June 16, 2015
Province Announces Strict New Rules Introduced for Peat Harvesting
– – –Province Proclaims the Peatlands Stewardship Act, First of its Kind in Canada: Minister Nevakshonoff
Manitoba has introduced strict new rules to govern peat harvesting to better protect the environment through the proclamation of a new act and regulations, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff announced today.
“We must ensure that peat harvesting is managed sustainably and for the long term in order to protect Manitoba’s land and waterways,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “This legislation will significantly increase environmental responsibilities for the industry and promote responsible resource harvesting.”
The legislation reflects the principles of the provincial Peatlands Stewardship Strategy, which was released in April 2014. The strategy sets out a vision for healthy, well-managed peatland ecosystems and recognizes the importance of intact peatlands as well as the contribution of the peat industry to the rural economy, the minister said.
“Manitoba peatlands are important for carbon storage and provide other valued ecosystem goods and services including water management and rural employment,” said Dimple Roy, director of water, International Institute for Sustainable Development. “Any management approach would have to consider the range of social and environmental benefits, as well as short- and long-term implications for the province and beyond.”
The legislation puts new rules in place for peat harvesting with an emphasis on
long-term sustainable management and recovery of harvested peatlands. It also bans peat harvesting in all provincial parks and in wildlife management areas with the exception of one where there were pre-existing dispositions. Peat quarry leases will transition to peat harvesting licences and introduce reporting requirements. Reporting and a requirement for financial security will ensure peat recovery plans are carried out following the harvest.
The new rules will allow for the designation of significant peatlands in the province for the protection of water quality, biodiversity and carbon stores as well as for research purposes. They will also prohibit commercial peat harvesting in all provincial parks and in 82 wildlife management areas (WMA) with the exception of the Moose Creek WMA where existing rights are already in place.
More than 30 per cent of Manitoba is covered by peatlands, which are a vital resource for managing the effects of climate change because they are the most efficient natural place to store carbon, Minister Nevakshonoff said. They also assist in moderating flooding by storing water when there is too much moisture and providing water during drought conditions. In Manitoba, the commercial peat harvesting and processing industry represents about 250 jobs across the province, the minister said.
Supporting regulations set royalty and security rates, as well as other fees and charges related to the use, administration and management of Manitoba’s Crown peat resource. The regulations also provide for the establishment of a Peat Practices Committee that will develop guidelines for peatland management and recovery plans.
The minister noted the legislation and initiatives under the act also set out clear guidelines for industry. Any licensing, exploration and harvesting activities must promote conservation along with zero tolerance for net impacts to Lake Winnipeg.
“The horticultural peat industry is committed to achieving Manitoba’s objectives for responsible management of its peatland resources as set out in the Peatland Stewardship Act and Regulations,” said Paul Short, president, Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association. “We will continue to work with other stakeholders, First Nations and government to advance the objectives for preservation, conservation and appropriate development.
For more information on the Peatlands Stewardship Act, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/40-3/b061e.php.
For more information on the Peatlands Stewardship Strategy, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/peatlandsstewardshipstrategy/stewardship_strategy.html.
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