The idea of maintaining native prairie is something I have long seen merit in.
It is also something I have written about before.
But it is important to keep the awareness at the forefront, and that is why the idea of proclaiming a Native Prairie Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan is a good one.
That is exactly what the provincial government did for the week of June 18-24.
Native Prairie Appreciation Week is unique to Saskatchewan and is celebrated each year in partnership with Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP). The week is dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of our native prairie ecosystems.
“Saskatchewan’s agricultural producers recognize the important role they play in supporting our native prairie,” said Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart in a prepared government release. “In this role, they take pride in preserving the prairie ecosystem. By using sustainable land management practices, they are not only contributing to the long-term economic health of the province, they are also protecting our plant and wildlife species for future generations.”
“Native prairie ecosystems play a valuable role in our environment by providing wildlife habitat, contributing clean drinking water and providing recreational opportunities,” said Environment Minister Scott Moe in the same release. “In addition, they are significant sources of carbon sequestration and storage, helping to absorb carbon dioxide and remove it from the atmosphere. Through stewardship of these native prairie grasslands, ranchers and conservation groups are helping to reduce our environmental footprint and will continue to be part of the Saskatchewan plan to address climate change.”
The government’s sentiments are certainly on point, but there needs to be some centralized control of key lands as part of the plan to protect native prairie. That is why the plan to sell off huge tracts of pasture lands which have been held by the federal and provincial governments for years is one that remains questionable.
The lands have been utilized by farmers to graze cattle, but at least the ownership has been that of all people (government), which does provide added assurances of its maintenance.
“Native Prairie Appreciation Week is a great way to engage and educate people from diverse backgrounds about the value of native prairie,” SK PCAP Manager Carolyn Gaudet said in the release. “Everyone can play a role in the conservation of prairie landscapes, and a great first step is learning more about them. We are encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to explore and experience what native prairie has to offer.”
And that remains a key reason to work diligently, and that starts with awareness that we want native prairie for future generations to enjoy and experience.
