The federal government is partnering with Ducks Unlimited Canada to help restore wetlands in western Manitoba.

On Wednesday Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire announced an investment of $264,440 to restore 45 hectares of wetland in key areas of wetland loss.

“Restoring wetlands can have a direct effect on preventing future floods,” said Maguire. “While major investments have been made to build permanent dikes and improve flood protection systems in Westman, it’s important we turn to preventative measures rather than reactive. Restoring wetlands will not only hold back water during floods but they will be there in times of drought.”

The focus of the project is wetlands that vary from being seasonal to permanent.

“Restoring previously drained wetlands in Westman will go a long way to further protect communities and farms from the impacts of flooding and drought events,” says Rick Andrews, manager of provincial operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada in Manitoba. “Wetlands also combat the effects of climate change and are natural solutions to our water quality issues. This new partnership will demonstrate the importance of keeping water on the land to all Manitobans.”
 
Federal funding is being provided through the National Wetland Conservation fund.