Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba - Ramsar Site

Overview (Principal Characteristics):

The site comprises 1,400 ha of marsh and 2,200 ha of upland. The marsh is a remnant of a 47 thousand ha marsh located in the former prairie north of Winnipeg. This larger marsh known as St. Andrews Bog, underwent drainage for agricultural purposes beginning in 1897. By the early 1960s, all but 250 ha had been drained. Measures to restore a portion of the bog began in 1967 when the Governments of Manitoba and Canada embarked on a cooperative program with Ducks Unlimited Canada and wildlife conservation organizations. By 1974, 3,450 ha of marshland and marginal agricultural land had been purchased and 22 km of dykes built to trap and hold water in three separate compartments. In addition, 58 nesting islands were constructed within the three compartments. In 1984, Manitoba signed a development agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada to construct additional dykes, creating a fourth cell, control structures, nesting islands and water supply works.

Reasons for Ramsar Designation:

The area is an important breeding and staging area for waterfowl and large numbers of other migratory birds.

Date of Ramsar Designation:

27 May 1987.

Jurisdiction:

Provincial - Manitoba Conservation.

Land Tenure:

• Site: Owned by the Government of Manitoba.

• Surrounding Area: Private land.

Conservation Measures Taken:

The site is protected under provincial legislation as a wildlife management area.

Conservation Measures Proposed:

None currently.

Current Land Use/Activities in:

• Site: The wetland is divided into four impoundments with water control capabilities built into each major cell. Individual impoundments can be drawn down or reflooded to required levels to effect management objectives. The primary management objectives are: 1) increase populations of waterfowl and other wetland wildlife through the provision of quality breeding habitat; and 2) provide an outdoor educational experience for Manitoba residents. Uplands are managed as lure crops to control waterfowl depredation and as upland nesting cover for dabbling ducks and other ground nesting birds. Tallgrass Prairie remnants are maintained as part of the upland component.

• Surrounding Area: Agricultural crop production and grazing dominate surrounding properties.

Threats to Integrity of:

• Site: Urban encroachment, industrial development and over-use of the artesian water source are all potential threats to the viability of the wetlands.

• Surrounding Area: As above.
  

Status of Management Plan:

A specific management plan has not been developed. The Wildlife Management Area has an on-site marsh manager. Site management is undertaken in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre. The document Interpretative Plan for Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretative Centre and Wildlife Management Area was released in August 1991 to guide public education initiatives for this Ramsar site.

Management Authority:

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