The province is creating a new ecological reserve and expanding the boundaries of an existing reserve to better protect two outstanding sites in southeastern Manitoba. This statement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“Protecting species and natural landscapes is best done by protecting an entire ecosystem,” said Mackintosh. “Designating these new areas as ecological reserves will ensure that these special places are protected from development for years to come and conserve them for future generations.”
The new ecological reserve and the expanded reserve will protect this valuable habitat by prohibiting commercial logging, mining, hydroelectric development, oil and gas development or any other activity that could affect these sites, said the minister.
The new, 76-hectare Holmgren Pines Ecological Reserve is located 30 kilometres northeast of Sprague. The site is the only known location in Manitoba where all three native pine species – eastern white pine, red pine and Jack pine – grow together. Protecting this area will conserve this unique site, which is also a valuable seed source of eastern white pine and red pine.
The province is also readjusting the boundaries of the Pocock Lake Ecological Reserve, 30 km southeast of Steinbach in the Sandilands Provincial Forest, by removing 39 ha of land with cross country ski trails in the southeast corner and adding 81 ha of undisturbed wetlands.
This reserve also has a great variety of plants in a small area, from Jack pine and white birch to trembling aspen in upland areas, to balsam, poplar, black spruce, willow, eastern white cedar, tamarack and bog-lake fringe in lowland areas. It also includes rare vegetation species such as bellwort, yellow birch and iron wood which are typically found in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes forest region.
The rights of First Nations and other Aboriginal people to access these areas for hunting, trapping, fishing and other traditional pursuits will continue to be respected, Mackintosh said.
The minister noted the designation of the new ecological reserve supports the implementation of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan and helps fulfil the province’s commitment to add up to 15 more parks, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas or other protected areas by 2020.
More information on TomorrowNow visit the website.
