Grasslands cover approximately one third of the Earth’s surface but are among the most threatened and least protected habitats. Livestock grazing is one management strategy to restore degraded grassland ecosystems, but little is known about the effect of grazing on grassland reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna). World-wide, herpetofauna are in decline and may be particularly susceptible to impacts from grazing.

Throughout much of northern and rural Canada roads are constructed of unpaved gravel aggregate. They are expensive to maintain, environmentally problematic and degrade quickly. We are developing a solution to this problem by using locally derived materials rich in reactive clays. With the addition of catalysts and polymeric agents, we cause the fine clay materials to bind the aggregate strongly. Simply put, we are taking advantage of and manipulating the natural properties of clays, and causing them to act like a cementing agent.

The vein-hosted gold deposits in the Bissett area of SE Manitoba have long produced significant amounts of gold and the area has the potential for future substantial discoveries. Given the strong structural control on ore formation, a concerted research effort has been conducted on the structural geology of the deposits. However, there are several outstanding questions, including the genetic relationship between the host rock and the ore.

Researchers have recognized Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) potential but have not fully understood the benefits of ICTs as ways of strengthening rural communities in places such as Manitoba.

The proposed research project is to a) research and determine what are the best water monitoring components and scientific instruments that can be used in remote settings b) research the existing software which allows for simple interface with water monitoring data and the data user/contributor c) research and establish overarching system to pair water monitoring technologies and software in a manner that reflects the values and goals of the SWGIL project, including OCAP protocols for indigenous users d) submit said research to the SWGIL grant operators with suggestions on which technologie

Unpaved gravel roads throughout rural and northern Manitoba and across Canada are made from poorly bound aggregate materials. Consequently they quickly deteriorate to loose, rough and dangerous road conditions. They generate choking and noxious dust clouds when dry, and quickly lose strength and degrade to mucky and rutted conditions when wet. The goal of this project is to provide a low cost and sustainable solution by mixing the aggregate with high amounts of reactive clays and environmentally safe organic catalysts.