$1 MILLION TO IMPROVE SASKATCHEWAN'S FOREST INVENTORY

The government is investing an additional $1 million for improvements to the province's forest inventory program, enhancing capacity for sustainable forest management as well as Saskatchewan's ability to attract new primary and value-added industries.

The funding will enable Saskatchewan Environment to accelerate the updating of its forest information, and to obtain the technology required for entering and analysing the new data. Accurate, up-to-date forest inventory data will help ensure environmentally sound forest management decisions.

Work to be undertaken includes the creation of new base maps and the purchase of new satellite imagery and aerial photos, as well as access to new computer technology.

"The creation and maintenance of an up-to-date digital forest inventory system is a critical investment in our future," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We'll be in a position to make allocation decisions based on good inventory information and sound science, and be confident that all harvesting is sustainable over the long term."

These inventory improvements will assist the province as it follows through on delivery of the expansion of its forest industry announced in April 1999. The program will help provide forest companies considering locating here with complete information on which to base investment decisions. As well, an enhanced inventory will enable Saskatchewan to participate more fully in national forestry data-sharing projects.

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For More Information, Contact:

Al Willcocks Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-2486 Email: awillcocks@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)961-7866