The Manitoba Riparian Health Council emerged from a desire to increase producer involvement and improve coordination of cooperative efforts among agencies that develop riparian projects with landowners throughout Manitoba.

The Council has developed a vision for cooperative programming that enhances riparian areas and surface water quality across agro-Manitoba in ways that also support landowner needs. Rather than a number of individual organizations working in isolation from each other, the Council has created a network of agencies collaborating together, thereby improving the effectiveness of their initiatives.

Through the Manitoba Riparian Health Council, the Manitoba Cattle Producer's Association (MCPA) is taking a leading role in maintaining a healthy environment and clean water. Improving habitat in riparian zones by managing livestock access not only helps to protect wildlife and plant species, but improves fish habitat, provides runoff and erosion control and improves the quality of surface waters. Helping landowners to develop improved grazing and water management systems on their pastures can also contribute to their bottom lines.