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This report analyzes the legislative landscape for cattail harvesting in Manitoba, finding a current lack of explicit federal or provincial regulation. It proposes two management models—private for-profit extraction and publicly funded land management—to integrate cattail harvesting into the regional bioeconomy and water management plans.

This report synthesizes the proceedings of a follow-up meeting held on December 1, 2011, to review progress since the 2010 Lake Winnipeg Basin Summit. The meeting focused on the 'Lake Winnipeg Bioeconomy Project,' an initiative by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to transform nutrient loading issues—specifically phosphorus pollution—into economic opportunities through clean technology and sustainable development.

The Lake Winnipeg Basin Summit (November 30 - December 1, 2010) convened 150 stakeholders to develop a vision for reducing nutrient loading in Lake Winnipeg while supporting Manitoba's economy. The summit emphasized a sustainable development strategy and suggested that Manitoba lead the effort as the downstream jurisdiction. The document also references a summary on large basin management and ecosystem services in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin.

This report examines the risks associated with "peak phosphorus"—the point when demand for rock phosphate exceeds supply—and its implications for global food security and water quality. It focuses on the Lake Winnipeg Basin as a case study for extreme eutrophication and proposes a transition toward phosphorus stewardship through nutrient recovery, recycling, and improved agricultural practices to reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers.