CONSULTATIONS BEGIN ON GREAT SAND HILLS STUDY

Released on December 17, 2004

The province is proceeding with one of the key commitments made in response to the report and recommendations of the Great Sand Hills Land Use Strategy Review Committee.

Saskatchewan Environment is inviting the public to comment on the overview of the Regional Environmental Study of the Great Sand Hills. The province will be conducting this environmental study over the next two years to consider the effect of cumulative human impacts in the area.

The study, which includes social, economic and ecological considerations, is intended to provide a large-scale environmental examination to shape future land uses and to identify the need to protect additional areas. Initial public input is being sought on a document outlining the way the study will be conducted. Additional public consultation will occur over the course of the two-year study.

The Great Sand Hills area is 750 square miles of prairie, which includes both active and inactive sand dunes. The fieldwork needed to conduct the study will begin this spring and the report is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2006.

The Scoping Document for The Great Sand Hills Regional Environmental Study is available at the Saskatchewan Environment web site at www.se.gov.sk.ca under Ecosystem Management – Land Use Planning or by calling 1-800-567-4224.

Comments on the document should be sent to Brent Bitter, Saskatchewan Environment, Room 220, 3211 Albert Street, Regina SK, S4S 5W6 or by e-mail to bbitter@serm.gov.sk.ca, by January 27th, 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ruggles Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-5419