"We are extremely happy that the Manitoba government has recognized mining doesn't belong in a provincial park" said Eric Reder, Manitoba Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee.

"We believe that all provincial parks should be protected from the threat of industrial development, including logging and mining."

Wilderness Committee also expressed concern that two other peat mines have been given the go ahead by the provincial government.

The Wilderness Committee has argued that the peat industry does not drive much economic development, and yet it is responsible for carbon emissions, damage to water quality, destruction of habitat, and disruption of communities. In particular, this decision to allow these two mines contravenes the wishes of a local First Nations community.

"Mitigation and off-sets are not the solution. We don't need peat as a product, we need peat as a natural storehouse of carbon. Clearly, it's time for the provincial government to do the right thing—end peat mining in the province of Manitoba," Reder said.