The Government of Canada is working with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation to protect Manitoba's priority habitats.

An investment of $306,000 will help conserve 971 hectares of natural habitats on working agricultural lands.

"Canada is committed to doubling the amount of nature protected on land and in our oceans," said Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. "Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation's work to protect habitat on working agricultural land is an important example of work that will help protect our environment and grow our economy."

The goal is to protect wetlands at high risk of loss, providing biodiversity, flood control, water quality, and climate change adaptation benefits for agricultural lands in Manitoba.

These new protected areas will also include grasslands and other habitats that are important for up to 16 species at risk, including the Loggerhead Shrike, the Sprague's Pipit, the Ferruginous Hawk, and the Chestnut-collared Longspur.

The funding was provided through the Canada Nature Fund.