Conservation Districts Of Manitoba. Districts de conservation Du Manitoba

Transcription

1 Conservation Districts Of Manitoba Districts de conservation Du Manitoba Annual Report Rapport annuel Page 1

2 MINISTER OF WATER STEWARDSHIP Legislative Building Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA R3C 0V8 His Honour the Honourable Philip S. Lee, C.M., O.M. Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Room 235 Legislative Building Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8 Your Honour: I have the privilege of presenting, for the information of your Honour, the Annual Report of the Conservation Districts of Manitoba for the year ended March 31, 2011, along with the audited financial statements of the Districts for the same period. Respectfully submitted, Christine Melnick Page 2

3 CONSERVATION DISTRICTS COMMISSION Room 314, Legislative Building, 450 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 The Honourable Christine Melnick Minister of Water Stewardship Room 314, Legislative Building Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8 Dear Minister Melnick: I submit for your approval the Annual Report of the Conservation Districts for the fiscal year ending March 31, With a continued focus on local watershed health in Manitoba, this document outlines the programs delivered by the Province s Conservation Districts in support of protecting, preserving, and managing Manitoba s valuable lands and water. The Conservation Districts Program continues to serve Manitobans by providing locally relevant planning, programming and sound financial management. Respectfully submitted, Don Norquay Deputy Minister Chair, Conservation Districts Commission Page 3

4 Table of Contents Table des matières Title Titre Page Page Conservation Districts Program... 6 Alonsa Conservation District Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Cooks Creek Conservation District East Interlake Conservation District Intermountain Conservation District Kelsey Conservation District La Salle Redboine Conservation District Lake of the Prairies Conservation District Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District Pembina Valley Conservation District Seine-Rat River Conservation District Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District Turtle Mountain Conservation District Turtle River Watershed Conservation District Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District West Interlake Watershed Conservation District West Souris River Conservation District Whitemud Watershed Conservation District Page 4

5 Appendices Audited Financial Statements Appendix A - Alonsa Conservation District Appendix B - Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Appendix C - Cooks Creek Conservation District Appendix D - East Interlake Conservation District Appendix E - Intermountain Conservation District Appendix F - Kelsey Conservation District Appendix G - La Salle Redboine Conservation District Appendix H - Lake of the Prairies Conservation District Appendix I - Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District Appendix J - Pembina Valley Conservation District Appendix K - Seine-Rat River Conservation District Appendix L - Swan Lake Watershed Conservation District Appendix M - Turtle Mountain Conservation District Appendix N - Turtle River Watershed Conservation District Appendix O - Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District Appendix P - West Interlake Watershed Conservation District Appendix Q - West Souris River Conservation District Appendix R - Whitemud Watershed Conservation District Page 5

6 Conservation Districts Program Watershed Planning & Programs Box 20,000 Neepawa MB R0J 1H0 Phone: Fax: Conservation Districts Commission: Don Norquay Linda McFadyen Barry Todd Chairperson Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Local Government Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Water Stewardship Fred Meier Milton Sussman Doug McNeil Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Conservation Health Infrastructure and Transportation Ron Kostyshyn Manitoba Conservation Districts Association Roger Wilson Association of Manitoba Municipalities Karen Rempel Public Appointee Lisette Ross Public Appointee Management / Secretariat: Rhonda McDougal, Director Wayne Hildebrand, Manager Planning and Coordination Watershed Planning & Programs Manitoba Water Stewardship Phone: Phone: wayne.hildebrand@gov.mb.ca rhonda.mcdougal@gov.mb.ca Sheldon Anderson, Senior Resource Planner Sarah Coughlin, Senior Watershed Planner Watershed Planning & Programs Watershed Planning & Programs Phone: Phone: sheldon.anderson@gov.mb.ca sarah.coughlin@gov.mb.ca Sheila Gair Watershed Planning & Programs Administrative Officer Watershed Planner Regional Offices Phone: David Jones Dauphin shelia.gair@gov.mb.ca Andrea McLean Brandon Erin Shay Winnipeg Suzanne Smith Brandon Patrick Watson Winnipeg Jonathan Wiens Winnipeg Page 6

7 Conservation Districts Program Foreword The Conservation Districts Program operates under the authority of The Conservation Districts Act. The Conservation Districts Act provides for the creation of conservation districts and requires the establishment of a commission to oversee the activities of the conservation districts boards. The Conservation Districts Commission, in turn, reports to the Minister of Water Stewardship. The Conservation Districts Act also requires each conservation district to prepare an annual report, which includes: an update on progress made towards developing and implementing their watershed management plans; general remarks with respect to activities related to the establishment of new districts or expansion of existing districts; summary of land and water management programming activities; and the Auditor s Report for each district. The Watershed Planning and Programs Section of Manitoba Water Stewardship acts as the secretariat to the Conservation Districts Commission and is responsible for the administration of the program. Manitoba Water Stewardship together with municipal authorities provide annual funding to assist conservation districts. In addition, the districts procure additional funding from local landowners, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, and many other government and non-government agencies. Other provincial departments such as Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, and Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation also provide grants for specific projects. Most districts are in the process of preparing integrated watershed management plans for watersheds within their respective districts. Throughout the planning process for each watershed, districts establish a long-term vision, mandate, goals, objectives, and a 5-year program and operating budget. Programme des districts de conservation Avant-propos Le Programme des districts de conservation est régi par la Loi sur les districts de conservation. La Loi prévoit la création de districts de conservation et exige la mise sur pied d une Commission chargée de superviser les activités des conseils des districts de conservation. Cette Commission doit de son côté rendre compte au ministre de la Gestion des ressources hydriques. La Loi exige aussi que chaque district de conservation prépare un rapport annuel qui comprend : un compte rendu des progrès accomplis quant à l élaboration et à la mise en œuvre des plans de gestion des bassins hydrographiques; des remarques générales sur les activités liées à la création de nouveaux districts ou à l agrandissement de districts existants; un résumé des activités de gestion des terres et de l eau; et un rapport préparé par un vérificateur. La Section de la planification de la gestion des bassins hydrographiques et des programmes du ministère de la Gestion des ressources hydriques agit à titre de secrétariat de la Commission des districts de conservation et est responsable de l administration du programme. Le ministère de la Gestion des ressources hydriques et les administrations municipales membres fournissent un financement annuel aux districts de conservation afin de les aider. De plus, les districts obtiennent un financement additionnel à coûts partagés des propriétaires fonciers de leur région, de Canards Illimités Canada, d Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada, ainsi que d autres organismes d État et organismes non gouvernementaux. D autres ministères provinciaux, comme le ministère de la Conservation, le ministère de l Agriculture, de l Alimentation et des Initiatives rurales ainsi que le ministère de l Infrastructure et des Transports peuvent aussi accorder des subventions pour des projets particuliers. La plupart des districts de conservations sont en train de préparer des plans de gestion de bassin hydrographique. Au cours du processus de planification, chaque bassin hydrographique établit une vision à long terme, se fixe un mandat et des objectifs, et élabore un programme et un budget de fonctionnement sur cinq ans. Page 7

8 Program Growth Expansion du programme The Rural Municipality of Franklin and the Town of Niverville joined the Seine-Rat River Conservation District La municipalité rurale de Franklin et la ville de Niverville se sont inscrits au District de conservation des rivières Seine et aux Rats The Town of Virden joined the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District La ville de Virden s est inscrite au District de conservation de la partie supérieure de la rivière Assiniboine The Rural Municipalities of Piney, Stuartburn, Franklin and Montcalm submitted a request to the Department to prepare a proposal to form a new Conservation District for the Roseau River watershed The Village of Erikson has requested to rejoin the Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District The Rural Municipality of Siglunes requested to rejoin the West Interlake Watershed Conservation District The Town of Hartney requested to join the Turtle Mountain Conservation District Les municipalités du bassin versant de la rivière Roseau ont présenté une demande pour élaborer une proposition pour s'inscrire au programme Le village d Erikson a présenté une demande pour se réinscrire au District de conservation de la rivière Little Saskatchewan La municipalité rurale de Siglunes a présenté une demande pour se réinscrire au District de conservation de l ouest de la région d Entreles-Lacs La ville de Hartney a présenté une demande pour s inscrire au District de conservation de la Montagne de Tortue Page 8

9 Program Activities In , the Conservation Districts Program expended over $8,000,000 towards land and water stewardship programming. The following is a summary of activities: Program Component Projects Units Watershed Planning Watershed management plans in progress Habitat assessments 3 9 projects Public Education Education programs - local schools schools & Extension Tours / Demo days / Extension projects Recreation sites / tourism projects Fisheries & Wildlife Wildlife habitat enhancement projects Fisheries enhancement projects Conservation agreements 9 6 projects Soil Management Enviro farm planning referrals referrals Forage seeded hectares Forage / soil testing projects GIS services / mapping projects Gully erosion repairs projects Manure management 20 4 projects Pasture management systems 7 37 projects Pasture pipelines 8 10 kilometres Planned grazing 6 8 projects Rotational winter feeding 2 2 projects Salinity seed projects Shelterbelts kilometres Swath grazing 8 8 projects Trees planted trees Grassed Waterways 11 6 projects Custom seeding 2 7 kilometres Composters projects Water Management Water pump rental 5 17 projects Water retention projects Water quality tests - wells / surface samples Watering systems - off-site projects Wells sealed wells Wells - maintenance & brochures wells Benthic monitoring samples Stream bank stabilization projects Erosion control projects Equipment rental hectares Ring dikes 1 7 projects Riparian exclusion fencing kilometres Beneficial Management Practice research 8 5 projects Livestock crossings / stream access 8 16 projects Shale Traps 12 0 projects Farmyard Runoff Control 3 0 projects Crossing Infrastructure Crossings repaired or replaced crossings Drain Infrastructure Drainage licenses reviews Drain construction / reconstruction kilometres Drains maintained kilometres Beaver dams removal dams Sub-division applications reviews Page 9

10 Activités du programme En , le Programme des districts de conservation a dépensé plus de 8 millions de dollars pour des programmes de gestion des eaux et d aménagement des terres. Voici un résumé des activités au cours de l exercice : Volet du programme Projets Unités Planification Plans de gestion des bassins hydrographiques en cours dans les bassins versants Évaluation des habitats 3 9 projets Éducation Programmes éducatifs pour les écoles de la région écoles du public et diffusion Visites guidées, présentations et activités de diffusion projets Sites de loisirs et tourisme projets Pêche et faune Mise en valeur des habitats fauniques projets Mise en valeur de la pêche projets Accords de conservation 9 6 projets Gestion des sols Renvois au programme de planification agricole renvois environnementale 5023 Plantation de fourrages 2985 ha Analyses de fourrages et de sols projets Service d information géographique et cartographie projets Restauration des ravines projets Gestion du fumier 20 4 projets Systèmes de gestion des pâturages 7 37 projets Canalisations d eau dans les pâturages 8 10 km Planification des pacages 6 8 projets Alimentation des animaux en rotation pendant l hiver 2 2 projets Graines tolérant la salinité projets Brise-vent km Pâturage sur andains 8 8 projets Plantation d arbres arbres Gestion des terrains boisés 2 1 projets Voies d eau gazonnées 11 6 km Semis à forfait 2 7 km Composteurs projets Gestion de l eau Location de pompes à eau 5 17 projets Rétention des eaux projets Tests de qualité de l eau dans des puits et en surface échantillons Systèmes d arrosage extérieurs projets Fermeture des puits puits Puits entretient et brochures puits Surveillance des milieux benthiques échantillons Stabilisation des rives projets Lutte contre l érosion projets Voies d eau gazonnées projets Location d équipement ha Digues circulaires 1 7 projets Clôturage d exclusion le long des rives km Recherches dans le domaine des pratiques de 8 5 projets gestion bénéfique Accès aux cours d eau et voies de passage pour le 8 16 projets bétail Pièges à sédiments de schiste argileux 12 0 projets Contrôle de ruissellement de cour de fermes 3 0 projets Gestion de l infrastructure des Réparation et remplacement des traverses traverses traverses Page 10

11 Gestion de l infrastructure Permis de drainage évaluations de drainage Construction et reconstruction des canaux de drainage km Entretien des canaux de drainage km Suppression de barrages de castors barrages Demandes en vue d effectuer des subdivisions évaluations Page 11

12 Conservation District Grants Subventions aux districts de conservation Up to 75 percent of the costs of conservation district programs are funded by provincial grants. The grants are provided for watershed planning and implementation initiatives that support public policy objectives relating to the stewardship of Manitoba s lands and water. Program areas include but are not limited to wetland protection and reclamation, water quality improvement, water storage and retention, wildlife and fisheries habitat protection and rehabilitation, water and water control infrastructure management, soil conservation, public education and extension, and a variety of other resource management initiatives. The funding is also used to assist with the operational and administrative expenses of each conservation district. Les subventions provinciales couvrent jusqu à 75 % du coût des programmes des districts de conservation. Ces subventions sont destinées aux initiatives de création de bassins hydrographiques et de planification dans ces bassins qui appuient les objectifs des politiques publiques en matière de gestion des eaux et des terres du Manitoba. Le programme comprend divers volets, notamment la protection et la remise en état des milieux humides, l amélioration de la qualité de l eau, le stockage et la rétention d eau, la protection et la restauration des habitats fauniques et aquatiques, la gestion de l eau et de l infrastructure de régulation des eaux, la conservation des sols, l éducation du public et la diffusion et diverses autres activités de gestion de ressources. Les fonds sont aussi utilisés pour aider à couvrir les dépenses d exploitation et d administration de chacun des districts de conservation. CONSERVATION DISTRICT GRANTS SUBVENTIONS AUX DISTRICTS DE CONSERVATION EN PROVINCIAL SUBVENTIONS DISTRICTS / DISTRICTS GRANTS PROVINCIALES Alonsa $ 290, $ Assiniboine Hills $ 229, $ Cooks Creek / Ruisseau Creeks $ 325, $ East Interlake / Est de la région d Entre-les-Lacs $ 335, $ Intermountain $ 305, $ Kelsey $ 169, $ Lake of the Prairies / Lac des prairies $ 190, $ La Salle Redboine $ 210, $ Little Saskatchewan River / Rivière Little Saskatchewan $ 200, $ Pembina Valley / Vallée de la Pembina $ 410, $ Seine-Rat River / Rivières Seine et aux Rats $ 340, $ Swan Lake Watershed / Bassin de drainage de Swan Lake $ 212, $ Turtle Mountain $ 345, $ Turtle River Watershed / Bassin de drainage de la rivière Turtle $ 460, $ Upper Assiniboine River / Partie supérieure de la rivière Assiniboine $ 300, $ West Interlake Watershed / Ouest du bassin de drainage d Entre-les- Lacs $ 125, $ West Souris River / Ouest de la rivière Souris $ 226, $ Whitemud Watershed / Bassin de drainage de la rivière Whitemud $ 755, $ Watershed Planning Grant / Governance Workshop $ 188, $ TOTAL $ 5,615, $ NOTE: REMARQUE : Refer to the Audited Financial Statements in the appendices for details on local/external funding and total expenditures. Veuillez consulter les états financiers vérifiés en annexe pour des détails sur le financement local et externe et sur les dépenses totales. Page 12

13 Alonsa Conservation District Introduction The Alonsa Conservation District has been in operation since 1978 and is located along the western shores of Lake Manitoba, encompassing approximately 4,450 square kilometres. The district includes all or parts of the Rural Municipalities of Alonsa and Lawrence. The landscape is characterized by a series of gentle undulations of ridges and wetlands, and includes the major watersheds of Garrioch Creek, Sucker Creek, Hamlin Drain, and Reedy Creek, along with several others that drain into Lake Manitoba, Ebb and Flow Lake, and Lonely Lake. The district offers programs relating to waterway and crossing maintenance, water management, soil conservation, fisheries, wildlife and forestry management. The district is also involved with supporting historic resource projects, public education, tourism, and recreation projects. ALONSA CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS #107 Crane River/Hamlin Drain Fred Taylor Rorketon #110 Garrioch Creek Danny North Alonsa #113 Lonely Lake/Ebb and Flow Lyle Finney Ste. Rose du Lac #157 Weiden Drain A. Rick Lodge Rorketon #160 Kinosota Ridge Allan Carriere Amaranth Chairperson / Provincial Appointee Edward Zdan Alonsa Summary The Alonsa Conservation District supported projects and programs relating to waterway and crossing maintenance, fish hatchery activities, forage, wildlife habitat enhancement, tree planting, recreation trail maintenance, aboriginal historic site maintenance, and park improvement this year. The district board is committed to educational and extension activities to fulfill its mandate of conserving, sustaining, and preserving the diversity of this unique area while strengthening the local economy. The district continued to participate in the development of an integrated watershed management plan for the Westlake Watershed. Highlight of activities included the establishment of 925 ha of forage, maintained 22 km and reconstructed four kilometres of agricultural drains, removed beaver dams at 141 sites, repaired crossings at seven locations, and supported the Lake Manitoba walleye fish hatchery. Manitoba Water Stewardship and the rural municipalities of Alonsa and Lawrence are the main financial partners with additional funding from Manitoba Conservation Green Team Program, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Métis Federation, and Lake Manitoba Fishermen's Association. The district also formed partnerships with watershed landowners for programs that focus on common interests for the environment and sustainable development. Page 13

14 TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 43, Assets $ 11, Governance and Policy $ 37, Watershed Extension $ 9, Program Support $ 139, Wildlife and Fisheries $ 17, Soil Conservation $ 65, Water Management $ 47, Drain Infrastructure $ 147, Crossing Infrastructure $ 40, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix A. TOTAL $ 560, Administration Consisted of office and general operation expenses Governance and Policy Held 11 board meetings and six sub-district meetings Hosted an annual meeting involving all sub-district members Manager and Chairman attended Manitoba Conservation Districts Association meetings Board and staff attended the annual Manitoba Conservation Districts Association convention Staff and board members attended one professional development workshop Watershed Extension Provided youth speaker sponsorships and graduation awards Maintained 13 existing tourism and education sites, including nature trails and aboriginal petro-form sites Continued to support the efforts of the Alex Robertson Museum and United Church Historical project Program Support The board employs one full time manager, an administrator, an administrative assistant and two summer students Wildlife / Fisheries Continued a partnership with the fish hatchery and assisted with Lake Manitoba walleye spawning activities Page 14

15 Soils Conservation Assisted 44 landowners with the establishment of 925 ha of permanent cover through the Forage Incentive Program Assisted 21 producers with land management planning using Geographic Information System Water Management Completed the 6 th year of water quality testing at 20 sites Removed beaver dams and debris at 141 sites Participated on the watershed planning Project Management Team Waterway Infrastructure Drain maintenance activities included: o drain cleanout and vegetation removal at 17 sites or 22.5 km o completed one Water Rights License application o surveyed three sites o completed phase two (4 km) of the Hamlin Drain capital infrastructure project Crossing maintenance activities included: o completed crossing repairs at seven sites External Funding Program/Partner Funding Manitoba Hometown Green Team $ 4, Birdwatchers Fund $ 3, Manitoba Local Government Emergency Management Organization $ 24, Landowners & Sundry $ 31, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Capital Investment Program $ 90, TOTAL $ 153, Page 15

16 Assiniboine Hills Conservation District Introduction Assiniboine Hills Conservation District was formed April 1, 2008 as a merger between the Mid Assiniboine River and Tiger Hills Conservation Districts. The district includes the Rural Municipalities of Argyle, Cornwallis, Glenwood, Oakland, Riverside, South Cypress, Strathcona, Whitewater, the Town of Souris, and the Villages of Glenboro and Wawanesa. The district covers 6,349 square kilometres within the Central Assiniboine and Lower Souris sub-watershed in southwest Manitoba. The topography is varied from undulating hills to low lying marshlands, with soils ranging from Stockton sands to Assiniboine clays. ASSINIOBINE HILLSCONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS #56 Pelican / Rock Jack Bolack Glenora #68 Elgin Creek Sam Phillips Souris #69 Lower Souris Reenie Weenink Nesbitt #70 Oak Creek Hugh Stephenson Baldur #98 Little Souris Gordon Beddome Douglas #99 Epinette/Willow Jim Abernethy Glenboro Board Chairperson Heather Dalgleish Sprucewoods Summary The district continued to participate in the development of the Pembina River and Central Assiniboine-Lower Souris River Integrated Watershed Management Plans. The board prioritized program funding and approved applications that targeted the primary issues within the district. Program highlights included: sealing of 24 abandoned wells; the installation of six off-site watering systems; completion of four riparian fencing projects; shock chlorination of 19 wells; stabilization of six creek banks; development of 12 new wells; and the establishment of 222 ha of forage. TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 50, Assets $ 43, Governance and Policy $ 25, Watershed Extension $ 23, Program Support $ 156, Plan Implementation $ 158, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix B. TOTAL $ 458, Administration Consisted of office supplies, rent, utilities and vehicle expenses Page 16

17 Assets Purchased a new full size truck. Governance and Policy Board Remuneration o held nine board meetings Sub-District Remuneration o held 14 sub-district meetings o held one sub-district tour Manitoba Conservation Districts Association o chairperson attended Manitoba Conservation District Association meetings o staff and sub district members attended the Manitoba Conservation Districts Association convention Watershed Extension Demonstration & Tours o hosted one sub district tour o set up a display at three Agricultural Day events o hosted three tree workshops o hosted a manure composting workshop Advertisements and Signs o printed advertisements in local papers o purchased six project signs o printed 50 programming posters Environmental Education o purchased trees for two children s tree education days o participated in the 6 th Annual South West Manitoba Water Festival o sponsored Oak Hammock Marsh presentations for local schools o purchased two River Watch Kits Program Support The board employs one full time manager, one part-time administrator, one full time technician, and two summer students Plan Implementation Central Assiniboine and Lower Souris River Watershed activities included: o hosted three planning meetings o sealed six abandoned wells o installed one pond leveller (beaver) o completed one rotational grazing project o installed six alternate watering systems o planted two shelterbelts o sponsored four cover crop establishments (93 ha) Page 17

18 o o o o o o o o completed soil testing at 14 sites shock chlorinated six wells assisted seven landowners in establishing 100 ha of permanent cover through a forage incentive program rented a mole leveller to 21 land owners established eight new wells through the water supply development program constructed two shoreline stabilization projects surveyed two sites for future project planning completed one fisheries riffle structure Pembina River Watershed activities included: o completed four riparian fencing project o sealed 18 abandoned wells o installed four beaver dam pond levellers o finished one rotational grazing system o installed four alternate watering systems o performed soil testing at 16 sites o shock chlorinated 13 wells o completed one off site watering demonstration o distributed forage seed (129 ha) to nine producers o installed four new wells through the Water Supply Development Program o completed four shoreline stabilization projects o constructed one low level crossing o surveyed one future project site External Funding Program/Partner Funding Hometown Green Team $ 6, Federal Summer Student Program $ 3, Municipal Grants $ 2, Landowners $ 9, Equipment Sales $ 2, Interest (banking) $ 1, Manitoba Energy, Science and Technology $ Environment Canada - Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund $ 17, Royal Bank of Canada Blue Water Fund $ 5, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives $ 14, Environment Canada - Lake Winnipeg Basin Stewardship Fund $ 14, Manitoba Water Stewardship Fund $ 17, Manitoba Conservation Districts Association Research Program $ 6, TOTAL $ 99, Page 18

19 Cooks Creek Conservation District Introduction The Cooks Creek Conservation District was established in 1979 and is located east of Winnipeg. The district includes most of the Cooks Creek watershed, which discharges into the Red River, and parts of the Carrs Creek and Lower Seine River watersheds, both of which flow into the Red River Floodway. Topography, soils, and vegetation of the watershed are distinguished by an eastern upland and a central lowland area. The district covers an area of 862 square kilometres and includes all or parts of the Rural Municipalities of Springfield, Taché, Ste. Anne, Brokenhead, and Reynolds. The district s proximity to Winnipeg has led to an influx of commuter residents into the rural areas as well as in the communities of Anola, Cooks Creek, Dugald, Oakbank, Ste. Genevieve, and Richer. COOKS CREEK CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS #9 Lower Seine River Bill Ammeter Dufresne #11N Lower Cooks Creek Garry Brown Dugald #11S Upper Cooks Creek Marc Ross Richer #12 Carrs Creek Bob Bodnaruk Springfield Board Chairperson Neil Van Ryssel Oakbank Summary Cooks Creek Conservation District programming includes the reconstruction and maintenance of water control works, well sealing, drainage license approvals, water retention, wildlife habitat enhancement, sub-division application review, and public education initiatives. Highlights in included: 257 wells tested; sealed 9 abandoned wells; maintained and reconstructed 141 km of agricultural drains; repaired 11 floodgates; replaced five culverts; and built two water retention sites. In addition to the regular grant from Manitoba Water Stewardship, the district continues to secure additional funding through provincial and federal programs and through partnerships with local landowners and municipalities. TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 42, Assets $ 40, Governance and Policy $ 30, Watershed Extension $ 5, Program Support $ 98, Watershed Planning $ Water Management $ 43, Drain Maintenance $ 586, Crossing Maintenance $ 46, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix C. TOTAL $ 893, Page 19

20 Administration Consisted of office cleaning, office supplies, utilities, equipment leases, audit and legal fees Assets Purchased one computer monitor and added funds to an infrastructure reserve Governance and Policy Held 17 board meetings Watershed Extension Toured district projects and viewed problem areas Hosted a youth fishing day with 15 children Program Support Salaries for a full time manager, a part time administrator, and two summer students Watershed Planning Signed a pre-planning stage of Cooks-Devils Creek Integrated Watershed Management Plan Sampled 257 wells as part of a well water inventory project Water Management Sealed nine abandoned wells Built two water retention projects in partnership with local municipalities Provided a rebate to eight landowners for energy efficient home appliances Waterway Infrastructure Drain maintenance activities included: o cleaned out 11.2 km of drains o mowed approximately five km of drains o sickle mowed 24 km of drains o sprayed approximately 58 km of drains o brushed approximately three km of drains o reconstructed 10 km of drains o surveyed 40 km of drains Crossing maintenance activities included: o repaired 11 culvert flood gates o replaced two bridge decks o replaced five crossings with upgraded culverts Page 20

21 External Funding Program/Partner Funding Hometown Green Team $ 5, Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation $ 136, Manitoba Water Stewardship Planning Grant $ 25, Municipal Grants $ 49, Landowner Contributions $ TOTAL $ 217, Page 21

22 East Interlake Conservation District Introduction The East Interlake Conservation District was established in 2005 and includes all or parts of the Rural Municipalities of Armstrong, Bifrost, Fisher, Gimli, Rockwood, Rosser, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, and Woodlands, the City of Selkirk, the Towns of Arborg, Teulon, Stonewall, and Winnipeg Beach, and the Villages of Dunnottar and Riverton. The district covers 7,113 square kilometres of land with approximately 55,000 residents. The area is characterized by a diverse agricultural community, tourism associated with inland, shoreline and water activities, industry, aggregate and peat mining, and residential developments along Lake Winnipeg and north of the Winnipeg capital region. Agricultural activities include livestock (beef, dairy, poultry and hogs), forage production, annual crop production, and specialty operations. The district is comprised of, and governed by, four major watersheds and offers programming in five programming areas including water quality, surface water management, watershed planning, soil and riparian health, and conservation education. EAST INTERLAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS Fisher / Washow Bay Robert Green Fisher Grassmere / Parks Creek Garry Peltz Woodlands Icelandic River / Willow Creek Garry Wasylowski Armstrong Netley / Wavey Creek Rick Gamble Dunnottar Board Chairperson Harold Foster Bifrost Provincial Appointee Melvin Podiama Fisher Summary The district continued to implement its mandate to promote watershed health by offering programs with a focus on water quality and surface water management, including a private well inventory, abandoned well sealing, riparian management, conservation agreements, wetland restoration, water flow surveying, and education. In addition to regular programming, several long term projects have been completed or advanced, including a fiveyear benthic invertebrate study and a well water inventory in the Fisher River watershed. The district continued the watershed planning process for the Willow Creek watershed and has transitioned towards implementing recommendations contained in the Icelandic River-Washow Bay and Netley-Grassmere Integrated Watershed Management Plans. The district continued to develop urban-focussed programs by supporting a zero-waste community event and subsidizing the sale of composters and rain barrels. The district also coordinated the forth Interlake Water Days event which was held in the City of Selkirk. Page 22

23 TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 55, Assets $ 84, Governance and Policy $ 30, Watershed Extension $ 11, Program Support $ 222, Plan Implementation $ 183, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix D. TOTAL $ 586, Administration Consisted of office supplies, rent, mortgage, utilities, phone, accounting and vehicle expenses Assets Purchased a property with an office building, all-terrain vehicle and trailer Governance and Policy District hosted: o 12 executive board meetings o six sub district meetings o one annual general meeting District representatives attended events, including: o six Manitoba Conservation District Association meetings and the convention o the Red River Basin Commission convention Watershed Extension Hosted the 4 th Annual Water Day event in the City of Selkirk Featured in eight print articles Maintained and updated the district web page ( Designed and distributed four brochures to 17,000 watershed residents Made presentations at eight school related events Supported a zero-waste Canada Day event in West St. Paul Attended 12 community events to promote district programming and sell composters and rain barrels at a subsidized price Program Support Board employs four full time staff including: a manager, a financial administrator, a resource planner, a survey technician, and three summer students Page 23

24 Plan Implementation Sampled 337 private wells for nitrates and bacteria in the Fisher River Watershed Sampled surface water quality at 25 sites on a quarterly basis with assistance from students from Arborg Collegiate Sealed 34 abandoned or problem flowing wells Surveyed and digitized approximately 700 km of waterways in the Netley-Wavey Watershed Installed 5.5 km of exclusion fencing on the Icelandic and Fisher rivers One landowner participated in the mulch applicator program in the Grassmere-Parks Watershed Signed two Conservation Agreements to conserve 92 acres, of which: o 30 acres of wetlands were restored in the Netley-Wavey Watershed; and o 62 acres of forest/wetland were protected in the Icelandic-Washow Bay Watershed Planted native grass in a roadside ditch in the Netley-Wavey Watershed as a demonstration project Supported a study on effluent irrigation in the Interlake Completed one streambank stabilization project Surveyed 10 potential water retention or conservation agreement sites Completed a report on the five-year benthic invertebrate sampling program External Funding Program/Partner Funding Lake Winnipeg Foundation - benthic invertebrate monitoring program $ 5, Manitoba Water Stewardship - 10% holdback for 09/10 Interlake Water Days $ Manitoba Water Stewardship - 10% holdback for 08/09 Fisher R. Fisheries Study $ 2, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Netley-Grassmere Watershed Plan $ 11, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Netley-Grassmere implementation grant $ 22, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Willow Creek Watershed planning grant $ 19, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Fisher River watershed planning grant $ 25, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Watershed Health/Stream Reach $ 5, Manitoba Water Stewardship - Icelandic-Washow Bay implementation grant $ 15, Environment Canada- Icelandic - Washow Bay nutrient abatement $ 7, Environment Canada - Sustainability of Municipal Wastewater Irrigation $ 3, Manitoba Conservation Districts Association - research project $ 4, Manitoba Conservation - Hometown Green Team $ 7, TOTAL $ 128, Page 24

25 Intermountain Conservation District Introduction The Intermountain Conservation District was established as Manitoba s ninth Conservation District on July 15, The district covers approximately 7,200 square kilometres and is located between Riding Mountain National Park, Duck Mountain Provincial Forest, Dauphin Lake, and Winnipegosis. The landscape of the district varies from steep forested escarpment to gentle sloping lakeshore land. The district consists of all or parts of the Rural Municipalities of Dauphin, Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains, Grandview, Mossey River and Mountain South, the Villages of Ethelbert and Winnipegosis, the Towns of Gilbert Plains and Grandview, and the City of Dauphin. INTERMOUNTAIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS #47 Vermillion River Boris Michaleski Dauphin #48 Wilson River Mervin Kotak Gilbert Plains #49/102 Fishing/Fork/Mossey River Kevin Janzen Winnipegosis #93 Upper Valley River Raymond Rodgerson Grandview #95 Lower Valley River/Mink Creek Lawrence Safronetz Sifton #103 Garland/Point River Ken Shewchuk Garland #104/105 Pine/Sclater/Duck River Greg Rehaluk Ethelbert Board Chairperson Ernie Bayduza Dauphin Provincial Appointee Syd Puchailo Gilbert Plains Summary The programs implemented by the district address local land and water management issues. Watershed studies have contributed to the knowledge base of the district s governance structure and watershed residents. The district completed the Wilson Watershed Resource Study, and continued development of the East Duck Mountain- Sagemace Bay and Dauphin Lake Basin Integrated Watershed Management Plans. Highlights of included: 263 wells tested; five grassed waterways constructed; 16 abandoned wells sealed; 77 beaver dams removed; seven stream banks stabilized; two conservation corridors established; 891 ha of forage established; installed one off-site watering system; constructed one livestock crossing; and installed 1400 m of pasture pipeline. Extension and education activities continue to encourage area youth to become more involved in resource conservation and management. Continued partnerships with several agencies provide watershed residents with the knowledge and technical support to adopt conservation activities and programs. Page 25

26 TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 74, Assets $ 3, Governance and Policy $ 39, Watershed Extension $ 25, Program Support $ 171, Plan Implementation $ 160, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix E. TOTAL $ 474, Administration Consisted of expenses for utilities, audit fees, office supplies, building maintenance and insurance Assets No major assets were purchased Governance and Policy Consisted of board and sub-district remuneration and expenses, professional fees and professional development activities Watershed Extension Hosted the Mountain Region Water Festival Sponsored Ducks Unlimited Canada s Oak Hammock Marsh Legacy Tour at five elementary schools in Dauphin, Winnipegosis and Ethelbert Continued work on the Shanty Creek Watershed Education Center Presented the district scholarship at the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School Hosted three backyard composting workshops in Dauphin, Grandview and Ethelbert Facilitated a plant and soil discussion at Gilbert Plains School Awarded Bob and Roseanne Demchuck and family with the annual Conservation Award Program Support The board employs three full time staff including: a manager, a financial administrator, a resource technician, and a full time seasonal watershed planning assistant as well as two summer students Plan Implementation Dauphin Lake Watershed activities included: o hosted four public open houses for the Dauphin Lake Watershed Integrated Watershed Management Plan in partnership with the Turtle River Watershed Conservation District Page 26

27 o o o o o o o o o o completed the Wilson River Watershed Study constructed four grassed waterways provided forage seed to 24 landowners for 382 ha completed one community tree planting project tested 263 private wells under the Water Quality Monitoring Program continued the maintenance and use of one tree plantation sealed ten abandoned wells completed four beaver dam removals and one beaver management project completed one stream bank stabilization project established two conservation corridors East Duck Mountain-Sagemace Bay Watershed activities included: o hosted three project management team meetings and began drafting the East Duck Mountain-Sagemace Bay Integrated Watershed Management Plan o constructed one grassed waterway o provided forage seed to 29 landowners for 509 ha o continued the maintenance and use of one tree plantation o sealed six abandoned wells o completed 73 beaver dam removals and one beaver management project o six stream banks were stabilized o provided one alternative watering system o installed 1400 metres of pasture pipeline for off-site watering o completed one livestock crossing External Funding Program/Partner Funding Hometown Green Team $ 7, Manitoba Water Stewardship $ 3, Manitoba Conservation - Sustainable Development Innovations Fund $ 20, Landowner Contributions $ 34, Miscellaneous $ 1, TOTAL $ 67, Page 27

28 Kelsey Conservation District Introduction The Kelsey Conservation District was formed in January 1999 and is comprised of the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, the areas of Pasquia and Carrot River settlements, Rall s Island, Wanless and Cranberry Portage. The district covers 900 square kilometres and has an approximate population of 2,750. KELSEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS Cranberry Portage Dave Cupples Cranberry Portage Vice Chair Gwen Donohoe Pasquia Settlement Wanless Kelvin Dionne Wanless Board Chairperson Kathy Joyal Rall s Island Provincial Appointee Neil Scott The Pas Summary The district continued to focus on the development and delivery of programs around sustainable agriculture and source water protection. All programs offered through the district were performed with the objective of improving water quality. A source water protection plan is currently underway with the assistance of a consultant. Recreation and tourism are the focus of programming in Wanless and Cranberry Portage, the two communities within the district that are north of the 54 th parallel. The district continued to place priority on partnership development. TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 36, Assets $ 5, Governance and Policy $ 31, Watershed Extension $ 13, Program Support $ 96, Plan Implementation $ 59, For further detail see Auditor s Report, Appendix F. TOTAL $ 242, Administration Consisted of office supplies, utilities, rent, accounting fees, insurance and vehicle expenses Page 28

29 Assets Purchased a printer/photocopier Governance and Policy Board Remuneration o held ten executive board meetings Professional Development o manager attended three Managers meetings o administrator attended one Administrators meeting o board and administrator attended the Saskatchewan River Delta meeting in The Pas o board members and manager attended a board governance workshop in Dauphin Manitoba Conservation Districts Association o board and staff attended the convention Watershed Extension Demonstration and Tours o participated in a tour for the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council o hosted an apple tree pruning seminar o o hosted the district s annual tour and year in review with a pit roast hosted a demonstration tour of the nitrogen ramps project, crop and soil borne disease management, and manure composting Advertisements and Signs o printed advertisements for: two district events, as well as an abandoned and artisan well advertisement o distributed a district quarterly newsletter Environmental Education o sponsored and participated in hosting the Northern Envirothon o hosted the 4 th Annual Northern Water Festival o planted and harvested two gardens with area students (Carrot Valley and Wanless) Program Support The board employs one full time manager and one part time financial administrator Plan Implementation A consultant reviewed the draft Source Water Protection Assessment Report Continued work on mapping for the source water protection plan Conducted spring soil testing Tested forage crops Purchased 50 composters Completed a pasture pipeline for the Carrot River Project Installed two alternative watering systems Completed three manure composting projects Completed four swath/bale grazing projects Page 29

30 Sealed four wells Groomed the eco-trail in Cranberry Portage External Funding Program/Partner Funding Producer Contributions $ 8, Manitoba Canola Growers $ 1, TOTAL $ 9, Page 30

31 La Salle Redboine Conservation District Introduction The La Salle Redboine Conservation District was formed in January, The district has a population of approximately 37,000 residents and encompasses 7,000 square kilometres of central Manitoba, extending from Spruce Woods Provincial Park to Winnipeg, and from Delta Marsh to Carman. The district features a diverse landscape characterized by rolling sand hills, glacial till deposits, and the Manitoba Escarpment in the west, to the Red River flood plain clay deposits in the east. The district includes the Rural Municipalities of Victoria, South Norfolk, Dufferin, Grey, Cartier, MacDonald, and portions of Portage la Prairie and Ritchot, the towns of Treherne, Carman, and St. Claude, and the city of Portage la Prairie. The conservation district is divided into eight sub-districts and involves 49 sub-district members. LA SALLE REDBOINE CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SUB-DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS #18 Boyne Norquay Roy Wood Carman #21 Central La Salle Richard Penner Elm Creek #22 Lower La Salle Rodney Burns Starbuck #24 Upper La Salle Claude Menard Elie #71 Cypress River Raymond Huggart Treherne #100 Long Lake John Bekeris St Claude #100A Assiniboine Marshall Piper Cartier #101 Delta Walter Keryluk Portage la Prairie Board Chairperson Toby Trimble Portage la Prairie Summary The focus of the district is soil and water conservation programming. Priority programs continue to include well sealing, well treatment, erosion repair and protection, livestock relocation, and tree planting. The district continues to promote water retention and water quality improvement programming. This year was highlighted by work completed with local schools to increase promotion of the River Watch Program and the Manitoba Envirothon. The district completed: three grassed waterways; sealed 27 abandoned wells; planted 8.5 km of shelterbelts; constructed one ring dike; and repaired eight gully erosions. TOTAL EXPENDITURES Activity Expenditure Administration $ 50, Assets $ 13, Governance and Policy $ 39, Watershed Extension $ 13, Program Support $ 144, Soil Management $ 23, Water Management $ 18, Plan Implementation $ 180, TOTAL $ 482, Page 31