SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMS NATIVE PRAIRIE APPRECIATION WEEK 2011

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Environment Minister Dustin Duncan have jointly proclaimed June 19 to 25 as Saskatchewan's Native Prairie Appreciation Week.

Native Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW) was started in 1999 by the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP). It is the only week in North America that is dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of native grasslands. The week provides an opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to recognize and celebrate the value of native prairie ecosystems and their importance to Saskatchewan's provincial, agricultural and environmental sectors.

"Saskatchewan's farming and ranching families play an integral part in preserving our native prairie landscape," Bjornerud said. "This is a week to recognize their efforts as stewards of the land and the importance of native prairie to our agriculture industry."

"Ranching is an excellent example of sustainable development and there are several examples of multi-generational ranch families in Saskatchewan," Duncan said. "By using native prairie sustainably, ranchers have been able to contribute to the long-term social and economic health of their communities while maintaining habitat for wildlife, including several species at risk."

"Native Prairie Appreciation Week is a great opportunity for everyone from ranchers to urban/rural residents to youth, to work together toward increasing awareness and appreciation of native prairie and its conservation," SK PCAP Chair Karla Hicks - a rancher from Mortlach said.

With the theme of "Step Into the World of Native Prairie" in 2011, SK PCAP is encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to get outside during the week of NPAW 2011 and explore native prairie. A number of events held during NPAW 2011 as well as a list of how Saskatchewan families can get outside and experience native prairie, can be found on the SK PCAP website at www.pcap-sk.org.

For more information, please visit SK PCAP's website or contact the SK PCAP office at 306-352-0472 or pcap@sasktel.net.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Michelle Clark
SK PCAP
Regina
Phone: 306-352-0472

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412