Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation has announced over $10 million in conservation funding for Manitoba based conservation organizations.

Manitoba’s Watershed Districts will receive up to $7.57 million, with an additional $2.79 million to support 19 projects delivered by conservation organizations and supported by endowments made by the Province of Manitoba. 

Funding to support these projects comes from three endowments that are dedicated to land, water, and wildlife conservation. 

Manitoba Beef Producers will receive $400,000 to support projects that help cattle producers conserve grasslands and enhance habitat for threatened and endangered birds.

MBP General Manager Carson Callum says they are thrilled with the announcement which is a continuation of their conservation trust project.

"This grassland enhancement project really focuses on providing support to enhance different aspects of that habitat, whether that's through cross fencing or brush mowing or putting in a specific watering system. Its main focus is to enhance that grassland habitat and that's why we're excited to see this funding underneath the Conservation Trust extended for another year."

Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein says the GROW and Conservation Trusts are building a legacy that will benefit all Manitobans. 

"The funds are invested in local projects that conserve and enhance natural infrastructure and support the implementation of our made-in-Manitoba green plan. With these long-lasting partnerships that we’ve developed, we are inspiring new ideas and projects that may not have been possible until now."

Callum points out that what the Grassland Enhancement Project really does is expand the offerings of those BMPs outside of the SARPAL region, to many other habitats that really are home to multiple species everywhere from birds to foxes to larger game. 

"The fact that producers maintain these lands is really important, and we're happy that Conservation Trust provides this funding."

The $10.36 million in Trust funds is being matched by $16.9 million in funds and services by the groups, which will result in $27.26 million of conservation activity in Manitoba.  

More information on the projects funded through the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation can be found here.

To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with the General Manager of the Manitoba Beef Producers Carson Callum click on the link below.