Delta Marsh, Manitoba - Ramsar Site

Overview (Principal Characteristics):

Delta Marsh consists of large basins and small sloughs connected to Lake Manitoba by several natural beaches.

Reasons for Ramsar Designation:

The area is particularly important as a staging marsh for waterfowl now averaging over 50 thousand Anatidae during the fall. In the past, peak staging populations have exceeded two million ducks and geese.

Date of Ramsar Designation:

24 May 1982.

Jurisdiction:

Mainly provincial - Manitoba Conservation.

Land Tenure:

• Site: A combination of provincial Crown land and private land.

• Surrounding Area: Private land.

Conservation Measures Taken:

About 16,600 ha are in public ownership as provincial Crown lands administered by the Wildlife Branch of the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources. Two thousand ha of this area are protected as a game bird refuge and 7,700 ha as public shooting grounds. The Delta Waterfowl Research Station controls a further 1,600 ha of the marsh. The remaining land is under private ownership. The provincial Crown land of this site is designated as Heritage Marsh.

Conservation Measures Proposed:

None currently.

Current Land Use/Activities in:

• Site: Parts of the area are cut annually for hay and the marsh provides valuable fur harvests. The Marsh is important for recreational birding activities and as a waterfowl harvest area. Hay and waterfowl harvests are regulated and the use of motorized boats is restricted.

• Surrounding Area: Private and provincial Crown land.

Threats to Integrity of:

• Site: The privately-owned west portion of the marsh is periodically flooded by the Portage Floodway, causing excessive siltation and vegetational growth.

• Surrounding Area: There is pressure to develop additional cottage sites and recreational facilities on nearby Lake Manitoba beaches.

Status of Management Plan:

Management plans have been proposed by the province and by Ducks Unlimited Canada in the 1978 Delta Marsh Plan. These include water level control and development of a public-private cooperative marsh management district. A Development Plan covers Lake Francis.

Management Authority:

Wildlife Branch
Manitoba Conservation
P.O. Box 24
200 Saulteaux Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3J 3W3