The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced a new conservation area in Manitoba.
The 31-acre riparian, grassland, and forest property is located in Portage Creek of the Interlake region. Part of what makes it unique is the fact that it is relied on by at least 220 species of bird. It also contains several threatened or endangered species such as barn swallows, green ash trees, and little brown bats.
Cal and Elaine Cuthbert donated the property via a conservation easement agreement. This means they maintain title and control of their land but are partnered with Nature Conservancy Canada to ensure that conservation values are upheld. The value of the agreement is also appraised and a tax receipt is issued.
"The landowners, Cal and Elaine Cuthbert, reached out to Nature Conservancy of Canada staff wanting to talk about options to protect the land forever, for future generations. And what ended up happening is they donated a conservation easement agreement on the land with Nature Conservancy, meaning that forevermore, we're gonna be partners in keeping that land in a natural state," said Carey Hamel, NCC's Director of Conservation for Manitoba.
Hamel notes that the NCC has a history of working with private land owners in the Parkland and they would love to find more partners in conservation within it. Especially in the Roblin and Russell areas.
"It's such a special part of the country. Generations of private land owners have worked to conserve rivers, streams, lakes, grasslands, and forests. We're so excited when land owners reach out to us and wanna talk about how to conserve often specials places that are part of their farm and talk about ways to conserve those for the future."
While conservation of land has positive benefits for wildlife, it also benefits people, says Hamel.
"We often talk about nature and wildlife but of course, people love going for hikes and country drives and seeing all these species and the life that's around us in Spring. So it's really about a future for people as well."
If you are a private land owner interested in a conservation opportunity with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, there are a few ways you can reach out. Their toll-free number is 1-877-231-3552, or you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feel free to visit their website as well. Below are a few pictures of the Portage Creek conservation area.
