Due to overwhelming interest to help protect Lake Winnipeg, the deadline for project submissions to the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Fund is being extended from September 1 to September 30.

Yesterday James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake, made the announcement on behalf of Manitoba Regional Minister Vic Toews, and Canada’s environment minister, John Baird.

“There is widespread interest from stakeholders throughout the Lake Winnipeg Basin to work together to rectify the serious water quality problems affecting the lake,” said Bezan. “And since there’s been so much interest, we want to make sure all those who have a stake in protecting our lake are able to take part.”

Bezan also announced that close to $1 million is set aside for projects and science work to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen pollutants going into Lake Winnipeg. This 2008 funding is part of the $18 million Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative launched in 2007 under Canada’s Action Plan on Clean Water.

“Important scientific and research activities have been underway since the spring, focusing on how nutrient runoff affects the ecology of the lake and how to control nutrients throughout the watershed,” said John Baird. “This important scientific research […] is enabling water managers to better understand the problems throughout the entire Lake Winnipeg watershed.”

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