GRANT APPROVED FOR THE GREAT SAND HILLS STUDY

The province is continuing to fulfil its commitments for a brighter, stronger and sustainable future for the Great Sand Hills.

Government has approved a grant to the University of Regina in an amount not exceeding $1.64 million in 2006/07 to fund the final year of the Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study. The Great Sand Hills area is 750 square miles of native prairie, which includes active and stabilized sand dunes and is home to rare and threatened species like the Sprague's Pipit.

"We are pleased to be able to deliver on these commitments working in partnership with the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "As Saskatchewan moves toward a vision of a greener and more prosperous economy, this landmark work in the Great Sand Hills will guide the future management of this unique and valued area. What we are doing in the Great Sand Hills is truly a comprehensive approach that addresses environmental, economic and socio-cultural interests."

The province established a Scientific Advisory Committee in January 2005 to oversee the Regional Environmental Study of the area. Dr. Reed Noss of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, a world-renowned expert in ecosystem management, is the senior scientific advisor for the committee. Highly respected Saskatchewan scientists Dr. Bram Noble from the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Dave Gauthier, Dr. Polo Diaz and Dr. Ben Cecil from the University of Regina and Dr. Paul James from Saskatchewan Environment are the other members of the committee.

"The University of Regina is pleased to be working with Saskatchewan Environment in addressing the critical issues of sustainability facing the Great Sand Hills," committee chair Dr. Gauthier said. "This regional environmental study will provide strategic recommendations to guide human activities. It will help ensure that the long-term ecological integrity of the area is maintained, while corresponding levels of environmental, socio-cultural and economic benefits are realized."

Consultation will take place over the course of the final year of the study. Additional fieldwork connected to the study began this spring and a report to government is expected to be completed in spring 2007.

Information on the Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study can be found at www.se.gov.sk.ca/GSH.

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For More Information, Contact:

Traci Braaten Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-1611 Email: tbraaten@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306) 536-3852