After more than a year of pressure, mining company TANCO withdrew their audacious plan to drain contaminated Bernic Lake into the lower Bird River!

Since TANCO publicized their plan to drain the lake, the Wilderness Committee has been working to protect this rare stretch of wild river from contaminated mine waters. You can read more about it here.

We also featured the lower Bird River in our recent educational report, Wild Manitoba: 5 Natural Treasures at Risk.

Government documents posted online show that the day after completing our popular Paddle for Protection event for International Rivers Day last September, the government posted TANCO’s environment licence application withdrawal.

Many Manitobans have spoken up to the provincial government, asking for the lower Bird River to be protected. The fact that TANCO halted plans to drain into the lower Bird is a testament to the effect that WiIderness Committee supporters like you can have on a campaign.

Thank you for helping to make this happen! Together we can continue to safeguard Manitoba’s wilderness.

Mining is still a threat

The Bird River is still in need of protection! Although the plan to drain Bernic Lake is dead, mining still threatens the lower Bird. During an expedition in September last year, we discovered a new mining claim on the bank of the river (see photo above).

If you haven’t done so yet, please take the time to contact the government, and let them know you want the Bird River protected.

July 2023 Update

Tell elected officials that you want the Lower Bird River protected, by writing a letter here.