July 16, 2015
Province Announces Annual Cleanup, Increased Monitoring in Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area
– – –More Than 19,900 Kilograms of Garbage Have Been Removed Over Past Three Years: Minister Nevakshonoff
On Saturday, July 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, community volunteers will join Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship staff for the Mars Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) annual cleanup, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff announced today.
“Garbage dumping in this sensitive area is a significant concern for Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship,” said Minister Nevakshonoff. “Along with joining local citizens, community groups and businesses for this annual cleanup, we reaffirm the commitment to protecting Mars Hill from future illegal garbage dumping, so that all Manitobans can enjoy the beauty of this essential wildlife area.”
The Mars Hill WMA is an important wintering area for deer, as well as with being home to moose and black bear, the minister noted. Ruffed, sharp-tailed and spruce grouse, a variety of hawks and owls, and numerous non-game birds breed and migrate through the area. The WMA is used extensively from spring to fall for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, as well as berry and mushroom picking. In the winter, a snowmobile trail crosses the area and it is also popular with cross-country skiers, he added.
The continued dumping of garbage in the Mars Hill WMA is a significant concern and staff regularly patrols the area, the minister said, adding that enforcement officers will increase monitoring in this area and continue to issue tickets and prosecute individuals caught dumping in this area.
Anyone with information on illegal dumping is encouraged to contact their local CWS office or the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).
All garbage collected during the cleanup is taken to the St. Clements landfill. Minister Nevakshonoff noted the Rural Municipality of St. Clements has been supportive and waived the usual disposal fees for items brought out of the WMA during the annual cleanup. The minister also thanked the Brokenhead Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club, which has played a key role in organizing the event over the past several years.
In late June, provincial staff did a preliminary cleanup in the Mars Hill area, removing approximately 1,500 kilograms of debris, but the bulk of the cleanup will occur Saturday, July 18.
Over the past three years, volunteers have helped to remove more than 19,900 kilograms of garbage. To volunteer this Saturday, call 1-204-345-1429 for information.
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