Protected Areas Announcements
In Manitoba protected areas are protected by regulation from: logging, mining, hydroelectric, oil and gas development as well as other activities that could significantly and adversely affect natural habitat. A protected area may be designated under any of several laws in Manitoba. Mineral rights are withdrawn from all protected areas. Designation of a protected area does not affect the ability to exercise Treaty and Aboriginal rights. This definition is confirmed in various public policy reports, statutes, and in national reports for which the Manitoba government provides content. Download the Manitoba Wildlands Protected Areas - Manitoba Chronology 1990-2010  (PDF) Updated March 2010 |
World Heritage Site Inches Forward:
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One of the world's last remaining areas of intact southern boreal forest is a step closer to becoming a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
Regulations required to establish Bloodvein First Nation Pimitotah Lands Management Plan and planning area were established December 10, 2011 and amended December 24, 2011.
Almost 12 years after interim protection was first announced the Fisher Bay Park received permanent protection July 4th, 2011.
Manitoba announced permanent establishment of the 4,810 hectare Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park June 24, 2011.
Manitoba moved about 800,000 hectares of boreal forest and wetlands on the east side of Lake Winnipeg to permanent protection June 16, 2011.
Kaskatamagan WMA (Wildlife Management Area) and Kaskatamagan Sipi WMA are the newest protected areas added to Manitoba's network of protected areas. Designated by Minister of Conservation, Bill Blaikie October 9, 2009, protection of 259,530 ha and 133,820 ha of land (respectively) was completed January 21, 2010.
Observation Point is one of three new Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) announced by the Minister of Conservation Bill Blaikie, March 31, 2009. Observation Point WMA includes 6,530 ha of boreal forest, precambrian bedrock and wetlands in Manitoba's Lac Seul Uplands.
Whitemouth Bog WMA and Whitemouth Bog Ecological Reserve were added to Manitoba's Protected Areas Network March 31, 2009.
The governments of Ontario and Manitoba announced establishment of an interprovincial wilderness area on July 30, 2008.
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced Little Limestone Lake Park Reserve designation has been renewed for a five-year period. Little Limestone Lake Park Reserve was created on July 19, 2007 and renewed January 19, 2008. This was Manitoba's first new Park Reserve established in over four years - since creation of Criddle Vane Homestead Park Reserve March 2003.
Although announced as expansion of Manitoba's parks, protected land has both been both lost and added by September 2007 Manitoba Conservation decisions.
East Paint Lake Park Reserve was originally part of Paint Lake Provincial Park (established1971). In 1997 it was established under the new Provincial Parks Act as a separate designation with protected status in order to provide the public and industry an opportunity to review possible uses. An extensive mineral potential study determined the area contains the same types of rocks found in the Thompson Nickel Belt. This influenced the decision to remove protected status for the East Paint Lake lands. 
The Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) June 14, 2007 that commits the parties to protect important waterways and natural areas within the City of Winnipeg, through the provincial Protected Areas Initiative.Protection of Delta Marsh, New WMAs Announced |
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Delta Marsh Wildlife Management Area  Larger Version |
Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced the addition of two new Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to Manitoba's Network of Protected Areas, as well as the expansion of a third WMA June 21, 2006. Delta Marsh is a 10,939ha freshwater coastal wetland located at the south end of Lake Manitoba. It has already been recognized as an intergovernmental Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site of international significance, a Canadian important bird area and a Manitoba heritage marsh. |
| As a provincial WMA, part of Delta Marsh will now be protected from development and become part of Manitoba's Network of Protected Areas - logging, mining, hydroelectric, oil and gas development as well as other activities that could significantly and adversely affect habitat will now be prohibited within the 7,841 protected portion. Delta Marsh was formed between 2,500 and 4,500 years ago when the Assiniboine River flowed into Lake Manitoba. It is composed of a network of interconnected shallow bays separated from Lake Manitoba by a wooded barrier beach. Large numbers of colonial nesting birds can be seen around the marsh including Franklin's gulls, Forster's terns, western grebes, eared grebes, black-crowned night herons and pied-billed grebes as well as a great variety of waterfowl, warblers, white-tailed deer and furbearers. Delta Marsh is also a critical site for migrating songbirds. In addition to Delta Marsh, Minister Struthers announced the designation of the 130-hectare Hilltop Wildlife Management Area near Erickson, and the addition of a 256-hectare parcel of land to the Onanole Wildlife Management Area south of Riding Mountain National Park in the RM of Park South. As of July 17, 2006 regulations confirming protected status for these sites are not posted publicly. View the June 21, 2006 Government of Manitoba press release View the Protected Areas Initiative web page for Delta Marsh Wildlife Management Area Sources: Government of Manitoba |
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New Canadian Heritage River - Hayes River The Hayes River in Manitoba is now a member of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS). The announcement was made June 11, 2006 by Ministerial representatives from both the federal and provincial levels. A CHRS plaque commemorating the Hayes River's addition to the CHRS was part of a ceremony to mark Canadian Rivers Day.At the ceremony, Manitoba Conservation Minister Stan Struthers also released the management plan for the Hayes River. The plan, required to achieve Canadian Heritage River status, presents an integrated resource management program that will deal with water quality, public awareness, natural and cultural heritage, and recreational use. The goal of the Hayes River Management Plan is to "complement and apply existing processes for cooperation and integrated resource management that will recognize, promote and sustain the natural heritage, cultural heritage and recreational values for which the Hayes River was nominated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System." Although the designation of the Hayes is an important and welcomed step, it does not protect the waterway or its associated riparian areas from industrial development such as in the case of a national park or provincial protected area. There are no regulations under federal or provincial legislation to formally designate and protect Canadian Heritage Rivers. Areas of Interest for future protected areas along the Hayes River are not included in the decisions, and continue to be stalled in the province's Action Plan for a Network of Protected Areas. Combining the Heritage River decision with new protected areas would dramatically increase future tourism potential, and security of habitat for boreal species. The Hayes is the longest naturally flowing river in Manitoba. The CHRS designation is for the entire 600 kilometre fur-trading route used by the Hudson Bay Company between Norway House National Historic Site of Canada near the top of Lake Winnipeg and York Factory National Historic Site on Hudson Bay. It encompasses a portion of the east channel of the Nelson River, the Echimamish and Hayes Rivers. It cuts through a pristine landscape of granite outcrops and boreal forest in the south, traversing the Precambrian Shield, before it makes its way through ancient marine sediments and taiga forest in the north to reach Hudson Bay. The Hayes River traverses the traditional territory of four First Nations - Norway House Cree Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Shamattawa First Nation and York Factory Cree Nation. For these First Nations the historic Hayes River fur trade route is part of their history, as well as a current route along which people continue to practice traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping. View the Manitoba Wildlands Map of the Hayes River View the June 11, 2006 Manitoba and Canada Government press release View the Manitoba Government web site on Hayes River Download the Management Plan for the Hayes River in Manitoba (PDF)View the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre web page on the Hayes River View the Canadian Heritage Rivers System web page on the Hayes River Sources: Government of Manitoba, Government of Canada
Birch Island Park Announced March 2011According to the Manitoba government press release: "This newly protected area was highlighted in the 2010 throne speech and is Manitoba's 84th provincial park." Birch Island has been protected since 2000, with regulations under the Manitoba Parks Act, and Mining Act. Manitoba has 84 provincial parks if the tally includes all the road side sites, and recreational sites. The tally for protected parks, where all or part of the park is protected comes to 22. "The designation will legally protect the park area from commercial logging, mining, hydroelectric development, oil and gas development, and any other activity that may significantly or adversely affect habitat," according to the news release. This confirmation of protection standards for Manitoba's protected areas system is clearly stated. View March 3, 2011 Government of Manitoba news releaseView December 14, 2010 Manitoba Wildlands news item Birch Island Now Permanent Park
Manitoba Conservation has made Birch Island a permanent protected area under the Parks Act.Birch Island Park Reserve, located in natural region 5a & b in Lake Winnipegosis was protected in 2000 based on a First Nation community nomination. The interim regulation to protect the island, surrounding waters, plus several small islands, reefs, and shoals for nesting birds, was among the first set of protected areas announcements made by Manitoba's NDP government. In September 2010 Conservation Minister Blaikie said, "We want to protect the Birch Island area for future generations to enjoy as great example of Manitoba's varied landscapes." Public comments were requested and regulations signed in November 2010. The Birch Island park reserve connects to Chitek Lake Park Reserve, which was also First Nation nominated, though only one third of the lands nominated and approved for protection by Manitoba's mining sector, was protected. Download October 28, 2010 Park Reserves Designation Regulation, amendment (PDF)Download October 28, 2010 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation, amendment (PDF)Download Manitoba Conservation online notice of the 2009 consultation regarding Birch Island (PDF)View Manitoba Wildlands coverage of Birch Island protection renewal in 2005 Source: Manitoba Government
Fisher Bay & Birch Island Park Reserves Renewed Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced November 1, 2005 that Fisher Bay and Birch Island - two northern Interlake park reserves - will continue to be protected for another five years.Fisher Bay Park Reserve is 89,000-hectares, located near three First Nations communities on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg. Over 20,000 hectares of shoreline and wooded islands on Fisher Bay at the mouth of the Fisher River are included in protected lands within this park reserve. Birch Island Park Reserve is a 79,000 hectare area located about 150 kilometres north of Dauphin. The protected park reserve includes Birch Island and several smaller islands in Lake Winnipegosis. The Fisher Bay and Birch Island Park Reserves together constitute about 168,000 hectares and were initially established in May 2000. Both were nominated by First Nation Communities. Currently, 13 park reserves - areas nominated by First Nations and designated under the Parks Act - are protected from development (logging, mining and hydroelectric development). View the November 1, 2005 Manitoba Government press release Download the November 1, 2005 Parks Act Regulation (161/2005) (PDF)View Manitoba Wildlands map of Fisher Bay & Birch Island Park Reserves Source: Government of Manitoba
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Porcupine Forest Reserves Announced |
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| Armit Meadows Ecological Reserve covers 263 hectares within the Porcupine Provincial Forest, located in the northern portion of Manitoba's Western Upland Natural Region near the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. The landscape is dominated by Spruce forest, however it also includes several small meadows that support grassland or wetland communities. Some of the grassland meadows (totaling approximately seven hectares in size) are endangered fescue prairie and are the most northerly-known examples in Manitoba. Only 5% of the original fescue prairie ecosystem remains on the Canadian prairies today. |
Armit Meadows & Birch River Ecological Reserves Map Larger Version |
Birch River Ecological Reserve is a 183-hectare site found located two kilometres north of the community of Birch River, and also within Porcupine Provincial Forest. Originally, the area being considered for protected status (the Area of Special Interest or ASI) was almost double the size of the final ecological reserve. The Birch River ER reflects a complex geological and glacial history through rugged topography, which also allows it to support several diverse plant communities. It includes parts of three beach lines formed by former Glacial Lake Agassiz. Inter-beach depressions are host to wetland communities, including bog lakes, intermittent lakes, sedge meadows, willow flats, floating bogs, treed muskeg, sparse mixed wood forest and open tamarack/black spruce forest. The area is home to 17 orchid species, which represent over 40% of Manitoba's orchid flora. Several other plants that are considered rare in Manitoba are also found here. View the September 21, 2005 Government of Manitoba press release Visit the Protected Areas Initiative web page for Birch River Ecological Reserve Visit the Protected Areas Initiative web page for Armit Meadows Ecological Reserve Download the September 26, 2005 Ecological Reserves Act Regulation (138/2005) (PDF)Source: Government of Manitoba |
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Second Tall Grass Prairie Agreement Tall grass prairie sites owned by the Manitoba Naturalists Society (MNS) within Manitoba's Tall Grass Prairie Preserve have been formally recognized by the Government of Manitoba during summer 2005.Through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Manitoba, 355 hectares of MNS-owned land has been added to Manitoba's network of protected areas. The Agreement, ensures that MNS lands meet Manitoba's definition of a protected area (prohibition of logging, mining, hydroelectric, oil and gas development, as well as other activities that could significantly and adversely affect natural habitat). The MNS lands are referenced as 'Protected Private Lands'. The lands are located within the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, south of Winnipeg near PTH 59 in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn. Extensive Nature Conservancy lands in the Preserve were subject to a similar MOU in 2004. The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation also holds title to sites in the Preserve; mostly lands purchased by World Wildlife Funds Canada. Crown mineral rights to most of the Preserve were withdrawn in 1997. These tall grass prairie lands have been included in the annual Manitoba Protected Areas Grade since that time. Nature Conservancy (NC) lands acquired since then had their crown mineral rights withdrawn in 2004. Further NC lands are awaiting crown mineral rights withdrawal so they can be 'private protected areas'. These conservation organizations have been jointly assembling the Preserve for 20 years. The tall grass prairie was a vast fertile grassland that once dominated the Southern Manitoba landscape, but has since been reduced to less than 1% of its original expanse and is the most rare ecosystem in Canada. The diverse prairie boasts more than 300 plant species and a variety of animals including butterflies, frogs, songbirds, deer, elk, moose, bears and some wolves. It is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species. Download the MOU between the Manitoba Naturalists Society and the Manitoba Government, August 13, 2005 (PDF)View the August 11, 2005 Government of Manitoba press release View the Manitoba Conservation page about Manitoba Naturalists Society Lands View Manitoba Wildlands' map showing land ownership and withdrawal of crown mining rights in the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve |
New Brokenhead Wetland Ecological ReserveThis type of wetland is rare in North America and contains a marshy area of land called a calcareous fen and a rare white cedar forest community. The calcareous fen is similar to a bog but is less acidic and features a fluctuating water table. Groundwater and surface water movement is a common characteristic of fens and can be seen in the channels and pools in the Brokenhead wetland. The Brokenhead wetland also features 23 species of provincially rare and uncommon plants and is home to 28 of Manitoba's 36 native orchid species, including the rare ram's head lady's-slipper (Cypripedium arietinum), and eight species of carnivorous plants. | |
| The Brokenhead Wetland was designated after considerable support from the Mining Sector, Brokenhead First Nation, environmental organizations and Native Orchid Conservation Inc. Most of the lands within the current boundaries for the Brokenhead Wetland are approved lands for protected status by the Mining Sector. The final designation however, includes only about one third of the lands supported by the Mining Sector (please refer to Manitoba Wildlands' map showing the ER and Mining Ranked lands right). |
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| View the June 24, 2005 Government of Manitoba News Release View Protected Areas Initiative information on the Brokenhead Wetland View the Manitoba Wildlands June 28, 2005 news item | |
Manigotagan Corridor Protected The majority of park lands (roughly 99%) are backcountry land use, however a portion of the park was designated as recreational development to allow for existing mining claims, and is therefore not strictly protected. Manigotagan Park Reserve was first established in 1997. It has been the subject of intense public education and campaigning by the Manitoba's Western Canada Wilderness Committee to expand the initial 250 metre corridor designated on either side of the river. In response, the Manitoba government expanded and protected the corridor to 750 metres on either side. Situated near the mouth of the Manigotagan River about 115 kilometres north of Pine Falls, the park is adjacent to the northwest tip of the Nopiming Provincial Park in the Precambrian Boreal Forest of Natural Region 4c. The 7,432 hectare protected area is home to a 750-metre corridor on either side of the river and is home to majestic wildlife including moose, black bears, wolf, caribou and eagles. It is also home to spectacular plant life including prickly pear cactus, Canada yew (the only yew found in Manitoba), elderberry and green ash. The park will be managed in a manner that recognizes and respects treaty rights and the goals and values of the regional communities. Both the Town of Manigotagan and Hollow Water First Nation gave their consent for protection of Manigotagan River corridor. View the December 3, 2004 Government of Manitoba press release Download the December 1, 2004 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation for Manigotagan Park (215/2004) (PDF)The final step to protect Manigotogan River Park was taken in October, 2005 when crown mineral rights were cancelled in the park, making the park fully protected from development. |
Shay Ecological Reserve Announced Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced the addition of a new Ecological Reserve, the extension of interim protection for a park reserve, and an addition to an existing provincial park, as part of the provincial Protected Areas Initiative (PAI) November 29, 2004 The announcement will result in the addition of 22 hectares of protected lands to Manitoba's network of protected areas and continues interim protection for 100,300 hectares of land.The 7 hectare Jennifer and Tom Shay Ecological Reserve is Manitoba's eighteenth ecological reserve and features a rare river-bottom forest along the eastern bank of the Red River. Protection of this site, which was flooded in the 1997 Flood of the Century, also honours the lifelong contributions of the Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Tom Shay in protecting Manitoba's ecological systems and heritage. The minister also announced the extension of the 100,300 hectare Chitek Lake Park Reserve to 2009. The extension was requested by the Skownan First Nation to allow for more time for community review of the proposal to establish a permanent park in the area. The Chitek Lake park reserve overlaps with the 2004 proposed boundaries for the Lowlands national park. Finally, Minister Struthers announced the signing of a lease-exchange agreement to add land owned by Marcel Taillieu to Beaudry Provincial Park. The Taillieu property covers 15 hectares of river-bottom forest along the north bank of the Assiniboine River bordering Beaudry Provincial Park. The Taillieau property supports a variety of terrace, floodplain and channel-shelf forests. These forests are dominated by bur oak, green ash, Manitoba maple and the spectacular large basswoods and cottonwoods. View the November 29, 2004 Government of Manitoba press release View the Manitoba government Protected Areas Initiative map Download the Ecological Reserves Act regulation (211/2004) of November 30, 2004 (PDF)Download the Provincial Parks Act regulation (182/2004) of September 30, 2004 extending interim protection for Chitek Lake Park Reserve (PDF)Download Dr. Tom Shay's speaking notes (DOC)Download Minister Struthers' speaking notes (DOC) |
Chitek Lake Protection Extended Chitek Lake Park Reserve continues to be protected from development for an additional five years. The Park Reserve regulation was amended by the Government of Manitoba on September 30, 2004 to extend interim protection for these lands within the traditional territory of Skownan First Nation until September 30, 2009. The announcement was made in a November 29, 2004 Government of Manitoba press release and allows more time for community review of the proposal to establish a permanent park in the area.Chitek Lake Park Reserve came from a protected lands nomination by Skownan First Nation; the Park Reserve was established in March of 1999, through the provisions of Manitoba's First Nations Protected Areas MOU. The lands nominated were more than twice the size of the current park reserve. Manitoba's mining sector supports the protection of the full land quantum nominated for protection by the community. The 100,300 hectare Chitek Lake Park Reserve is located in the central Interlake region along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipegosis, about 350 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. The area is unique, containing a complex intermingling of glacial till and organic deposits with many different soil types. Chitek Lake forms the primary range of Manitoba's only free-ranging wood bison herd, and is the only location in Manitoba where wood bison, moose, elk, woodland caribou and white-tailed deer share the same area. No roads transect the park reserve, which is surrounded by mixed wood and boreal plains forest. Currently one bi pole-width hydro corridor transects the park reserve, with risk of future hydro corridors crossing the park reserve. |
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In spring 2004 Manitoba and Canada entered into an undertaking to have an agreement for establishment of the Lowlands National Park by summer 2005. Significant Skownan First Nation traditional territory and lands the community nominated for protected status are within the geographic scope for the future national park. The Chitek Lake park reserve is south of the Long Point component for the proposed lowlands national park. |
Poplar River Protected Area Extended Manitoba's Premier announced additions to Manitoba's network of protected areas - the 11,310 ha Bell and Steeprock Canyons Protected Area, and the 15 ha Little George Island Ecological Reserve June 14, 2004. He also announced extension of interim protection for the 780,000 ha Poplar/Nanowin Rivers Park Reserve. Rivers Provincial Park now includes 50 ha of mixed grass prairie, 4,100 ha of tall grass prairie lands owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and protected through a joint agreement were also announced. All of these sites have also had crown (provincial) mineral rights withdrawn.The Bell and Steeprock Canyons Protected Area is located within the Porcupine Provincial Forest, approximately 75 km north of Swan River, the protected area captures a cross section of the Manitoba Escarpment complex and some spectacular river canyons carved as a result of glacial melt water. Mature spruce and pine trees dominate portions of the protected area, while aspen predominate the steep sandy slopes along the escarpment. Wetland complexes dot the escarpment creating suitable habitat for breeding, molting and staging areas for numerous migratory birds. The Bell and Steeprock Canyons are home to large ungulates such as moose, elk, and white-tailed deer. The area is also home to a large population of black bears. Little George Island Ecological Reserve lies in the north basin of Lake Winnipeg, about 40 km due west of Poplar River First Nation. The island is generally flat with few trees, although extensive areas of willow shrubs and grassland meadows occur. Little George Island is special because it is a prime nesting site for colonial nesting birds, including Caspian and Common Terns and Greater Scaup, a diving duck. Thousands of nests occur on the island each year during breeding season, which begins in June and extends into August. Visitation to the island is discouraged during this sensitive period. The extension of interim protection for the Poplar/Nanwin Rivers Park Reserve until September 30, 2009 was also part of this announcement. First designated and protected as a park reserve in 1999, the park reserve is part of the traditional territory of Poplar River First Nation, and was nominated by the community to be protected from industrial development. The additional period of interim protection was required to complete management planning for the area. Visit the Poplar River First Nation web site 
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) owns over 4,000 hectares of endangered tall grass prairie of southeastern Manitoba. Prior to European settlement, the tall grass prairie ecosystem covered much of the Red River Valley in south-central Manitoba. Since then, most of this land has been largely transformed for agricultural purposes and urban development. The tall grass prairie is now the rarest and most endangered ecosystems in North America. Through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Manitoba and the NCC, 4,118 hectares in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn now contribute to Manitoba's network of protected areas. This agreement provides a legal mechanism to ensure that NCC lands meet the provincial government's definition of a protected area in which logging, mining, hydroelectric, oil and gas development, as well as other activities that could significantly and adversely affect natural habitat, are prohibited. The joining of these NCC owned lands to Manitoba's network of protected areas marks the first time privately owned land has been included in the network. The Premier's announcement was touted as signifying renewed commitment to Manitoba's Protected Areas Initiative (PAI). Premier Doer referred to upcoming establishment of protected areas, including the joint Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of the Lowlands national park by late spring 2005. Currently only one third of Manitoba's network of protected areas is in place across the province's natural regions. View the Manitoba Government press release Download the June 14, 2004 Poplar Nanowin Rivers Park Reserve Regulation (115/2004) (PDF)Download the June 14, 2004 Rivers Provincial Park Regulation Amendment (115/2004) (PDF)Download the May 16, 2004 Bell and Steeprock Canyons Forest Act Regulation (75/2004) (PDF)Download the May 18, 2004 Ecological Reserves Act Regulation Amendment for Little George Island Ecological Reserve (76/2004) (PDF)Visit the Protected Areas Initiative web site View the Manitoba Wildlands Protected Area Audit 1999 - 2004 View the Manitoba Wildlands June 18, 2004 News item Download the June 11, 2004 Nature Conservancy of Canada MOA (PDF) |
Criddle / Vane Homestead To Be Protected
The park is composed of a 130 hectare area that preserves and protects the heritage value of the former homestead of the Criddle/Vane family. The park also protects representative features of the Assiniboine Delta Natural Region including mixed-grass prairie while accommodating nature-oriented recreational and educational opportunities and experiences that are respectful of the natural setting and historic environment.The Criddle and Vane families are Manitoba pioneers well-known for their contributions in the fields of science, art, sports, and culture, as well as for their somewhat eccentric lifestyle. They settled in Manitoba in 1882, and the last family members left the homestead in 1960. Their homestead (NE 32-8-16W and SE 5-9-16W) was acquired by the Province of Manitoba in the 1970's. The site includes the Criddle home, the remaining structure of the first entomological field station in western Canada, a cemetery, old foundations, and the remains of original landscape features such as the family tennis courts and a golf course. The site is significant to the entomological research community for long-term scientific study. Norman Criddle collected specimens from the region which can now be found in many major insect collections throughout the world. View the Government of Manitoba March 12, 2004 press release Download the February 24, 2004 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation for Criddle / Vane Homestead Provincial Park (33/2004) (PDF)South Atikaki and Amisk Announcements The Manitoba Government announced the extension of interim protection for two park reserves, and permanent protection for a third park reserve in an April 29, 2003 announcement held on the Legislature grounds. Conservation Minister, Steve Ashton announced that the province has created the Criddle / Vane Homestead Park Reserve. The site is the former homestead of the Criddle and Vane families; Manitoba pioneers well known for their contributions in the fields of science, art, sports and culture. The site is also significant to insect researchers for long-term scientific study. The park reserve is located in southwestern Manitoba about 40 kilometres southeast of Brandon. Extension of interim protection for Amisk Park Reserve, a 198,000-hectare protected area originally designated as a park in 1995, and re-designated as a park reserve in 1997 at the request of Nisichawayasikh Cree Nation, in whose traditional territory the park reserve lies, was also part of the announcement. Amisk is located in the high boreal, north and west of Lake Winnipeg. It was supported for protected status each time the park reserve decision was renewed. Permanent designation for South Atikaki Park was also part of the provincial announcement. Located south of Wallace Lake in eastern Manitoba, South Atikaki Provincial Park offers numerous eco-tourism attractions including canoeing, hiking and camping in pristine wilderness. The 14,000 hectare park is an addition to Atikaki Wilderness Park. South Atikaki is also important because it includes habitat for Manitoba's threatened Woodland caribou. As of February 2005, the park is protected from logging, but regulation has not been put in place to protect lands from mining supported by the mining sector for protected status. Our readers should note that the Manitoba government press release mistakenly refers to South Atikaki Park as a protected area. View the Government of Manitoba April 29, 2003 press release Download the February 18, 2003 Park Reserves Designation Regulation for extension of protection for Criddle / Vane Homestead Park Reserve (40/2003) (PDF)Download the April 15, 2003 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation for South Atikaki Provincial Park (75/2003) (PDF)Download the May 2, 2003 Park Reserves Designation Regulation for extension of protection for Amisk Park Reserve (87/2003) (PDF) |
Caribou River and Trappist Monastery Protected Premier Gary Doer announced regulatory steps regarding Parks in Manitoba at a September 26, 2002 ceremony held at the Trappist Monastery in St. Norbert, a community within southern greater Winnipeg. The Trappist Monastery, now permanently designated as a heritage park, has been a community and cultural gathering place for many years. Permanent protection of Caribou River Park, as of May 2002, was announced. Arrived at with the consent of the Sayisi Dene community of Tadoule Lake, the permanent protected status for Caribou River Park was included in the 2002 Canadian Nature Federation protected areas grade for Manitoba. (See earlier News items.) The lands in this former park reserve have been protected by regulation, since 1995. The Premier also indicated the Manigotogan park reserve designation would be extended, so as to complete consultations and work towards tripling the river corridor. Premier Doer told those attending that "we are committed to protecting this spectacular river." The Manigotogan park reserve is currently not protected land, is classified to allow development. The East Paint Lake park reserve, under interim protection status since 1997, was also extended. This allows for completion of technical work. Two park reserves will be the subject of upcoming announcements - Amisk park reserve, protected from development since 1995, and South Atikaki park reserve, non classified land. Premier Doer reconfirmed Manitoba's intention to establish the Manitoba Lowlands national park. Under study since the 1970's, with a federal-provincial MOU to establish the park in place for ten years, and joint government boundaries in place since 1996, the Manitoba Lowlands is one of Canada's most wanted national parks. Prime Minister Chretien has made recent commitments for speedy action on outstanding national parks, including Manitoba Lowlands. Premier Doer's statement that "turning Manitoba Lowlands into a national park is a priority and we will continue to work with Ottawa to complete this process" should lead to early interim protection on the components of the national park at Limestone Bay and Long Point. No mention of Manitoba's Action Plan for a Network of Protected Areas, or specifics as to protection standards for wilderness or back country zones in Manitoba's parks was contained in the announcement or press release. View the government of Manitoba press release. Download the May 10, 2002 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation for Caribou River Provincial Park (72/2002) (PDF)Download the September 23, 2002 Provincial Parks Designation Regulation for Trappist Monastery Heritage Park (161/2002) (PDF) |
| Caribou River Provincial Park Plan | Park Maps | |||
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| Manitoba protected areas before 2002 are included in the Protected Areas Grade and Audit page. |
2002-2014