AMISK-ATIK LAND USE PLAN COMPLETED

A new land use plan in Saskatchewan's northeast will guide decisions about land and resource use in the area. The Amisk-Atik Integrated Forest Land Use Plan, developed with extensive public and stakeholder involvement, covers 4.4 million hectares of forested land in the area.

The plan was developed over the last five years to address increasing demands on the area's land and resources, and to provide direction for anticipated developments, such as forestry. Throughout the plan's development, both community and regional advisory boards, and the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation provided input and will continue to assist with the implementation of the plan. Participating communities include: Creighton, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Jan Lake, Deschambault Lake, Southend-Reindeer Lake, Sturgeon Landing, Sandy Bay and Cumberland House.

"Together, we have created a plan that will provide many benefits," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "I want to recognize the vital contribution of the advisory board members to producing a workable plan which will serve as the road map for the management and use of the northeast's land and resources."

The plan provides a framework for land and resource management, as well as direction for future public involvement, ways to resolve conflicts among resource users, and the criteria for monitoring the plan's progress. Management strategies address many areas including: environmental quality; traditional land use; wildlife; forestry; mineral development; infrastructure development; recreation and tourism; and sustainable economic development.

The plan will be reviewed each year and updated every five years to ensure that it continues to meet the changing needs of the area.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrea Atkinson Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306) 953-2448