SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMS NATIVE PRAIRIE APPRECIATION WEEK 2009

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Environment Minister Nancy Heppner have jointly proclaimed June 21 to 27 as Saskatchewan's 11th Annual Native Prairie Appreciation Week.

The event was initiated in 1999 by the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) to raise awareness and appreciation of native prairie ecosystems and their importance to Saskatchewan's provincial, environmental and agricultural sectors. The week provides an opportunity for Saskatchewan residents, especially ranchers, naturalists, hunters and educators, to recognize and celebrate the value of native prairie and is the only week in North America that is devoted to raising awareness of native grasslands.

"Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers are to be congratulated for their management of this valuable resource," Bjornerud said. "They have managed this land to ensure that native prairie continues to make a contribution for generations to come."

"Through their sustainable management practices and a culture of stewardship for the natural values of the land, Saskatchewan's ranchers are vital to the long-term management and conservation of biodiversity in Saskatchewan," Heppner said. "As stewards of the land, ranchers are important partners with the government and other organizations in addressing habitat management, particularly for species at risk."

"It is very significant that we are celebrating the 11th anniversary of Native Prairie Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan," rancher and PCAP Chair Ray McDougald said. "It is an indication of the common ground shared by Saskatchewan's environmental and agricultural sectors and the cooperation that can be found between ranchers and conservation groups across the province."

The annual highlight of the week, the Society for Range Management Workshop and Field Tour, "Discovering the Missouri Coteau" will be held June 24-25 and will be based out of Moose Jaw. The two-day event features speakers, the annual native plant identification challenge and tours of local, provincial and federal community pastures as well as the Claybank Brick Factory, a National Historic Site.

For more information, please visit PCAP's website at www.pcap-sk.org or contact PCAP at 306-352-0472 or pcap@sasktel.net.

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For more information, contact:

Michelle Yaskowich
PCAP
Regina
Phone: 306-352-0472

Ray McDougald
PCAP
Maple Creek
Phone: 306-662-2963

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412