July 8, 2014

Last fall, I paddled on the lower Bird River for the first time in years, and I realized how easy it can be to overlook the accessible wilderness right close to home.

A kingfisher loped through the sky along the water’s edge. River otters popped up to say hello. A broad-winged hawk cried at us as we tramped through the riparian canopy. This was nature in full display.

I spent more time on the lower Bird River this spring. In the magical hour surrounding sunset, the area came alive. A cacophony of whip-poor-wills could be heard calling close by. A bull moose stepped out of a swamp to greet us on the road one night, and common nighthawks constantly careened in front of the headlights.

For 17 kilometres, the lower Bird River flows from the edge of Nopiming Provincial Park down to a waterfall and series of rapids known as “the Chute.” Downstream, cottages and boating spots occupy the last seven kilometres before the Bird empties into a widening of the Winnipeg River known as Lac du Bonnet.

The Bird River is a real conservation hotspot in Manitoba, one that we’ve highlighted in our recent educational report, Wild Manitoba: 5 Natural Treasures at Risk. This region encompasses a wealth of wildlife, is relatively pristine and is accessible for many people by foot or by paddle.

However, there is an imminent risk to the Bird River. Cabot Corporation, the company that operates the Tanco Mine at Bernic Lake, has proposed a plan to drain water from Bernic Lake – a lake which has been contaminated from their mine operations – into the Bird River. The Manitoba government has sent Tanco’s application back to them, requesting additional research and information about the proposal. The plan could easily be resubmitted though, as the Bird River has no protection whatsoever right now. (UPDATE, April 2015: Tanco has cancelled their plan to drain Bernic Lake!)

The Wilderness Committee is proposing a new protected area to encompass the lower Bird River, one that will protect it and the surrounding lands for future generations.

Please join us in our campaign by sending a letter to the Manitoba government, asking them to permanently protect the lands and waters of the lower Bird River.

Write a letter now >>

- Eric Reder | Manitoba Campaign Director

More information and documents related to the Tanco proposal may be accessed on the Manitoba Conservation website here.
 

Photos from top: Lower Bird River; moose on the Bird River; Shatford Creek falls (Eric Reder)