Eight municipalities have joined Manitoba’s Watershed Districts Program, bringing the membership to 111 out of a total 137 municipalities.
“Manitoba Association of Watersheds is pleased to see further expansion of the Watershed Districts Program,” said Garry Wasylowski, board chair of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds, in a news release.
“The importance of Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts has never been greater than it is now as we collectively seek to build climate resiliency within the province,” he added.
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The RMs of Emerson-Franklin, Rhineland and Montcalm, the Town of Altona and the City of Winkler joined the Pembina Valley Watershed District, the news release said.
The RMs of Rosser, St. Francois Xavier and Woodlands joined the Redboine Watershed District.
“The program aims to protect and improve watershed health: building climate resiliency, protecting and improving water and soil health, improving water quality, enhancing surface water management, and conserving, enhancing and restoring biodiverse habitats,” said Lynda Nicol, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds, in an email to the Co-operator.
“All of these facets of the program are enhanced through strong municipal partnerships,” she said.
Earlier this year, the association announced it had added three RMs to the program. The RMs of Elton, North Cypress-Langford and Whitehead joined the Central Assiniboine Watershed District (CAWD).
At the time, CAWD manager Neil Zalluski said they were excited to work on wetland conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region.
“Our government recognizes the importance of managing water on watershed boundaries,” said Jeff Wharton, minister of environment, climate and parks, in the April 1 announcement.
“These efforts play a key role in building climate resiliency within the province, helping to protect water, soil and habitat,” Wharton added.
