CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Released on June 22, 1998

Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott today signed

conservation easement agreements with the Town of Indian Head and with

Glenn and Wayne Horsman. Conservation easements are voluntary legal

agreements between landowners and qualified conservation agencies

designed to preserve and protect natural land areas. Lands covered by

conservation easements are recognized within the provincial

Representative Areas Network.



"We are pleased to be able today to recognize these conservation

easements as part of the Representative Areas Network," Scott said.

"The landowners in attendance at this event have 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."



In total 640 acres of land will be protected. It consists of black

clay and loamy soils assoicated with Glacier Lake Indian Head.

Vegetation on the land is made up of open stands of aspen, shrubs and

herbs and is representative of the aspen parkland ecosystem.



Conservation easements are a voluntary land-use alternative and are

recognized by the federal government through tax incentives.

Conservation easements are an excellent way for landowners to conserve

special areas, retain ownership of the land and benefit economically.



The Representative Areas Network, to be established by the year

2000, will help conserve Saskatchewan land areas that are

ecologically important or distinctive. The network will consist

of Crown and privately-held lands that represent relatively

undisturbed natural landscapes and the plant and animal diversity

of the province.



The network incorporates all of the unique provincial landscapes,

features, and resources already being managed as parks,

ecological reserves and wildlife lands and will include many new

sites identified and designated in consultation with landowners,

stakeholders and the public.



"The network will play a vital role in our efforts to preserve

and protect our representative natural areas and our native flora

and fauna," Scott said. "The completion of this network will

also help fulfil many of the province's commitments to federal

and global initiatives such as the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy

aimed at protecting our natural ecosystems and the World Wildlife

Fund's endangered spaces campaign."



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For more information, contact:



Murray Everett

Fish and Wildlife Branch

Environment and Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1144