WINNIPEG -- Land near Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba is being protected because of a family's donation of property in memory of their late brother.
The Bob Mickelson Conservation Lands cover almost 170 hectares of grassland, wetlands, forests and a lake -- all home to many different species of plants and wildlife, including 17 national species at risk.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada says Bob Mickelson was a longtime resident in the Roblin area and enjoyed riding his horses through the diverse landscapes on the property.
The nature conservancy says the land has been used for grazing cattle for more than 30 years and that will continue.
It says good pasture management is important to maintain biodiversity in Manitoba's habitats.
The announcement was made in Winnipeg by conservancy staff, Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid and members of the Mickelson family.
"By setting aside this land as a conservation area in his name, the family is paying tribute to Bob's love of nature and animals, as well as the Mickelson family's long history in the Roblin area," the conservancy said in a news release Monday.
Forests located within the new protected area provide nesting cover, feeding and breeding grounds for many birds, amphibians and mammals. The property is home to several waterfowl species and species at risk, including Canada warbler, eastern wood-pewee, bobolink and northern leopard frog.
"Our family felt it was important to provide a lasting memory of Bob and the land he loved," said Jim Mickelson of his brother. "We are proud to have been able to work with the Nature Conservancy to designate these new conservation lands in his name."
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a land conservation organization working to protect important natural areas and the species they sustain.
