Restoring a Prairie Legacy, One Wetland at a Time

Near Minnedosa, Manitoba, 950 acres (almost 385 hectares) of wetlands and uplands are being restored to create a thriving landscape for waterfowl, wildlife and people. Through Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Revolving Land Conservation Program (RLCP), land that was altered for agricultural production purposes is being given a chance to return to its natural state.

At first glance, the Burgess property might not appear out of the ordinary, however many of its wetlands were drained decades ago and much of the surrounding upland habitat was cultivated. But some saw something more.

The true ecological value of the property lies in its potential for habitat restoration. While in its current state and function, the property provides limited habitat value for waterfowl, restoring it to wetlands and grasslands could dramatically change that.

Seeing Potential in a Working Landscape

The numbers tell the story. An initial assessment identified hundreds of wetland basins scattered across the property, many of which had been drained over time. The site also contains extensive upland acres with very little remaining natural habitat, creating a significant opportunity to restore native ecological functions across the landscape.

Wetland restoration activities began in 2025, with additional restoration work scheduled through 2026. Meanwhile, former cropland is being prepared for conversion to perennial forage and grassland habitat, with seeding planned for 2027. Once restoration is complete, the property will be sold with a conservation easement that permanently protects both natural and restored habitats while still supporting agricultural use through managed grazing.

This approach is at the heart of DUC’s RLCP. Land is acquired, restored and then resold with conservation safeguards attached to the title. Revenue from the sale is reinvested into future conservation projects, allowing every dollar and every acre to work harder for wetlands, wildlife, communities and the economy.

The Burgess project is especially impactful because of its location. The property sits within a landscape where DUC has numerous conservation projects and easements, helping to create a broader network of habitat. Connected landscapes like these are critical for wildlife, providing the space and resources animals need throughout their lifecycles.

A Win for Waterfowl

Once restoration is complete, the property is expected to provide excellent pairing, nesting and brood-rearing habitat for a wide variety of duck species. Smaller restored wetlands will offer important early spring feeding areas, while restored grasslands will support nesting by upland waterfowl and other birds. Furthermore, the Minnedosa area supports one of Manitoba’s highest concentrations of breeding canvasbacks, a popular species of duck that will most certainly benefit from the restoration efforts taking place on the property.

Benefits Beyond the Marsh

But the impact extends well beyond ducks.

Black terns, American avocets, yellowlegs, sandpipers, meadowlarks, sharp-tailed grouse and numerous other bird species are expected to benefit from the restored habitat. Mammals including elk, white-tailed deer and American badger will also find improved conditions across the landscape.

Healthy wetlands also provide important ecological goods and services that benefit local communities.

By restoring natural water storage and wetland function, the project is expected to help reduce downstream flooding, limit erosion and improve water quality. These benefits support both wildlife and the people who live and work in the surrounding region.

Looking Ahead

The final chapter of the Burgess project has yet to be written. Restoration work will continue over the next several years before the property is sold and permanently protected under conservation easement.

What is already clear, however, is the lasting impact the project will have. By restoring wetlands, rebuilding grasslands and safeguarding the land’s natural features for future generations, Ducks Unlimited Canada is helping bring an altered prairie landscape back to life to recreate a place where waterfowl will thrive, biodiversity can flourish and conservation continues to work hand in hand with agriculture for many, many tomorrows.