Wetlands are important
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- Published on Sunday, March 8, 2015
By Christine Chilton
Communications Manager
Manitoba has some of the finest wetlands in Canada and more than 7,000 acres across the province are protected by Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Wetlands are considered to be among the most important breeding and staging grounds for waterfowl in North America. Given the importance of wetlands to Manitoba and its citizens, NCC Manitoba has placed a great deal of emphasis on the securement of wetlands to ensure the protection of this critically important habitat and the continued use of this environment by the wide range of water fowl throughout Manitoba.
In addition to providing breeding habitat and hunting grounds for an astonishing range of species, wetlands play a important role in the hydrology of the broader landscape. Wetlands function as catchment basins collecting and holding water during peak run-off and slowly releasing that water throughout the summer as the surrounding uplands dry out, providing a water source for the surrounding terrestrial communities.
Wetlands are also important to slow the overland movement of water, and can be particularly important during peak run-off periods, during flood events or even high rainfall events. Capture by wetlands will reduce erosion and allow for the filtration of toxins, sediments and nutrients out of surface water before it reaches larger lakes, rivers or other waterbodies used as sources for human consumption.
Biologists estimate that more than half of wildlife species in North America rely on access to wetland habitat for at least part of their life cycle and almost 35 per cent of all rare, threatened and endangered species are dependent on wetlands.
“There are many important reasons to conserve Manitoba’s wetlands,” says Kevin Teneycke, senior director of conservation with NCC Manitoba. “Wetlands help clean water, reduce flooding and erosion, minimize drought and provide plants and animals with food, water, shelter and a place to call home. During warmer months, wetlands also provide excellent recreational spots and learning opportunities”.
NCC is the nation's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.7 million acres coast to coast. To learn more about NCC visit www.natureconservancy.ca/mb. Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/NCC_CNC) or become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/natureconservancy.ca.
