SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES PARKS WEEK

Released on July 9, 2001

Saskatchewan's Provincial Parks will be celebrating Saskatchewan Parks Week

July 15th to 21st and Canada's Parks Day on July 21st.



Environment and Resource Management Minister Buckley Belanger has joined

other provincial and territorial ministers responsible for parks in

designating July 21st as Canada's Parks Day. Belanger also designated the

week of July 15th to 21st as Saskatchewan Parks Week and encourages all

residents to celebrate the beauty and recreational opportunities offered by

the province's provincial, urban and regional parks.



"Parks Week gives us the opportunity to highlight the diverse aspects of

Saskatchewan's provincial parks, including the many natural, cultural and

historic resources," Belanger said. "This year also marks the 70th

anniversary of the provincial parks system."



Canada's Parks Day is an annual event celebrating the importance of

Canada's national, provincial and territorial parks. Belanger said the

major goal of the day is to focus public attention on conserving Canada's

natural and cultural heritage, in which parks serve a major role.



"From the far northern Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Wilderness Park to

the southern Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the natural beauty of our

diverse landscape is captured by our provincial parks system," Belanger

said. "I invite all of you to visit a provincial park this summer to enjoy

our great outdoors."



All week, parks will be hosting a variety of special events for the whole

family. For further information on Parks Day and Parks Week events, please

visit our website at www.serm.gov.sk.ca or call toll-free 1-800-667-2757 or

in Regina 787-2700.

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For more information, contact:



Corinna Dahl-Ritco

Environment and Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-7827