The integrated watershed management planning experience in Manitoba: the local conservation district perspective

Abstract

Manitoba has abundant freshwater resources, and developing and implementing integrated watershed management plans is essential to ensure a healthy future. This article provides an assessment of progress in Manitoba since the early 1990s (Mitchell and Shrubsole, 1994) regarding integrated watershed management plans. It explains current conditions, including the structural framework, governance, public consultations and First Nations participation, along with examples of experiences, successes, failures, and lessons learnt. The Water Protection Act, proclaimed in 2006, empowered conservation districts to develop and implement integrated watershed management plans as the water planning authority, and represents the most significant change.

Keywords:

• First Nations participation
• integrated resource management
• Manitoba Conservation Districts Program
• public participation
• source water protection
• surface water management