Released on April 28, 2010
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) applauds the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure for compensating for wetland loss during the construction of the Lewvan Interchange along the Trans-Canada Highway in south Regina.
"We commend the ministry for its leadership in recognizing the benefits and ecological services that wetlands provide to Saskatchewan including reducing the effects of flooding, filtering sediment and other contaminants from our community water sources and providing habitat for waterfowl and wildlife," Ducks Unlimited Canada Manager of Provincial Operations Brent Kennedy said.
"The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is proud to have worked so closely with Ducks Unlimited on this important transportation project," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "Environmental stewardship is important to the Government of Saskatchewan and we, as the province's transportation infrastructure experts, will work with our environmental colleagues to ensure wetland consideration is a part of our major capital project planning process."
Ducks Unlimited Canada worked with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to develop a plan that for the first time sees wetlands restored at a ratio of 3:1, a proportion that other provinces are adopting to recover the biological values of wetlands.
Receiving more than $75,000 as compensation, DUC anticipates using this financial assistance to restore approximately 30 hectares (75 acres) of wetlands in southern Saskatchewan*.
"This agreement is a step in the right direction and an important opportunity to work with the Saskatchewan government to protect our wetlands," Kenndey said. "I believe this program proves that environmental conservation and economic growth can work hand in hand."
Ducks Unlimited Canada welcomes the opportunity to work further with the Saskatchewan government on minimizing the loss of provincial wetlands and on further protecting valuable waterfowl habitat.
Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DUC has been committed to wetland conservation for more than 70 years.
The $34 million Highway 1 (Trans Canada) - Lewvan Drive interchange project is funded in partnership between the provincial and federal governments. It's expected to open to traffic in late 2011.
*Three wetland hectares will be restored for every wetland hectare lost at the Lewvan's Interchange. In total, 10.3 wetland hectares will be lost.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca
Wendy Thatcher
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Cell: 604-312-4632