The MWF has been fortunate to receive grant funding in the past from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF) to expand programs, cover costs, educate the public on conservation issues, and promote hunter and angler recruitment. So what is the FWEF and can our affiliate clubs access this funding for fish and wildlife enhancement initiatives in their local communities? The answer is yes! Learn more below:
FWEF was established under the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund Act to support fish and wildlife initiatives, including projects, programs and studies designed to protect and increase fish and wildlife habitats and populations of Manitoba and government fish hatcheries. FWEF is supported with dedicated revenues as follows:
- $10.00 from every angling license sold is directed into the Fish Enhancement Fund
- $5.00 from every hunting and trapping licence sold is directed into the Wildlife Enhancement Fund, and
- Monies collected from restitution is directed to the Fund for managing fisheries and wildlife resources.
- Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development administers the Fund. The FWEF is overseen by two Subcommittees. The Fish Enhancement Subcommittee; and the Wildlife Enhancement Subcommittee. These Subcommittees are responsible fiord reviewing all applications and for making recommendations on all fisheries and wildlife initiatives that seek funding for fish and wildlife enhancement initiatives.
A Fish Enhancement Initiative means:
- projects or programs that conserve or increase fish populations;
- projects or programs that protect, manage or restore fish habitats;
- studies of fish populations or habitats;
- angler education programs; and
- the acquisition, by purchase, lease or other means, of property or an interest in property in order to protect a critical fish habitat.
A Wildlife Enhancement Initiative means:
- projects or programs that conserve or increase wildlife populations;
- projects or programs that protect, manage or restore wildlife habitats, including the construction or maintenance of infrastructure in wildlife management areas;
- studies of wildlife populations or habitats;
- hunter and trapper education programs; and
- the acquisition, by purchase, lease or other means, of property or an interest in property in order to protect a critical wildlife habitat.
Fish Enhancement Initiatives*
Intake closing deadline dates occur on March 1 and September 1.
*Please note that the FWEF-Fish Enhancement Subcommittee reserves the right to allocate funds in any given year as angling licence revenue becomes available. Any application that involves the funding of a boat ramp, a boat dock or any related amenities (e.g. a fileting area, a picnic area, etc.) will not be considered or recommended for funding, as such work does not satisfy the definition of a Fisheries Enhancement Initiative.
Wildlife Enhancement Initiatives*
Intake closing deadline dates occur on January 31 and June 30.
*Please note that the FWEF-Wildlife Enhancement Subcommittee reserves the right to allocate funds in any given year as hunting and trapping licence revenue becomes available.
Further information about the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund can be found right here.
