Search Climate Insights Directory

This report analyzes the cumulative environmental impacts of expanding peat mining in Manitoba's Interlake. It finds that nutrient loading into Lake Winnipeg from these operations represents a small proportion of yearly loads, with phosphorus and nitrogen limits of 12 tonnes P yr-1 and 449 tonnes N yr-1 for all Manitoba lease holdings. Greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change are estimated to not exceed 0.4 million tonnes CO2e yr-1 for all current lease holdings within the province.

This report details a 2009 survey of cattail biomass and nutrient levels in the Netley-Libau Marsh to understand its role in reducing nutrient loading into Lake Winnipeg. It finds that phosphorus levels in the marsh significantly exceed provincial guidelines and estimates the potential for increased nutrient storage through plant restoration.

This submission to the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission advocates for a strategic, integrated whole-basin management approach for the Lake Winnipeg and Nelson River basins to address climate change, nutrient loading, and water regulation.

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.