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[This Discovery Evening has changed from the previous topic of the Manitoba Herps Atlas, with Doug Collicutt]
In Manitoba, we lose 15 acres of wetlands every day. The loss of these wetlands and the ecological goods and services they provide is significantly degrading our environment. Draining wetlands allows more nutrients to flow downstream, contributing to the blue-green algae problems that are becoming increasingly common on Manitoba’s lakes and rivers. Loss of wetlands also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, reduced flood protection, deteriorating water quality, increased risk of drought as well as loss of habitat essential for biodiversity. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s recent research has helped to quantify some of the ecological and financial costs associated with wetland loss in Manitoba, and it has also identified the need to develop an integrated, comprehensive provincial wetland policy that will equitably protect/restore wetlands, support landowners that conserve wetlands, and provide guidelines for development near wetlands.