News Release

Wilderness Committee delivering over 3,600 letters during public consultation on Nopiming Provincial Park Draft Management Plan

WINNIPEG – This morning the Wilderness Committee will deliver 3,600 letters to Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, asking for a ban on mining in provincial parks.

The timely delivery of letters is occurring during the public consultation period regarding the Draft Management Plan for Nopiming Provincial Park. Shockingly, 81 per cent of Nopiming remains open for mining.

“Nopiming Park is supposed to protect nature and wildlife like moose and woodland caribou, but mining activity is still permitted and is one of the biggest threats to this area,” said Eric Reder, the Wilderness Committee’s Manitoba Campaign Director.

In the draft management plan, the Manitoba government mentions it will pursue protecting some of the 81 per cent of the park that is unprotected from industrial activity. However, the draft does not mention limiting the impact of mineral exploration. The Wilderness Committee is calling on the government to commit to phasing out mining and mineral exploration activity in the final management plan for Nopiming.

“When we explain to Manitobans that speculative mineral exploration in parks is having a great impact with almost no reward, they understand. They get it, and that’s why so many Manitobans have signed letters asking for a ban on mining in parks,” Reder said.

The government is asking for comments on the draft management plan for Nopiming Provincial Park until November 30, 2015. The Wilderness Committee has published a detailed critique of key guidelines in the draft plan, which is available online at WildernessCommittee.org/Manitoba

“We want more Manitobans to speak to their government about mining in Nopiming before the public comment deadline. An overwhelming majority of people want more park protection, and banning mining in Nopiming will help us get there,” said Reder.

Wilderness Committee representatives will be at the Manitoba Legislature to deliver the letters today at 10:30 a.m.

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For more information, please contact:

Eric Reder | Manitoba Campaign Director, Wilderness Committee
(204) 997-8584

Additional resources:

Wilderness Committee critique of Nopiming Provincial Park Draft Management Plan
https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/manitoba/critique_manitoba%E2%80%99s_draft_management_plan_nopiming_provincial_park

Manitoba Government’s Nopiming Provincial Park Draft Management Plan
http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/consult/pdf/nopiming_draft_management_plan.pdf

Manitoba Government’s Parks and Natural Areas website for public consultation
http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/consult/