The Manitoba government announced on Aug. 22 that it has launched public consultations on three environmental initiatives, which will help improve water management and modernize watershed planning.

Manitobans will be asked to provide input on a made-in Manitoba program called GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW). This program is a new partnership with farmers to create ecological goods and services on the agricultural landscape. It would encourage beneficial management practices like water retention, grassland restoration, wetland restoration or improved riparian area management by incenting farmers to create new environmental improvements in these areas.

The Manitoba government is also seeking input on watershed-based drainage and water resource management. It proposes a new sustainable and balanced approach to drainage and water control works licensing to reduce red tape, protect wetlands and watershed retention, as well as protect water quality through improved drainage inspection and enforcement.

The third consultation document looks at modernizing the province’s conservation districts program, creating a plan to strengthen watershed planning, better support programs with Indigenous communities and deliver measurable outcomes in the health and resiliency of watersheds.

Manitobans can submit comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail until Oct. 6, 2017.

Click here to view the consultation documents.