Introduction

The Manitoba government’s concern for the deterioration and loss of fish and wildlife habitat was demonstrated in 1985 with the initiation of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Program. The program was implemented to protect or improve habitat through acquisition, leases and enhancement projects and was initially delivered by the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources.

Then in February 1986, the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation was established as a non-profit Crown corporation by the proclamation of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Act

Mandate

The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) was established as a Crown Corporation by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Act in 1986 to "Conserve, restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat". MHHC conserves habitat by working in partnership with private landowners, farm organizations, corporations, conservation groups and government agencies. MHHC’s vision is to ensure a cleaner, greener landscape that benefits all Manitobans.

From the beginning MHHC was structured to generate innovative solutions to conservation challenges that benefit both the landowner and wildlife. As MHHC enters its second decade, it continues to expand its role as a deal-maker and facilitator of conservation partnerships and a delivery agency for farm friendly conservation initiatives.

Objectives

MHHC focuses on the agricultural regions of Manitoba, to promote conservation practises that not only benefit wildlife habitat, but also help to sustain farm family income and productive use of land. MHHC focuses on private land and uses voluntary incentives to private landowners to maintain ecosystem health and biodiversity. MHHC works through two major program areas: North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and Managing the Waters Edge.

MHHC has field offices in, Brandon, Shoal Lake, Reston, Killarney and Minnedosa and a head office in Winnipeg.

The MHHC is governed by a Board of Directors that are responsible to the Manitoba Minister of Conservation. The Board is comprised of 11 members in total and consists of representatives from: Manitoba Water Stewardship, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Environment Canada, Keystone Agriculture Producers, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Manitoba Conservation Districts Association, and 3 Citizen Representatives.

Non-voting Board representatives include: Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, Agriculture Canada (PFRA), Manitoba Conservation (Wildlife Branch), Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Prairie Habitat Joint Venture.

History

In the beginning….years 1986-1990
MHHC worked primarily as a funding body, receiving funds from the Province to invest in worthwhile fish and wildlife habitat initiatives. MHHC funding for projects was very often matched from outside private or other public sources. In 1989, MHHC became a founding member and major partner in the Critical Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP). The program was established to conserve unique and threatened habitats such as tall grass prairie, burrowing owl habitat, garter snake denning sites and locations of endangered plant species.

1990- The North American Waterfowl Management Plan
In 1990 the Manitoba Minister of Natural Resources designated MHHC as the agency responsible for coordinating the delivery of NAWMP in Manitoba. As a result MHHC took on a new dimension. Field offices were established and staffed to better serve the needs of the clients-landowners in southwestern Manitoba. NAWMP funding provided MHHC with a 15- year opportunity to encourage a positive change in land use practises on the Prairies.

1992- The Manitoba Agro Woodlot Program
In 1992, MHHC was selected to be the delivery agency for the agro-forestry component of the Canada-Manitoba Partnership Agreement in Forestry. The Woodlot program represented an additional conservation tool for landowners seeking technical assistance and incentives to manage their woodlands sustainably.

1995- Riparian Stewardship Program
MHHC began its efforts targeting riparian areas in 1995 with the launch of its Green Banks program. The new Managing the Waters Edge extension program is now delivered with its support of many partners. This program focused on the protection of stream-bank and lakeshore habitats that provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as contribute to clean stream water and better fish habitat. The Green Banks program was used to provide funding for land use practices that conserve habitat, maintain clean water and provide sustainable income opportunities for landowners.

From that beginning, MHHC's efforts have been expanded. The new Managing the Waters Edge Extension Program is now delivered with its support of many partners.