Program Objectives:
To provide landowners an incentive based, volunteer program with the intent of improving and restoring the ecological and economic benefits provided by a healthy riparian area on their land. Suitable projects include:
1. Livestock Exclusion Fencing
​2. Off-Stream Watering Systems
​3. Streambank/Shoreline Stabilization
4. Buffer Strip Creation

Definition:
For the purposes of this program, the area defined as "riparian" includes transitional lands between a waterbody (e.g., lake, wetland, stream) and the surrounding upland.

Eligibility:
Applicants must:

• sign and submit a complete "Riparian Area Management Program Application Form"; 
• sign and submit a "Consent to Entry and Release of Liability Agreement"; and
• own land which contains a riparian zone in the East Interlake Watershed District.

Landowners who have developed an "Environmental Farm Plan" through the Canada-Manitoba Farm Stewardship Program or "Growing Forward" will be given priority.

Livestock Exclusion Fencing

Definition: The use of fencing to prevent livestock from accessing riparian areas.

Objectives:

• Improve riparian conditions and wildlife habitat by enhancing plant cover, increasing bank stability, and decreasing soil erosion.
• Improve water quality and fish habitat by reducing sediment and animal waste inputs.
• Improve herd health and growth by ensuring the water they consume is safe.

Terms and Conditions:

• This project is intended for the exclusion of livestock from riparian areas only and does not cover peripheral fencing.
• Exclusion fence must be installed a minimum of 10 m (33 ft) from the water body.

Off-Stream Watering Systems

Definition: The use of alternate watering systems to eliminate the need for cattle to pass through riparian areas and drink directly from a waterbody.

Objectives:

• Improve water quality and fish habitat by reducing the amount of time cattle spend in a waterway/body.
• Improve riparian conditions by preventing over-grazing which results in enhanced plant cover, increased bank stability, and minimizes soil loss.
• Provide water that is reliable, of good quality, and easily accessible to improve livestock health and growth.

Terms and Conditions:

• Livestock must be watering at the waterway/body.
• Project must include livestock exclusion from the riparian area.
• This program is not intended for system upgrades or renewal; the EIWD will only cost-share a new system.

Streambank/Shoreline Stabilization

Definition: The use of vegetative and/or other methods to prevent the erosion or deterioration of the bank(s) of a waterway.

Objectives:

• Improve water quality and fish habitat by preventing bank erosion and downstream sedimentation.
• Improve riparian conditions and wildlife habitat by establishing and increasing vegetative cover.
• Prevent loss of property.

Terms and Conditions:

• If cattle are present at project site, the inclusion of a riparian area exclusion system is required.

Buffer Strip Creation

Definition: The establishment of a vegetated strip along a waterway or waterbody that would serve to function as a riparian area.

Objectives:

• Stabilize shoreline soil to prevent shoreline erosion and downstream sedimentation.
• Trap snow to reduce peak flows during spring runoff, recharge groundwater, and cause a slower snowmelt.
• Filter surface water flowing into the waterbody by removing nutrients, bacteria, and sediment.
• Provide shade over the waterbody to limit water temperature changes.
• Provide habitat for wildlife and fish.

Terms and Conditions:

• In order to ensure effectiveness of the project, buffer strips must be a contiguous minimum of 10 m (33 ft).
• If applicable, the project must include a livestock exclusion system.

(204) ​642-7578  • 74 1st Avenue • Gimli, MB • R0C 1B0