The Selinger government has released its 10-year plan on how to better protect the boreal woodland caribou.

The caribou were declared a threatened species in 2006, with logging and mineral exploration cited as reasons why, as well as over-hunting and disease. The new strategy released Thursday by the government aims to both maintain the local population while ensuring the effective management and protection of their habitat, said Conservation Minister Tom Nevakshonoff, in a press release.

"This comprehensive strategy will help government make decisions that balance the demand for boreal forest resource use with caribou conservation," he said. "As we move forward, we will have input from indigenous people, industry, non-government operations, and other Manitobans."

Officials with the local chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society said the strategy exceeds national requirements, saying it will benefit not just caribou but the boreal forest and the communities that rely upon it.

"The test of this strategy will be if it is implemented swiftly and effectively," said Ron Thiessen, CPAWS Manitoba's director, noting Manitoba is set to miss a national requirement to have action plans developed by 2017. "The province must put the resources in place to accelerate this process."

Read original story here...

Photo Credit: Terry Parker (WC Files)