$7.5 MILLION PARTNERSHIP TO CONSERVE SASKATCHEWAN'S BIODIVERSITY

Released on June 25, 2003

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Saskatchewan Environment are today signing a Habitat Securement Agreement to help conserve Saskatchewan's biodiversity. The partnership announcement confirms new investment in conservation programming for Saskatchewan.

From 2003 to 2008, up to $7.5 million will be invested to conserve an estimated 75 properties encompassing 35,000 acres across southern Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Environment's Fish and Wildlife Development Fund proposes to invest up to $2.5 million in land acquisition while the Nature Conservancy of Canada will contribute up to $5 million.

The primary objective of the five-year agreement is to secure, through conservation easement or purchase, examples of natural ecosystems and native habitat that provide homes for Saskatchewan's wildlife and plants, many of which bring economic benefit to the province.

The second objective of the agreement is to provide attractive outdoor areas that are accessible and open to the public for their wildlife and recreational enjoyment as well as adding value to the agricultural and local community, where compatible.

"This agreement will ensure that our biological resources are conserved," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "It is a good example of how consultation and conservation can go a long way toward conserving our natural habitat for today and into the future."

Lands secured through conservation easement or purchase will be cost shared between the two agencies and will be maintained as examples of natural ecosystems and native communities that are functioning, as much as possible, in response to natural forces.

"We are delighted to be able to participate with Saskatchewan Environment to preserve the beauty and diversity of the province's natural landscapes and to further highlight the need for their conservation," Nature Conservancy of Canada President John Lounds said. "We must remember that much of this activity would not be possible without the co-operation of Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers."

NCC opened a Saskatchewan Regional Office in 1997 and is now responsible for 74 properties encompassing over 59,000 acres in the province. With less than 20 per cent of Saskatchewan's original Mixed-Grass Prairie remaining, NCC has focused primarily on the protection of critical native prairie. Current major projects include The Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area in southwestern Saskatchewan.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a non-profit, non-advocacy organization that takes a quiet, business-like approach to land conservation and the preservation of biological diversity. Its plan of action involves partnership building and entering into creative conservation solutions with any individual, corporation, community group, conservation organization or government body that shares its passion. Since 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected more than 1.73 million acres of ecologically significant land nationwide.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob MacFarlane Nature Conservancy of Canada Regina Phone: (306)347-0447 Email: bob.macfarlane@natureconservancy.ca

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-5796