June 16, 2011 was another big day for wilderness in Manitoba. The government finally announced that the Poplar/Nanowin Park Reserve, which is the traditional territory of the Poplar River First nation, is now protected. Asatiwisipe Aki is the name for the territory, and roughly 80% of it is protected from industrial development, making it one of the largest protected areas in the province.

The forward-looking leadership of the Poplar River First Nation was the driving force behind this great Manitoba achievement. Recognizing the need to protect the lands and waters from development, Poplar River has now preserved a global treasure, and the Wilderness Committee offers heartfelt congratulations.

The Manitoba government deserves credit for listening to Manitobans, and setting up a mechanism for Poplar River to preserve their traditional territory. Making decisions like this, which will preserve on of the greatest intact forests left on earth, helps pass along our rich natural heritage to future generations.

For the Wilderness Committee, this brings to a close a campaign that has spanned nearly a decade. We have worked hard to publicize this conservation initiative, through our Educational Reports discussing Poplar River’s inspiring work, and our canvassers going door to door, night after night, year after year, talking to Manitobans and collecting thousands of letters. For the multitude of Wilderness Committee members and supporters who repeatedly raised their voices for wilderness, this protected area is a tremendous success.

- Eric