MHHC Information

History

In the beginning… 1986-1990
During this time, MHHC worked primarily as a funding body, directing funds provided by the Province into worthwhile fish and wildlife habitat initiatives. MHHC funding for projects was frequently matched from outside private interests 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 long-term opportunity to encourage a positive change in land use practices 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. In 2006, responsibility for this program was transferred to Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.

1995- Riparian Stewardship Program
In 1995, MHHC began targeting riparian area management with the launch of its Green Banks program. 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.

1998 – Conservation Agreements
The passage of the Conservation Agreements Act in 1998 provided MHHC with an additional tool for conserving wildlife habitat on private land.  A Conservation Agreement (CA) is essentially an easement through which the landowner is compensated in turn for preserving habitat on his/her land. Some conditions may apply regarding the use of the land under the Agreement, and the Agreement continues even if the land changes hands. Surveys of CA landowners have shown that 92% would sign a CA with MHHC again.

MHHC plays the central role in acquiring and administering CAs in Manitoba. Although it is a provincial agency, MHHC is among the top three organizations in Canada in terms of the number of CAs under its responsibility. The other two organizations operate nationally.

2008-Present – Wetland Restoration Incentive Program
The WRIP is an initiative funded through the Province of Manitoba to help the Province meet its commitments to the Kyoto Protocol. Under this program previously drained wetlands are being restored to their former levels which helps the ecosystem to adapt to climate change and stores carbon.

MHHC is pleased to be a partner is this program and continues to deliver this program throughout agro-Manitoba.