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Wetland Restoration Lease - Manitoba
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Manitoba
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
Under this program DUC Manitoba will restore previously-drained wetlands, and then pay landowners to retain the restored wetland for 10 years. A caveat to that effect is placed on title. Restored wetlands may be hayed or grazed but they cannot be drained, altered, or tilled during the term of the agreement.
Program characteristics
Province
Manitoba
Natural Features
Wetlands, Wildlife Habitat
Agriculture Type
Cropland, Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Restoration, Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits, Cost-sharing / Discounts
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection, Management Agreement
Commitment Term
Short Term (1 to 10 years), Perpetual
Program web site
Conservation Goals
DUC's restoration programs are focused on restoring naturally occurring water levels of drained and altered wetlands.
Eligible Lands
Eligible lands include properties within previously drained wetlands in DUC's Target Landscapes (see https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restore-wetlands/).
Additional Details
The landowner retains retain ownership of the Wetland Restoration Lease area.
DUC Manitoba covers all project-related costs including surveying and construction.
Landowners can hay and graze the restored wetlands during the term of the agreement but cannot drain the land.
DUC Manitoba covers all legal fees and expenses for surveying and construction.
Commitment
Landowners are require to sign a 10-year (or perpetual) agreement committing to refraining from draining, altering, or tilling the restored wetland during the term of the agreement.
Incentive
DUC Manitoba offers two options. Landowners can 1) receive a one-time payment of $2000/acre on restored wetland acres with a 10-year lease, or 2) sign a perpetual agreement and receive $4000/acre.
Contact Information
For more information contact the DUC Manitoba representative for your RM https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restore-wetlands/, or call 204-285-9779
or toll free 1-866-251-3825.
Important to Know
Restored basins in croplands can be cropped when dry.
When the agreement expires, government regulations on drainage will apply.
Wetland restoration can also be part of a conservation agreement or forage program.
Wetland restorations are made possible with funding from Manitoba Habitat Conservancy through the Conservation Trust.
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
DUC Manitoba has created the Manitoba Prairie Wetland Classification Guide is aid landowners in classification of wetlands when submitting a Water Rights application for legal drainage or other water management activities on their property (see https://www.ducks.ca/resources/landowners/manitoba-prairie-wetland-classification-guide/).