1999 PARK SUMMER SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENS

Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott announced

that the provincial parks' summer season officially begins today.



Although Saskatchewan's provincial parks are open year round with

limited services available, the parks offer most vacation services

beginning the Victoria Day long weekend, and provide full services and

park programs during the summer vacation period. Park entry and

camping fees remain the same as last year.



"Saskatchewan's provincial parks and recreation sites offer an

experience for just about everyone," Scott said. "We are fortunate in

this province to have such a wealth of natural and cultural resources

to enjoy and I invite Saskatchewan residents and visitors to explore

our parks this summer."



Provincial parks provide a number of holiday services. Vacationers

can take advantage of the Reserve-a-Site program at eight

participating parks. The Seasonal Camping Program allows park users

to set up camping units in 23 different parks and recreation sites for

the entire summer at reasonable rates. Group camping is also

available in most parks. Accessible campsites, trails, picnic sites,

facilities and accommodations for persons with disabilities are

available in several parks.



During the summer, Saskatchewan parks offer a variety of special

events and activities ranging from beach volleyball and fishing

tournaments to a kite festival.



Visitors can also take in a wide variety of family entertainment

such as the Saskatchewan Express Parks Tour which kicks off on

Canada Parks Day on July 17, continues until July 28, and is

co-sponsored by Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and SERM.



To ensure park visitors have a safe, enjoyable holiday, parks

staff will again be enforcing the responsible use of alcohol.

Individuals abusing alcohol, or otherwise creating a disturbance,

will be charged or evicted from the park.



"In addition to providing a place for Saskatchewan families and

visitors to our province to relax, enjoy themselves and partake

of an exciting array of recreational activities, our parks also

provide economic benefits to surrounding communities through

increased tourism activity," Scott said.



Saskatchewan's provincial parks attract more than 2.5 million

visitors each year. These visitors spend $54 million annually

including $22 million which is spent in rural Saskatchewan in

close proximity to the parks.



For more information on Saskatchewan Parks, pick up a copy of the

1999 Guide to Saskatchewan Provincial Parks available at any SERM

office or visit our website at: www.gov.sk.ca/govt/environ/.



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For more information, contact:



Ken Lozinsky

Environment and Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2854



Toll-free parks inquiry line: 1-800-667-2757 (in Saskatchewan

only)



Saskatchewan Parks Web Site: www.gov.sk.ca/govt/environ/