| Hudson Bay Polar Bear Park Announced | 14 February 14 |
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The Manitoba government is well into its planning steps for a huge new protected area around Hudson Bay. The park would surround Wapusk National Park, cross the Nelson River, and extend to the Ontario border. The potential size of the park is up to two million hectares, though it is unknown what portion of those lands would be protected. Manitoba Hydro installations, a future generation station, and new converter station are within the suggested boundaries. Also the Churchill Rail Line, which is being touted to carry Bakken fields and other new oil sands products to Churchill for shipment by sea, is within the suggested boundary. Several river fjords along the west wall of Hudson Bay above Churchill are candidate areas for protection from Manitoba's designers in Manitoba Conservation. These have also been signed off for protected status by Manitoba's minerals sector. Manitoba Wildlands is providing maps to help understand the potential lands and waters involved. "Public consultation, and meaningful steps with Aboriginal communities are required for decision making and designation of lands and waters. Protection standards in Manitoba are based on 20 years of regulatory language that is quite explicit. Zoning under the Parks Act can also occur, where lands are not protected. Manitoba Conservation will need to provide their scientific analysis, combined with traditional knowledge, as part of planning and consultation," commented Gaile Whelan Enns, director of Manitoba Wildlands.
View Proposed Hudson Bay Polar Bear Park maps |
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