June 1, 2020
Province Releases Made-In-Manitoba Best Practices for Boreal Wetlands
The Manitoba government has released the Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practice, a series of best management practices co-developed with industry and stakeholders, that provide guidance on how to avoid, minimize, and offset for impacts to boreal wetlands that result from resource and access roads and crossings, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“The Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practice fulfils a commitment in the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan,” said Pedersen. “By adopting this approach, Manitoba is reducing red tape for industry, supporting sustainable development of our natural resources and supporting the conservation of Manitoba’s boreal wetlands.”
Manitoba’s boreal region contains 22 million hectares of wetlands, which provide habitat for many wildlife species, help clean and filter water, mitigate the impacts of flooding and drought, and store vast amounts of carbon. Development that affects the highly connected flow of water through these wetlands can have both upstream and downstream effects on biodiversity, habitat, and carbon sequestration capacity. However, these impacts can be managed, controlled and offset through best practices.
These codes of practice provide certainty for resource developers by providing guidance about where and how to operate within and around boreal wetlands on Crown lands, said Pedersen.
“Boreal wetlands are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the world, which also provide critical habitat for a variety of wildlife and species at risk,” said Karla Guyn, chief executive officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada. “The Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practice is an important step in safeguarding these natural areas, and Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to have been part of the committee that contributed to their development.”
Developed through a committee of government, industry, environmental non-governmental organizations, and with the guidance of an Indigenous advisor, the Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practice contribute to the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, and will help conserve, responsibly manage and protect these valuable wetland ecosystems.
Copies of the Boreal Wetlands Conservation Codes of Practices can be found at:
- 30 -