SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT ENCOURAGES RESPONSIBLE USE OF PARKS

Saskatchewan Environment is working to ensure campers have a positive, safe and rewarding park experience this May long weekend.

Adult park visitors may consume alcoholic beverages at their campsite as long as they do so in a responsible and quiet manner. Individuals who abuse alcohol, or otherwise create a disturbance, may be charged or evicted from provincial parks and recreation sites. Minors illegally possessing alcohol within a provincial park or recreation site may also be charged and evicted from the park.

The department has teamed up with a committee at Moose Mountain Provincial Park made up of local businesses, cottagers, parks staff, enforcement staff and the RCMP to develop an action plan to promote park safety and responsible alcohol use.

For the 2005 May long weekend, Moose Mountain will prohibit glass beverage alcohol containers within the campgrounds, and campers will be required to be at least 18 years old to register for a campsite. Additional enforcement security will also be monitoring campsites and public areas to ensure that the park remains peaceful.

Saskatchewan Environment encourages visitors with information on any public disturbances or act of vandalism within a provincial park to call the toll-free Park Watch line at 1-800-667-1788.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Lucyshyn Saskatchewan Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-8377	Gary Provencher Saskatchewan Environment Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-7928
Marty Halpape Moose Mountain Provincial Park Kenosee Lake Phone: (306) 577-2603