2006 SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS FOR SASKATCHEWAN'S PROVINCIAL PARKS

Saskatchewan's provincial parks are celebrating their 75th anniversary and will officially open services for the summer season on Thursday, May 18th.

"Seventy-five years ago, the first six provincial parks were established in Saskatchewan," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "They were established to enhance public access to outstanding natural areas and to preserve them for the future. Saskatchewan parks continue to be major tourist attractions. Last year, the provincial parks system attracted over 2.3 million visits."

Each park showcases specific natural or historic features and offers a range of visitor services and recreational and educational opportunities. Today the provincial parks system includes 34 provincial parks, eight historic sites, 130 recreation sites and 24 protected areas and encompasses 1.4 million hectares. Saskatchewan's provincial parks are open year round; however, most summer vacation services begin the Victoria Day long weekend.

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations, a DVD highlighting the provincial parks system is being produced. A variety of special events will be held throughout the summer, especially during Saskatchewan Parks Week (July 9th-15th). Saskatchewan Express will also be performing in 10 park locations.

Also as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations, the Province is working on a plan to shape the future of the provincial parks system and to ensure the parks' legacy for generations to come. Ensuring the Legacy: Provincial Parks Future Directions, outlines a new strategic framework, which includes a vision, core values, guiding principles and five strategic outcomes (conservation, recreation, interpretation/learning, green sustainable tourism and collaborative management) for provincial parks.

As the first new initiative under the province's Green Strategy, an additional $1.5 million in capital funds will be spent on "greening" the parks, bringing the total spent to $3 million. Some projects may include solar heating of swimming pools, the development of enviro-campgrounds and more modern, low-flush or composting toilets.

Parks staff are working hard to get all potable water systems started up for the season, prior to the May long weekend. Frost conditions sometimes prevent this in northern parks. To find out the status of the water system in any of Saskatchewan's parks, call the park directly or check the website online at www.saskparks.net.

For more information on Saskatchewan's provincial parks, pick up a copy of the 2006 Saskatchewan Parks Guide available at any Environment office. For more information on 75th anniversary events, visit our web site at www.saskparks.net.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mary-Anne Wihak Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-7826

Bob Herbison Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-7828