Betty Sawatzky

The Manitoba Wildfire Service (MWS) continues to respond to 58 active wildfires across the province, with a total of 175 wildfires to date. Lightning caused fires continue to persist and crews are facing some challenging fire behaviour.

Monitoring and Sampling Update

As of June 10, 2024, 26 water samples taken from high-priority areas in Clear Lake have tested negative for zebra mussel environmental DNA (eDNA). Currently, areas of focus are near Boat Cove and the area around the pier and the Clear Lake Marina. Water samples continue to be analyzed in Winnipeg by Fisheries and Oceans Canada on a priority basis. The likelihood of detecting zebra mussels increases as the water temperature warms.

If you love the outdoors and you'd love to learn more, then you might want to sign up at the next 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' weekend retreat that takes place each year at the end of May.

Eight camps which have traditionally received Provincial funding have been denied that funding this year.

The camps are Winkler Bible Camp, Camp Koinonia, Camp Assiniboia, Camp Massad, Camp Arnes, St. Malo Catholic Camp and Camp Cedarwood. Each received no funding with a letter that stated their application was not approved - with no explanation.

The news came as quite a shock to camp directors when they received notification this crucial funding had been denied.

If one was travelling by wooden oxcart on the Carlton Trail near the settlement town of Arden in the 1870's they would be welcomed by the delicate, lavender petals peeking out of the ground of the wild prairie crocus, blooming by the thousands!

Now during the month of April these lovely signs of spring still decorate the land in and around the village of Arden, located in the municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne.  In fact, Arden boasts to be the keeper of the largest wild prairie crocus in the world! Their town monument springs to life near the south entrance of the village.

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba in partnership with BMO once again recognized three outstanding farming families from Manitoba with their BMO Manitoba Farm Family Awards.

This year there were three nominees and thus, 3 recipients for these well-deserving awards. 

Jim Brown of Dizzy Acres, Steven Mangin of Mangin Bros Dairy Ltd. and Dallas Johnston of DJ Cattle Company were acknowledged and presented with plaques at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair during Thursday night’s evening performance inside the Keystone Centre’s main arena.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation received $41,300 through the province's Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF) to update their Hunter Education Program.

The MWF administers the Hunter Education Program for the Province of Manitoba and puts just over 4,000 students through the program each year.  

MWF Managing Director, Carly Deacon, says the funding will be allocated to three specific areas: updating their software, modernizing their in-person Hunter Education program instruction, and expanding their mentored hunt program.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has received $165,000 through the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund to establish a new archery program in Manitoba schools. 

Program Coordinator with the MWF, Chase Dreilich, says the funding will go towards facilitating the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and purchasing equipment for participating schools.

Last Thursday, January 25th, members of the Brandon Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Traffic Services conducted a Joint Forces Traffic Safety and Enforcement Initiative on the Trans-Canada Highway in and around the City of Brandon.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., members from BPS and RCMP conducted a vehicle stop approximately five kilometres west of Brandon on a Manitoba licensed vehicle for a traffic violation.  

Each year Manitoba AG DAYS focuses on a specific theme for their speakers and presentations, their exhibitors, and even Agriculture in the Classroom!

Produced on the Prairies is this week's theme for the largest indoor farm show taking place at the Keystone Centre this week!

With 550 exhibitors participating in the Ag trade show, 63 speakers, and 32 entries in the Innovation Showcase, there's lots to see and do over the next three day.

"We just want to invite everyone to this year's Ag Days!" shares Media Coordinator, Teresa Hildebrand.