CLEARWATER LAKE NEWS UPDATE (Fall, 2005) The Clearwater Lake Cottagers' Association, Inc. (The Pas) has been attempting to monitor the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) negotiations with the Province of Manitoba to obtain a long-term lease on Hugo Bay land (southeast portion of Clearwater Lake Provincial Park).  The Lands Branch, under the Dept. of Conservation, are conducting the negotiations.  It appears that OCN is still trying to acquire some land inside the park in proximity to Hugo Bay. Several studies of the lake and its watershed in the 1980s recommended that there be no further development allowed, as it might seriously degrade the quality of the lake.  The last management plan for Clearwater Lake is dated 1986. The Coalition of Manitoba Cottagers in Provincial Parks has written to the Minister of Conservation, Hon. Stan Struthers, expressing concern that this may be an attempt to circumvent the decision by the government to keep provincial parks intact.  In the letter the Coalition stressed that a review and consultation process should be implemented and a new management plan developed before major changes occur in the park. If you wish to express concerns regarding this situation, write to: The Honourable Gary Doer, Premier, 204 Legislative Building, 450 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0V8 Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Conservation, 333 Legislative Building, 450 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0V8