Submission by Ducks Unlimited Canada to the Manitoba Water Council's Public Consultation on Wetlands

DUC encourages Manitobans to participate in the public consultation on wetlands to ensure the Government of Manitoba develops a wetland policy that includes financial incentives for landowners to protect and restore wetlands across the province.

 

DUC supports public consultations on wetlands

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Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., June 4, 2010 – Water management and water quality issues are at the top of mind for many Manitobans these days and that’s why the Government of Manitoba announcing public consultations on wetlands couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Our research has shown that wetland drainage increases downstream water flow by 30 per cent,” said Bob Grant, Manager Provincial Operations for DUC. “Wetland drainage also increases downstream nutrient loading into our rivers and lakes, which contributes to algae blooms, and releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere nullifying the benefits of many publicly funded climate change initiatives.”

When we allow wetlands to be lost we also lose important habitat for biodiversity, ground water recharge potential, ecotourism opportunities, flood and drought attenuation, carbon sequestration abilities, and important social and cultural benefits like hunting and trapping.

That is why Grant and DUC think the Province’s public consultations to seek Manitobans’ perspectives on wetlands is very timely, and stresses this is your chance to make sure that your voice and your support for wetlands are heard.

Every day we allow wetlands to be lost, we significantly harm our environment. Wetland loss is an important issue to all Manitobans and our government needs to hear from you. “If you only do one thing for the environment in your lifetime, speak out and help conserve Manitoba’s wetlands. Wetlands provide many benefits to all Manitobans, but unfortunately these important ecosystems are lost every day,” said Grant.

Help to save wetlands and their important functions by attending one of these ten public consultations being held in various communities across the province. Open houses will be held at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m.

June 9 Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Kikiwak Inn
June 10 Dauphin, Legion Hall
June 14 Winnipeg, Assiniboia Downs
June 17 Thompson, Wildlife Association Hall
July 5 Arborg, Bifrost Recreation Centre
July 6 Steinbach, Steinbach Arts Council
July 8 Winkler, Winkler Library
July 12 Shoal Lake, Community Hall
July 13 Melita, Legion Hall
July 14 Brandon, Riverbank Discovery Centre
August 7 Lac du Bonnet, Chicken Chef
Note: this consultation is at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
not 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.


Your voice is crucial in assuring the Government of Manitoba develops a wetland policy that includes financial incentives for landowners to protect and restore wetlands across the province.

Attending one of the consultations is the best way to show the provincial government that wetlands are important to you. If you would like more details or are unable to attend, but would still like to voice your support for wetlands, please review the wetlands workbook and provide input by filling out the questionnaire on the Manitoba Water Council website: www.manitobawatercouncil.ca.

If you know others who could make a difference, please tell them about these important events.

For more information, contact:

Karli Reimer, k_reimer@ducks.ca
National Communications Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 204-467-3279

 
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