LA RONGE CORRIDOR LAND USE PLAN COMPLETED

Released on September 11, 2003

A new land use plan in La Ronge will guide decisions about development and land and resource use in the area. The plan, developed with extensive public and stakeholder involvement, covers 66,000 hectares in the area.

The La Ronge Integrated Land Use Management Plan was developed over the last three years to address the increasing demands on the land and resources around the northern communities of La Ronge and Air Ronge. Throughout the plan's development, a local advisory board provided input and will continue to assist with the implementation of the plan.

"The plan will not only serve as the road map for the management and use of this area's land and resources but will provide an excellent example for future management plans," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said at an event in La Ronge. "Together, we have created a plan that will provide many benefits, while demonstrating that the future is wide open in northern Saskatchewan."

The plan will provide a framework for land and resource management, as well as direction for future public involvement, ways to resolve conflicts among resource users, and the criteria for monitoring progress. Management strategies address many areas including: environmental quality; traditional land use; wildlife; forestry; mineral development; commercial and residential development; recreation and tourism; and economic development.

The local advisory board will remain in place, focusing on broad resource management issues as the plan is implemented. As well, a separate body, the Advisory Northern Planning Commission, will be established to focus on community planning, land use and development issues.

"The plan will be of great assistance to all of us as we work to support northern communities as they plan for the future," Government Relations Minister Ron Osika said. "It's a blueprint showing how government and communities can work together to achieve common goals."

The plan will be reviewed each year and revisions made after five years to ensure that it continues to meet the changing needs of the La Ronge Planning Area.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dwayne Rinholm Environment Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-2591 Email: drinholm@serm.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)961-0856

Cathy Goulie Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-2687 Email: cgoulie@graa.gov.sk.ca