REPORT ON STATE OF FORESTS RELEASED

The 2009 State of Saskatchewan's Provincial Forests Report was released today, indicating that they are in a healthy state.

"Our government is dedicated to protecting Saskatchewan's forests," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "As we work to fulfill this commitment, it is important to check our results and then use the information to improve the job we do. This report helps us do just that."

The report assesses 23 indicators, each focused on a specific aspect of sustainable forest management in three categories; environmental, economic and social. Each indicator was prepared by experts within the Ministry of Environment and reviewed extensively, within and outside the government.

This is the first full reporting on all the selected indicators and showed that overall progress toward sustainable forest management in Saskatchewan is positive. Of the 23 indicators, 18 were rated good or fair. Three economic indicators were judged poor due to the current downturn in the forest industry.

The ministry will use the information provided in the report to help set its priorities as it plans its future activities. The 2009 State of Saskatchewan's Provincial Forests Report is available online at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/soereport.

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For more information, contact:

Bob Wynes
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2491
Email: bob.wynes@gov.sk.ca