The Manitoba government is helping protect the province’s natural resources by awarding over $1 million in funding for 35 fish and wildlife improvement projects from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF), Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today.
“The Manitoba government is committed to the sustainable use and proactive management of our fish and wildlife populations and habitat,” said Nesbitt. “This significant investment will support projects that will benefit anglers, hunters and trappers while protecting Manitoba’s fish and wildlife populations.”
The FWEF provides funding to projects that support habitat conservation and sustainable use of Manitoba’s fish and wildlife populations.
“The Fish Biology and Aquatic Conservation Lab at the University of Winnipeg is very appreciative of the contributions we have received from FWEF,” said Caleb Hasler, assistant professor of biology, University of Winnipeg. “Our projects aim to support provincial fisheries staff by providing them with scientific support to help understand Manitoba’s amazing recreational fisheries.”
Non-profit groups, academic institutions and community organizations can apply for funding toward eligible expenses for projects including:
- fish and wildlife population enhancement;
- habitat enhancement;
- monitoring and research;
- angler, hunter and trapper education;
- public access; and
- critical fish or wildlife habitat protection.
“The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund will provide long-term funding to support fish and wildlife initiatives and our time-honored outdoor traditions,” said Carly Deacon, managing director, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “We thank all hunters, anglers, trappers and the government of Manitoba for their investments in this essential fund and for giving organizations in Manitoba (large and small), the ability to deliver essential conservation projects, programming, education and research that will benefit Manitobans and the sustainability of our fish and wildlife resources.”
The minister noted the program is funded by annual revenues realized from the FWEF endowment, which is managed by The Winnipeg Foundation. The province ensures the continued growth of the fund by contributing 10 per cent of annual fees collected from angling, hunting and trapping licences.
“In 2020, our government made a historic $20-million investment toward this long-term, critical partnership that supports Manitoba’s anglers, hunters and trappers and protects our province’s natural resources,” said Nesbitt.
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