PROVINCE SIGNS CANADA FOREST ACCORD

Saskatchewan has signed the Canada Forest Accord.

Environment Minister David Forbes added his signature to the third Canada Forest Accord. The Accord signifies commitment to sustainable forest management in Canada.

"The Saskatchewan government fully supports the Canada Forest Accord, which is another example of our commitment to a green and prosperous economy," Forbes said. "We join the other signatories in our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the long-term health of our forest ecosystems."

The Canada Forest Accord commits signatories to work toward sustainable forest management, guided by the National Forest Strategy 2003-2008. The National Forest Strategy sets out strategic directions and specific commitments intended to move Canada toward the goal of sustainable forests. These actions fall under eight strategic themes that include: improving the sustainability of forest communities; establishing a Canadian forest innovation agenda; managing the forest using an ecosystem-based approach; and stimulating the diversification of forest products and markets.

A wide range of groups including other provinces, federal government agencies, environmental organizations, and forest industries have signed the Accord.

A copy of the Canada Forest Accord can be viewed at: http://nfsc.forest.ca/accord.html

The National Forest Strategy is available at: http://nfsc.forest.ca/strategy.html

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For More Information, Contact:

Dwayne Dye Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2339