Wednesday morning, Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, announced big news to rehabilitate Pipestone Creek.
Approximately three kilometers south of Kola, Manitoba, Maguire announced Pipestone Creek would receive $8,000 in funding thanks to the Recreational Fisheries Partnership Program.
This money will be used to restore tarnished stream banks and improve the water quality. “We are going to reshape the stream bank to prevent sediment from going into the creek; to help improve the water quality for fish, wildlife and humans,” Dean Brooker, manager of West Souris River Conservation, stated.
Much like numerous other locations in Manitoba, mother nature has taken its toll on the stream banks and water quality, but for West Souris River Conservation, this location was an easy call. “The location is easy access, and not a whole lot of trees; getting to this location is easier.” Brooker stated.
According to the press release, The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program forms a key component of the Government of Canada’s conservation agenda to better protect and promote recreational fisheries. “Due to recent floods, Pipestone Creek has suffered immense damage” said Maguire. “This creek has tremendous fishing opportunities and I am glad we are able to restore the banks and to stop further erosion. I am also pleased our Government is partnering with the West Souris River Conservation District to improve the fishing habitat and shoreline so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Future fishing opportunity is hoped to be restored with the West Souris River Conservation restoring the shoreline and poor fishing habitat. Brooker commented, “Down the road we are going to plant some shrubs along the edge that will help to stabilize the shore line as well.”
The press release states, healthy and sustainable recreational fisheries are of great social and economic importance to Canada. According to the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, more than 3.3 million adult anglers participated in recreational fishing activities in Canada. These activities contributed a total of $8.3 billion to various local economies. Maguire stated, “I want to extend my thanks to everyone from the West Souris River Conservation District and everyone from the Municipality who pours their heart and soul into the community.”
The funding for Pipestone Creek is all still surreal news for Dean Brooker and the West Souris River Conservation. Brooker concluded his interview with “thank-you Larry Maguire”, as none of this would have been possible without Maguire’s help.
