer of 2012.

"As Manitoba has issued new woodland caribou plans the number of herds on the east side has reduced. It maybe time for an independent assessment of our woodland caribou," said Manitoba Wildlands Director Gaile Whelan Enns.

A Canada wide woodland caribou strategy review under the federal Species At Risk Act (SARA) is also underway with public comments due by February 22, 2012.