The Little Limestone Lake park reserve designation has been renewed for a five-year period, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

 

“This is the largest colour-changing lake of its kind in the world and we are pleased to announce another half-decade of protection,” said Struthers.  “It demonstrates our commitment to protect provincial resources including Little Limestone.”

 

Extending the park reserve designation continues full protection of the area while allowing more time to determine the lake’s final designation. The province is in the early stages of developing a
co-operative management partnership with the Mosakahiken Cree Nation which has reserve land bordering the lake. Renewing the park reserve designation will allow more time for this partnership to begin a program of scientific and traditional studies, and public consultations.  

 

“We are pleased with this renewal of the designation to protect Little Limestone Lake that will allow us to continue working together with the province in developing opportunities for Mosakahiken Cree Nation,” said Chief Phillip Buck.  “As the first stewards of lands, we consider conservation, protection and co-management of this lake and surrounding land a priority and applaud the province for recognizing its importance.”

 

Little Limestone Lake is located about 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg. It is considered the finest and largest example of a marl lake in the world. A marl lake changes colour as its water temperature rises and calcite dissolved in the water begins to settle out. In warm summer weather, the lake turns from clear to an opaque turquoise or even a milky white with a touch of blue. 

 

“CPAWS (the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) is pleased Mosakahiken First Nation and the Manitoba government recognize the significance of this amazing lake,” said Ron Thiessen, executive director of CPAWS - Manitoba Chapter.  “We look forward to working with all involved to ensure a final designation that will protect the health and unique characteristics of Little Limestone Lake.”