COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN

for the

Riverton Sandy Bar IMPORTANT BIRD AREA

Prepared by:

Cory Lindgren, Manitoba IBA Program Box 1160, Stonewall, Manitoba R0E 2Z0

for Riverton-Bifrost Community Development Corporation Manitoba IBA Program Riverton Sandy Bar CCP Page 2 of 30

Table of Contents

Executive Summary...... 3 1.0 The IBA Program ...... 5 1.1 IBA Manitoba ...... 6 2.0 Riverton Sandy Bar ...... 6 Riverton Sandy Bar ...... 8 3.0 IBA Site Information...... 9 3.1 Riverton...... 9 3.2 Lake Winnipeg...... 9 4.0 IBA Species Information...... 10 4.1 IBA Species...... 10 4.2 Ring-billed Gull ...... 10 4.3 Common Tern...... 13 4.4 Piping Plover...... 13 4.5 Shorebirds and Geese...... 15 5.0 Elements of Conservation Interest...... 15 5.1 Hecla Sandy Point...... 15 6.0 Land Ownership And Use ...... 16 6.1 Settlement History: The Establishment of New Iceland...... 16 7.0 Conservation Management Achieved...... 17 8.0 IBA Stakeholder Group Activity...... 17 8.1 Riverton-Bifrost Community Development Corporation...... 17 8.1 NEICOM ...... 17 9.0 Opportunities ...... 17 9.1 Ecotourism ...... 17 9.2 IBA Website ...... 18 9.4 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 18 10.0 Threats...... 19 10.1 Human Disturbance ...... 19 10.2 Loss of Habitat...... 19 10.3 Pesticides ...... 20 10.4 Aspen/Willow Encroachment ...... 20 10.5 Other Threats...... 20 11.0 Conservation Goals and Objectives...... 21 12.0 Evaluating Success ...... 23 Acknowledgements ...... 23 References ...... 24 Appendix I: Riverton Sandy Bar IBA Contacts...... 25 Appendix II: Bird Species and Population Data...... 26 Appendix III: IBA Canada Partners ...... 27 Appendix IV: Funding Opportunities...... 28

Citation.

Lindgren, C.J. 2001. Community Conservation Plan for the Riverton Sandy Bar Important Bird Area. Prepared for the Canadian Nature Federation, Bird Studies Canada, BirdLife International and the Manitoba Naturalists Society. 25 pp.

Preamble. This document is not intended to be static. It is hoped that the community groups involved will use this CCP to guide their conservation efforts and continue to add to sections of this document over time.

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Executive Summary Riverton Sandy Bar Important Bird Area

The Important Bird Area Program The islands are comprised of sand and gravel that has been partially colonized The Canadian Important Bird by grasses, willows and aspen. The Areas (IBA) Program was established by closest island is located 50-m from the Canadian Birdlife Partners, the shore and is connected to the mainland Canadian Nature Federation and Bird by a sandbar during very low water Studies Canada, as part of an years. international effort to identify and conserve sites important to all bird Significant Bird Numbers species worldwide. In Manitoba, the IBA program is being delivered and The Riverton Sandy Bar is a administered by the Manitoba globally significant Canadian Important Naturalists Society. Community Bird Area based upon population conservation planning began in numbers of Ring-billed Gulls and Manitoba in August of 1999. Common Terns. About 1% (or 10,000 nests) of the world's estimated Ring- Goals of the Canadian IBA Program billed Gull population were present in 1991. In addition, a total of 800 The goals of the IBA program Common Tern nests, or about 2% of the are to identify a network of sites that estimated North American population conserve the natural diversity of were present on the Sand Islands. Canadian bird species and are critical to Herring Gulls have nested on the the long-term viability of naturally sand islands with 153 nests being occurring bird populations; to determine recorded in 1991. There are also the type of protection or stewardship occasional records of nesting Piping required for each site; and to ensure the Plovers (nationally endangered and conservation of each site through globally vulnerable) on the Riverton partnerships with local stakeholder Sandy Bar and on the adjacent Hecla groups who develop and implement on- Island Sandy Point. During the 1991 the-ground community conservation International Piping Plover census, one planning. pair of Piping Plovers was recorded at each site. During the 1996 International Riverton Sandy Bar census, only a single pair of Piping Plovers was recorded at the Hecla Island The Riverton Sandy Bar is Sand Point. located on the western shore of Lake Winnipeg near the community of The islands are also used by Riverton (directly west of Hecla Island). several bird species during migration. The IBA is comprised of a long The area is a major concentration site for peninsula and the two sand islands migrating Canada Geese and Snow between the Riverton Marsh to the west Geese. It has also been reported that and the Hecla Sandy Point to the east. hundreds of migrating Sanderlings use

12/11/01 Riverton Sandy Bar CCP Page 4 of 30 the site along with lesser numbers of Ruddy Turnstones and other shorebirds. Contacts The Hecla Sandy Point off Hecla Island is also a major roost site for American Manitoba Important Bird Areas White Pelicans, gulls and terns. Community Conservation Planner Cory Lindgren - (204) 467-3269 Threats Riverton-Bifrost Community Human disturbance on the Development Corporation peninsula and islands through ATV's and Keith Eliasson - (204) 378-2793 boats represent the greatest threat to the Ron Siemens - (204) 378-5121 breeding birds. Nesting birds will Donnie Vigfusson - (204) 378-2738 abandon the islands if they are Bonnie Keller - (204) 279-2041 repeatedly disturbed. The artificially Wilbert Thorarison - (204) 378-2469 high water levels that are maintained by Greg Brown - (204) 378-2261 the provincial government has also led to Robert Charrier - (204) 378-5118 reduced shoreline habitat for Piping

Plovers and increased erosion. North-East Interlake Ducks Jim Leduchowski - (204) 376-2220 Conservation Goals and Objectives Susan or Brian Eyolfson - (204) 378-5243 The lead group in this conservation effort will be the Riverton- Manitoba Conservation Bifrost Community Development Randy Woroniuk - (204) 378-2261 Corporation. The intent of this CCP will Irwin Schellenberg - (204) 389-2752 be to increase awareness of the Riverton Sandy Bar IBA and the associated Manitoba Conservation birding and ecotourism opportunities. Wildlife Technician This may best be accomplished through Dave Roberts - (204) 642-2261 education, extension and promotional programs.

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• determine the type of protection or 1.0 The IBA Program stewardship required for each site, and ensure the conservation of sites The IBA program is an through partnerships between local international initiative coordinated by stakeholder groups who develop and BirdLife International, a global implement appropriate on-the-ground partnership of over 100 countries conservation plans; and seeking to identify and protect sites important to the conservation of bird • establish ongoing local involvement species worldwide. Through the in site protection and monitoring. protection of birds and habitats, IBA’s also promote the conservation of the IBA sites are identified by the world’s biodiversity. IBA programs are presence of birds falling under one or currently in place in Europe, Africa, the more of the following internationally Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. agreed-upon categories:

The Canadian IBA Program was 1) Sites regularly holding significant initiated in 1996 by two Canadian numbers of an endangered, environmental non-government threatened, or vulnerable species, organizations - Bird Studies Canada 2) Sites regularly holding an endemic (BSC) and the Canadian Nature species, or species with restricted- Federation (CNF). BSC will focus on ranges, data collection, site evaluation, and 3) Sites regularly holding an research of Canadian IBAs. The CNF assemblage of species largely will work on policy development, restricted to biome. advocacy, communications, and 4) Sites where birds congregate in development and implementation of IBA significant numbers when breeding, conservation plans. The Canadian IBA in winter, or during migration. program forms part of the Americas IBA program which includes the United States, Mexico, and 17 countries in Important Bird Areas Funding Central and South America. In October 1998, the The goals of the Canadian IBA Government of Canada announced program are to: funding for the Natural Legacy 2000 project, a major initiative under the • identify a network of sites that Canadian Millennium Partnership illustrate and conserve the natural Program (CMPP). In total, $10 million diversity of Canadian bird species and CDN were awarded to a consortium of are critical to the long-term viability four of Canada's largest nature of naturally occurring bird conservation organizations - Canadian populations; Nature Federation, World Wildlife Fund Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

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A portion of the grant, $1.25 million was understanding of the natural awarded to the Canadian Nature environment, to stimulate research and Federation for the Canadian Birdlife to record and preserve data and material International Partners to conduct the in natural history and allied subjects. Important Bird Areas Program in Another objective is to work for the Canada. preservation of our natural environment.

In 1996, a number of Manitoba For further information on the birders gathered to begin identification IBA Program contact: of potential Manitoba IBA's. By 1999, over 100 locations were nominated for www.ibacanada.com IBA status in Manitoba. In August of 1999, the MNS began IBA community conservation planning with the hiring of

a conservation biologist. Shortly after, 1.1 IBA Manitoba strategy meetings were held to further identify Manitoba IBA's with local community interest. Advice was The Manitoba Naturalists Society solicited from numerous groups (MNS) is cooperating with the Canadian including the Manitoba Naturalists Nature Federation and Bird Studies Society (Avian Research Committee), Canada to deliver the conservation Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks planning component of the Manitoba Unlimited Canada, Manitoba IBA program. The MNS is a non-profit Conservation, The Nature Conservancy organization made up of individuals of Canada, Manitoba Habitat Heritage who share a common concern for the Corporation and local birders. well-being of Manitoba's nature. It was founded in 1920 for the popular and 2.0 Riverton Sandy Bar scientific study of nature. The MNS believes that the chance to experience an The Riverton Sandy Bar is undamaged environment in peace and located off the western shore of Lake tranquility is a joy and a privilege. It Winnipeg near the community of also believes in the importance of sound Riverton directly west of Hecla Island. stewardship, the wise use of our natural The IBA consists of the peninsula and resources, fostering an awareness and two sand islands extending between appreciation of the natural environment Riverton Marsh eastward toward the and an understanding of humanity's Hecla Sandy Point off Hecla Island (see place therein. figure opposite page).

The objectives of the MNS The islands off the peninsula are include providing an association and a comprised of sand and gravel that has voice for those interested in natural been partially colonized by grasses, history and the outdoors, to cooperate willows and aspen. The closest island is with individuals and organizations with located only 50 meters from shore and maybe connected to the mainland by a similar objectives. Also, arranging sandbar in years with very low water. educational and recreational programs and field trips to promote an

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Map of Riverton Sandy Bar and Hecla Sandy Point

Icelandic River

Riverton Sandy Bar

Hecla Sandy Point

Lake Winnipeg

N

W E

S

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Riverton Sandy Bar View looking southwest towards Riverton, Manitoba.

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3.0 IBA Site Information Riverton in 1914 when the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived (Ham 1980).

Site: Riverton Sandy Bar, Formerly Aboriginal hunting CAMB091 G grounds, Riverton was established by Location: 51º 00 N, 96º 54 W Icelandic settlers in 1876. Several other Elevation: 218 m ethnic groups, including Ukrainian, Size: 10 km German, Hungarian and Polish

immigrants, settled here in later years,

enriching and expanding Riverton's cultural heritage.

The agricultural and fishing industries have traditionally been the basis of the local economy. However, entrepreneurial spirit and literary accomplishments have also been stalwarts of this community. Riverton continues to hold the culture and tradition of the original pioneers in high regard. Photo: Riverton Sandy Bar 2001.

The Riverton Sandy Bar is located east of Riverton and 4.6 km east of the intersection of HWY # 222 and 3.2 Lake Winnipeg HWY #329. Access to the Sandy Bar is along HWY #329 via the public beach area.

3.1 Riverton

Riverton is situated within the Northeast Region of Manitoba's Interlake. Riverton is a traditional fishing village with approximately six hundred residents. The town of Riverton is along the west shore of Lake Winnipeg and north of Gimli, Manitoba. It is the Photo: Lake Winnipeg shoreline south region of Manitoba known as the eastern of Riverton Sandy Bar 2001. Interlake. The town was first known as Icelandic River after the river which is Lake Winnipeg is the 11th largest north of town. Many of the earliest fresh water lake (by surface area) in the settlers were of Icelandic origin. There world. Lake Winnipeg is in south- was a chain of Icelandic settlement along central Manitoba and at the southwestern the river. The name was changed to

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edge of the Canadian Shield. Fed by based upon numbers of nesting Ring- many rivers, including the billed Gulls. Saskatchewan, Red, and Winnipeg, which drain a large part of the Great Plains, the lake is drained to the northeast by the Nelson River into Hudson Bay. Lake Winnipeg, at an 4.1 IBA Species altitude of 713 feet (217 m), is 264 miles (425 km) long and up to 68 miles (109 Significant concentrations of km) wide and has an area of 9,416 Common Terns and Ring-billed Gulls square miles (24,387 square km). nest on the peninsula and sand islands (Moszynski and Koonz 1988). About Visited in the 1730s by the son of 1% (10,000 nests) of the world's La Vérendrye (the French voyageur) and estimated Ring-billed Gull population named from the Cree Indian words for were present in 1991. In addition, 800 "muddy water," the lake is a remnant of Common Tern nests, or about 2% of the glacial Lake Agassiz. With an average estimated North American population depth of about 50 feet (713 feet at its were present on Sand Islands. Nesting deepest point), it is important for Herring Gulls were also present, with shipping and commercial fishing (based 153 nests being recorded in 1991. at Gimli), while its southern shore is a major resort area serving Winnipeg, 40 A number of bird species can be miles (64 km) south. Major islands found in the IBA that do not meet IBA include Hecla, Deer, and Black, which population thresholds. The Sand Point form part of Hecla Provincial Park (333 on Hecla Island (known as Hecla Sandy square miles [862 square km]) (Lake Point) is a major roost site for American Winnipeg 2001) White Pelicans, gulls and terns. Piping Plovers have also used the Riverton Sandy Bar.

4.2 Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (Ord)

The Ring-billed Gull is probably the most abundant gull in North America. It is medium sized, white headed gull that frequents garbage Photo: Riverton Sandy Bar habitat dumps, parking lots, and southern 2001. beaches in large numbers in the winter (Ryder 1993). The Ring-billed Gull is 4.0 IBA Species Information 15% larger, heavier-bodied, and with thicker, black-ringed bill than the The Riverton Sandy Bar is a Common Gull (Ryder 1993). Ring- globally significant Important Bird Area billed Gulls are highly gregarious nesting in colonies from 20- 80,000 pairs

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As many as 50,000 nonbreeding water, mostly on low elevation islands individuals can be seen at landfill sites. with sparse or wood vegetation (Ryder Colonies such as the Little Gallo Island 1993). In western U.S., there is a strong colony in the U.S. can be as high as tendency for colonies to be within 36 km 82,000 pairs The biology and ecology of radius of towns. Ryder (1993) reports this species has been summarized by the Ring-billed Gull is an opportunistic Ryder (1993). feeder of fish, insects, earthworms, rodents and grain. Vemeer (1970) found Breeding Biology. Ring-billed Ring-billed gulls diet includes grain, Gulls are monogamous, 62% of 29 pairs insects, rodents, birds, and bird eggs. It retained the same mate in a subsequent is a common sight in Manitoba to see year and they share in incubation and flocks of Ring-billed Gulls in pastures brood rearing duties. Birds pair just and ploughed fields foraging for grains, prior to arrival on breeding sites. Peak anthropods and earthworms. of egg laying occurs in Manitoba in late May. Clutch size is usually 2 to 4 eggs Range. The Ring-billed Gull with a mean of 2.8-2.9 (Vermeer 1970). nests across southern Canada and the In Ontario, the incubation period ranges northern United States. Godfrey (1986) from 20-31 days with a mean of 26 days reports the breeding range of the Ring- (Ryder 1993; Vermeer 1970). Young billed Gull covers most of southern are born semiprecocial, eyes closed until Canada and the majority of southern dry and stay in the nest until able to walk Manitoba at least as far north as (nidifugous). Southern Indian Lake. It winters on the shores and also up to hundreds of kilometers inland. The West Coast "Breeds in Manitoba beginning in portion of its winter range includes coast May. They usually nest in large from southern British Columbia to colonies of thousands of pairs, on central Mexico. In addition, the Ring- islands or along shores of freshwater billed Gull frequents coastlines along lakes. The nest is constructed on the the United States and along the Gulf of ground or on floating mats of Mexico and the Atlantic. It winters vegetation, using weeds, grasses or inland on the southern Great Plains and other debris. They usually lay 3 the Atlantic shelf. Banding studies olive-buff eggs, speckled with indicate two main wintering areas along brown, and the incubation period is the Pacific coast of California and about 21 days. The young are downy Mexico and Florida (Ryder 1993). and somewhat independent at

hatching, able to swim at an early

age. Both parents tend to the young Historical Population Changes. until they are able to fly" Ryder (1993) describes historical (Source: changes in Ring-billed Gull http://www.chin.gc.ca/~anana/MMM distributions. Population numbers N/English/a_pelican.html). declined from 1840s to 1920s from persecution for plumage for the millenery trade, eggs for food, and Habitat and Food Habits. This encroachment of nesting habitat by species nests on the ground close to

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human settlers. As a result by the 1920s nesting birds. Based on population Ring-billed Gulls had disappeared from numbers presented by Ryder (1993), many breeding sites. In the Great Lakes there were an estimated 829,000 pairs in region, population increases were Canada (survey data collected between attributed to the 1916 Migratory Birds 1976 and 1988) hence, Manitoba has Convention Act, the introduction and 3.6% of the Canadian breeding spread of Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus population of Ring-billed Gulls. mordax) in 1922; the introduction of Populations in Manitoba are considered Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) in high by Koonz and Rakowski (1985), 1950; and the creation of nesting islands and on the rise. during low water periods in the early 1970s. Populations continued to grow Similar population growth due to agricultural expansion which patterns have been reported in Alberta provided grain, tilling that exposed other were numbers increased from 20,000 food sources in fields, the creation of pairs in 1968 to nearly 40,000 pairs in islands through reservoir construction, 1977. The continent-wide population the stocking of reservoirs with fish, and explosion has seen the Ring-billed Gull the growth of garbage dumps and wasted displacing the Common Tern in mixed food. colonies and is considered a management problem (Blokpoel and Population Trends. The Weseloh 1999). Canadian breeding distribution includes colonies on the prairies, the Great Lakes and along the east coast (Koonz and Management. There is no Rakowski 1985). Ryder (1993) continent-wide management program for estimated a world population of 3 to 4 Ring-billed Gulls other than the million individuals with 70% nesting in Migratory Birds Convention Act. "In Canada and 30% nesting in the U.S. Ontario, recent concerns with gull Breeding bird surveys indicate the numbers in urban and suburban areas population numbers are on the rise.. associated with airline flight safety, human health, agricultural and Manitoba Populations. Koonz horticultural damage, nesting on urban and Rakowski (1985) found 25 colonies roofs and interfering with industrial with an estimated 30,000 breeding pairs operations, incompatibility with land use (or 60,000 individuals) in southern (parks), and encroachment on Common Manitoba in 1984. Colonies in northern Tern nesting habitat, are dealt with on a Manitoba were not included in their case by case basis" (Ryder 1993). survey so the estimate should be Depending on need, special permits have considered conservative. They reported been issued to control gulls using a that populations were restricted to variety of methods including noise and islands and larger lakes which as many distress calls, falconry, prevention of as 12,000 and as few as 8 nests, and an nesting by stretching monofilament lines average of 1,200 nests per colony. over the nesting area, removal or oiling Koonz and Rakowski (1985) reported of eggs, or the destruction of nesting that areas colonized by Ring-billed Gulls habitat. Killing gulls, other than through are soon after used by other colonial falconry, has not been permitted by the Canadian Wildlife Service, but in the

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United States kill permits have been issued at airports and orchards. Management. Habitat loss, prolonged inclement weather, nest predation, human disturbance, displacement by gull species, and 4.3 Common Tern possibly chemical contaminants are factors affecting nesting terns. Human Sterna hirundo disturbance near colonies during the

The Common Tern is a breeding resident of the Riverton Sandy Bar. It builds a nest in shallow depressions in sand, gravel, turf or rock (Godfrey 1986). Godfrey (1986) describes the Common Tern as similar to the Arctic Tern with a black and crown and nape, grey back and primaries, tail forked with a red bill. Adults have a black patch that extends from in front of the eye around the back of the head. Its diet is comprised of almost exclusively fish and nesting season should be prevented. aquatic invertebrates. Preferred nesting sites contain 10-30% vegetative cover. Sites should be Breeding. Usually breeds at age managed accordingly to provide sparsely three with clutch sizes usually of three vegetated areas that are free of avian and olive or brown eggs laid between late mammalian predators, such as great May to early June. The incubation horned owls, minks, rats, raccoons, and period is 21-28 days and incubation is red foxes. carried out by both parents. Fledging occurs around 28 days after hatching. The nest is a slight depression in soil lined with grasses, seashells, or bits of seaweeds. Common Terns nest in colonies often with other terns (Godfrey 1986). 4.4 Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Population Status. There are an estimated 100,000 Common Terns in North America. Numbers in Manitoba Piping Plovers are migratory appear to be in decline (Koonz and shorebirds that inhabit isolated beaches Rakowski 1985). In a survey conducted and sandflats (Alberta Environment in southern Manitoba by Koonz and 2000). Piping Plovers have been Rakowski (1985) in 1979, they found 24 observed along the coast of Lake colonies totaling 3,684 nests with Winnipeg and have used the Riverton colonies ranging in size from 20 to 1,000 Sandy Bar during migration and for nests. nesting. Given that Piping Plovers are listed as an endangered species in

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Canada and have used the Riverton twice in a season if the eggs are Sandy Bar (Dave Roberts, personal destroyed, but can only produce one communication, March 2001), it is brood per year. important that the species be discussed within this plan.

There are also occasional records of nesting Piping Plovers (nationally endangered and globally vulnerable) on the Riverton Sandy Bar and on the adjacent Hecla Island Sand Point. During the 1991 International Piping Plover census one pair of Piping Plovers was recorded at each site, The 1996 International census only found a single pair of Piping Plovers on the Hecla Photo: Typical Piping Plover habitat Sandy Point. Piping Plover populations along Riverton Sandy Bar 2001. at this IBA do not meet IBA population thresholds as IBA population thresholds Habitat: Piping Plovers are indicate that at least 17 Piping Plovers found on lakeshores, river sand bars and are required for a site to be regarded as ocean coasts. They nest just above the nationally significant. normal high-water mark on exposed sandy or gravelly beaches in both fresh Description. The Piping Plover and salt water environments. On the is a small, thrush-sized shorebird that prairies, nesting occurs on gravel shores blends well into its setting. It is primarily of shallow, saline lakes and on sandy the color of dry sand, but has distinctive shores of larger prairie lakes such as the black markings (a black collar or Riverton Sandy Bar along Lake breastband, a black band above the white Winnipeg. forehead, and a partially black tail); a white rump and bright orange legs. Population and Distribution:

The Piping Plover is a North American Biology. Piping Plovers arrive species that breeds in three areas: along on their breeding grounds in Canada in the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to late April or May. Males establish a South Carolina; on the American shores territory and attract a mate with dramatic of the Great Lakes (Michigan); and aerial and ground displays. They scrape throughout the Great Plains from the a shallow nest-site in sand or gravel, southern Canadian Prairies to Nebraska. which the female then inspects. Usually In Canada, Piping Plovers breed in lay four creamy to sand colored eggs central Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, marked with dark spots, camouflaging southern Manitoba, southern Ontario, them in the sand. Both parents southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova participate in the incubation of eggs and Scotia, Prince Edward Island and care of nestlings, though the young are Newfoundland. The species winters able to find their own food within hours along the Atlantic coast, from South of hatching. Females can begin to breed Carolina to Florida, and along the coast at one year of age and will renest once or of the Gulf of Mexico.

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was submitted for approval in 2000. The numbers of Piping Plovers Plan goals are to maintain a self- have been decreasing everywhere; the sustaining population of at least 1626 most dramatic declines have occurred in adults in the Prairie and 670 adults in the the Great Lakes region. About 25% of Atlantic portions of its range, and to Canada's Piping Plovers (some 450-485 maintain at least the current range of the birds) are found in the Atlantic species. There are Prairie and Atlantic provinces; the remainder are mostly in Piping Plover Recovery Teams that the Prairie provinces. About 25% of the work cooperatively and share a common Canadian Prairie population occurs in recovery plan. These teams also work the Quill Lakes area of Saskatchewan, cooperatively with the two U.S. Piping where more than 430 Piping Plovers Plover recovery teams. were observed in 1996. Long-term Objectives include Manitoba Status. Piping plovers increasing the Prairie population to at have been surveyed annually by the least 1626 adults and maintain this Province of Manitoba since 1986. population with no net loss of habitat Numbers vary greatly from year to year due to human action; increasing and due mainly to fluctuations in water maintaining average chick fledging rates levels and availability of nesting above 1.13 chicks/pair/year in the beaches, but have been declining Prairies; achieve minimum provincial considerably from more than 100 pairs population targets of 120 in Manitoba. in 1986 to 15 pairs in 1999. Piping Plovers are considered rare in Manitoba and was designated as an Endangered 4.5 Shorebirds and Geese Species in Manitoba in 1992 (Manitoba Conservation 2001). The peninsula and sand islands are also used by several bird species during migration. The area hosts large Protection. The Piping Plover is concentrations of migrating Canada protected in Canada under the federal Geese and Snow Geese, however, Migratory Birds Convention Act of numbers have not been documented. It 1917, and under the Endangered Species has also been reported that hundreds of Acts of Manitoba, Ontario and New migrating Sanderlings use the site along Brunswick. The Piping Plover is with lesser numbers of Ruddy classified as an Endangered Species in Turnstones and other shorebirds that use Canada by the Committee on the Status Lake Manitoba during migration. of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and recognized as globally vulnerable. It is a declining breeder with 5.0 Elements of Conservation only about 4000 birds are left in North Interest America.

Recovery Plan. The first 5.1 Hecla Sandy Point recovery plan for the Piping Plover was approved in 1989 and an updated plan

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The Hecla Sandy Point is the 6.1 Settlement History: The southern most end of Hecla Island on Establishment of New Iceland. Lake Winnipeg. It is a sandy point used by American White Pelicans, gulls and Terrible economic and climatic terns for roosting. conditions in mid-19th century Iceland drove many Icelanders from their home in search of a Nyja Island or “new Iceland” where they could use their own 6.0 Land Ownership And Use language and achieve their cultural and material aspirations. Many looked to

North America where the first Icelandic The Manitoba Rural Municipality of immigrant arrived in 1872. Early Bifrost has designated the Sandy Bar destinations in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Beach a recreational area. The Riverton Wisconsin and Nebraska proved Sandy Bar and sand islands are crown unsuitable so the migrants turned their lands. attention to the Canadian Northwest.

The agricultural and fishing industries have traditionally been the After negotiations with the Canadian basis of the local economy. Riverton government, they moved to an Icelandic functions as an active harbor for reserve along 58 kilometres of the commercial fishing industry in this western side of Lake Winnipeg between region. The Riverton wharf is located on Boundary Creek and the mouth of the the Icelandic River in the Village of Icelandic River as well as Hecla Island. Riverton. It is primarily used by 43 The reserve was designated “New commercial fishers for off loading their Iceland.” On October 21, 1875, some catch and berthing. 235 settlers from Ontario and Wisconsin finished the last leg of their long journey Lake Winnipeg is used not only for at Willow Point at the south end of their the purpose of fisheries and recreation reserve. Too late in the season to go on but also acts as a reservoir, with an to the Icelandic River, they set up tents operating range of 216.71 m to 217.93 and built shelters near present-day m, for the operation of Manitoba Hydro's Gimli, Manitoba. The next year, the hydroelectric generating stations on the second group of 1000 immigrants Churchill River. The general result of arrived directly from Iceland and settled these hydroelectric projects has been the at Riverton and Sandy Bar, on the stabilization of water levels across Lake Icelandic River. Manitoba. Stabilization of water levels has had deleterious impacts on Lake The remoteness of the colony gave Winnipeg marshes mainly through the Icelanders virtual autonomy over reducing marsh vegetation. Many bird their own affairs. For a year after species prefer marshes with a 50:50 split January 1877, the settlers debated the between open water and marsh Constitution of New Iceland, which was vegetation. Stablized water levels have ratified by the community in January resulted in more "open" marshes with 1878. The Constitution was a declining levels of vegetation. combination of Canadian provincial and municipal law, modified to local conditions. Although never officially

12/11/01 Riverton Sandy Bar CCP Page 17 of 30 sanctioned by the Canadian Parliament, permanent employment and help it was the basis for local government individuals adjust and adapt to a until 1887 when Manitoba municipal changing economic environment. government replaced it. The Icelandic Reserve remained exclusive to Icelanders until an 1897 Order-in- 9.0 Opportunities Council opened it to non-Icelanders. 9.1 Ecotourism

7.0 Conservation Management Currently, the local communities surrounding Riverton and surrounding Achieved towns benefit very little from ecotourism expenditures in the area. Scace et al. The Riverton-Bifrost Community (1992) defined ecotourism as: Development Corporation contracted Green Spaces Environmental Consulting "Ecotourism is an enlightening (David Hatch) which provided a report nature travel experience that contributes entitled "Sandy Bar Beach and Marsh to conservation of the ecosystem while Study to Develop a Tourism Initiative" respecting the integrity of host dated December 14, 1999. communities".

The Sandy Bar is currently zoned Ecotourism is a significant as park area by the Rural Municipality of component of the largest growth Bifrost. industry on Earth - tourism (Scace et al. 1992). Tourism worldwide is a $250 8.0 IBA Stakeholder Group billion dollar per year industry and Activity growing dramatically (Scace et al. 1992), bird watching in Point Pelee 8.1 Riverton-Bifrost Community National Park in Ontario generates $6 Development Corporation. million annually. Ecotourism can provide the economic justification to The Riverton-Bifrost Community conserve areas that might otherwise not Development Corporation will be the be protected. Bird watching is a group "championing" this CCP. significant component of ecotourism. Bird watching is conservatively 8.1 NEICOM estimated to be worth more than $20 billion each year in North America. The North-East Interlake Community Futures Development There is a need to market and Corporation Inc. (NEICOM coordinate ecotourism opportunities to Developments) is a volunteer driven benefit the local community of Riverton. non-profit community economic Ecotourism can create jobs. The development corporation. Its purpose is willingness of individuals to "pay to assist communities in their own substantially" for ecotourism efforts to identify, develop and opportunities are high, as evident in the undertake measures that will expand fees charged for 13-day trips from

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Winnipeg. Research indicates that the misspelled the name on the stone, key concepts underlying ecotourist however, since Ramsay could not read, motivations are wilderness, wildlife, he did not notice that Betsy Ramsay for parks, learning, nature and physical an eternity had become "Betsy Rumsay". activity (Eagles 1997). Betsy Ramsay's grave is located near Sandy Bar Beach and is marked with a "Ecotourism can generate badly white picket fence. needed revenue for local and regional economies, heightened 9.2 IBA Website local awareness of the importance of conservation, and The Town of Riverton maintains a create new incentives for world wide website governments and dwellers in and (http://www.rivertoncanada.com/). around appealing natural areas There is opportunity to foster awareness to preserve them" Scace et al of birding opportunities available at the (1992, p. 11)." Sandy Bar IBA on the existing website.

Efforts to foster greater community awareness and profile Riverton Sandy Bar will result in 9.4 Traditional Ecological Knowledge economic benefits to the surrounding communities. There is opportunity to partner Betsy Ramsay's Grave and Hecla with Icelantic people of the area and Grindstone Provincial Park could be compile indigenous knowledge as it packaged with the Sandy Bar IBA as a relates to birds and wildlife conservation Manitoba attraction for tourists. in the area. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) recognizes that Betsy Ramsay Grave. John indigenous people have their own Ramsay, a prominent member of the "scientific" way of thinking which is Saulteaux band lived in a small cabin at different than the western philosophy of Sandy Bar when the Icelandic settlers thought, but equally important and often arrived in 1876. Even though there was overlooked. To promote the use of tension between the natives and the indigenous knowledge in the Icelandic settlers, who were entering the community, ways of documenting the native's domain, Ramsay sympathized knowledge of community elders and with the unprepared settlers and helped making it locally available should be them through the winter. When the encouraged. Work in this area is smallpox epidemic hit the colony, particularly urgent, since so much Ramsay's wife Betsy and four of his knowledge is being lost so rapidly. children died. He buried his family near Lake Winnipeg with the sounds that Documenting and preserving the Betsy loved. Devastated by his loss, in use of indigenous knowledge at the 1880 Ramsay traveled by dogsled to community level and using this trade his furs for a marble headstone to knowledge to address resource place on Betsy's grave. The engraver management issues are complex undertakings. A variety of methods

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(reports, videos, or photographs to document TEK for the cultural record) The channel between the islands should be used to capture TEK. TEK and the peninsula is deep enough that should be documented and, with ATV traffic is unable to reach the community approval, made readily islands even under low water conditions. accessible to the scientific community so However, ATV traffic on the peninsula that it may be referenced and properly and humans accessing the sand islands cited. In this way, the holders of TEK and the Hecla Sandy Point by boat are can be given full recognition and the threats to the breeding birds (Dave information will not be regarded as Roberts, personal communication, anecdotal data or as a "new discovery" March 2001). Birds will leave the when scientists use it. TEK should be peninsula or islands if repeatedly disturbed. considered an important part of the knowledge base and not a token. 10.2 Loss of Habitat TEK could be used to describe the history of the IBA as it relates to the Piping Plovers are in direct significant bird species, traditional uses competition with people for open sand of these birds and traditional hunting of and gravel beaches (Alberta the avifauna. Environment 2000). Undisturbed beaches such as the Riverton Sandy Bar and sand islands are becoming rare. The 10.0 Threats most important limiting factor for Piping Plovers is loss of these habitats to 10.1 Human Disturbance humans and the human disturbance around the nesting sites. Koonz and Rakowski (1985) cited water-level manipulations and The artificially high water levels human disturbance the major threats to that are maintained by the Manitoba Provincial Government has also led to Manitoba's Common Terns. less sand shoreline for the Piping Plovers

and increased erosion of the peninsula There is also a desire to further and islands. develop the Riverton Sandy Bar for ecotourism which could potentially Lake Winnipeg acts as a reservoir increase the level of human disturbance. with an operating range of 216.71 m to While ecotourists provide economic 217.93 m, for the operation of Manitoba opportunities, they also can pose a threat Hydro's hydroelectric generating stations to the resource and the birds using the on the Churchill River. The general Riverton Sandy Bar by degrading the result of these hydroelectric projects has environment, damaging behaviors, been the stabilization of water levels trampling habitat and vegetation, and across Lake Manitoba. Stabilization of inappropriate use levels. There would be water levels has had deleterious impacts a need to develop sustainable and ethical on Lake Winnipeg marshes mainly ecotourism guidelines, which would through reducing marsh vegetation. protect birds using Riverton Sandy Bar Many bird species prefer marshes with a and Sand Islands. 50:50 split between open water and

12/11/01 Riverton Sandy Bar CCP Page 20 of 30 marsh vegetation. Stablized water levels March 2001). Encroachment by woody have resulted in more "open" marshes vegetation should be considered the with declining levels of vegetation. highest ranking threat to avian nesting habitat along the Sandy Bar.

10.5 Other Threats 10.3 Pesticides Common Tern populations on the Pesticides are recognized as a Canadian Great Lakes are declining threat to many birds. Ring-billed Gulls with the main stress on populations have been impacted by poly-chlorinated being invasion of colonies by Ring- biphenyl pesticides as were many other billed Gulls and/or vegetation (Blokpoel birds. Agriculture is a primary landuse and Weseloh 1999). The interaction in the eastern Interlake region of between these two species on the Manitoba. Birds foraging on nearby Riverton Sandy Bar and sand islands agricultural fields are exposed to should be studied. chemical contaminates. In years when the islands are connected to the main land mammalian predators, such as minks, rats, raccoons, 10.4 Aspen/Willow Encroachment and red foxes may become a threat to breeding birds. Aspen and Willows have established on the peninsula and islands. Photo: Riverton Beach Area 2001 It could become a significant threat to the beach habitat unless some sort of natural or human intervention occurs (Dave Roberts, personal communication,

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stakeholder groups primary interests are 11.0 Conservation Goals and ecotourism and awareness. It is Objectives suggested that bird surveys be conducted in an effort to document which bird species and how many are using the IBA Overall Objective: The intent of and to monitor population trends. These this CCP will be to increase awareness could be accomplished by the local of and the associated birding and stakeholder groups in cooperation with ecotourism opportunities. This may best Manitoba Conservation. be accomplished through education, extension and promotional objectives. Research should also be considered Vision: The Riverton Sandy Bar and may focus on the interactions Important Bird Area will be conserved in between nesting gulls and Common perpetuity for its importance to the Terns. conservation of Ring-billed gulls, Common Terns and other bird species The following conservation goals are that provide economic, ecological and not ranked in order of highest priority. educational benefits to the residents of However, if project funding is limited Riverton and Manitoba. encroachment by woody vegetation should be considered the highest ranking Threats such as water levels, threat to avian nesting habitat along the pesticides, and predators are not Sandy Bar. addressed in this section as the

Conservation Goals

Objective Key Partners Action Required

Protection of primary bird • Riverton-Bifrost Lead Agency: Riverton- use areas from human Community Bifrost Community intrusion. Development Development Corporation. Corporation Timeline: Fall 2001

Create Ecotourism • North East Interlake May be accomplished Guidelines for Ducks Unlimited through brochures or birders/tourists to follow Committee interpretative signage. that visit Riverton Sandy • Ducks Unlimited Bar. Limit ATV and boat Canada Production of an education disturbance. • MB Conservation brochure on birds and birding • Riverton and Area at Riverton Sandy Bar. Create areas that can sustain Chamber of Commerce the traffic of humans • Riverton-Bifrost Lead Agency: Riverton- through trails and viewing Community Bifrost Community mounds. Development Development Corporation. Corporation Timeline: Fall 2001

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Control/Manage • Riverton-Bifrost Lead Agency: Riverton- encroachment of woody Community Bifrost Community vegetation on Sandy Bar Development Development Corporation. Corporation • Manitoba Conservation Timeline: Fall 2001

• Riverton Economic Create Website to promote Development Offices. area and birding. This may Further promote Riverton • Riverton-Bifrost be accomplished by adding Sandy Bar and town of Community IBA and bird information Riverton Development website. Sightings of rare Corporation bird species may be added monthly. The website can be monitored in an attempt to detect trends in visitors/hits.

Lead Agency: Riverton- Bifrost Community Development Corporation. Timeline: Fall 2001

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12.0 Evaluating Success

The Riverton Sandy Bar IBA conservation plan will be reviewed on an annual basis at the meetings of the Riverton-Bifrost Community Development Corporation. The objectives in the above table should be reviewed at the meetings and progress towards these goals measured.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ducks Unlimited for supplying in-kind office space and staff time. Thanks to the Murphy Foundation for providing project support. Thanks to Dave Roberts for commenting on earlier drafts of this document. The IBA program is part of the Natural Legacy 2000 program, a nationwide initiative to conserve wildlife habitats on private and public lands. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada's Millennium Partnership Program.

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References

Alberta Environment. 2000. Prairie Threatened Wildlife: Piping Plover. February 2000.

Eagles, P. 1997. International Ecotourism Management: Using Australia and Africa as Case Studies. Paper prepared for the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, Protected Areas in the 21st century: From Islands to Networks.

Blokpoek, H. and D.V. Weseloh. 1999. Canadian Great Lakes. Bird Trends 7:4-5.

Godfrey, W.E. 1986. The Birds of Canada Revised Edition. National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa, Canada.

Hatch, D.R.M. 1972. Breeding Status of the Forester’s Tern in Manitoba. The Blue Jay. 102-104.

Ham, P. 1980. Place Names of Manitoba. Western Producer Prairie Books, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 155 pp.

Koonz, W.H. and P. Rakowski. 1985. Status of colonial waterbirds nesting in southern Manitoba. Canadian Field-Naturalist 99:625-627.

Lake Winnipeg. 2001. http://www.britannica.com/seo/l/lake-winnipeg/ © 1999-2000 Britannica.com Inc.

Manitoba Conservation. 2001. Piping Plover Fact Sheet. Available on the World Wide Web: http://www.gov.mb.ca/natres/wildlife/managing/fs_piping_plover.html. March 6th 2001.

Manuscript Report No. 88-03. Manitoba Natural Resources. 25 pp.

Moszynski, R. and W. Koonz. 1988. Manitoba Piping Plover Survey 1987.

Ryder, J.P. 1999. Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis). Pages 1-28 the Birds of North America, No. 33. Edited by A. Poole and F. Gill. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and the American Ornithologists Union, Washington, D.C.

Scace, R.C., E. Grifone, and R. Usher. 1992. Ecotourism in Canada. Canadian Environmental Advisory Council. Hull, Quebec.

Vermeer, K. 1970. Breeding biology of California and ring-billed gulls. Canadian Wildlife Service Report Series Number 12. Ottawa. 52 p.

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Appendix I: Riverton Sandy Bar IBA Contacts

Cory Lindgren Manitoba IBA Program Ph: (204) 467-3269 IBA Community Box 1160, Stonewall Fax: (204) 467-9028 Conservation Planner Manitoba, R0C 2Z0 [email protected]

Randy Woroniuk Manitoba Conservation PH: (204) 378-2261 MB Conservation Box 70, Riverton MB ROC 2R0

Dave Roberts Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0 Ph: (204) 642-2261 Wildlife Technician MB Conservation

Irwin Schellenberg Riverton-Bifrost Ph: (204) 389-2752 MB Conservation Community Development Fax: (204) 389-5422 Winnipeg Beach Corporation Box 250, Riverton, Manitoba, R0C 2R0

Keith Eliasson Riverton-Bifrost Ph: (204) 378-2793 Home Community Development Ph: (204) 378-2206 Chairmen Corporation Fax: (204) 378-5649 Riverton-Bifrost Box 250, Riverton, Community Development Manitoba, R0C 2R0 Corporation NEICOM Developments Ph: (204) 378-5106 1-800-378-5106 No Charge

Randy Woroniuk Manitoba Conservation Ph: (204) 378-2261 Riverton District Supervisor

Jim Leduchowski Arborg, Manitoba Ph: (204) 376-2220 Chairmen R0C 0A0 North East Interlake Ducks

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Appendix II: Bird Species and Population Data

Species Season No. of birds Peak Day References

Piping Plover Breeding June 12 1988 Moszynski and Koonz (1988)

Forester’s Tern B 27 nests July 28 1970 David Hatch (1972)

Common Terns B Moszynski & Koonz (1988)

Ring-billed Gulls B Moszynski & Koonz (1988)

Bald Eagles B 4-5 Nests

Red-Necked Grebe B

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Appendix III: IBA Canada Partners

network allows us to work BirdLife International effectively and knowledgeably on national conservation issues that affect a A pioneer in its field, BirdLife International diversity of ecosystems and human (BL) is the first populations in Canada. The CNF also works non-government organization dedicated to in partnership with other environmental promoting world-wide interest in organizations, government and and concern for the conservation of all birds industry, wherever possible. and the special contribution they make to global biodiversity. BirdLife Our approach is open and cooperative while operates as a partnership of remaining firm in our goal of developing non-governmental conservation ecologically-sound solutions to conservation organizations, grouped together within problems. CNF’s web site is geographic regions (e.g. Europe, Africa,

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revitalize degraded areas. Projects that help Manitobans make educated Appendix IV: Funding Opportunities decisions and take action regarding the environment, such as education and awareness activities, training, research, The following funding opportunities are seminars and forums. A project-funding available to assist with delivery of cap of $50,000 has been set, however, project objectives: projects that require funding in excess of this amount may be considered. • Important Bird Areas Community Applicants are encouraged to investigate Action Fund. Contact the Canadian alternative funding arrangements with Nature Federation. other agencies for cash contributions or (www.ibacanada.ca) in-kind support. In-kind support can include donations of equipment, • Manitoba Government Special materials, office space, volunteer time Conservation Fund. Set up to and professional service. The SDIF will promote sustainable development at normally support one-time only grants. the community level. Finances For further information:Sustainable conservation projects that local Development Innovations Fund- c/o groups and organizations support and Manitoba Conservation - Pollution need in their communities, that Prevention Branch - 123 Main sustain and enhance resource Street,Suite 160 - Winnipeg MB R3C productivity and improve the quality 1A5. Phone: (204) 945-8443 - Toll Free: of life of all Manitobans. Eligibility 1-800-282-8069 ext 8443 - Fax: (204) includes non-government 945-1211. conservation organizations capable of administering the funding such as: • Ducks Unlimited Canada. Institute community groups and associations; for Wetlands and Waterfowl school and youth groups; Research. 204-467-3000 conservation groups; environmental groups. Funding is limited to • Wildlife Habitat Canada. 7 Hinton $25,000 per project per organization, Avenue North, Suite 200. Ottawa, per year. Cover only direct spending ON K1Y 4P1 . Telephone: (613) on projects, not administrative costs. 722-2090. Fax: (613) 722-3318 . Examples of projects include: Email: [email protected] conserving wetlands; tree planting and enhancement of woodlands; fish • Murphy Foundation (Winnipeg). and wildlife habitat restoration and protection. • Environment Canada EcoAction 2000. The EcoAction Community • Manitoba Government Funding Program is an Environment Sustainable Development Fund. Canada program that provides financial support to community Conservation of resources, preservation groups for projects that have and maintenance of urban forests and measurable, positive impacts on the ecosystems, initiatives to rehabilitate and environment. Non-profit groups and

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organizations are eligible to apply to environment. Projects may be local, the Funding Program. This includes, regional or national in scope. Not-for but is not limited to: community profit organizations. Projects that: groups, environmental groups, help protect and preserve the aboriginal groups and First Nations Canadian environment; address a councils, service clubs, associations local, regional, or national and youth and seniors’ organizations. environmental issue; have Public awareness and capacity- measurable results; involve and building activities can only be benefit the community, region, and funded if they are part of a project country; and make a sustainable that produces measurable difference to the well-being of our environmental results. Project environment. Funding ranges from examples - restoring a wetland, • $10,000 to $100,000. Projects are restoring and conserving habitat approved as a one-time grant and through a variety of enhancement should not expect ongoing funding. techniques, and persuading Applications are reviewed on an community members to protect annual basis. The deadline for 1998 environmentally sensitive areas. applications was October 2, 1998. Funding is available up to a The Friends of the Environment maximum of $100 000; however, the Canada Fund Advisory Board will average amount is $25 000. announce its decision by April 1998. Application deadlines - February 1st A new deadline is set each year. and October 1st Application forms are available by writing to the address below or from • Mountain Equipment Co-op. To the website below. Contact Friends provide financial assistance to of the Environment Foundation Canadian environmental groups Canada Fund. Canada Trust, 161 involved in activities concerned with Bay Street, 33rd Floor, Toronto, environmental conservation and Ontario, M5J 2T2. Tel.: 1-800-361- wilderness protection. The aim of the 5333, Website: Environmental Project Grants is to http://www.fef.ca/index.html help preserve the environment and educate the public about • Manitoba Hydro (Winnipeg). environmentally responsible use of Brendan Carruthers 204-474-4934 the outdoors. Land acquisition grants will be up to an aggregate of • Shell Environmental Fund. Shell $100,000 annually. The grant range Canada. A national program to for projects is generally from $2,000 provide financial support for to $10,000. Application deadline - innovative, community-based, January 31, May 31 and September action-oriented projects that improve 30, annually. Approval notification and protect the Canadian usually takes up to 6 weeks. environment. $5,000. Deadlines for applications are February 28 and • Friends of the Environment September 15. Applicants must Foundation Canada Fund. Canada complete the Shell Environmental Trust. To fund projects that make a Fund application form, which can be positive difference to the obtained by writing to the address

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below. Contact: Nicole Belval, Shell Friends of the Environment Environmental Fund, 7101 Jean- Foundation Community Fund Talon Street East, Suite 900 Anjou, considers projects that meet the Quebec Tel.: (514) 356-7036 Fax.: following criteria: protects and (514) 356-1662. Website: preserves the Canadian environment; http://www.shellcan.com assists young Canadians in understanding and participating in environmental activities in local • Manitoba Rural Green Team. communities; enhances partnership among environmental organizations. • ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS Applications to the Community Fund FUND. The Environmental Partners are reviewed throughout the year. Fund provides up to 50% of eligible http://www.canadatrust.com/ project cost, on a matching basis, to a maximum of $200,000 over three years for new community-based • Manitoba Rural Adaptation activities that protect, preserve or Council (MRAC) Environmental restore the environment, or provide Stewardship Initiative knowledge on environmental issues (Habitat and Biodiversity) that enable people to take direct action. Canadian non-profit, non- 508-800 Portage Ave governmental groups working at the Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G ON4 community level are eligible. Ph: 204-982-4792 Mya Sellgren Applications must be submitted by www.mrac.mb.ca June 1 and December 1 each year. Applications for projects with a total Priority to proposals with significant value not exceeding $20,000 may be level of partnering with other funding submitted throughout the year. agencies. Support for regionally specific Information and applications may be wildlife habitat issues and the obtained from Environment Canada application of habitat-friendly practices. regional offices, or: Sonya Fund up to 1.3 of total project cost or Strasbourg Environment Canada $100,000. Deadline August 31st. Hull, Quebec (819) 994-4939; Fax 994-1245.

• Friends of the Environment Foundation Community Fund. The

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