Photo from the Ross Baseline Report

Situated in a rugged valley between Roseisle and St. Lupicin is an ecologically diverse piece of land that plays an important role in the health of the local watershed and its people. Developing a love for the area from spending time at her Grandparents’ home, Shirley and Ted Ross decided to make it their home in 1999.

Being enthralled with the natural beauty, they wanted to ensure that property would not only be a place for them, but for all types of plants and wildlife. “There is quite diverse wildlife and plant life on our property; we wanted to make sure it stays as natural as possible.” This diversity of life also makes it an important part of the landscape and among other things, serves to purify the water that flows through it.

Through funding provided by Manitoba Water Stewardship, a riparian conservation agreement was signed with the Ross’ and now they have ensured that their piece of the ecosystem will continue to function as it should forever more.

Photo from the Ross Baseline Report

This action is very significant to the area as their property is within the Stephenfield Lake watershed and the lake serves as the primary drinking water source for the communities of Carman, Haywood, Miami, Roseisle, Sperling and St. Claude. A watershed management plan produced by the La Salle Redboine Conservation District recognizes the importance of riparian areas in this region and encourages their protection. The Ross’ actions today will leave an eternal legacy that will benefit many people now and in the future.

But why did they sign a conservation agreement? All the ancillary benefits aside, Shirley said they did it simply because “it‘s a really good feeling to think that you can still keep one little part of the world green.”