The Association of Manitoba Community Pastures is receiving $325,000 through the province's Conservation Trust.
“On behalf of the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures (AMCP), I am pleased to announce an excellent start to the 2021 grazing season with $325,000 in new funding from the Manitoba Conservation Trust” said Greg Genik, AMCP Board Chair. “From Roblin, to Swan River, the Interlake, through to the Neepawa and Portage areas, the Community Pastures are well-positioned to deliver project work focusing on our mutual priorities with the Trust: prairie and rangeland enhancements.”
This year, AMCP has targeted enhancements to 8,500 acres of Community Pasture rangelands through the $300,000 “Improving Grassland Biodiversity in Manitoba’s Community Pastures” project. Work will take place at the AMCP-managed Bield, Ethelbert, Langford, Lenswood, Mulvihill, Narcisse, and Sylvan Dale Community Pastures as well as at affiliated RM Community Pastures: Portage and Woodlands. These Community Pastures comprise a total 175,000 acres and are ramping up to take-in over 20,000 head of livestock from Manitoba producers next month.
Trust-funded project activities are geared to investments that improve rotational grazing systems and livestock distribution: water sources, cattle crossings, brush management controls, and new cross-fencing. With strong grazing management practices in place, grassland diversity and resiliency are boosted along with associated ecological goods and services including reliable forage supply, pollination, and wildlife habitat. A $25,000 grant will be directed toward completing range health assessments and land management plans at two AMCP Pastures in the Interlake: Narcisse and Sylvan Dale. The funding supports AMCP’s mandate to enhance and support the livestock industry by providing high quality grazing balanced with sustainable rangeland stewardship.
Matching support for the Conservation Trust project is being provided by AMCP, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.
The Conservation Trust was established in 2018 as part of Manitoba’s Climate and Green Plan to fund activities that promote the conservation of natural resources by creating, conserving, or enhancing natural infrastructure for the benefit of Manitobans.
The Trust is held by The Winnipeg Foundation and revenues are managed by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC).
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