Amazon in the weeds over damage to tall grass reserve

Patricia Dutchak, chair of the Transcona Rotary Club’s parks committee, expressed devastation upon first seeing the extensive damage to the tall grass reserve at Winnipeg’s Rotary Prairie Nature Park. The 20-acre heritage site, designated in 1992, is a rare remnant of tall grass prairie, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

In early August, an Amazon distribution centre relocated a fence between the park and the facility, causing significant damage to the grass and soil. The contractor mowed down the vegetation without permission from the Rotary Club and left behind trenches and a pipe, while wooden posts marking the park’s boundary were removed. The park is surrounded by high-traffic streets, industrial warehouses, and car dealerships, making its protection crucial.

The city is investigating the incident and aims to hold those responsible accountable for restoring the park. Amazon has committed to a financial contribution to support the park’s stewardship, as part of its environmental initiatives backed by the Bezos Earth Fund.