WINNIPEG - The public comment window is rapidly closing for the establishment of a new provincial park in Manitoba’s Interlake Region. The government is proposing to designate the interim Chitek Lake Park Reserve—an area nominated for protection by Skownan First nation—as a new provincial park, and public comment is due by August 24.

“We want to make sure Manitobans comment on this great step towards properly protecting our natural heritage,” said Eric Reder, Manitoba Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee. “The Chitek Lake region is of international significance and deserves our attention.”

The 1,003 square kilometre park reserve on the shore of Lake Winnipegosis is home to woodland caribou, a very rare herd of wood bison, and moose. It is a relatively intact transition zone between northern boreal forest and southern aspen parkland, which supports a diverse ecology. The Skownan First Nation uses the region extensively for fishing, hunting, trapping and cultural activities. The Chitek Lake Park Reserve has had temporary protection since 1999. The Manitoba government is proposing to permanently protect the region.

Since raising awareness of the Chitek Lake Park Reserve in a 2009 educational report—Manitoba’s Conservation Hotspots—the Wilderness Committee has collected over 7,000 letters to the government, asking that this area be permanently protected.

“Manitoba has immense areas of natural functioning ecosystems that contribute to a healthy world for us to live in,” said Reder. “We must protect this valuable wilderness so it is there for future generations. The newly proposed Chitek Lake Provincial Park will help us with our goal of protecting 20% of Manitoba by 2020.”

The Wilderness Committee has created a letter writing tool so people can voice their opinions of this proposal.

The Wilderness Committee is also reiterating concerns that periods of comment are too short for Manitobans to voice their opinion. The announcement of the new Chitek Lake proposal showed up in the mail on August 12, leaving less than two weeks to raise awareness of this public lands initiative.