CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AVAILABLE IN SASKATCHEWAN

Released on January 22, 1998

Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott today

officially launched the Saskatchewan Conservation Easements Program on

behalf of 13 participating agencies. Conservation easements are

voluntary legal agreements between landowners and qualified

conservation agencies.



"We expect conservation easements to play a key role in the

conservation of natural areas in both urban and rural Saskatchewan,"

Scott said. "These legal agreements will ensure natural areas are

conserved for future generations."



Conservation easements promote sound ecological use of the land,

whether on native prairie, marshlands or other wildlife habitat, or on

recreational trails, archaeological, historic or scenic sites. These

preserved areas will remain the property of the owner and specified

agreements may enable various land uses to continue while ensuring

conservation for a determined time or in perpetuity.



"Conservation easements are a voluntary land-use alternative and are

recognized by the Federal government through tax incentives," Scott

said. "The tax benefit to the landowner also aids in the transfer of

land to future generations at a reduced cost. Conservation easements

are an excellent way for landowners to conserve special areas, retain

ownership of the land and benefit economically."



"We are pleased to be able today to recognize the first

conservation easement grantors as part of the Representative

Areas Network," Scott said. "Landowners in attendance at this

event have already committed to the long-term preservation of

their land by dedicating it through easements and we are

extremely pleased to be a partner in this."



Landowners interested in finding out more about conservation

easements should contact any of the following conservation

agencies: Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management, Rocky

Mountain Elk Foundation, Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation

Corporation, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association,

Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, Saskatchewan Wildlife

Federation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Meewasin

Valley Authority, Wakamow Valley Authority, Wascana Centre

Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Home Place

Conservancy of Saskatchewan, Inc.



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For more information contact:



Nancy Cherney

Fish and Wildlife Branch

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2796