PROVINCIAL PARKS LEGACY FRAMEWORK UNVEILED

As part of Saskatchewan Provincial Parks' 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.

"Seventy-five years ago on May 1st, 1931, Saskatchewan's first six provincial parks were created. There are now 34 provincial parks and another 162 designated park lands that protect and preserve our natural and cultural heritage," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "The parks legacy framework is a significant step in the development of our provincial parks system as we continue to work together to shape its future."

As an important component of Saskatchewan's Green Strategy, provincial parks will serve as models of sustainable development and contribute to public understanding and support as the Green Strategy is implemented.

In support of the future of provincial parks, the government is investing $3 million to fund park greening initiatives and to help renew park facilities in 2006/07.

"Our provincial parks are major tourist attractions. Last year, they had 2.3 million visits, which is also the average of the last few years. In 2003, an economic consultant found that parks generated $129 million for local and provincial economies," Nilson said. "These efforts will enhance our parks and help ensure we can pass this valuable inheritance on to our young people."

The framework was developed with input from provincial park users, lessees, business people, residents of communities near provincial parks and environmental and other groups.

Consultations in each provincial park this summer will provide valuable feedback on the priorities and green initiatives on a park-by-park basis.

A detailed, long-range plan outlining the future directions of the provincial parks system will be released in 2007. This document will be based on the strategic framework and the priority actions identified for each park during the 2006 summer consultations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Syd Barber Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-2846

Sharon Wood Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-9573