Conservation and Climate Annual Report 2014-2015
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Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Conservation et Gestion des ressources hydriques Manitoba Annual Report Rapport annuel 2014-2015 2014-2015 This Report is available in alternate formats by contacting the Department’s Accessibility Coordinator at (204) 806-1297. Online version available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/annual-reports/con_reports/index.html ________________________________________ MINISTER OF CONSERVATION AND WATER STEWARDSHIP Legislative Building Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA R3C 0V8 Her Honour the Honourable Mrs. Janice C. Filmon, C.M., O.M. Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba Room 235 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C OV8 Your Honour: I am pleased to present you with the Annual Report for the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund for the period of April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. Respectfully submitted, “Original signed by” Tom Nevakshonoff Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship Conservation and Water Stewardship Deputy Minister Room 332 Legislative Building Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 0V8 The Honourable Tom Nevakshonoff Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship Room 330 Legislative Building Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8 Dear Minister: I am pleased to present you with the Annual Report of the Manitoba Department of Conservation and Water Stewardship for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015. The Department is committed to delivering quality programs and services to protect the environment and sustainably manage natural resources, while balancing diverse community interests and ensuring a prosperous and environmentally-conscious economy. The Annual Report provides information on the Department’s operations and activities during the 2014/15 fiscal year. Key results and accomplishments include the following: Released the second edition of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, incorporating feedback from Manitobans to include a greater focus on the health of Lake Winnipeg, parks and protected lands, and wildlife populations and habitats. Released a discussion paper on recycling and waste reduction for public consumption and consulted with stakeholder groups, with the goal of cutting Manitoba’s per capita waste in half by 2020. Expanded watercraft inspection under the Aquatic Invasive Species program, including five decontamination units that worked around the province in high traffic boating areas. Designated provincial parks and playgrounds as no smoking zones. Engaged signatories and others in the Lake Friendly Accord with the goal of reducing nutrients through the engagement of all stakeholders. Signatories included the Red River Basin Commission, the State of Minnesota and the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, Initiated a regional cumulative effects assessment of hydroelectric development in the Nelson, Burntwood and Churchill River systems, in partnership with Manitoba Hydro and in response to recommendations from the Clean Environment Commission. Established three novel wild turkey populations in southern Manitoba, in partnership with affiliate clubs of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. Hosted a Boreal Summit in The Pas with representatives from Aboriginal communities, industry, municipalities and other government, academia and non-government organizations, as the start of a comprehensive cross-government Boreal Strategy. Established Upper Fort Garry Provincial Heritage Park, Walter Cook Caves Ecological Reserve and Chitek Lake Provincial Park, the first park to be designated under the Indigenous Park Traditional Use park classification. Prohibited the use of prescribed non-essential pesticides on lawns and the grounds of schools, hospitals and child care centres. I am pleased to report on the Department’s protection of the environment and stewardship of natural resources. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship has talented and dedicated staff. It is to their collective credit that the Department provides the quality programs and services described in the attached report. Respectfully submitted, “Original signed by” Grant Doak Deputy Minister Contents LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... 3 Organization Chart ................................................................................................................... 5 Highlights ................................................................................................................................. 6 FAIT SAILLANTS ...................................................................................................................... 9 ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE ..........................................................................................12 Minister’s Salary...................................................................................................................................... 12 Executive Support ................................................................................................................................... 12 Administrative and Financial Services .................................................................................................... 13 Corporate Crown Lands Policy ............................................................................................................... 15 Clean Environment Commission ............................................................................................................ 17 GeoManitoba .......................................................................................................................................... 18 PARKS AND REGIONAL SERVICES ......................................................................................21 Regional Support Services ..................................................................................................................... 21 Northwest Region ................................................................................................................................... 27 Northeast Region .................................................................................................................................... 31 Central Region ........................................................................................................................................ 34 Eastern Region ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Western Region ...................................................................................................................................... 40 Parks and Protected Spaces .................................................................................................................. 45 Fire and Emergency Response Program ............................................................................................... 55 BIODIVERSITY AND LAND USE .............................................................................................64 Divisional Administration ......................................................................................................................... 64 Forestry and Peatlands Management .................................................................................................... 65 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................................... 75 Habitat Enhancement Fund .................................................................................................................... 84 Wildlife Enhancement Initiative ............................................................................................................... 85 Lands ...................................................................................................................................................... 87 International Institute for Sustainable Development ............................................................................... 92 Aboriginal Relations ................................................................................................................................ 93 Pineland Forest Nursery ......................................................................................................................... 96 Recoverable from Sustainable Development Innovations Fund ............................................................ 97 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ........................................................................................98 Divisional Administration ......................................................................................................................... 98 Environmental Programs and Strategies ................................................................................................ 99 Environmental Compliance and Enforcement ...................................................................................... 107 Environmental Approvals ...................................................................................................................... 111 Climate Change Branch ........................................................................................................................ 114 Strategic Policy and Coordination Branch ............................................................................................ 116 Green Manitoba and Eco Solutions .....................................................................................................