Our projects
MAW delivers a range of programs aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, advancing agricultural practices, and improving watershed health across Manitoba. From supporting farmers in implementing climate-friendly practices to advancing environmental education programming, these initiatives are designed to foster resilience, enhance biodiversity, and ensure long-term ecological and economic benefits for local communities.
Explore our current projects and initiatives:
PROJECTS
Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP)
The PWCP provides up to $40 million in funding to farmers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). This money helps farmers adopt practices that cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve production efficiency, and enhance the sustainability and resilience of their operations.
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The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) is a program that offers funding to producers who implement or expand beneficial management practices (BMPs) on their operations. Eligible BMPs include cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing, with various practices under each category.
The program provides resources and design recommendations to help producers adopt these practices. Producers may receive up to $75,000 to cover up to 85% of implementation costs, though funding limits may vary by watershed district.
PWCP is led by the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) and delivered by Manitoba Watershed Districts.
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Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) are techniques and strategies that offer a wide array of benefits for farmers, the surrounding landscape, and the environment. These practices help farms become more resilient to challenges like flooding and droughts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health. They also enhance sustainability and contribute to better farm productivity over time. Additionally, BMPs can lower operational costs, making them a cost-effective way to improve both farm operations and environmental impact.
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Farmers or producers whose land is within a watershed district can apply for funding through the PWCP.
While the program supports local agriculture, not all practices are suitable for every type of land. To qualify for funding, the BMPs must be recommended by a professional agrologist or licensed crop advisor.
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The PWCP is delivered by Manitoba’s Watershed Districts. To learn about eligibility and the application process, contact your local watershed district.
If you know your watershed district’s name, you can find their contact info here.
If you're unsure of your district, you can access a directory here.
If your municipality isn't part of a watershed district, reach out to your local municipal government to inquire about joining one.
Partners & Supporters
Living Lab - Manitoba
The Living Laboratories Initiative introduces a collaborative approach to agricultural innovation in Canada. It unites farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders to co-develop and test new practices and technologies aimed at tackling agri-environmental challenges, such as mitigating climate change, protecting soil and water quality, and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
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Launched in 2022, the $185-million Agricultural Climate Solutions - Living Labs (ACS-LL) program aims to create a nationwide network of 14 Living Labs, including Living Lab - Manitoba. Over 10 years, ACS-LL will gather data to help Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) offer farmers region-specific management practices. The program focuses on carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and co-developing additional environmental benefits.
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Living Lab – Manitoba is a five-year, research-driven initiative that partners with local farmers to create practical solutions for minimizing agriculture's environmental impact. Collaborating with Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts, Indigenous groups, and various organizations, the program aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost carbon sequestration, and improve water management through better land practices. Funded by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, LL-MB will shape innovative farming techniques and guide future agricultural policy.
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Research across Manitoba’s Watershed Districts will be conducted on farms by local industry groups, academic institutions, and led by an AAFC research team. Key research themes include:
Carbon Sequestration with Natural Infrastructure.
Increased Soil Organic Matter to Increase Water Retention, Carbon Sequestration, Crop Yield, and Field Health.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG).
Understanding and Targeting Spatial Distribution and Building of Soil Carbon
Developing Realistic Scenarios for Targeting of Conservation Efforts and Restoration of Natural Features with Modelling of Implications for Regional Net Carbon Balance.
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Beneficial management practices (BMPs) developed through the Living Lab - Manitoba project will help enhance the sustainability of Canadian agriculture. These practices offer significant environmental and economic benefits, including:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Increased carbon sequestration
Improved watershed health
Lower operating costs for producers
Adopting BMPs also positions producers to be more competitive in a changing market, where consumers are increasingly concerned about the origin, production methods, and environmental impact of their food.
Partners & Researchers
Manitoba Watershed Districts - Nutrient Reduction Project.
Lake Winnipeg Basin Program.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Impact
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.
OTHER PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
MANITOBA WATERSHEDS CONFERENCE
This yearly event is a pivotal gathering for watershed district staff, board members, industry professionals, decision makers, businesses, and stakeholders. It offers a platform for celebrating successes, fostering community, exploring new practices, and advocating for the protection of our water resources.
In 2025, the Manitoba Watersheds Conference will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
THE MANITOBA ENVIROTHON
The Manitoba Envirothon is an annual hands-on environmental education competition for high school students, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking while fostering an understanding of environmental issues. The event provides students with opportunities to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills while exploring potential careers in natural sciences.
The competition consists of regional and provincial level events that take place in April and May every year.
The Manitoba Association of Watersheds invites students and teachers to participate in this exciting educational experience.
THE CURRENT MAGAZINE
The Current is the annual magazine of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW). Each edition showcases successes and stories from Manitoba’s Watershed Districts, project updates on initiatives MAW administers in collaboration with watershed districts, and messages from partners and stakeholders.
Future issues will expand to cover critical and emerging topics, including environmental policy updates, climate resilience and adaptation, and other pressing environmental challenges and research.