Conservation Incentive Finder
Land • Legacy • Partners • Programs • Find support for your land stewardship
Conservation Agreements - Manitoba
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Manitoba
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
A DUC Manitoba Conservation Agreement is a legal tool that allows landowners to protect natural areas on a piece of property in exchange for a one-time payment based on appraised land value. While maintaining ownership, a landowner makes a commitment to conserve the natural integrity of the habitats agreed upon by them and DUC Manitoba, by limiting the amount and type of development that can occur.
Program characteristics
Province
Manitoba
Natural Features
Wildlife Habitat, Native Grasses, Wetlands, Riparian Areas, Species-at-risk Habitat
Agriculture Type
Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection
Commitment Term
Perpetual
Program web site
Conservation Goals
Conservation easements focus on preserving the natural habitat on parcels in perpetuity.
Eligible Lands
Eligible landscapes natural areas with wetlands and associated upland habitat in DUC Manitoba's Target Landscapes (see https://ag.ducks.ca/program/conservation-agreements).
Additional Details
The landowner maintains ownership of the land, and can work on the property for land improvements such as fencing, dugouts, and harvesting firewood.
Landowners choose what to include and the habitat is protected in perpetuity.
Grasslands can be hayed or grazed with no restrictions, but not broken or cultivated.
Commitment
Landowners sign an agreement committing in perpetuity to not clear, break, or drain the conservation easement area, and ensure all conservation easement areas are maintained according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
Incentive
This program provides a one-time payment to landowners. Participants may also receive technical support and federal tax breaks if eligible. Contact the program provider for more detailed information.
Contact Information
Manitoba landowners wanting more information can find the contact person for their area at
https://ag.ducks.ca/program/conservation-agreements/
or call 204-285-9779
or toll free 1-866-251-3825
Important to Know
Conservation Agreements are known as Conservation Easements outside of Manitoba
The average landowner payment last year was $137,000.
Conservation easements can be combined with wetland and upland restoration programs.
Shallow wetlands found in croplands can be cultivated when conditions allow.
Tame grasslands can be rejuvenated at 10-year intervals to maintain productivity.
For a full list of DUC's programs in Manitoba, see https://www.ducks.ca/places/manitoba, or download their program guide at https://www.ducks.ca/assets/2024/12/2024_12_DUC_AllProgramsGuidebook_V2501_WEBFILE.pdf