Province tightens rules on harvesting peat

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This article was published 16/06/2015 (4102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government has introduced stricter rules to govern peat harvesting in the province.

“We must ensure that peat harvesting is managed sustainably and for the long term in order to protect Manitoba’s land and waterways,” Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said today.

“This legislation will significantly increase environmental responsibilities for the industry and promote responsible resource harvesting.”

Under the provincial Peatlands Stewardship Strategy, released in April last year, new rules were put in place for peat harvesting with an emphasis on long-term management and recovery of harvested peatlands.

Supporting regulations set royalty and security rates, as well as other fees and charges related to the use, administration and management of Manitoba’s Crown peatlands.

Regulations also provide for the establishment of a Peat Practices Committee to develop guidelines for peatland management and recovery plans.

The new rules will allow for the designation of significant peatlands in the province for the protection of water quality, biodiversity and carbon stores as well as for research purposes. They will also prohibit commercial peat harvesting in all provincial parks and in 82 wildlife management areas (WMA) with the exception of the Moose Creek WMA where existing rights are already in place. Peat quarry leases will transition to peat harvesting licences and introduce reporting requirements. 

More than 30 per cent of Manitoba is covered by peatlands, Nevakshonoff said. Peatlands are also considered a resource for moderating flooding by storing water and providing water during drought conditions.

In Manitoba, the commercial peat harvesting and processing industry represents about 250 jobs across the province, the minister added.

He also said the legislation and initiatives under the act also set out clear guidelines for industry. Any licensing, exploration and harvesting activities must promote conservation along with zero tolerance for net impacts to Lake Winnipeg.