Saskatchewan's Boreal Forest region contains some of the highest quality fresh water in the world. The Ministry of Environment is working with partners on a comprehensive monitoring program for northern Saskatchewan to address environmental concerns.
"There are approximately 100,000 lakes, interconnected by rivers and streams in Saskatchewan's northern region, and we need to protect this priceless resource," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that commercial and industrial developments are conducted in a manner that minimizes potential adverse impacts on the environment."
The projected cost of this initiative for 2011-12, is $1.6 million with the government's contribution equalling $1 million. The additional funding will be provided through financial contributions from Areva and Cameco, and with in-kind contributions from Environment Canada, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Queen's University, University of Alberta as well as the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan.
This represents a substantial step in assessing and maintaining the ecological integrity of Saskatchewan's northern watersheds, enabling the ministry to better understand the sensitivity of the northern boreal forest and to identify sustainable management practices.
Studies will address First Nations and Métis Traditional Knowledge, clean water, air and land management and biodiversity. Relevant data being collected and reviewed will also assess historical trends dating from the 1970s to the present.
Current working partnerships will be maintained with neighbouring jurisdictions that includes data and information sharing with Alberta through the recent Memorandum of Understanding on monitoring trans-boundary air quality. As well, consultation and information-sharing will be undertaken with northern and First Nation and Métis communities, all levels of government, academia and industry.
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