SASKATCHEWAN'S 2005 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT

Improved monitoring, accountability and increasing knowledge about how individuals impact the provincial environment are just some of the features of the Earth Day release of the Saskatchewan State of the Environment Report 2005.

"The Saskatchewan 2005 report features a new approach using environmental indicators to measure the health and state of the environment," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "The report will allow us to track how our environment is changing over time, what steps are being taken to address issues and what people can do to help."

The indicators provide key information on a number of areas in three broad categories: stress indicators, condition indicators and response indicators. These indicators show that the state of the environment is generally good and existing environmental programs are working well.

Permanent cover such as tame pasture has increased dramatically in the south, which is benefiting biodiversity and helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming continues to grow while forest harvesting areas are being replanted and better managed through environmental assessments and 20-year forest management plans.

At the same time, the report is consistent with the observations of other jurisdictions that environmental issues appear to be changing. The natural environment can be impacted in many ways. Sources of impact can be isolated to a particular location, such as the invasion of an exotic species; they can also be felt across provincial or national boundaries, like climate change.

Copies of the report are being distributed to key stakeholders and libraries. The public can get copies by calling the toll free number at 1-800-567-4224 or by viewing it on the website at: http://www.se.gov.sk.ca/ecosystem/.

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For More Information, Contact:

Traci Braaten Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-1611 Cell: (306)536-3852