NEW INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM BENEFITS MIGRATORY BIRDS

Released on May 29, 1998

Lorne Scott, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Wetland

Conservation Corporation (SWCC) today announced the establishment of

the TransAmerica Migratory Bird Fund, an international program to help

sustain migratory bird populations.



The announcement was made in Regina, as part the international

workshops on shorebird conservation being held in several Saskatchewan

communities. Representatives from Mexico, United States and Canada

are attending the workshops, known as Linking Communities, Wetlands

and Migratory Birds.



SWCC will administer the new program, designed to enhance critical

wintering, staging and breeding habitat for neotropical migratory

birds, including threatened and endangered species. The program will

help address the continuing population decline of some species of

neotropical migratory birds, including songbirds, raptors and

shorebirds that migrate south. Program delivery will focus on key

bird and wetland sites in Saskatchewan, Mexico, Central and South

America. Projects will be community-driven and provide environmental,

economic and social benefits.



"Managing migratory birds on an international basis is the ideal

approach," Scott said. "These birds are an international resource and

should be managed as such."



TransCanada PipeLines has made a long-term funding commitment of

$250,000 to the development of this program. Minister Scott

recognized the oil and gas company for its vision and commitment

to the environment and specifically to conservation of natural

resources.



"I commend TransCanada Pipelines for its support of this

program," Scott said. "Habitat management, research and

community education can now be conducted in key bird and wetland

areas, here and in Latin American countries where our birds

winter."



Other program sponsors and partners recognized by the Minister

included the Canadian Wildlife Federation, King Motion Picture

Corporation and Wetlands International.



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For more information, contact:



Sharon Rodenbush

Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation Corporation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0913