The Manitoba Government is naming eight wildlife management areas after prominent Manitobans.
The Parkland Wildlife Management Area’s Horod unit will become the Kenneth H. Wark Wildlife Management Area.
Kenneth H. Wark, who passed away this year, lived near Lake Audy, where he had a conservation agreement on his farm.
Kenneth was a conservation officer who pioneered aerial wildlife enforcement. He flew enforcement patrols, wildlife recon, fire patrols and surveys.
Swan River’s MLA, Rick Wowchuk says this area being named after Kenneth is near and dear to his heart.
“He did so much, and I’m just really grateful to him and to his family. This was just one way the province could recognize individuals like him who did so much in agro-Manitoba.”
Rick personally knew Kenneth and recently gave a statement in the Legislature to honour him.
“I had the opportunity to fly with him on surveys and night patrols. You always felt so safe that he could probably land that Helio (plane) on top of a bunch of spruce trees in the case of an emergency.”
Rick adds, “as a friend I was ecstatic that the province had recognized him for what he’s contributed to conservation and wildlife management in the province.”
On top of the announcement to rename these areas, the province announced that they are directing $225,000 towards wildlife management priorities.
This includes increases to support the Wildlife Management Area Program to pursue habitat management and planning, increased public access and viewing opportunities, and the repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
