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Creating a new provincial park in Fisher Bay, Manitoba could provide a net gain of $38 million, says a new economic study released today at a press conference by CPAWS and Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN).  The Manitoba government has committed to establishing the park by October, 2010, but its boundaries have not yet been determined.

The new independent study by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) says that the park, if it’s designed as proposed by Fisher River Cree Nation (FRCN) and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), could provide economic benefits 18 times greater than if the area were harvested by logging, mining, and non-Aboriginal hunting.

The new park would prohibit industrial activities while upholding and respecting all Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Just two hours north of Winnipeg, Fisher Bay has an ideal location and majestic landscape; creation of a park in this area offers numerous sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

“Our community wants this park because it makes sense economically, ecologically, and culturally,” says Fisher River’s Chief David Crate. “By keeping the area natural we will maintain traditional subsistence activities and provide more than 100 jobs through avenues such as park management and eco- and cultural tourism ventures.”

The Province has stated it will consult with local communities, stakeholders, and the public to determine the park’s boundaries. FRCN and CPAWS are proposing boundaries based on the results and analysis of an ecological study performed in the region.

“We commend the Manitoba government for moving forward on establishing the park,” says CPAWS Manitoba Executive Director Ron Thiessen. “Now the challenge is to make sure it is designed according to the best ecological and cultural considerations, rather than political lines.”

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Fisher River's Chief David Crate - “By keeping the area natural we will maintain traditional subsistence activities and provide more than 100 jobs through avenues such as park management and eco- and cultural tourism ventures.”	CPAWS' Ron Thiessen - “We commend the Manitoba government for moving forward on establishing the park. Now the challenge is to make sure it is designed according to the best ecological and cultural considerations, rather than political lines.”

For more information:

Ron Thiessen – (204) 453-6346, (204) 794-4971, ron@cpawsmb.org

Chief David Crate – (204) 645-2171, (204) 781-8016, dcrate@mts.net

Angelique Xanthopolous (CIER) – axanthopolous@cier.ca

For more info about the proposed park including a map please go to - http://www.cpawsmb.org/conservation/fisherbay1.php

Please find Full Economic Study and Summary of Economic Study, attached below.

Downloads

Economic Impact Study

Economic_Impact_Study.pdf 5.78 MB

Economic Impact Study - Summary

Economic_Impact_Study_-_1_page_summary.pdf 485.52 KB