Exciting New Project: Manitoba Watershed Districts – Nutrient Reduction

We’re thrilled to announce a significant step forward for sustainable watershed management in Manitoba. The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has secured a substantial grant of $205,150 from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program for a new project titled “Manitoba Watershed Districts - Nutrient Reduction.”

This initiative is the fifth project administered by MAW and funded through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program, with cash and in-kind support from watershed districts, and industry organizations. It aims to tackle water quality and nutrient management across four key watershed districts in the province. Here’s a closer look at the project’s goals and activities within participating districts: 

1. Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD): Building for the Future 

In the Assiniboine West Watershed District, the goal is to construct new water retention sites within the Bosshill Creek drainage basin. This initiative will address critical issues related to flooding and water quality. The data collected will guide the construction of these sites, ensuring optimal water storage and wetland creation. This project is set to be completed by March 31, 2026. 

2. East Interlake Watershed District (EIWD): Comprehensive Watershed Management 

The East Interlake Watershed District’s project aligns with the Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMPs) for four key rivers: Fisher River, Icelandic River/Washow Bay Creek, Willow Creek, and Netley-Grassmere. These plans identified two key actions:  

- Water Storage and Wetland Projects: By building a network of these projects, we aim to improve water quality and manage surface water more effectively. 

- Upland and Riparian Enhancements: Strategic rejuvenation and enhancement of these areas will help in reducing nutrient runoff, mitigating flooding, and boosting the resilience of local ecosystems. 

The anticipated outcomes include restoring 8 hectares of wetlands and upland areas, creating 20,000 cubic meters of water storage, and planting 121 hectares into permanent cover. This work will not only improve water quality but also enhance wildlife habitats and support agricultural communities. 

3. Inter-Mountain Watershed District (IMWD): Enhancing Riparian Zones 

In the Inter-Mountain Watershed District, the main focus will be on riparian enhancement along three major tributaries flowing into Dauphin Lake. Each site has been carefully selected to address spring runoff and flooding issues. By improving these riparian areas, the aim is to slow down water flow, reduce sedimentation, and enhance overall watershed health. This work is crucial for maintaining water quality and habitat in the Dauphin Lake Basin. 

4. Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District (SRRWD): Targeted Water Retention 

The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District will construct four water retention sites in priority areas of the Roseau River and Rat/Joubert Creek/Marsh watersheds. These sites were selected based on hydro-conditioned LIDAR data and are crucial for managing water flow and nutrient loading. Collaborations with local producers and agricultural companies will ensure the successful implementation of these projects. 

Next Steps and Impact 

MAW’s successful submission to ECCC marks a major milestone in our continued efforts to support water management efforts across Manitoba. This project is expected to make a significant impact by enhancing water quality, reducing & diverting phosphorus, restoring wetlands and uplands, protecting and stabilizing stream and lake banks, erosion control, installing water retention structures, and restricting livestock from surface waters.

Past projects funded through the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program: 

“Exploring Livestock Grazing as a Riparian Phosphorus Management Tool” (2018-2021). This project utilized various grazing management strategies within riparian zones to measure the impacts grazing has on the movement of phosphorus, on-site phosphorus cycling and vegetation-phosphorus export.  

“Manitoba Conservation Districts Association Water Retention Program” (2018-2021). This project constructed water retention structures in high nutrient contributing locations across the Lake Winnipeg Basin, retaining water and phosphorus from the Manitoba portion of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. 

  “Building Watershed Resilience through Partnership Collaboration, Sharing and Capacity Building Manitoba’s First Nations and Conservation Districts” (2018-2021). This project provided an opportunity for Manitoba Watershed Districts (formerly Manitoba Conservation Districts) and First Nation communities to meet, discuss and identify shared watershed concerns and collaborative watershed management decisions.  

“MCDA water retention program, phase II” (2019-2022). MAW constructed water retention projects in targeted, high nutrient-contributing waterways in the Red River, Assiniboine River, Souris River and Lake Manitoba basins. 

Five Watershed Districts Being Expanded

The Manitoba government is marking World Water Day with the expansion of five watershed districts and new water conservation resources for Manitobans, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. 

“Water is life and our government is committed to protecting Manitoba’s lakes and rivers for generations to come,” said Schmidt. “Expanding watershed districts and making new resources available to help Manitobans make smart water decisions are part of this work.” 

Five watershed districts – the Central Assiniboine, Pembina Valley, Redboine, Seine Rat Roseau and Souris River watershed districts – will be expanding into new municipal areas effective April 1 with the support of enhanced provincial core funding through the Watershed Districts Program. The Watershed Districts Program involves more than 90 staff across the province and hundreds of volunteers, and engages thousands of Manitobans annually in the protection, restoration and management of water on a watershed basis. 

The Manitoba government is also launching a new water conservation webpage to help give Manitobans tips on simple ways to use water more efficiently water at home. For more information, visit: https://manitoba.ca/savewater/. 

The minister also applauded the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) for recently advancing nearly $12 million for projects that will restore natural areas, preserve water quality and wildlife habitat, help sequester carbon and connect people to nature. This includes more than $9.7 million in support for GROW (Growing Outcomes in Watersheds), delivered by the provincial Watershed Districts Program, which supports ecological protection and enhancement work in partnership with landowners. 

“On this World Water Day, we mark a significant stride towards preserving Manitoba's habitats and the benefits these provide to people and wildlife,” said Stephen Carlyle, chief executive offer, Manitoba Habitat Conservancy. “With an investment of $11.9 million, Manitoba Habitat Conservancy is proudly supporting local not-for-profit conservation groups including Manitoba’s Watershed Districts. Hand-in-hand with the Manitoba government, we forge a path towards sustainable stewardship, ensuring our ecosystems thrive for generations to come." 

In all, the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) is funding projects totaling $11.96 million. To see the list of projects, visit https://mbhabitat.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GROW_2024_Funded_Projects.pdf and https://mbhabitat.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CT_2024_Funded_Projects.pdf.

Agriculture in the Classroom-MB Celebrates Significant Funding Support from Manitoba Association of Watersheds

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) is thrilled to announce a generous funding commitment of $40,000 from the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW), made on behalf of Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts, over the next three years. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to educate Manitoba's youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed stewardship.

 Starting with Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) in March 2024, AITC-M is introducing the Caring for Our Watersheds resource to hundreds of Manitoba early years classrooms. The resource is designed to engage students in Grades 2 to 4 in meaningful watershed education, including why watersheds are important, what Manitoba farmers are doing to protect them, and what each of us can do to preserve our watersheds for today and future generations.

 This initiative reflects our shared vision with MAW for a sustainable future, underscored by a deep respect for our natural resources.

 Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director of AITC-M, says: “Like rivers linking ecosystems, watershed and agriculture knowledge are interconnected, enriching our understanding, and guiding sustainable actions. We are so grateful for the Manitoba Association of Watersheds' support. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together for the greater good."

 Lynda Nicol, Executive Director of MAW, says: “Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts are committed to education and enhancement of watershed literacy within their local communities, and we at MAW are thrilled to have the opportunity to build on that principle province-wide through our partnership with Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba. We recognize that AITC-M is a trusted partner within the educational system, and we are honoured to work alongside them to build watershed resources into their lesson plans.”

 Bolstered by MAW’s support, AITC-M is already planning watershed resources and content for middle and senior students. These future offerings will delve deeper into the intersection of agriculture and watershed stewardship, showcasing the proactive measures our agricultural community takes to safeguard our water.

 MAW’s funding commitment not only enhances AITC-M's capacity to deliver impactful educational programming, but also serves as an invitation to other organizations to join in supporting the crucial work of teaching our young people about agriculture and environmental stewardship.

 For more information on AITC-M's programs and the impact of this partnership, please visit AITC-M's website and the Manitoba Association of Watersheds' website.

About Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M)

 AITC-M is committed to fostering connections between Manitoba's youth and agriculture through innovative, educational programs and resources, ensuring a well-informed future generation.

About the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW)

 MAW supports and builds awareness of Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts through communication, education, and advocacy, and supports their program delivery by facilitating access to funding programs and administering research programs.

Contact

 Ryan McBride

Partner Relations Manager, Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba

ryan@aitc.mb.ca | 204-898-1070

Lynda Nicol, Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

lynda@manitobawatersheds.org | 204-570-0164

Manitoba Association of Watersheds is the New Host of the Manitoba Envirothon

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is proud to announce that they are the new home of the Manitoba Envirothon. After 26 years as host, the Manitoba Forestry Association (MFA) has recently handed over the role to MAW.

The Manitoba Envirothon is an annual STEM-based environmental education competition for high school students, designed to encourage teamwork, problem-solving skills, and public speaking skills while fostering an appreciation for current environmental issues. Envirothon combines the exhilaration of team competition, the challenge of learning, and the experience of using gained knowledge in hands-on activities. This approach to environmental education helps students develop skills necessary to address environmental issues, such as teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and public debate.

“We want to thank Manitoba Forestry Association and the Manitoba Envirothon steering committee for trusting MAW to lead this initiative going forward. The focus on environmental education aligns seamlessly with the goals of many integrated watershed management plans throughout the province, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the watershed districts’ commitment to environmental education and awareness through this internationally recognized competition.” – Garry Wasylowski, MAW Board Chair

Providing meaningful professional development opportunities to students and teachers alike, the program continues to serve as an excellent avenue for students with an interest in natural resources, to make important connections in the professional community, and to learn more about future career prospects in the natural sciences and its many related fields.

“The Manitoba Envirothon competition is a perfect fit for our organization as we seek to build awareness of the work done by watershed districts throughout the province. Engaging high school students early will help to increase their understanding of conservation and nature-based solutions, and hopefully help to encourage them to pursue higher education or career opportunities in environmental sciences.” – Lynda Nicol, MAW Executive Director

The competition welcomes high school students from across Manitoba to compete in teams of 5. Each student is provided extensive study resources for 5 topics: Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Plants & Forests, Soils & Land Use, and Integrated Watershed Management. The teams will then convene at one of five regional events happening around the province, competing in a field test and oral presentation. The top teams from the Regional Events will then go on to compete at the Provincial Event, where they have the chance to win a place at the National Conservation Foundation Competition alongside winners from other provinces and U.S. states.

The Regional Competitions will take place as follows:

- West: Riverbank Discovery Centre – Brandon – April 22nd, 2024

- South: Pinkerton Lakes Wildlife Refuge – Treherne – April 17th, 2024

- Central: Fort Whyte Alive – Winnipeg – April 26th, 2024

- East: Tourond Creek Discovery Centre – Hanover – April 24th, 2024

- North: TBD – Thompson – April 17th and 18th, 2024

The Provincial Competition will be hosted at the International Peace Garden from May 23rd – 25th, 2024.

Click here to download the full press release.

Manitoba Associaton of Watersheds (MAW) launches Living Lab – Manitoba program

Innovation and research completed on Manitoba farms will provide insight to support decision making for Canada’s agricultural best practices and policies affecting climate change, water quality.

Manitoba Association of Watersheds is pleased to announce the new Living Lab – Manitoba (LL-MB) project, delivered through watershed districts and in collaboration with a highly-engaged network of local agricultural producers, industry groups, Indigenous and nonprofit groups, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists.

LL-MB is part of AAFC’s Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program, which is a collaborative approach to agricultural innovation dedicated to combating climate change. It brings together farmers, scientists, and other sector partners to co-develop, test, and monitor new practices and technologies in a real-life context, accelerating adoption on the farm. LL-MB aims to increase carbon sequestration and decrease greenhouse gas emissions through enhanced land management and economically effective farming practices.

By grounding this collaborative program within Manitoba’s watershed districts, MAW will work with partners to apply a broader lens to beneficial management practices (BMP) in support of established and future integrated watershed management plans throughout the province. Beneficial management practices that are rooted in protection and preservation of land and water health have significant impact on protecting water and land through innovative research projects and integrated watershed management.

Living lab projects, like soil mapping to support an increased understanding of carbon sequestration in Manitoba, will inform the development of new and innovative agricultural practices and will provide a solid foundation for further policy planning surrounding agricultural production.

“BMPs that prioritize carbon sequestration and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have a natural connection to improving soil health and water quality” says Garry Wasylowksi, MAW Board Chair. “It’s a natural fit to ground this type of research within watershed districts, as it so clearly aligns with the mandates districts continue to promote and fulfill.”

As a part of the project’s governance model, MAW has worked with Indigenous partners to form an Indigenous Partners Committee, to ensure that the voices and needs to Indigenous partners are elevated through a self-governed committee. MAW and its watershed district members are committed to collaboration and positive working relationships with Indigenous farmers and landowners.

“Collaboration with farmers and researchers, through their local watershed districts, brings tremendous value to Manitoba farmers. Practices developed on-farm, and shared within communities, is a remarkably effective way to increase adoption of beneficial management practices. Our hope is that innovative practices developed through LL-MB will lead to healthier watersheds through an increase in sustainable agricultural practices and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

– Garry Wasylowski; Board Chair, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

“Farmers are natural innovators and by partnering with researchers, they can help develop new solutions to build resilience to the challenges of climate change. Manitoba’s rich farming history has laid the groundwork for this exciting new project and it will drive innovation through collaboration between farmers, Indigenous communities, scientists and other sector partners.”

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Click here to read the AAFC news release

Prairie Watersheds Climate Program announces 2023 Summer Speaker Series

Download a PDF media release here.

Online hour-long webcast each month features relevant experts on adoption of Beneficial Management Practices

Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is pleased to announce a series of three one-hour lunchtime webinars this summer to help increase awareness around three Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and beyond – nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing, each of which are eligible for funding through the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP), funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s On Farm Climate Action Fund.

Register for free here.

“The goal of the PWCP Summer Speaker Series is to support an understanding of beneficial management practices on Manitoba and Saskatchewan farms and provide practical, locally-informed education to the agricultural community. These sessions are a key part of the knowledge and extension services available through PWCP to facilitate the adoption of the practices funded through the program.” – Lynda Nicol – Executive Director, Manitoba Association of Watersheds

The first webinar in the series will focus on nitrogen management via pulses and production practices featuring Denis Tremorin, Sustainability Director, Pulse Canada, on June 28, 2023 at 12:30 pm CST. Two additional speakers (TBA) will present on cover crops (early August) and rotational grazing (early September).

Prairie Watersheds Climate Program is led by MAW and delivered by watershed districts in Manitoba and by the Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds in Saskatchewan. Nicol says the reasons for the webinar series are many; from improving farm operations to water resources to soil health and a gamut of other benefits.

Producers interested in attending the nitrogen management session can register for free here.

For media inquiries contact:

Lynda Nicol

Lynda@manitobawatersheds.org

(204) 202-7520 ext. 1001

Grazing Mentorship added to Prairie Watersheds Climate Program

Thanks to our partners at Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association Manitoba Association of Watersheds will now be able to expand the Prairie Watershed Climate Program (PWCP) to include grazing mentorship. See below for more details.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

MFGA Grazing Mentors to support MB Watershed Districts rotational grazing BMPs

Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) adds peer-to-peer influencers, experienced grazing mentors to mix

Winnipeg, Mb (May 4, 2023) – Manitoba farmers interested in the rotational grazing Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) led by the Manitoba Association of Watershed Districts (MAW) received great news today.

Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) has provided MAW with a list of around 15 grazing experts located across the province for Watershed Districts (WD) to connect farmers with grazing mentors and experts to help bring their PWCP aspirations forward around grazing plans and better understanding grazing practices and BMPs.

“MAW is pleased to announce the PWCP rotational grazing support available to watershed districts through MFGA,” said Garry Wasylowski, MAW board chair. “MFGA has been a strong partner within the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program, and we look forward to their services being available to support Manitoba’s Watershed Districts in their delivery of the rotational grazing BMP.”

The MFGA Grazing Mentors all come from within the MFGA network, either board members or supporters. The group’s grazing plan approach will be organized by Larry Wegner, MFGA board alumni. Watershed Districts may use the provided MFGA mentors list to connect farmers with available mentors. MFGA mentor services to Watershed Districts may include services such as: one-on-one mentorship to answer entry level questions, Watershed District support for application review as well as rotational grazing questions.

“The role of MFGA in providing grazing mentors is a great fit for us and we thank PWCP leaders for the opportunity to show our leadership and mentoring abilities on a farmer-to-farmer basis,” said Lawrence Knockaert, MFGA chair. “Many of the leaders on our MFGA Board and among our grazing mentors are leaders on grazing and regenerative agriculture practices and fully understand what needs to be discussed around grazing plans that help access some of the PWCP Rotational Grazing funding for farmers.”

The MFGA Grazing Mentor list will help Watershed Districts facilitate increased uptake of the Rotational Grazing BMPs of the PWCP, an up to $40 million program led by MAW through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s On Farm Climate Action Fund to producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on-farm Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability and resiliency on their farm operations.

Watershed District Expansion

The Manitoba government has announced today that they are enhancing core funding by $265,000 to expand three watershed districts including:

• Northeast Red Watershed District to include the rural municipalities (RM) of St. Clements, Lac du Bonnet and Reynolds and expand the included area in the RMs of Brokenhead, Ste. Anne, Tache, and Springfield;

• Pembina Valley Watershed District to include portions of the RM of Roland; and

• Redboine Watershed District to include portions of the RMs of Roland and Macdonald.

The Manitoba government also announced additional investments to support water quality in the province. Read the full press release here.

On behalf of the Northeast Red, Pembina Valley and Redboine Watershed Districts, Manitoba Association of Watersheds would like to welcome the municipalities included in this expansion to the watershed district program.

We are pleased that so many new municipal partners now have access to the incredible programming offered through watershed districts such as Growing Outcomes in Watersheds and Prairie Watersheds Climate Program. These communities will also be able to add to the pool of knowledge that will help shape the future of watershed management in Manitoba.

The watershed district program continues to serve as an example of how local priorities can and should be incorporated into decision making, elevating regional perspectives within the provincial landscape, and how programs can be delivered in a way that directly benefits not only our waterways and landscapes, but our communities as a whole.

We would like to acknowledge the effort the province has made to support Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts, which now represent more than 100 rural municipalities, towns, and cities across the province. For the last several years the province has invested in expansion of the Watershed District Program, and we encourage the province to continue to make funding available for interested municipalities to join. We hope this program continues to expand and include more and more communities throughout the province.

On behalf of all 14 watershed districts, Manitoba Association of Watersheds would like to thank the province for their on-going contributions to the watershed district program. We look forward to working together to deliver valuable programming for landowners and farmers across Manitoba through local watershed district offices.  

Watch the press conference below.

Living Lab Club Workshops 2023

This year’s Living Lab Club workshops will be focused around Living Lab - Eastern Prairies (LLEP) research and results. The project completed on March 31st, 2023 and MAW is pleased to conclude LLEP with an overview of the important work that was done in Manitoba.

Workshop #1: Soil Health and Socio-Economic Research

This is a two-hour virtual workshop.

Date/Time: April 12, 2023 - 1pm to 3pm

Moderator: Dan Cox (Manitoba Association of Watersheds)

Presenters: Maria P. (International Institute for Sustainable Development), Jun Z. (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Joey P. (Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District), and landowners

Register for this workshop here.

Workshop #2: Biodiversity and Water Quality/Water Quantity Research

This is a two-hour virtual workshop.

Date/Time: April 13, 2023 - 1pm to 3pm

Moderator: Dan Cox (Manitoba Association of Watersheds)

Presenters: Melanie Dubois (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada). Mae Elsinger (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Henry Wilson / Steve Sager (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Nature Conservancy, Ryan Canart (Assiniboine West Watershed District), and landowners

Register for this workshop here.