A PARTNERSHIP TO CONSERVE SASKATCHEWAN BIODIVERSITY

Saskatchewan Environment and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) today are signing a Habitat Securement Agreement which will help conserve Saskatchewan's biodiversity.

The primary objective of the five-year, $1.25 million agreement is to secure, through conservation easement or purchase, examples of natural ecosystems and native habitat that provide homes for Saskatchewan's wildlife and plants, many of which bring economic benefit to the province. The second objective of the agreement is to provide attractive outdoor areas that are accessible and open to the public for their wildlife and recreational enjoyment as well as adding value to the agricultural and local community.

"The agreement will help ensure that our biological resources are conserved," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "It is also a good example of how consultation and conservation can go a long way toward conserving our natural habitat for today and into the future. We must also remember that buying this land or establishing conservation easements would not be possible without the co-operation of Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers."

The province has participated in a number of conservation initiatives with the SWF, including two previous cost-shared habitat purchase agreements, which have secured more than 5,000 hectares and are now managed by the SWF.

"We are pleased to be working with Saskatchewan Environment to conserve the beauty and diversity of our wonderful province," Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Executive Director Darrel Crabbe said. "We are confident this agreement heralds a new era in co-operative work agreements focusing on wildlife resource projects that will help to conserve fish and wildlife resources for the future."

Lands secured through conservation easement or purchase will be paid for through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund and from contributions from the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. Land purchase or conservation agreements between Saskatchewan Environment and Ducks Unlimited Canada and Nature Conservancy Canada are also in place.

The Fish and Wildlife Development Fund receives 30 per cent of the revenue generated from all fur, angling and hunting licences sold in the province. The money is used to secure, monitor and improve both fish and wildlife habitat throughout Saskatchewan and to operate the provincial fish hatchery.

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For More Information, Contact:

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