The Manitoba government is setting aside $400,000 for the first run of their Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund, and a lake not far from Brandon is the largest of the initial recipients.
The province and Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced that the largest portion of the grant, over $120,00, is going to the RM of Prairie Lakes to address the imminent threat of AIS and prevent its spread to Pelican Lake. The grants were first announced in April.
“We know that working with communities is a great way to protect the waters we cherish from aquatic invasive species,” said Moyes. “Our government is getting more resources into the hands of partners early so they can fight AIS in the areas they value most and when it matters most.”
According to a release from the provincial government, grants from the new fund are being distributed to a total of six organizations across the province including Indigenous, municipal and local community action groups. Other recipients include Citizens for Protecting Our Northern Waterways Inc. ($11,782), Gull Lake Basin Management Board Inc. ($95,000), Municipality of Harrison Park ($51,000), Norway House Cree Nation ($108,228), and Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement ($2,650).
“Our government has heard loud and clear that in addition to our existing provincewide programming, we also need to support local prevention efforts,” said Moyes. “Whether you are just starting out or have an established AIS prevention program, we want to work together to take positive steps for AIS prevention at the community level.”
