March 08, 2001

STE. ROSE DU LAC, Man.--Premier Gary Doer has announced that the Turtle River Watershed Conservation District will receive $25,000 to stabilize and restore fragile alluvial fans, a geological formation created by clay, sand, shale and gravel, in the Dauphin Lake south basin area.

"The south basin area of Dauphin Lake supports a variety of wildlife, and this project will improve water quality for fish, waterfowl and the ecosystem in general," said Doer. "We are pleased to be able to support this project which was initiated by the people of the area."

The project will protect banks from eroding along the Wilson and Rosenbarker creeks, and the Hannah and Whyte drains by constructing rock dams to raise water levels and regulate flows.

Many streams originating from Riding Mountain have eroded over the years because of the relatively steep gradient down to the lower plains. The project will help reduce erosion and silt deposits further downstream in Dauphin Lake.

The creeks will be restored to their natural states, protecting habitat for flora, fish and wildlife species such as black bears, bald eagles, the great horned owl and Canada lynx.

Doer said the project offers both environmental and economic benefits. By reducing the amount of silt, the project will help reduce the cost of removing sediment downstream.

The funding is being provided by Manitoba Conservation through the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF). The fund is designed to support the development, implementation and promotion of environmental innovation and sustainable development projects. SDIF priority areas include regional waste management, environmental technology innovations and demonstration, northern environmental issues, sustainable community development, sustainable agriculture practices, ecosystem conservation, understanding of the environment, eco-tourism and water.

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