The warming climate iscausing renewed concern in northern Manitoba, as amarine heat wave that hit the Atlantic Ocean last summer could lead to Manitoba's northern port having one of the earliest ice-free dates on record.

Driving on Mark Schram's cattle farm near Cartwright, Man., you wouldn't know that just a few weeks ago, he was preparing for another year of severe drought.Persistent drought conditions have caused farmers to get creative in finding new ways and water sources for livestock.

After a dry winter, preparations for wildfire season need to begin immediately, northern Manitoba leaders say.