October 16, 2009
New Bridge, Tower And Trails Open In Pembina Valley Provincial Park
– – –Excellent Location for Watching Wildlife, Outdoor Activity: Struthers
A new, 24-metre (80-foot) single-span steel bridge providing access to the park’s extensive trail system and a new, nine-metre (30-ft.) observation tower make Pembina Valley Provincial Park a great outdoor activity destination, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers and Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“The new bridge and tower will enhance the park visitor’s experience and the extensive trail system will provide visitors more opportunity to explore the many features of the park,” said Struthers. “The Watchable Wildlife working group has done a tremendous job in advancing this project.”
“These park improvements make it even more enjoyable for Manitobans to be active as they explore our natural treasures,” said Irvin-Ross. “The trails offer everyone an opportunity to be healthy by nature, whether you’re planning a family trip or a more experienced hiker looking for a challenge.”
The park trails feature three levels of increasing challenge for hikers and the new bridge crosses a meandering creek that flows into the Pembina River. The park area is characterized by the valley’s steep slopes, which were carved out of the soft shale bedrock of a glacial spillway, and features ridges of oak and aspen trees. There are 16 identified rare plant species in the Pembina Valley area including false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), a rare shrub with purple flower spikes and a member of the pea family.
Pembina Valley Provincial Park, Manitoba’s 75th provincial park, was officially opened Oct. 5, 2001. The 180-hectare (440-acre) natural area in south central Manitoba was the first park designated under the new Provincial Parks Act that added to Manitoba’s network of protected areas. The site is located in the rural municipalities of Stanley and Pembina. The Pembina Valley Wildlife Management Area borders the park.
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