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Farmers will be paid to restore lost wetlands

By: Staff Writer

9/12/2008 12:59 PM | Comments: 0

The Manitoba government will pay farmers to restore lost wetlands.

Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick said Tuesday farmers will be paid out of a new $2-million fund to plug drainage ditches to allow low-lying land to go back to its natural state. Farmers will also get an additional ecological goods and services payment for the inconvenience of driving large machinery around restored wetland.

Melnick said the province is taking the step to restore areas for nesting birds, waterfowl and other wildlife.

She said Manitoba and Saskatchewan have lost about 70 per cent of wetland over the past few decades as farmers increase production.

She said it’s estimated the two provinces lose about five per cent of wetlands each year.

She said as a result the bird population in both provinces decreased by almost 10 per cent.

The program will run over the next four years and involve up to 150 farmers. It’s anticipated more than 2,500 acres of lost wetlands will be restored.

Go to www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/ for more information on the Wetland Restoration Incentive Program.

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