GROW & RALP Enhancement and Protection Program

About the EPP Funding

The goal of the Enhancement and Protection Funding is to encourage the enhancement, protection, and maintenance of ecologically important land within the East Interlake watershed. The EIWD will cooperate with willing landowners, partners, and the Watershed Sub-District/GROW committee to select the most suitable sites that achieve the greatest overall watershed benefits.

Types of Eligible Projects for Funding

Have a project idea that isn't listed above? We would love to hear from you! All applications are welcome.

General Stream Application - GROW & RALP

Enhance, protect, and maintain naturalized areas

Funding Objectives
To encourage the enhancement, protection, and maintenance of natural or naturalized areas and to retain the positive values of bush, grassland, wetland, stream habitat, or water storage areas. The EIWD will cooperate with willing landowners, partners, and the Watershed Sub-District/GROW committee to select the most suitable sites that achieve the greatest overall watershed benefits. This program is directly associated with the Province of Manitoba’s Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) Program.

apply here!

Funding Details

We have two main types of funding available Project Funding and Protection Payments

Project Funding

There are a variety of projects that may be eligible for funding (see below for examples)
Projects will fall into two main categories: landowner-driven and EIWD-driven.
- Landowner-driven projects means that landowners will be responsible for almost all aspects of the project from developing a plan, to creating a budget, to hiring contractors. EIWD will assist as much as possible/necessary. The approved funding percentage will be distributed as a rebate.
- EIWD-driven projects means that the EIWD is responsible for all aspects of project development and implementation. These are generally water storage/back flooding projects. These projects are usually 100% funded by the EIWD. A rebate is NOT provided as the EIWD handles all costs throughout project development.

Protection Payments

There are two types of Protection Payments: Annual Incentive Payments and Perpetual Conservation Agreements
- Annual Incentive Payments
  - If you have an area that provides ecological goods and services to the larger watershed, you may be eligible to receive annual payments.
  - Different habitats that may be eligible include:
    - Class 1-2 wetlands
    - Native forests
    - Native prairie
  - Annual payments are determined by multiple factors including land use, property value, soil class, etc.
  - Payment would be distributed at a fixed amount (# of acres x $ value) annually for 10 years. The contract may be reviewed and renewed upon expiration.
  - Producers can still farm/hay protected Class 1-2 wetlands, but they may not drain it.
  - Landowners can still use the area and any specific management or use concerns can be written into the contract (ex. harvesting trees for personal use, cutting ski trails, etc).
- Perpetual Conservation Easements
  - If you have an area that you would like to protect from future development, you may be eligible for a perpetual conservation contract.
  - EIWD would partner with a third party (such as NCC or MHHC) to determine the conservation value of the proposed parcel of land.
  - Once a Perpetual Conservation Agreement has been developed a tax receipt or payment for the agreed upon conservation value will be issued and the protection will be on the land title.

How our Process Works

Step 1

Fill out and submit the “Expression of Interest” (EOI) form. Your EOI can be as detailed or as simple as needed.

Step 2

Work with EIWD staff to further develop ideas, design (if needed), budget, and funding request (%).

Step 3

EIWD staff will create a bid, and your project will be presented to the GROW Committee in a Conservation Auction.

Step 4

Wait to receive official approval, declination, or suggested amendments from the GROW Committee.

Step 5

If approved, sign and submit the Funding Agreement, and commence project.

Step 6

Submit Claim Form and all supporting documents to receive funding as a rebate.

Frequently Asked Questions

what is a class 1-2 wetland?

Low prairie/wet meadows that hold water from April to as late as mid-June (2-6 weeks). Class 1-2 wetlands can be identified in a field based on the presence of weedy species including green foxtail, bindweed, kochia, quack grass, mustards, barnyard grass, Canada thistle, dock, and smartweed.

Why can't i recieve annual incentive payments for Class 3-5 Wetlands?

Class 3-5 wetlands are ineligible for annual incentive payments because they are protected under The Water Rights Act.

Can i apply for more than one project?

Certainly! Include all of your enhancement ideas in your EOI.

Do i need to have a budget planned out to apply?

No. Fill out an EOI with as much information as you can. If you have a budget, great, if not, we are more than happy to help you get started! A budget will be needed for the EIWD staff to present your project bid to the GROW Committee in the Conservation Auction.

I have an idea that wasn't listed as an eligible project, can i still apply?

Definitely! We are open to all project ideas.

i wnat to enhance my property, but dont know what type of projects(s) would work on my property

Definitely! We are happy to arrange a site visit to provide you with some ideas and options for enhancement projects.

Additional Forms and Resources