Province Announces First Three Projects Under GROW Trust

The Manitoba government has unveiled the first three projects under the $52-million Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) Trust to support the protection of wetlands and watershed management.

 

“Today’s announcement highlights our government’s unprecedented commitment to support our producers as stewards of the land, recognizing the environmental benefits that come from healthy ecosystems,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “Our government values the critical role farmers play in managing our landscapes and watersheds. Working in collaboration with producers and landowners, the GROW Trust will ensure the sustainability of our wetlands today and for future generations to come.”

 

In partnership with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC), the province announced the first three projects to receive funding through the GROW Trust. The Seine-Rat River Conservation District and the Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District will each receive $250,000 to expand the ALUS Canada ecological goods and services programs they offer to conserve wetlands, and build resilience to the impacts of flood and drought. In addition, up to $1 million will be invested in the TransCanada Shelterbelt Renewal Project, which will be designated as a ‘Manitoba Signature Project’ to demonstrate the value of shelterbelts on agricultural landscape.

 

“The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is proud of our partnership with the Manitoba government that will help ensure the protection of our natural resources and improved watershed resiliency that will deliver important environmental results for Manitobans for generations to come,” said Tim Sopuck, chief executive officer, MHHC.

 

It was also announced the first intake of applications to the GROW Trust will be held in January 2020, allowing conservation districts, soon to be watershed districts, with local GROW committees to apply for project funding that will encourage and support the delivery of ecological goods and services (EG&S) in Manitoba.

 

“Building on the innovative approach to provide long-term investments to protect our environment first established through the Conservation Trust, GROW will further enhance our ability to mitigate climate change, reduce flooding and improve water quality and nutrient management in our watersheds,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “Our government is committed to working with all Manitobans to ensure we remain Canada’s cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province.”