Increasing Public Awareness of Little Manitou Lake

Spring is here in Saskatchewan, at least on the calender. So far it has been slow in arriving, so there's a good chance that the run-off will be gradual and less severe than it was in 2007. We can only hope.

Greg Brkich, MLA Arm River-Watrous Constituency wrote to Manitou Environmental Group Inc. last year:

"Thank you for your recent letter regarding the issue of Sask Water diverting fresh water into Little Manitou Lake.

Through conversation with Hon John Nilson, Minister of Environment and his officials, they understand that your group is committed to preserving the protection and integrity of the lake. They also are aware that your group realizes the occasional need to address the issues that arise during times of extreme drought and low water levels and the need for consultation and co-operation between the Department of Environment and your group during these times.

Sincerely,

Greg Brkich, MLA Arm River-Watrous Constituency"

Seeing as how Mr. Brkich wrote this letter of support while in opposition, we are sure he will reiterate his support now that he's in government. We will be asking him to do this in order to maintain a level of awareness of the issues around protecting and maintaining the ecological health of Little Manitou Lake in the future. Manitou Environmental Group Inc. wrote the Manitou Beach Mayor and Council on February 5th, 2008:

"Dear Council Members;

The Manitou Environmental Group Incorporated is advising Council that we are currently conducting an ongoing sampling program to monitor input water from:
1) pig barn area run-off (east end of Little Manitou Lake) into the lake
2) lagoon area (west end of Little Manitou Lake) into the lake
3) west end area into the lake

This will give us an overall picture of the ecological health of Little Manitou Lake. These findings will be published on an ongoing basis, along with other factual information.

We are aware that Council is in the early stages of upgrading the lagoon system as required by the Saskatchewan Government regulations.

We have been approached by many concerned people about the lagoons. Is it possible for Council to supply us with a progress report on their plans and intentions on how they are dealing with the lagoon expansion and lagoon overflow into the lake. We are pursuing this in the interest of creating public awareness surrounding these issues.

Please respond at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you in the very near future.

Manitou Environmental Group Inc. Board."

Bobbi Crittenden, Administrator of Manitou Beach responded on February 21, 2008:

"To Manitou Environmental Group Incorporated Board

Council wishes to thank you for your letter dated February 5, 2008. Creating public awareness around the ecological health of Little Manitou Lake is very important.

At this point there is nothing to report for the lagoon expansion as it is in the early stages of development. Please keep in touch with us in regards to the expansion and we will be happy to let you know what's going on."

The MEGI Board always welcomes new members and always encourage folks with an interest in protecting the health of this unique lake to get in touch with us. We want to remind our members that the year-end is coming right up and that it's time to renew your memberships. Sign up your friends as well, to add to the strength of our united voice to defend the long-time ecological health of Little Manitou Lake.

If you are interested please call Rob at (306)946-2124, Fraser at (306)946-2700 or Sharon at (306)946-3676.