MORE LAND ADDED TO THE REPRESENTATIVE AREAS NETWORK

Released on November 28, 2002

Two more of the province's unique features are being preserved through the

Representative Areas Network. The newest additions to the Network can be

found in the Dore Lake region, about 300 kilometres northwest of Prince

Albert.



The Caribou Flats area is an important nesting site for migratory birds and

home to the woodland caribou. It also includes a world-class white sand

beach. The Budd Lake site includes an unusual geological feature, an esker

that rises above the surrounding flat plain and muskeg.



"The Representative Areas Network demonstrates the government's commitment

to conserving the province's unique and ecologically important areas,"

Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "Even though these areas are

being set aside, traditional activities such as hunting, trapping and

fishing will still be allowed."



Since 1997, the Representative Areas Network has grown to more than five

million hectares and covers more than eight per cent of the province. When

the Network is complete it will include more than 10 per cent of the

province's area.



The success of the Representative Areas Network is due to the co-operation

of the province's First Nations, residents in the nearby areas and the

hunters, anglers and trappers of the province.



The Representative Areas Network is dedicated to conserving examples of the

unique features, landscapes and natural resources found in Saskatchewan.



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For more information, contact:



Fred Beek

Saskatchewan Environment

Manager, Representative Areas Network

Phone: (306) 787-3019