The Washow Peninsula into Lake Winnipeg is the location of the two peat mine leases and licences. Cottage communities, and a provincial park are nearby. Numerous appeals of the 2011 SunGro and Berger peat mine licences came from First Nations, cottage associations, and environmental organizations.

Despite 'stringent new standards' for the licences, and new requirements for both SunGro and Berger to set up before any development activity, road building by Berger Peat Moss started immediately.

Peguis First Nation Councillor Mike Sutherland, who participated in all stages of the community consultation last summer, commented: "We told the government this peninsula is our pharmacy, and a primary source of medicinal plants. We told them drying out this peninsula, which filters wetlands for Lake Winnipeg, is a high risk activity. We told them they did not include our subsistence economy and hunting in their decisions.".

Mike Sutherland, Councillor for Peguis First Nation voiced his concerns: "We don't think cabinet knows what is going on. Even the minister did not expect the road building to start right away. This road is not required now, and the intent of the environment licence is being lost. We are right, draining this peninsula for peat mines is wrong."