Our Programs
Wetlands are among the most productive natural ecosystems in the world.
A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains it into one location, such as a stream or lake.
MHHC works with landowners to conserve and enhance habitat for at-risk species.
MHHC uses high-tech software to create, combine and analyze maps of Manitoba.
Conservation Opportunities
MHC is Manitoba's most popular conservation agency with over 750 Conservation Agreements, conserving more than 175,000 acres of wildlife habitat.
One of MHC's primary objectives is the conservation of natural habitats for current and future generations. To accomplish this, MHC works with private landowners to protect natural areas, ensuring the habitat will remain in its natural state. MHC achieves this through perpetual Conservation Agreements.
Manitoba Wildlife
Manitoba is home to many species whose populations are in decline, while others, like the Swift Fox and Plains Grizzly have already disappeared. MHC is actively working to preserve the habitat required for currently threatened species still found in our province. By conserving and maintaining the required habitat through monitoring, grazing, and mowing, the Corporation hopes to stabilize, and grow, at-risk species’ populations.
What is a Conservation Agreement?
A Conservation Agreement (CA) is a legal contract, registered on the land's title, designed to provide long-term protection of wildlife habitat. The agreement is between the landowner and MHC within which the landowner agrees retain the natural habitat. For this, the landowner receives a tax receipt or cash payment.
MHC delivers CAs to conserve wetland, grassland and riparian habitats. CAs are tailored to allow the landowner(s) to continue farming their productive lands, while conserving natural habitat.
The above picture depicts a typical wetland conservation agreement where the owners have decided to protect habitat areas within their cultivated field. The wetlands under protection are outlined in yellow hatching.
Facts About Conservation Agreements
- A Conservation Agreement (CA) is a way to ensure long-term conservation of habitat on private land
- CAs are designed to protect habitat and not interfere with the use of productive farmland
- Landowners are compensated for their conservation commitments
- The habitat will continue to be conserved after the land is sold