Released on June 7, 2007
What do you get when you combine a grade five class, a giant inflatable duck and adults fishing for critters in a nearby pond?
You get an anniversary party for an environmental stewardship program -- Project Webfoot -- that was the first of its kind in Canada. Project Webfoot is an international, interdisciplinary wetland education program focused on students in grades 4-6. Its goal is to teach students about the tremendous value of wetlands.
Established in 1997, the Diamond Legacy Sponsorship is a 30-year partnership agreement between SaskPower and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). SaskPower provides DUC with $115,000 annually to support projects relating to habitat protection and restoration, youth education and research.
"SaskPower values the ecologically rich landscapes that make up our province, and has played a leadership role in managing habitat for migratory bird species such as waterfowl through this partnership," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said on behalf of Minister Responsible for SaskPower John Nilson.
The partnership has resulted in a number of conservation successes, including wetland education for over 50,000 adults and children, the successful promotion of winter wheat which is a preferred habitat for ducks and other wildlife, and wetland conservation through the use of scientific research, conservation easements, education and the development of public policy.
"When it comes to the challenges around electricity and the environment, SaskPower recognizes that we must look both inside and outside the corporation for solutions," SaskPower vice-president of Planning, Environment and Regulatory Affairs Gary Wilkinson said.
Wetlands are among the most threatened of Canada's ecosystems, and in some areas of Saskatchewan, DUC's research has identified documented wetland loss as high as 90 per cent.
"Through their Diamond Legacy Sponsorship of Ducks Unlimited Canada, SaskPower's ongoing commitment to environmental health is a conservation success," Ducks Unlimited Canada Chairman of the Board, Jack Messer said. "The significance of SaskPower's leadership is even more apparent when you consider the threats to wetland habitats and the alarming rate at which they are lost."
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For more information, contact:
Larry Christie
SaskPower
Regina
Phone: 306-566-3167
Email: lchristie@saskpower.com
Cell: 306-536-2886
Tom Jordens
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Regina
Phone: 306-569-0424