HISTORIC BIRD SANCTUARY GETS SASKENERGY SUPPORT

North America's oldest bird sanctuary will get an important boost,

thanks to SaskEnergy.



Christened in 1887 by then Canadian prime minister Sir John A.

MacDonald, the Last Mountain Bird Observatory is dedicated toward the

study of migratory birds. Minister responsible for SaskEnergy, Dwain

Lingenfelter today presented the facility with a cheque for $9,000 to

expand visits by school children and the public, and to help develop

an educational exhibit.



"SaskEnergy is pleased to support this important historic site so that

it can expand its important ecological work, and its public visitation

programs," said Lingenfelter. "As one of just 20 bird observatories

in Canada and the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan this

facility serves as an important symbol of Saskatchewan's diverse

natural environment."



Bird netting and banding is a critical part of the facility's

programming. Birds whose migratory patterns carry them from

Saskatchewan all the way to South America have been banded at the

observatory.



As part of the ceremony to mark the contribution, kindergarten

children from the Strasbourg school planted new trees and

prepared bird feeders at the facility.



"What better way to help the next generation understand and

appreciate the role nature plays than to involve them in the

improvement of the site," Lingenfelter said. "I am confident

that today's activities and contribution will go a long way to

promoting greater awareness and use of this one-of-a-kind

Canadian observatory."



-30 -



For more information contact:



Leslie Gosselin

Manager, Advertising and Community Relations

Sask Energy

777-9822