CONSERVING PART OF SASKATCHEWAN'S NATURAL HISTORY

Saskatchewan Environment and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation have bought a piece of land that will become an important part of our legacy for future generations.

The McLean Wildlife Land is just 25 minutes east of Regina on the Trans Canada Highway. The property is 433 hectares of native bush, marshes and grassland and is home to many of the plants, animals and birds that favour the transitional area between the prairies and the parkland. This unique property is one of the few natural areas remaining that is close to one of the province's major cities. It is home to many birds and animals such as white-tailed deer and grouse and saskatoon, chokecherry, rose and snowberry bushes along with several varieties of grasses.

"When we make this kind of a purchase we are building for the future," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We are leaving a legacy for those who come after us. My hope is that our legacy is one that we will be able to point to with pride and that it will be recognized as being forward thinking and proactive."

The public will be welcome to explore this ecologically valuable parcel in an environmentally responsible manner. There will also be opportunities for organized youth groups and schools to use the land for education.

"Conserving the McLean Wildlife Land is an example of how co-operation works for the benefit of the environment," Belanger said.

Saskatchewan Environment's share of the purchase price came from the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, which receives 30 per cent of the revenue from the sale of hunting, angling and trapping licenses sold in the province. Fish and Wildlife Development Fund money is used to buy, monitor and improve fish and wildlife habitat throughout the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Conrad Olson Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-2385