WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is protecting 614 hectares of forest and wetland near Arborg with the designation of the Skylake Wildlife Management Area.
The forest is located in the south-central Interlake and includes low-lying land with islands of tamarack–black spruce forest, trembling aspen, white spruce, wetlands bounded by cattails, sedges and willows, as well as pools fed by artesian springs.
“We are committed to protecting and preserving natural habitat, rare plant species and wetlands,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires in a release.
“The designation of the Skylake WMA adds another natural area in our province where activities that significantly affect wildlife and habitat will not be permitted.”
The province says the area supports a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, sandhill crane and songbirds. It contains orchids, including rarer species such as Dragon’s mouth, Northern green bog and White bog orchids, as well as the more common Showy lady’s slippers and Yellow lady’s slippers.
Manitoba is now protecting about 2.3 million hectares (5.6 million acres) of land in 85 wildlife management areas.
