Taking Action…

On the destruction of wetlands to develop peat mining operations

The following statement was delivered on behalf of the LWF by Alex Salki, Chair, LWF Science Advisory Council:

“The Lake Winnipeg Foundation encourages the preservation of existing wetlands, the restoration of degraded wetlands, and the development of new wetlands centered on technological and institutional requirements for wetland management and governance.

As Peat extraction is destructive of wetlands the LWF does not endorse peat operations being permitted anywhere in the Province. Parks should be spaces reserved for habitat and biodiversity protection for present and future generations.

Recent scientific findings have confirmed that rapid eutrophication of Lake Winnipeg during the past 20 yrs is driven mainly by phosphorus transported to it from diffuse watershed sources by more frequent and extensive Red River floods. We believe that increasing Red River flooding is a consequence of climate warming.
Hydrological forcing of a recent trophic surge in Lake Wpg by G McCullough et al

According to our POSITION STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE “…the Lake Winnipeg Foundation supports policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” As Peat extraction is a net GHG contributor, the LWF opposes peat operations anywhere in the Province of Manitoba.

The reduction in GHG emissions resulting from a ban on Peat extraction would be in keeping with provincial legislation, The Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Act (June 2008). It would also support the spirit and intent of the Save Lake Winnipeg Act (2011)

In summary, the LWF considers peat extraction to be unnecessary and unsustainable and urges the Manitoba Government to support development and use of alternative processes and products, such as the conversion of dairy manure into horticultural products and bio-gas. Nutrient reduction to Lake Winnipeg would be a welcome co-benefit of this approach.