New species at risk funding for Manitoba was announced today, bringing together the beef industry, bird experts and conservation delivery organizations in an effort to manage and preserve native grasslands.
With $750,000 in funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) initiative, The Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is leading a voluntary, incentive-based habitat enhancement program with beef producers in areas of southwestern Manitoba. Through working with beef producers in the area, MBP and the Manitoba Heritage Habitat Corporation (MHHC) will encourage producers to undertake practices that both enhance cattle production as well as habitats for species at risk.
“SARPAL projects help Manitoba livestock producers and farmers conserve and enhance grasslands that are home to many species at risk,” said The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Through such collaborative efforts we are able to support sustainable ranching and farming practices that help protect wildlife and their habitats. I look forward to continuing our work with the Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture and local Conservation Districts on innovative solutions to conserve species at risk across Canada.”
SARPAL is an innovative new program that supports projects that engage the agriculture sector in preserving key wildlife habitat. Working closely with stakeholders like MBP and MHHC, Environment and Climate Change Canada is exploring a variety of approaches to working with Manitoba’s producers on voluntary agreements that result in effective protection for Species at Risk Act-listed species located on private agricultural lands, while still maintaining the land’s productive value.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of agricultural land and agricultural producers to the conservation of species at risk. Many Canadian producers steward their land in ways that benefit wildlife and we support their efforts that will directly help species at risk to survive and recover,” said Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Status of Women.
If you are interested in program options, please contact Carol Graham, MHHC’s Habitat Conservation Specialist in Reston, at 204-821-4943 or cgraham@mbhabitat.ca