Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
March 2026
First Annual Ice Fishing Day Draws Hundreds to Red River in St. Adolphe
Third Annual Tree Giveaway for SRRWD Residents
Held on Louis Riel Day, More than 225 residents gathered along the Red River in St. Adolphe on February 16 to take part in the first-ever Ice Fishing Day. Submitted photos
More than 225 residents gathered along the Red River in St. Adolphe on February 16 to take part in the first-ever Ice Fishing Day, a new community event organizers say will now become an annual tradition. Held on Louis Riel Day, the event was organized by the St. Adolphe Friendship Trail Volunteer Group after receiving funding through a Healthy Living Now grant. “After receiving a grant from Healthy Living Now, the St. Adolphe Friendship Trail Volunteer Group decided it would be a great idea to put it towards a cause that would be very meaningful for so many kids to experience for their first time,”
said Gerry Lagasse with the volunteer group. Planning began early in partnership with both the St. Adolphe Métis Local and the RM of Ritchot Recreation Department to ensure the Friendship Trail and river access were in ideal condition for participants of all ages. With assistance from a local ice fishing expert who supplied rods and bait, more than 25 fishing holes were drilled, resulting in an abundance of catches throughout the sunny afternoon, with temperatures rising above zero. Children were treated to a visit from Ritchie the River Otter, mascot for the RM of Ritchot,
With assistance from a local ice fishing expert who supplied rods and bait, more than 25 fishing holes were drilled,
while Kevin and Amber Mamchuk roasted bannock over a bonfire pit. Among the highlights of the day was a five-year-old boy reeling in the final walleye of
the event. Organizers say preparations are already underway for next year’s celebration, confirming the Ice Fishing Day will return as an annual event.
Residents living within the Seine Rat Roseau watershed will once again have the opportunity to add trees to their properties this spring, as the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District (SRRWD) launches its third annual Tree Giveaway program. The popular initiative offers a selection of tree species aimed at shelterbelts, conservation planting, and property enhancement. Available species this year include Vilosa Lilac, Acute Willow, Okanese Hybrid Poplar, Manitoba Maple, Green Ash, White Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Red Pine. Trees are distributed in bundles of 10, with each household eligible to receive up to three bundles, for a maximum of 30 trees. Supplies are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tree pickup will take place at the SRRWD office in Steinbach in May. While the exact pickup date has not yet been finalized, successful applicants will be notified in advance. To be eligible, planting sites must fall within the boundaries of the Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District. This includes the entire municipalities of Stuartburn, Emerson– Franklin, La Broquerie, Hanover, De Salaberry, the City of Steinbach, the Village of St. Pierre, the Towns of Ste. Anne and Niverville, as well as portions of Montcalm, Ritchot, Taché, Reynolds, Piney, Springfield, Ste. Anne, and Morris. Landowners are responsible for site preparation, planting, and ongoing maintenance. SRRWD does not provide a warranty on seedlings and notes that substitutions may be required if certain species are unavailable. Trees not picked up on the scheduled date will revert to SRRWD ownership unless prior arrangements are made. Applications can be submitted by emailing administrator@srrwd.ca. For more information, residents can call 204-326-1030 or email the same address. With demand expected to be high, interested residents are encouraged to apply early. Applications are available at srrwd.ca.
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