PROFESSIONALS TRAINED TO USE FOREST ECOSYSTEM GUIDE

More than 30 natural resource professionals gathered in Regina today to learn to use the new guidebook, Field Guide to the Ecosites of Saskatchewan's Provincial Forests. This was the inaugural workshop for the new guide.

The publication provides a comprehensive description of the forest ecosystems, covering nearly 35 million hectares, or over half of the province, and is the result of almost ten years of field surveys and scientific analysis. The publication presents detailed information about the characteristics associated with the terrestrial and wetland ecosystems found in Saskatchewan's provincial forests and parks.

"The guide will be an indispensable tool for resource professionals in a variety of disciplines," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. "By providing a common language and understanding, the book will help these professionals to work effectively together to achieve desired ecological and environmental results on the landscape."

Uses of the guide include ecological restoration, wildlife habitat management, ecological monitoring and forest renewal planning.

A searchable, electronic copy of the guide is available online at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/forests.

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For more information, contact:

Michael McLaughlan
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2436
Email: michael.mclaughlan@gov.sk.ca